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Ford Explorer fuel tank valve weld may fail

NHTSA campaign 20V730000 · Reported Nov 24, 2020 · Ford Motor Company

critical How serious is it? About this label

An incomplete weld could let fuel leak substantially during a crash, increasing the risk of fire. The notice does not tell owners to stop driving.

Key facts

NHTSA campaign number	20V730000
Reported to NHTSA	Nov 24, 2020
Manufacturer	Ford Motor Company
Part affected	Fuel System, Gasoline:storage
Vehicles covered	1 model/year combination, model years 2020
Do-not-drive advisory	No
Park-outside advisory	No
Repair	Free at any franchised dealer

What's wrong, in plain English

On certain Explorers with the 2.3L engine and 19-gallon fuel tank, the check valve where fuel enters the tank may not be fully welded to the tank shell.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if your vehicle is affected.
2. Contact a Ford dealer, or call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
3. The repair is free.

Where do I find my VIN, and what do I tell the dealer?

Your VIN is the 17-character code on the lower left of the windshield, on your registration and usually on your insurance card. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether this recall is still open on your car. When you call the dealer, say you have an open safety recall and give them NHTSA campaign number 20V730000. More in how recalls work.

Affected vehicles (1)

2020 Ford Explorer

Who to contact

Ford — official Ford recall lookup

Customer service: 1-866-436-7332

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Ford Gasoline Fuel System Recalls Cover Leaks and Stalling · all 22 Ford recalls in this area

Other Ford Explorer recalls

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Jun 9, 2026Ford Explorer Park System May Fail, Rollaway Riskhigh
May 27, 2026Ford Explorer Engine May Fail Suddenlyhigh

All 68 Explorer recalls

Official notice

Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L engines and 19 gallon fuel tanks. The fuel tank inlet check valve may not be fully welded to the fuel tank shell.
Safety risk: An incomplete weld securing the inlet check valve to the fuel tank shell could result in a substantial fuel leak during a crash, increasing the risk of fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank shell, free of charge. The recall began December 8, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S68.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.