Recall 20V730 affects 17 2020 Ford Explorer vehicles for an incomplete fuel tank inlet check valve weld. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 17 2020 Explorer SUVs with 2.3L engines and 19-gallon fuel tanks because the fuel tank inlet check valve was not fully welded to the tank shell. An incomplete weld can let fuel leak during a crash, increasing fire risk, and Ford dealers will replace the fuel tank free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The fuel tank shell on the 2020 Ford Explorer holds gasoline, and the inlet check valve sits where fuel enters the 19 gallon tank. Its job is to help control fuel and vapor movement at the tank opening, so gasoline stays in the tank and vapors stay contained in the fuel system.
On affected Explorer SUVs with 2.3L engines, the inlet check valve was not fully welded to the fuel tank shell. Ford traced the problem to supplier welding equipment that was not aligned correctly. That kept the inlet check valve pad from making full contact with the hotplate during welding, leaving an incomplete weld between the valve and the tank shell.
The warning sign is likely to be a check engine light tied to a small evaporative emissions leak, which means fuel vapor is escaping from the closed fuel system. If the condition progresses, you can notice a fuel odor around the vehicle.
Who's affected?
| 2020 Ford Explorer | fuel system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 17 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2020 Ford Explorer is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
An incomplete fuel-tank weld can let fuel leak during a crash, increasing fire risk. A check engine light for a small evaporative emissions leak or a fuel odor is a warning sign to stop using the vehicle and call the dealer. Schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020 Ford Explorer is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free fuel tank shell replacement that fixes the incomplete inlet-check-valve weld.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V730 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, since the defect involves a fuel leak in a crash.
- Call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 with questions about scheduling or owner support.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician replaces the fuel tank shell, including the area where the inlet check valve is welded to the tank. The recall covers the replacement parts and labor, so the dealer repair is free. Ford excludes a separate reimbursement program because the original warranty program provides a free repair for this concern. If you already paid for related fuel tank work, ask the service desk how the original warranty applies to your prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| November 24, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 24, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| November 24, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 7, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| December 8, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V730?
Recall 20V730 covers 17 2020 Ford Explorer vehicles with 2.3L engines and 19 gallon fuel tanks. The fuel tank inlet check valve was not fully welded to the fuel tank shell. Ford dealers will replace the fuel tank shell for free.
What should I do if my 2020 Ford Explorer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Explorer is included in recall 20V730. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer and ask for the fuel tank shell replacement under Ford recall 20S68. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires Ford to repair this defect at no cost to the owner. A franchised Ford dealer will replace the fuel tank shell free of charge, including parts and labor.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is a substantial fuel leak during a crash. Ford reports that an incomplete weld at the inlet check valve can let fuel escape from the tank shell, increasing fire risk. The free dealer repair replaces the fuel tank shell.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V730000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V730 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V730000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →