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20-22 differences

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Location
Edmond, OK
Vehicle
'21 Explorer St
#1
Hey guys, new member from OKC. been learning a ton on this forum over the last couple weeks since I decided on buying an ST. I can't quite justify a brand new one so my dealer is currently looking for the color/option packages im looking for. my main question- is there any major plus' or minus' of buying say a '22 vs a '21 or '20? I didn't know if anyone had made a list of things that had been added or dropped between model years and supply chain issues.

Appreciate it and thanks again for all the knowledge!
 

2020FordRaptor

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Nevada
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'20 Raptor, '22 Explorer ST, '14 GT500, '03 F150
#2
I only know a couple off the top of my head:

-captain chair rear center console for 22 was dropped
-rear controls for 22 was dropped
-differential brace for 21 was dropped
 

Messages
72
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35
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17
Location
Huntington, NY, USA
#3
Hey guys, new member from OKC. been learning a ton on this forum over the last couple weeks since I decided on buying an ST. I can't quite justify a brand new one so my dealer is currently looking for the color/option packages im looking for. my main question- is there any major plus' or minus' of buying say a '22 vs a '21 or '20? I didn't know if anyone had made a list of things that had been added or dropped between model years and supply chain issues.

Appreciate it and thanks again for all the knowledge!
The 2020 models have heated windshield, center console ambient light, and the stronger rear. The massage seats are on some 21 I think, I use them everyday, best feature ever.
 

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Location
Charlotte, NC, USA
#4
Welcome to the group! A lot of members of the 2020 club here. Many of us have endured the teething pains of a new platform rollout. One that Ford didn't put their best foot forward on, at least in my case this forum has been invaluable in helping me navigate dealer BS, and educate the dealer how to fix the issue. At least my dealer listens. Beyond what was dropped in later years ther are a couple things to look for if buying a 2020. Check the build date. It appears the latter the better. True at least in my case. Very few issues. Go back in this forum and search build date or build date code. Some great intel there. It will also help you learn how to determine when the vehicle was built and when it shipped. The early 2020s sometimes had so many build issues they were shipped to a different plant for repairs. Buy backs were a big deal on the early 2020s so do your homework. All warranty repairs should be documented. Finally check the spare tire well for evidence of water. Easily can go unnoticed. All this info is in this forum. Grab a cup of coffee and use the search tab. I'd buy my 2020 all over again. Enjoy
 

Cdubya

1000 Post Club
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NE Ohio
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2020 Explorer ST
#5
If you find a 2020 or early 2021 from a Ford dealer, I would insist that they update all modules that have firmware updates. I believe Ford is actually paying for this work on unsold inventory. Unfortunately, the problems don't end there. the catalytic convertor downpipes and flex sections on midpipes are almost sure to fail at some point...not if but when. Other things like trans oil leak, front axle disconnect actuator leaks, etc. may be luck of the draw. I would actually prefer a 2020-2021 that has issues fixed than a later ST, but that is just me.
 

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Location
Charlotte, NC, USA
#6
If you find a 2020 or early 2021 from a Ford dealer, I would insist that they update all modules that have firmware updates. I believe Ford is actually paying for this work on unsold inventory. Unfortunately, the problems don't end there. the catalytic convertor downpipes and flex sections on midpipes are almost sure to fail at some point...not if but when. Other things like trans oil leak, front axle disconnect actuator leaks, etc. may be luck of the draw. I would actually prefer a 2020-2021 that has issues fixed than a later ST, but that is just me.
Excellent reminder on the modules. Forgot that one. Thanks Cdubya
 

DaveG ST

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#7
Probably not a deal breaker, but I do use my massaging seats about every other time I am in the ST. I sat in some 2022's the other day and noticed that none of them had that option. My catalytic converter on the driver's side has been replaced and the throttle body has been replaced. Also be sure the lower seat panels aren't real loose. If you are trying to save a few dollars by buying a used model, also be sure that the tires are fairly new, as either tire size is going to set you back well over $1,000.00.
 

OP
O
Messages
19
Reactions
1
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Location
Edmond, OK
Vehicle
'21 Explorer St
Thread Starter #8
Probably not a deal breaker, but I do use my massaging seats about every other time I am in the ST. I sat in some 2022's the other day and noticed that none of them had that option. My catalytic converter on the driver's side has been replaced and the throttle body has been replaced. Also be sure the lower seat panels aren't real loose. If you are trying to save a few dollars by buying a used model, also be sure that the tires are fairly new, as either tire size is going to set you back well over $1,000.00.
good looking out. My parents have a 20 and I liked the massage seats when I used it. I’ll def want those. I’ll keep an eye on the lower panels. I appreciate that
 

Messages
86
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32
Points
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Location
Colorado
Vehicle
2022 Explorer ST
#9
my 22 that was build on 9/28.

Missing hands free liftgate, console and glove light, vibro seats, 4g hotspot.

It did come with rear climate control's. I have rear bench so not sure if rear center console was dropped.

Also only came with the 1/3 rear diff mounting,
 

OP
O
Messages
19
Reactions
1
Points
2
Location
Edmond, OK
Vehicle
'21 Explorer St
Thread Starter #10
my 22 that was build on 9/28.

Missing hands free liftgate, console and glove light, vibro seats, 4g hotspot.

It did come with rear climate control's. I have rear bench so not sure if rear center console was dropped.

Also only came with the 1/3 rear diff mounting,
this is exactly what Im wondering. I almost picked up a used '22 (2500 miles). but a couple of those are options I really want. Sounds like I need to track down a late '20 build and just make sure they update everything before I buy it. my friend owns a ford dealership so he's going to try and track down exactly what im looking for and I don't think he'd have an issue having the service ctr take care of those once we find it......fingers crossed
 

Blue Beast

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Cincinnati, OH, USA
Vehicle
2020 ST
#11
Hey guys, new member from OKC. been learning a ton on this forum over the last couple weeks since I decided on buying an ST. I can't quite justify a brand new one so my dealer is currently looking for the color/option packages im looking for. my main question- is there any major plus' or minus' of buying say a '22 vs a '21 or '20? I didn't know if anyone had made a list of things that had been added or dropped between model years and supply chain issues.

Appreciate it and thanks again for all the knowledge!
Welcome to the forum.
 

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Location
Kansas
Vehicle
2022 Rapid Red ST
#12
My 2022 was built November 2021. It has everything a 2022 was supposed to have. Massage seats, hands free lift gate, rear climate controls, 4G hotspot, etc. Later in the model year those things were dropped from new production because of shortages. After eleven months the vehicle has had zero problems. Everything works as it should.
 

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OP
O
Messages
19
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Location
Edmond, OK
Vehicle
'21 Explorer St
Thread Starter #13
My 2022 was built November 2021. It has everything a 2022 was supposed to have. Massage seats, hands free lift gate, rear climate controls, 4G hotspot, etc. Later in the model year those things were dropped from new production because of shortages. After eleven months the vehicle has had zero problems. Everything works as it should.
well thats encouraging. now i just need someone to trade theirs in!! lol. patience is definitely not my strong suite
 

SFD295

New Member
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Location
Sandwich, MA, USA
#14
I have a 2020 with a late 2019 build date. Right off the bat had transmission issues that began around 15k miles. Hard or late shifts mostly, especially out of 6th. One day I noticed a weird burning/overheating smell I've never experienced before. Two days later the transmission had a catastrophic failure and I ended up getting it towed after being stranded on the side of the highway. Luckily it was covered under mfg warranty and it was completely replaced with a new unit. Took about a month but that was also during the COVID19 peak. New transmission has been great (knock on wood). I did end up with water in the spare tire well but that was easily taken care of (there's gaskets/plugs on the underside so you can drain it, then threw some DampRid in there for a few weeks). I don't know where it came from or how it got there, but it hasn't happened since that one time.

The transmission issue is well known after doing some research. Watch for that.
 

dolsen

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Louisville, KY, USA
#15
I have a 2020 with a late 2019 build date. Right off the bat had transmission issues that began around 15k miles. Hard or late shifts mostly, especially out of 6th. One day I noticed a weird burning/overheating smell I've never experienced before. Two days later the transmission had a catastrophic failure and I ended up getting it towed after being stranded on the side of the highway. Luckily it was covered under mfg warranty and it was completely replaced with a new unit. Took about a month but that was also during the COVID19 peak. New transmission has been great (knock on wood). I did end up with water in the spare tire well but that was easily taken care of (there's gaskets/plugs on the underside so you can drain it, then threw some DampRid in there for a few weeks). I don't know where it came from or how it got there, but it hasn't happened since that one time.

The transmission issue is well known after doing some research. Watch for that.
I had trans issues as well (November 19 build) but mine was a faulty wiring harness that fed into the transmission. The dealer replaced that harness (apparently it had worn through) and it has been perfectly fine since, which has been about 3-4k miles.

Do you recall what issue your trans had? I just want to know if there is something else I need to look out for
 

TMac

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#16
I had trans issues as well (November 19 build) but mine was a faulty wiring harness that fed into the transmission. The dealer replaced that harness (apparently it had worn through) and it has been perfectly fine since, which has been about 3-4k miles.

Do you recall what issue your trans had? I just want to know if there is something else I need to look out for
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10180336-0001.pdf
 

TMac

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#18
google for tsbs for explorer. There are several sites that have lists of them.
 

2020FordRaptor

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#19
I had trans issues as well (November 19 build) but mine was a faulty wiring harness that fed into the transmission. The dealer replaced that harness (apparently it had worn through) and it has been perfectly fine since, which has been about 3-4k miles.

Do you recall what issue your trans had? I just want to know if there is something else I need to look out for
Our tranny on the 2020 we used to have was the gasket. Kept leaking all the time.
 

Chamorro85

Active Member
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Location
Round Lake, IL USA
Vehicle
'21 Explorer ST
#20
Hey guys, new member from OKC. been learning a ton on this forum over the last couple weeks since I decided on buying an ST. I can't quite justify a brand new one so my dealer is currently looking for the color/option packages im looking for. my main question- is there any major plus' or minus' of buying say a '22 vs a '21 or '20? I didn't know if anyone had made a list of things that had been added or dropped between model years and supply chain issues.

Appreciate it and thanks again for all the knowledge!
Went through the exact same thing earlier this year when I picked up my '21. I didn't dive deep enough into the forum before I purchased so you're doing more legwork than I thought to. I was fortunate with not missing anything like '22's are having issues with and love the vehicle so far. The middle captain seats are incredible, much preferred over the bench for my needs. The heated windshield would have been nice with colder weather but she stays inside so small thing I didn't even know I missed out on.

The rear diff 'issues' is only thing that sits in the back of my mind. A good brace will be going on when I do the FMIC and tune here shortly. Biggest thing for me was color and options I know I wanted. So much is standard on newer it was great step up from my '17 Fusion Sport.
 

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