Too new to judge fully
It has been on the road 4 years, so complaints are still coming in. So far it has fewer than a typical older Explorer year, which is normal for a newer car. The area owners report most so far is the transmission and drivetrain, which half of owners reported by about 22,000 miles.
Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Explorer years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
Owners have filed 272 complaints with NHTSA about the 2022 Ford Explorer. The most reported problem area is the transmission and drivetrain (61, 22% of complaints), followed by the electrical system and the fuel system. That ranks 11th of 13 Explorer years from 2012 to 2024 for complaints. It has 24 recalls.
3 of these complaints came from Utah owners.
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Start my car searchMost reported problems
Problem areas ranked by how many complaints mention them. One complaint can name more than one area. Open an area to see what to check on a 2022 Ford Explorer before you buy.
Transmission and drivetrain
61 complaintsHarsh or delayed shifts, slipping, shuddering, CVT whine, and drivetrain clunks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 22,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive it from cold if you can. Shifts should be smooth in every gear, including reverse.
- Feel for slipping (revs rise without the car speeding up), shudder at low speed and a delay when you put it in gear.
- Listen for whining, which is a common CVT complaint, and clunks when you go from drive to reverse.
- If it has 4WD or AWD, engage it on the test drive and ask when the transmission and differential fluids were last changed.
Tools that help
What owners said
Rear CV axel splines are causing an audible sound when shifting from park to reverse or park to drive. It also occurs when the car goes from accelerating to coasting and then back to accelerating. The sound has gotten louder and is more frequent within the last 2 months. Ford is stating this noise is otherwise not harming the CV Axel or…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Powertrain System Fault will cause the vehicle to lose power possibly leaving the vehicle and passengers in danger if crossing traffic, pulling onto a road, etc.Owner complaint, filed 2026
Electrical system
39 complaintsDead batteries, warning lights, failed screens and cameras, and electrical shorts.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Test every switch: windows, locks, mirrors, seat heaters, the screen, the backup camera, Bluetooth and every USB port.
- Watch the dash at startup. Every warning light should come on briefly and then go out.
- Have the battery and charging system tested. A weak alternator or battery drain shows up here.
Tools that help
What owners said
The sunroof shade always falls off from the tracks and has cost the sun shade to hang down and won't retract back ive been to the dealer about 4 times with this issue and they always say its fix but when I open the sun shade it gets stuck on the tracks and makes it hang out of place. I get so much anxiety opening my sunroof.Owner complaint, filed 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while reversing, the rearview camera failed to display properly with a delay while shifting into gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a hardware system failure which needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The…Owner complaint, filed 2024
Fuel system
38 complaintsHesitation, stalling, fuel smell, fuel pump and injector failures.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 50,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Smell around the engine bay and under the rear of the car for raw fuel.
- On the test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and up a grade. Stumbling, surging or a flashing check engine light are red flags.
- Fuel pump recalls are common. Check this exact VIN for open recalls before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
My mom was helping me strap my 3 year old and baby in the car seats of my 2022 ford explorer and said my car smelled like raw gas. I didn’t realize it because I was so used to it. As soon as she said something I did smell it. I had been getting headaches while driving but didn’t think much about it. I took it to the ford dealership and…Owner complaint, filed 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 10 MPH with children inside the vehicle, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated and loss power. While attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to respond. A dealer was contacted. No warning light was illuminated.…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 66,000 miles
Lights, wipers and visibility
36 complaintsHeadlights that dim or fail, wiper and washer failures, and windshield cracks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 18,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Check every light: headlights on low and high, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights.
- Run the wipers on every speed with washer fluid, and run the defroster front and back.
Tools that help
What owners said
The headliner on the sunroof panel began sagging to the point that visibility is compromised between the driver and rear of the vehicle. This is a common failure on these vehicles, and very expensive to repair. It is obviously caused by the design of the sunroof shade cover assembly.Owner complaint, filed 2026
Known defect among Explorer owners. The shade for the sunroof runs along tracks. That track is Known to fail causing the sunshade to fall down and blocks visibility out the rear windshield and inability to use the rear view mirror effectively. My vehicle was unsafe to drive until going to the dealership. They checked it and left it…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Driver assist systems
34 complaintsPhantom braking, false collision warnings, and lane keeping or backup sensors that act up.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 14,000 miles. Parts named most: Warnings (11), Automatic emergency braking (6), Rearview system braking (5).
What to check before you buy
- Where it is safe, try the adaptive cruise and lane keeping on the test drive and watch for sudden braking or warnings with nothing there.
- Check the windshield in front of the camera and the bumper sensors for cracks, chips or poor repairs.
- Ask whether the windshield has been replaced. The camera has to be recalibrated afterward, and many shops skip it.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in reverse, the rearview camera displayed a blank blue screen. The contact received notification of NTHSA Campaign Number: 26V123000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); which was associated with the failure. However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 6,000 miles
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the rearview became inoperable. The contact stated that the rearview camera image was blank. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the processing module console had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 76,000 miles
Engine and cooling
33 complaintsStalling, misfires, oil consumption, leaks, overheating and engine failure.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 65,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Ask the seller not to warm the car up, and start it cold. Listen for ticking, knocking or a rough idle in the first minute.
- Pull the oil dipstick and the oil cap. Low oil, a gasoline smell or a milky film on the cap are reasons to walk away or get an inspection.
- Plug in an OBD2 scanner. Stored or pending codes matter, and so do readiness monitors that show "not ready", which usually means the codes were cleared right before the sale.
- Ask for oil change records. A gap in the records on a model known for engine complaints is a negotiating point at minimum.
Tools that help
What owners said
The check engine light was on. A Ford dealership diagnosed the issue as a coolant intrusion manufacturer defect. There are a number of safety concerns associated with this issue. The primary danger of the coolant intrusion defect is catastrophic engine failure. Severe overheating, internal damage, misfires, fire hazard and oil…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Exhaust manifold turbo charged cracked while driving. Exposing everyone in the vehicle to raw exhaust inside the vehicle every time it is driven. The replacement part is back ordered until September 16th from the dealership. I was told this is an extremely common issue with ford explorers. I don’t understand how this part is not…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Brakes and stability control
13 complaintsBrakes that feel soft or grab, grinding, ABS and stability control faults.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 43,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The pedal should feel firm and the car should stop straight without pulling, grinding or a pulsing pedal.
- The ABS and stability control lights should go out after startup and stay out.
- Look through the wheels at the rotors. A deep lip on the edge means brakes are due soon, which is a fair thing to negotiate on.
Tools that help
What owners said
Every component of the braking system signaled a fault & associated alerts simultaneously. Nearly a complete brake failure occurred (almost caused me to run into an intersection at a red light). Brakes maintained very little pressure even with pumping them, approx every 5th time I stopped pressure was regained. Quadrupled the braking…Owner complaint, filed 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 20-25 MPH, the brakes were applied, and the brake pedal fell off. The brake pedal was not responding. The vehicle increased in speed to 43 MPH. The contact maneuvered around an unknown vehicle to avoid an accident, but the unknown vehicle turned and crashed…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 57,865 miles
Suspension
13 complaintsClunks over bumps, broken springs, worn struts and uneven tire wear.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Drive over a few bumps and potholes slowly with the radio off and listen for clunks or rattles.
- Check the tires for uneven wear on the inside or outside edges, a sign of alignment or suspension trouble.
- Look behind the wheels for oily, wet shocks or struts.
Tools that help
What owners said
Car was purchased brand new from Ford Dealership in May 2023. In September 2026, brought car in for 20,000 mile service at Ford Dealership in San Jose, California to discover that both rear shock absorbers are already worn and shocks are leaking. Dealer recommended that they needed to be replaced. Upon research, this issue has very…Owner complaint, filed 2026
While operating the vehicle, a loud clunk occurred, followed by a grinding noise. I stopped the vehicle immediately. Upon exiting, I observed the rear driver‑side tire positioned at an abnormal angle. Inspection underneath the vehicle revealed a fractured rear control arm. This failure is consistent with recall 23S55, which applies to…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Body, doors and structure
13 complaintsRust, doors and liftgates that will not latch, leaks, and frame or structure concerns.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 39,000 miles. Parts named most: Body (8).
What to check before you buy
- Look underneath with a flashlight. Utah road salt is hard on frames, brake lines and the bottoms of doors.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the liftgate, and lock and unlock each one.
- Use a paint thickness gauge and compare panels. A panel that reads very differently from the rest has likely been repaired.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the hood independently unlatched and opened. The contact stated that the front windshield was fractured into pieces because of the failure. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 39,000 miles
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the hood suddenly opened and struck the windshield, causing the windshield to crack. The contact stated that the month prior to the failure, the hood had been opened for a routine oil change. There were no warning lights illuminated. There were no…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 45,000 miles
Steering
9 complaintsLoss of power steering assist, wandering, play in the wheel and noises when turning.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for groaning, clicking or binding.
- On a straight road the car should track straight with the wheel centered and no loose feeling.
- A power steering warning on the dash, even briefly, deserves a mechanic’s look before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
Driver assist warning light comes on and I lose power steering on my ford. I took the vehicle in last month for repair. Dealer said it was a software issue. Rest the software. This did not fix issue. I was driving on highway at 65 miles when steering assist message popped up and I lost my power steering. This a major safety issue. I…Owner complaint, filed 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while reversing, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.Owner complaint, filed 2023, at 10,000 miles
Seats and seat belts
9 complaintsBelts that will not latch or retract, seat adjusters and passenger occupancy sensors.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Pull out and latch every seat belt, and let each one retract on its own.
- Try every seat adjuster, and watch for a passenger air bag "off" light when an adult is in the seat.
Tools that help
What owners said
On XXX, in the parking lot of O'Reilly Auto Parts (store #2460, telephone number: [XXX]) [XXX], between 12:10 pm and 12:45 pm, my [XXX] daughter was seated in the rear driver's side seat of my parked 2022 Ford Explorer when the unbuckled seat belt unexpectedly became twisted around her body and would not release through normal operation.…Owner complaint, filed 2026
After multiple attempts to fold the third-row power seat in my 2022 Ford Explorer, the seat mechanism failed completely. The seat will no longer lock securely in either the upright or folded position. The seat frame appears to have failed and the seat constantly springs back and will not stay in place. The seat was being operated…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Cruise control and acceleration
7 complaintsHesitation, loss of power, sudden acceleration and cruise control problems.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- On the test drive, press the gas gently and firmly. The response should be smooth with no lag or surge.
- Set the cruise control, then use resume and cancel to make sure each one works.
Tools that help
What owners said
The failed component is the cruise control. It is available for inspection. Unknowingly, the speed increased by 10 miles an hour, without touching any buttons or controls on the steering wheel. With cruise control on, the driver might be not as engaged with the automobile, as if there was no cruise control. I will have the issue brought…Owner complaint, filed 2023
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stationary and idling in a pharmacy drive-thru line with the auto hold parking feature activated, the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and drove forward driving over a median divider and crashing into a parked vehicle. The contact…Owner complaint, filed 2022, at 6,500 miles
Air bags
7 complaintsAir bag warning lights, air bags that did not deploy, and inflator recalls.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- The air bag (SRS) light should come on at startup and go out within a few seconds. If it stays on, the system may not work in a crash.
- Air bag recalls are some of the most serious. Check this exact VIN for open recalls and get proof any recall work was done.
Tools that help
What owners said
The driver's side impact airbag burst open when it deployed. This deposited unreacted airbag propellant on my skin, causing a severe chemical burn. The airbag is with the vehicle and currently in the yard of a local body shop, but which will soon turned over to my insurance company. To my knowledge, no investigation has yet been…Owner complaint, filed 2025
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the front passenger's side airbag was bulging outwards. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,231.Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 83,231 miles
Wheels and tires
4 complaintsTire failures, wheels and lug nuts, and tire pressure sensor faults.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Read the four-digit DOT date on each tire. Tires older than about six years should be replaced, whatever the tread looks like.
- Check tread depth on all four. On AWD vehicles all four tires should match.
- The tire pressure light should go out after startup.
Tools that help
What owners said
Tire: 275/45/r21 110w all season Reported to authorized dealer (ford dealership) back in November 2024. Authorized representative from Pirelli came out this month to dealership regarding issue. No concern for safety whatsoever. Rep. Only offered maybe 25% that’s with purchasing new set of tires and sending my current tires back. Tires…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Vehicle rear axles click when you place vehicle in reverse and drive this is the cv axles breaking eventually leading to power loss.Owner complaint, filed 2023
Ford Explorer complaints by year
Compare the 2022 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.
Compare with similar 2022 midsize SUVs
Each car is rated against its own other years, since popular models always get more complaints than rare ones.
| Car | Vs. its other years | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 Ford Explorer | Too new to judge | 24 |
| 2022 Toyota Highlander | Too new to judge | 5 |
| 2022 Honda Pilot | Too new to judge | 5 |
| 2022 Kia Telluride | Too new to judge | 7 |
2022 Ford Explorer recalls
Seats Mid / rear assembly
- Risk
- A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.
Seat belts
- Risk
- A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.
Backup camera
- Risk
- An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Windows, mirrors and wipers Motor
- Risk
- Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motors as necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly.
Equipment Engine block heater
- Risk
- An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied.
Full recall summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Fuel system Fuel pump
- Risk
- An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150, and 2022 Expedition vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.
Backup camera
- Risk
- A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Seats Mid / rear assembly
- Risk
- A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect the second-row seat switch, and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, folding, or sliding unexpectedly while driving.
Backup camera
- Risk
- Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the Image Processing Module software, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 23V-342. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Transmission and drivetrain Driveshaft
- Risk
- A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park without the parking brake applied.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 23V-199 or 22V-255. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.
Equipment Labels
- Risk
- Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Fix
- Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Engine and cooling Hard parts internal / mechanical
- Risk
- A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco, F-150, Edge, Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with either a 2.7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engine. The engine intake valves may break while driving, which can result in engine failure and a loss of drive power.
Engine
- Risk
- An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as promptly as possible upon hearing unexpected engine noises, or after experiencing an unexpected engine power reduction, or seeing smoke from the engine compartment.
Full recall summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with the Police Interceptor Utility Package. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
Transmission and drivetrain Driveshaft
- Risk
- A disconnected driveshaft can result in a loss of drive power or a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the subframe bushing and rear axle bolt.
Full recall summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.
Electrical system Traction battery
- Risk
- Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will perform a Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) diagnostic test and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 3.0L PHEV engines. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.
Backup camera
- Risk
- Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the 360-degree camera, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Backup camera Display function
- Risk
- A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the ICS software, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 12.1-inch Integrated Computer Screen (ICS). When the Display On/Off Button is used to turn the display to "Off" prior to placing the vehicle in reverse, the backup camera rearview image will not appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Transmission and drivetrain Control module
- Risk
- Without the electronic parking brake applied, the vehicle could rollaway if the driveshaft disconnects.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L RWD, 3.3L GAS, 3.3L FHEV, or 3.0L ST powertrain. The previous powertrain control module (PCM) update completed under recall 22V-255 did not include the automatic electronic parking brake feature when the vehicle is shifted to park, as intended. In addition, the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.
Transmission and drivetrain
- Risk
- The inability to secure the vehicle in the park position can result in a rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transmissions, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 F-150, Mustang, Explorer, Bronco, and 2023 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. The transmission may contain a loose bolt which could prevent the transmission from engaging the park gear, although the gear shifter position may indicate that the vehicle has been shifted to "PARK."
Transmission and drivetrain Control module
- Risk
- A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect the park system for damage and repair as necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine and 10R60 automatic transmission. An unintentional powertrain control module (PCM) reset may occur while the vehicle is in motion and result in park system damage.
Backup camera
- Risk
- Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the image processing module (IPMB) software, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Fuel system
- Risk
- An improperly tightened fuel line connection may result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of fire.
- Fix
- Ford will inspect and replace the fuel line assembly, if needed, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Explorer and Ranger vehicles equipped with 2.3L engines. The fuel line may be loose due to improper tightening of the fuel line connection.
Body and structure Frame and members
- Risk
- Improperly heat-treated engine rails may reduce the vehicle's structural protection in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will perform an engine rail strength test and replace the rails as necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles. The engine rails may have been improperly heat-treated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 301, "Fuel System Integrity."
Fuel system Filler pipe and cap
- Risk
- A detached fuel filler tube can result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will install a fuel vapor line redundant locking clip, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The fuel filler tube may detach during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."
2022 Ford Explorer questions
What are the most common problems with the 2022 Ford Explorer?
The most reported problem areas on the 2022 Ford Explorer are the transmission and drivetrain (61 complaints), the electrical system (39 complaints) and the fuel system (38 complaints).
Is the 2022 Ford Explorer a good year to buy?
Too new to judge fully. It has been on the road 4 years, so complaints are still coming in. So far it has fewer than a typical older Explorer year, which is normal for a newer car. The area owners report most so far is the transmission and drivetrain, which half of owners reported by about 22,000 miles. Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Explorer years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
How many recalls does the 2022 Ford Explorer have?
NHTSA lists 24 recalls for the 2022 Ford Explorer. The most recent, from Jul 2026, covers the mid / rear assembly. Recalls cover the whole model year, so check the VIN of the car you are looking at to see which are still open.
At what mileage do 2022 Ford Explorer problems start?
Half of the owners who reported a problem with the transmission and drivetrain gave a mileage of about 22,000 miles or less. Half of the owners who reported a problem with the fuel system gave a mileage of about 50,000 miles or less. Plenty of cars have these problems later or never, so ask for service records.
Which Ford Explorer years should I avoid?
The Explorer years with the most complaints compared with the rest are 2016. Years with clearly fewer complaints are 2018, 2019 and 2021. Years from 2022 on are too new to rate fairly yet.
Check the exact car
These problems are for the model year as a whole. Here is how to find out about the one you are looking at.
Looking at a 2022 Ford Explorer?
We inspect the car with a scan tool and paint gauge, read the history report and tell you whether it is worth the asking price, before you hand over any money.
- Check a specific car for open recalls at NHTSA
- Decode a VIN to see recalls, safety ratings and complaints for that exact year, make and model