2022 Ford Explorer: Too new to judge

1. Powertrain23% · 61 complaints · median 22,000 miles
2. Engine12% · 32 complaints · median 65,000 miles
3. Electrical15% · 39 complaints
4. Fuel and propulsion13% · 36 complaints · median 50,000 miles
5. Driver assistance12% · 33 complaints · median 14,000 miles
6. Air bags3% · 7 complaints
7. Visibility12% · 31 complaints · median 18,000 miles
8. Brakes5% · 13 complaints · median 43,000 miles
9. Seats and belts4% · 10 complaints
10. Suspension5% · 13 complaints

Bars rank problem areas by complaints weighted for severity (crashes, fires, injuries and deaths count more). A complaint can name more than one area. Mileage is reported on about half of complaints.

Summaries are written with AI from the owner complaints shown on NHTSA's site and checked against them; quotes are word for word.

• NHTSA 26V451000July 2026387,911 vehicles

  Seats: mid/rear assembly

  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.

  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.

• NHTSA 26V159000March 2026561 vehicles

  Seat belts

  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.

  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.

• NHTSA 26V117000March 2026604,533 vehicles

  Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor

  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.

  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.

• NHTSA 26V123000March 2026889,950 vehicles

  Back over prevention: software

  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."

  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.

• NHTSA 25V685000October 202559,006 vehicles

  Equipment: electrical: engine block heater

  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.

  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.

• NHTSA 25V455000July 2025850,318 vehicles

  Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump

  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.

  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.

• NHTSA 25V442000June 2025200,237 vehicles

  Back over prevention: software

  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.

  Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge.

• NHTSA 25V393000June 2025304,662 vehicles

  Seats: mid/rear assembly

  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.

  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.

• NHTSA 25V159000March 202549,399 vehicles

  Back over prevention: software

  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.

  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.

• NHTSA 25V166000March 20254,247 vehicles

  Power train: driveline: driveshaft

  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.

  Risk: A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park without the parking brake applied. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge.

• NHTSA 24V852000November 202427,678 vehicles

  Equipment: other: labels

  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."

  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.

• NHTSA 24V635000August 202490,736 vehicles

  Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanical

  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.

  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.

• NHTSA 24V598000August 202485,238 vehicles

  Engine

  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.

  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.

• NHTSA 23V675000October 2023238,364 vehicles

  Power train: driveline: driveshaft

  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.

  Risk: A disconnected driveshaft can result in a loss of drive power or a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Dealers will replace the subframe bushing and rear axle bolt.

• NHTSA 23V626000September 20232,954 vehicles

  Electrical system: propulsion system: traction battery

  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.

  Risk: Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.

  Fix: Dealers will perform a Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) diagnostic test and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge.

• NHTSA 23V342000May 2023442,973 vehicles

  Back over prevention: sensing system: camera

  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.

  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.

• NHTSA 23V305000April 2023523 vehicles

  Back over prevention: display function

  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."

  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.

• NHTSA 23V199000March 2023674 vehicles

  Parking brake: electrical · Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)

  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.

  Risk: Without the electronic parking brake applied, the vehicle could rollaway if the driveshaft disconnects. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Dealers will update the PCM software, free of charge.

• NHTSA 23V069000February 20233,674 vehicles

  Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)

  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.

  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.

• NHTSA 23V070000February 20231,138 vehicles

  Power train: automatic transmission

  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."

  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.

• NHTSA 23V022000January 2023382,759 vehicles

  Back over prevention: sensing system: camera

  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.

  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.

• NHTSA 22V685000September 202269 vehicles

  Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

  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.

  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.

• NHTSA 22V454000June 2022776 vehicles

  Engine · Structure: frame and members

  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."

  Risk: Improperly heat-treated engine rails may reduce the vehicle's structural protection in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. In addition, an engine rail may detach and contact the road while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Dealers will perform an engine rail strength test and replace the rails as necessary, free of charge.

• NHTSA 22V255000April 2022252,936 vehicles

  Power train: axle assembly · Power train: driveline: driveshaft

  Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer Police FHEV, Explorer Police 3.3L, and 2020-2022 Explorer 2.3L RWD, 3.0L PHEV, 3.3L FHEV, and 3.0L ST GAS vehicles. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.

  Risk: A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in 'Park' without the parking brake applied, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Fix: Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the bushing and axle cover, or update the electronic parking brake software.

• NHTSA 22V088000February 202218,366 vehicles

  Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap

  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."

  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.

A recall only helps if the repair was done. Enter the vehicle's 17-character VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup before you buy.

Ford sent NHTSA 241 service bulletins and other notices to dealers covering the 2022 Explorer. These are repair instructions, not recalls. Warranty extensions and bulletins about its top problem areas:

• TSB 26-2395 · August 2026This article supersedes 26-2287.
• SSM 55069 · August 2026Some 2020-2025 Explorer vehicles equipped with a power roof opening panel may exhibit a sunshield with localized bunching or binding/inoperative.
• SSM55059 · August 2026Some 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L PowerBoost engine, 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine, and 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with a 3.0L…
• 26E04 · July 2026NEW VEHICLE DELIVERY HOLD - Emissions Recall 26E04 Certain 2021-2025 Model Year F-150, Maverick, Mustang, Ranger, Expedition, Bronco Sport, Explorer, Bronco, Navigator, and Aviator Vehicles…
• TSB 26-2309 · July 2026This bulletin supersedes 26-2241.
• TSB 26-2287 · June 2026This article supersedes 25-2302.
• SSM 54902 · June 2026For 20202026 vehicles equipped with the 10R60 transmission, a new Transmission Clutch Circuit Leak Test has been introduced in the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS).
• TSB 26-2241 · May 2026This bulletin supersedes 25-2587.

All 2022 Explorer bulletins on NHTSA ›

Questions owners ask

Is the 2022 Ford Explorer reliable?

The 2022 Ford Explorer has been on the road for 59 months, short of the five years we need to rate it. Owners have filed 268 complaints with NHTSA so far. That's 0.8× the rate other Explorer years drew in their first 59 months, per vehicle sold. Ratings compare Explorer years with each other using complaints filed with NHTSA; they don't measure every problem owners have.

What are the most common 2022 Explorer problems?

Owners' complaints most often involve the powertrain (transmission and drivetrain) (23%), the engine (12%) and the electrical system (15%). A complaint can name more than one area.

Has the 2022 Ford Explorer been recalled?

Yes. NHTSA lists 25 recall campaigns for the 2022 Ford Explorer, the most recent in July 2026 (seats). Enter the vehicle's VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to see whether the repairs were done.