repaired · 2026 Q3
Seats: mid/rear assembly
NewRisk. A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
2022 Ford ExplorerProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 276 owner complaints about the 2022 Ford Explorer, most often about the power train. It is covered by 24 safety recalls, and for recall 25V-455 the manufacturer reports only 19% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 9, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: JamesYoung8167, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2022 Ford Explorer has problems
276 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
61Power train2 crash/fire/injury
39Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
32Engine2 crash/fire/injury
23Fuel/propulsion system1 crash/fire/injury
23Back over prevention3 crash/fire/injury
21Visibility/wiper
15Fuel system, gasoline
13Suspension
12Structure
8516 other systems17 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 61 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 39 | 2 |
| Engine | 32 | 2 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 23 | 1 |
| Back over prevention | 23 | 3 |
| Visibility/wiper | 21 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 15 | 0 |
| Suspension | 13 | 1 |
| Structure | 12 | 0 |
| 16 other systems | 85 | 17 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
24 recalls
2022 Ford Explorer recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Seat belts
NewRisk. A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Back over prevention: software
NewRisk. An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
no report yet
Windshield wiper/washer: motor
NewRisk. Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Show 20 more recalls
no report yet
Electrical: engine block heater
Risk. An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Back over prevention: software
Risk. A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Seats: mid/rear assembly
Risk. A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Back over prevention: software
Risk. Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Driveline: driveshaft
Risk. A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park without the parking brake applied.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Other: 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.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
Risk. A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Engine
Risk. An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Driveline: driveshaft
Risk. A disconnected driveshaft can result in a loss of drive power or a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied.
repaired · 2026 Q1
Propulsion system: traction battery
Risk. Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2025 Q3
Sensing system: camera
Risk. Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q1
Back over prevention: 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.
repaired · 2025 Q1
Parking brake: electrical
Risk. Without the electronic parking brake applied, the vehicle could rollaway if the driveshaft disconnects.
repaired · 2025 Q1
Power train: automatic transmission
Risk. The inability to secure the vehicle in the park position can result in a rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
repaired · 2024 Q4
Automatic transmission: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
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.
repaired · 2023 Q3
Sensing system: camera
Risk. Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2024 Q2
Delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Risk. An improperly tightened fuel line connection may result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of fire.
repaired · 2024 Q2
Engine
Risk. Improperly heat-treated engine rails may reduce the vehicle's structural protection in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
repaired · 2024 Q1
Tank assembly: filler pipe and cap
Risk. A detached fuel filler tube can result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Ford.
Best & worst years
2022 vs. every other Explorer year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Explorer median. How we score
6096339391,2078431,4501,7311,9591,3489523753,2951,1311,304497630208148331151,1988312,2391,6841,8202,4671,7067363031,25345627611321111440
'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26'27
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2022 Ford Explorer safety ratings
2022 Ford Explorer SUV 4WD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (15.1% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard
- Lane departure warning: Standard
3 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2022 Ford Explorer, and the recalls they led to.
- Loss of Motive PowerLed to recall 24V-635
- Burn Injuries From Side Airbag DeploymentOpen
- Rear Axle Bolt FailureLed to recall 23V-675
In owners' words
What Explorer owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
RECALL COMPLIANCE & SAFETY DEFECT DESCRIPTION: The vehicle was transported via roadside assistance to a licensed manufacturer dealership due to severe engine overheating under an active manufacturer safety recall. Service personnel systematically modified intake paperwork to alter the true…
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.
Own a 2022 Explorer?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.