2022 Ford Explorer Problems
What owners have reported about the 2022 Ford Explorer, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2022 Ford Explorer a good year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 269 complaints with NHTSA, the 12th most of 18 Explorer model years. The most reported problems involve the transmission, electrical system and fuel system.
269 complaints 24 recalls, 5 fire risk 12th worst of 18 Explorer years
Top 2022 Ford Explorer problems
Transmission problems
61 complaints (23%) name the transmission, most often the axle assembly and automatic transmission.
Electrical problems
39 complaints (14%) name the electrical system, most often the camera / sensor and body control module / BCM.
Fuel system problems
37 complaints (14%) name the fuel system.
Engine problems
32 complaints (12%) name the engine, most often the catalytic convertor.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (58 of 269). The amber line is the middle value, about 37,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2022 Ford Explorer recalls
Mid / rear assembly
The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly. 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. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years.
Recall 26V451000 · Jul 2026Rear seat belt anchors may be loose
Injury riskThe bolts that hold the outer second-row seat belts to the car may not be properly secured. In a crash, a loose belt may not restrain a passenger properly, raising the risk of injury.
Fix: The dealer will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and repair or replace them as needed, at no cost to you.
Recall 26V159000 · Mar 2026Backup camera image may flip or invert
Crash riskThe center display's rearview camera image can flip or appear upside down when the car is in reverse, so the picture does not match what is behind the vehicle. This reduces the driver's view behind the car and raises the risk of a crash.
Fix: The dealer will update the accessory protocol interface module software at no cost to you.
Recall 26V123000 · Mar 2026Motor
The windshield wiper motor may fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly. 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.
Recall 26V117000 · Mar 2026Engine block heater can crack and short out
Fire riskThe engine block heater may crack and leak coolant. When it is plugged in, the leak can cause an electrical short circuit, which raises the risk of a fire.
Fix: Do not plug in the block heater until it is fixed; the dealer will replace the block heater free of charge.
Recall 25V685000 · Oct 2025Fuel pump may fail and stall engine
Can stallThe low-pressure fuel pump can fail, which can cause the engine to stall while you are driving. A sudden 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 software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge.
Recall 25V455000 · Jul 2025Rearview camera may show blank or stuck image
Crash riskA software error can make the rearview camera display a blank picture, or keep showing the image after you have shifted out of reverse. A blank or lingering image can reduce your view behind the vehicle and distract you, which raises the risk of a crash.
Fix: The dealer will update the rearview camera software free of charge.
Recall 25V442000 · Jun 2025Mid / rear assembly
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. 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.
Recall 25V393000 · Jun 2025Software
The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying. 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.
Recall 25V159000 · Mar 2025Driveshaft
Can stallThe rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect. 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.
Recall 25V166000 · Mar 2025Labels
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." 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.
Recall 24V852000 · Nov 2024Hard parts internal / mechanical
Can stall7L 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. 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.
Recall 24V635000 · Aug 2024Engine
Fire riskIn 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. 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. Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software.
Recall 24V598000 · Aug 2024Driveshaft
Can stallThe rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect. 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. They will also inspect the rear axle cover for damage near the bolt hole location and replace with a new cover if any damage is found.
Recall 23V675000 · Oct 2023Traction battery
Fire risk0L 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. 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.
Recall 23V626000 · Sep 2023Camera
The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying. 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. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 23V-022.
Recall 23V342000 · May 2023Display function
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." 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.
Recall 23V305000 · Apr 2023Control module (TCM / PCM / TECM), Electrical
Can stall3L 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. 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.
Recall 23V199000 · Mar 2023Automatic transmission
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." 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.
Recall 23V070000 · Feb 2023Control module (TCM / PCM / TECM)
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. 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.
Recall 23V069000 · Feb 2023Camera
The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying. 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. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 21V-735.
Recall 23V022000 · Jan 2023Loose fuel line can leak and cause fire
Fire riskOn some 3L engines, the fuel line connection may not have been tightened properly, so it can work loose. A loose connection can leak fuel, which raises the risk of a fire.
Fix: Your dealer will inspect the fuel line and replace the fuel line assembly if needed, free of charge.
Recall 22V685000 · Sep 2022Frame and members
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." 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. If the engine rails require replacement, owners will have the option for a vehicle replacement or buyback.
Recall 22V454000 · Jun 2022Fuel filler tube may detach in a crash
Fire riskIn a crash, the fuel filler tube can come loose, which can leak fuel. That leak raises the risk of a fire, and the vehicle no longer meets federal fuel system safety standards.
Fix: A dealer will install a redundant locking clip on the fuel vapor line at no cost to you.
Recall 22V088000 · Feb 2022Get an email when your 2022 Ford Explorer gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2022 Ford Explorer, you'll hear about it the same week.
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Explorer years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
Common questions
Is the 2022 Ford Explorer a reliable year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 269 complaints with NHTSA, the 12th most of 18 Explorer model years. The most reported problems involve the transmission, electrical system and fuel system.
What are the most common 2022 Ford Explorer problems?
Owners most often report problems with the transmission, electrical system, fuel system and engine. 61 complaints (23%) name the transmission, most often the axle assembly and automatic transmission.
At what mileage do 2022 Ford Explorer transmission problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 11,000–40,000 miles, with a middle value near 22,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2022 Ford Explorer have?
24. Mid / rear assembly (26V451000); Rear seat belt anchors may be loose (26V159000); Backup camera image may flip or invert (26V123000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2022 Ford Explorer?
Ask for service records covering the transmission, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2009, 2026 and 2025 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.