Complaints about the 2022 Ford Explorer peaked in 2023, with 69 filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
SUV, gasoline, 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Apr 19, 2022 to Sep 22, 2026.
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V-451 | Jul 14, 2026 | Switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly | Seats | 387,911 | Part replacement |
| 26V-159 | Mar 17, 2026 | Seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured | Seat belts | 561 | Part replacement |
| 26V-123 | Mar 3, 2026 | Image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse | Back-over prevention | 889,950 | Software update |
| 26V-117 | Mar 3, 2026 | Windshield wiper motor may fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly | Visibility and wipers | 604,533 | Part replacement |
| 25V-685 | Oct 10, 2025 | Engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in | Equipment | 59,006 | Part replacement |
| 25V-455 | Jul 7, 2025 | Low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving | Fuel system | 850,318 | Software update |
| 25V-442 | Jun 27, 2025 | 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 | Back-over prevention | 200,237 | Software update |
| 25V-393 | Jun 13, 2025 | Switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, folding, or sliding unexpectedly while driving | Seats | 304,662 | Part replacement |
| 25V-166 | Mar 14, 2025 | Rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect | Powertrain | 4,247 | Software update |
| 25V-159 | Mar 14, 2025 | Video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying | Back-over prevention | 49,399 | Software update |
| 24V-852 | Nov 8, 2024 | Air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard | Equipment | 27,678 | Label or owner notice |
| 24V-635 | Aug 23, 2024 | Engine intake valves may break while driving, which can result in engine failure and a loss of drive power | Engine and cooling | 90,736 | Part replacement |
| 24V-598 | Aug 9, 2024 | 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… | Engine and cooling | 85,238 | Software update |
| 23V-675 | Oct 6, 2023 | Rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect | Powertrain | 238,364 | Part replacement |
| 23V-626 | Sep 8, 2023 | Manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure | Electrical system | 2,954 | Part replacement |
| 23V-342 | May 12, 2023 | Video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying | Back-over prevention | 442,973 | Part replacement |
| 23V-305 | Apr 28, 2023 | 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… | Back-over prevention | 523 | Software update |
| 23V-199 | Mar 24, 2023 | Previous powertrain control module (PCM) update completed under recall 22V-255 did not include the automatic electronic parking brake feature when… | Brakes | 674 | Software update |
| 23V-070 | Feb 10, 2023 | Transmission may contain a loose bolt which could prevent the transmission from engaging the park gear, although the gear shifter position may… | Powertrain | 1,138 | Part replacement |
| 23V-069 | Feb 10, 2023 | Unintentional powertrain control module (PCM) reset may occur while the vehicle is in motion and result in park system damage | Powertrain | 3,674 | Repair or modification |
| 23V-022 | Jan 23, 2023 | Video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying | Back-over prevention | 382,759 | Software update |
| 22V-685 | Sep 14, 2022 | Fuel line may be loose due to improper tightening of the fuel line connection | Fuel system | 69 | Part replacement |
| 22V-454 | Jun 24, 2022 | Engine rails may have been improperly heat-treated | Engine and cooling | 776 | Part replacement |
| 22V-088 | Feb 16, 2022 | Fuel filler tube may detach during a crash | Fuel system | 18,366 | Repair or modification |
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
267 complaints on file, page 1 of 14.
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 common with 2022 Ford Explorers (all trims). I believe this is a defective issue that should be investigated. No check engine or warning lights ever came up due to this issue.
NHTSA complaint 11766219Safety Defect: Moonroof Sunshade Sags and Obstructs Rearward Driver Visibility I am reporting a safety concern involving the fabric sunshade/moonroof cover in my 2022 Ford Explorer. When the moonroof fabric sunshade is closed/engaged, the fabric sags substantially downward from the roof. The sag is severe enough that the sunshade extends well below its intended position and can obstruct the driver’s view through the rear window. This is not simply a cosmetic issue. When the sunshade is engaged, the sagging fabric creates a significant obstruction to rearward visibility from the driver’s seating position. This can prevent the driver from seeing vehicles, pedestrians, or other objects behind the vehicle while driving. The attached photograph shows the condition from inside the vehicle. The fabric can be seen hanging substantially below the surrounding headliner and roof structure. The amount of sag is sufficient to interfere with the driver’s line of sight toward the rear of the vehicle. The driver should not have to operate the vehicle with the moonroof shade open simply to maintain adequate rearward visibility. The purpose of the shade is to block sunlight while remaining within the designed roof area; it should not hang down into the passenger compartment far enough to obstruct the driver’s view. Because this condition can directly affect the driver’s ability to observe traffic behind the vehicle, I believe it presents a potential motor-vehicle safety hazard and should be investigated as a possible defect affecting the moonroof/sunshade assembly. Vehicle: 2022 Ford Explorer I request that NHTSA investigate whether this condition is occurring in other Ford Explorer vehicles and whether the design, material, mounting, or tensioning system of the moonroof sunshade can cause it to sag and obstruct rearward visibility.
NHTSA complaint 11766032Rear 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 the splines therein.
NHTSA complaint 11765658The 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.
NHTSA complaint 11764655The 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. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a representative would return the phone call. The approximate failure mileage was 66,000.
NHTSA complaint 11763609The 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 contamination. There are no active recalls\campaigns\TSB for 2022 Ford Explorer XLT 2.3L EcoBoost engine. The car is available for inspection. Although, the vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police or insurance agent, the issue was presented to Ford and a claim was submitted to the insurance company that services my Mechanical Breakdown Insurance. So far the insurance company is not authorizing the work without an engine breakdown. They are not excepting the P0300 and P0316 code or the results of a barascope and other test. The Ford corporation will not provide a written statement that confirms the dealerships diagnosis is accurate. Some doctrine that states the engine long block had to be replaced to fix the coolant intrusion defect. Ford has recalled coolant intrusion issues on other engine models. I requested a formal Tiered Goodwill Review based on the Miller v. Ford framework and resolution terms. Since the service center’s portal does not display an automatic, VIN-specific internal factory code for a long block replacement. The request was denied. While the Miller v. Ford litigation established corporate accountability for structural block and cylinder coolant intrusion faults in 2.0L blocks, my 2022 2.3L engine shares a highly similar open-deck block geometry and suffers from the exact same systemic coolant failure. Furthermore, Ford has acknowledged manufacturing line coolant and block defects on 2021–2023 2.3L engines through Customer Satisfaction Programs 23B42 and 23B08. Yet there are no recalls associated with my VIN.
NHTSA complaint 11762952#1st- The AC goes on and off and now the AC no longer works it only blows out hot air ,earlier but it turns on and off by itself #2- the lights flicker #3- the seats move by themselves and just today Sunday [XXX] the seat having to see what all the way back by yourself thinning my [XXX] son's legs against his car seat thank [XXX] my fiance was in the passenger seat when it happened and had to lift it up and then it clicked and started moving back up by itself the dealership Jim Hudson dealership did 10 different service calls for electrical issues and did not report it to me once we plan on going in there and figuring out because I do not want this truck that's dangerous for my life as well as my [XXX] and my [XXX] turn the process of selling me the vehicle that did not tell me person that this vehicle has had electrical issues from day one with only 8000 miles on it was the first report of the electrical issue I had to look it up on the Ford app and found out that it's been serious 10 different times what's the dealership did not tell me in person first issue with this truck as nf electrical was INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint 11762502I have a loss of fuel pressure and flow from the fuel tank due to fuel pump failure. Sometimes my engine stalls while driving, and when I go to fill my tank with gas, the engine will not start. I have to engage it for about 15 minutes before it will start. My check engine light comes on, and I will get the low fuel indicator light. But more importantly I cannot pass inspection. I need my car, I am a health care professional I have contacted my dealership, a Ford Motor company representative, and the only response and action I get in return is that they are still waiting on the part to come in. It has been over a year. I need this recall to be completed as indicated by Ford Motor corporation and its dealerships, please. My contact information is [XXX], [XXX], my email is [XXX]. My vehicle is the 2022 FORD EXPLORER, VIN: [XXX], my Cell number is [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint 11762330Pursuant to recall 24S55 engine valve crack causing catastrophic damage. Misfire codes given and addressed independently giving brief changes however car reverted back to "limp" mode on major Dallas hwy causing extreme safety issues. Conditions confirmed by Freedom Ford Greenville Texas. Estimated replacement costs exceeds 14k.
NHTSA complaint 11762222The rearview backup camera on my vehicle has malfunctioned and does not reliably display an image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. The manufacturer sent an official Customer Satisfaction Program notice acknowledging this as a known defect and offering a one-time no-charge replacement, stating parts availability was limited only until October 2026. When I brought the vehicle to an authorized dealership for the repair, the dealership was unable to complete it due to lack of parts and told me parts would not be available until February 2027, several months beyond what the manufacturer's own notice stated. This creates an ongoing safety risk since I cannot reliably see behind the vehicle while backing up, increasing the risk of collision with pedestrians, other vehicles, or objects. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership's service department, which confirmed the camera issue during a service visit but could not resolve it due to parts unavailability. There were no dashboard warning lights specifically tied to this defect; the camera simply fails to display a reliable image when reverse is engaged. The component is available for inspection upon request. I have not yet received a corrected repair timeline from the manufacturer despite formally raising this issue.
NHTSA complaint 11761664While 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 Ford Explorers manufactured between 6/25/21 and 7/6/22. My vehicle’s build date is July 2022, which falls within the affected production window. The damage is clearly consequential to the control arm failure.
NHTSA complaint 11759597Rear wiper was working intermittently now it does not work at all. I notice campaign 26S14 (NHTSA Campaign 26V117) but my vin is not included. Even though I have the same problem
NHTSA complaint 11757133RECALL 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 mechanical state upon arrival, removing safety recall and towing documentation. Intake files were falsified with the notation stating that the customer reported a bad battery, executed solely to evade mandatory factory safety recall tracking protocols and obscure dealer liability for subsequent failures. UNAUTHORIZED SHOP-FLOOR HAZARDS & MECHANICAL DAMAGE: Following custody transfer, shop technicians induced severe physical damage to the vehicle's twin-turbocharger assembly, resulting in a snapped turbo stud and a torn engine air filter. The vehicle was subsequently operated on public roads by shop personnel for 75 to 80 unauthorized miles under active engine overheating conditions without correcting thermal or safety recall failures, creating an immediate risk of catastrophic engine block structural cracking. The safety failures triggered 13 critical system fault codes across powertrain, electrical, and battery systems, which went entirely unaddressed while the shop attempted to compel payment under an altered repair estimate. CYBER SABOTAGE OF OUTBOUND SAFETY TELEMATICS: To actively obstruct diagnostic tracking and safety verification, shop staff executed a forced remote network reset of the vehicle's cellular modem. This reset deliberately severed user profile access and entirely deactivated the outbound telematics pipeline to systematically block the outbound transmission of the 13 powertrain and thermal fault messages to the user and manufacturer databases.
NHTSA complaint 11755278I purchased a 2022 Ford Explorer XLT in March 2026 with approximately 19,500 miles on the vehicle. While driving, I suddenly heard a loud noise above me. I looked up and discovered that a clip from the panoramic sunroof shade had broken. I took the vehicle to the dealership for inspection and was informed the repair would cost approximately $500. While waiting at the dealership, another customer arrived with the same problem on their Ford Explorer. This is a safety concern because the unexpected noise distracted me while I was driving and caused me to look away from the road to determine what had happened. A component of the panoramic sunroof shade should not fail under normal use, especially at such low mileage.
NHTSA complaint 11755213Exhaust 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 recalled. It has slowly gotten worse and worse. No warning lamps came on. You can hear the engine or manifold rattling/ticking while the vehicle is running. The vehicle is available for inspection. I brought the vehicle to a repair shop called MIDAS. Where I was told exactly what was wrong with it. The problem is reproduced every single time the vehicle is on. The replacement part is also not covered under fords “emissions warranty”. Even though it is part of the emissions.
NHTSA complaint 11755072The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle before the engine seized. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle restarted after several attempts and was driven to the residence. The contact's minor grandchild was an occupant in the vehicle when the failure occurred. The contact stated that the temperature was extremely hot outside when the failure occurred. The failure was a persistent failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
NHTSA complaint 11754722This recall - NHTSA Recall Number25V455 has been issued since over a year ago. Why is there not a fix for this issue yet? This needs to be elevated. Vehicle is driving very rough and could be due to this issue.
NHTSA complaint 11753910Known 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 hanging down until I requested for it to be amended before driving home. They noted this is a known issue to Ford. They said the only way to fix it was to install a brand new system & there was no minor fix to components.
NHTSA complaint 11753818The interior panoramic sunroof shade cloth has failed along both side tracks and is sagging excessively. This is causing obstructed view through the rear view mirror. Also casues the sun roof not to be able to function. The problem began at 32k miles, vehicle currently has 40k miles.
NHTSA complaint 11752763The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the front windshield wiper was operating intermittently. The contact received notification of NTHSA Campaign Number: 26V117000 (Visibility); and associated the failure with the recall. However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint 11751835Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.