FORD EXPLORER · model year

2022 FORD EXPLORER

297 NHTSA complaints, 25 crash reports, and 23 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2022FORDEXPLORER carries 297 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 25 crashes, 3 fires, 32 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall Not Rated/5 rating, with Not Rated/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2022 EXPLORER is power train with 52 filings, followed by unknown or other (41) and electrical system (31). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 23 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 13 investigation files overlapping the 2022 EXPLORER, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

297
Complaints
25
Crashes
3
Fires
32
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

297 filings

Crashes Reported

25 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

NHTSA NCAP overall: Not Rated/5 — Not rated · Front: Not Rated/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
POWER TRAIN52
UNKNOWN OR OTHER41
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM31
ENGINE21
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM14
VISIBILITY/WIPER11
BACK OVER PREVENTION10
SUSPENSION9
SERVICE BRAKES9
STEERING8
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE7
AIR BAGS7
STRUCTURE:BODY6
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS5
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS5

Recalls (23)

23V30500028/04/2023

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 i

25V44200027/06/2025

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, 2021-2

22V45400024/06/2022

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

23V19900024/03/2023

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

24V63500023/08/2024

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 p

23V02200023/01/2023

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.

26V15900017/03/2026

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.

22V08800016/02/2022

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."

22V68500014/09/2022

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.

25V15900014/03/2025

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.

25V16600014/03/2025

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.

25V39300013/06/2025

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.

23V34200012/05/2023

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.

25V68500010/10/2025

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 t

24V59800010/08/2024

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 exhaus

23V07000010/02/2023

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 p

23V06900010/02/2023

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.

24V85200008/11/2024

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 requiremen

23V62600008/09/2023

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.

25V45500007/07/2025

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.

23V67500006/10/2023

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.

26V11700003/03/2026

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.

26V12300003/03/2026

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

Recent Complaints

20260215FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Component/System: Low-pressure fuel pump/fuel delivery system related to Recall 25S75. Vehicle is a 2022 Ford Explorer Hybrid. Description: My vehicle is subject to Recall 25S75 involving the low-pressure fuel pump that can cause loss of fuel pressure and engine stalling. The vehicle has stalled six times between about 15,000 and 35,000 miles. The issue is intermittent but ongoing. The vehicle is available for inspection. What failed or malfunctioned: The fuel delivery system appears to lose pressure consistent with Recall 25S75, leading to engine stalling and temporary inability to restart. Safety risk: One stall occurred while driving on a highway on 9/30/23 at about 15,000 miles. The engine lost power without warning and I had to coast to a gas station. Sudden loss of propulsion in traffic creates a serious crash risk. Other stalls happened in driveways or parking lots after the vehicle had been running. In several cases the vehicle would not restart for 20–60 minutes, which co

20260207VISIBILITY/WIPER

The headliner that covers my panoramic sunroof has came loose on both sides , obstructing my reaview .

20260207UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The headliner that covers my panoramic sunroof has came loose on both sides , obstructing my reaview .

20260206UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The panoramic shade on my 2022 Ford Explorer failed causing an inability to see clearly. The dealership did replace the faulty motors on both sides free of charge. Afterwards when attempting to close the sunroof after opening, it wouldn't close. We had to force it shut due to rainy weather. After taking to the dealership for possible repair/replacement we've been told that both motors need to be replaced and the track is broken and needs to be replaced. Cost of 3500.00 to 3900.00. I have rarely used the sunroof because I'm afraid it won't work. Now I'm stuck with a huge repair on faulty Ford equipment that has been rarely used and can't be worn out unless you installed used equipment in the first place. Shame on Ford!

20260204FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact’s employer owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The owner received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was purchased as a driver's education vehicle, and due to the recall, the vehicle could not be used for the driving courses. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the remedy was not yet available. The dealer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

20260203POWER TRAIN

My 2022 Ford Explorer had Recall 23S55 performed on June 21, 2025 to address rear axle/differential fastener fracture. Despite the recall repair, the rear subframe-to-differential cover bolt sheared off while driving, causing the differential to drop and the driveshaft to be pulled from the differential. Grease leaked and the driveshaft was gouged against the subframe. This is the same failure mode the recall was intended to prevent and occurred after the recall was certified as complete. This failure happened while I was driving with my daughter and could have resulted in loss of control if it occurred at highway speed. Ford has only offered partial cost coverage instead of treating this as a failed recall remedy. I am concerned this represents an ineffective recall repair and an ongoing safety risk.

20260202CrashWHEELS

While traveling on I-26 east near North Carolina MM 51 in the left lane, the vehicle suddenly pulled uncontrollably to the left resulting in a sideswipe of the guardrail. The vehicle then swerved to the right stopping near the center of the interstate. My wife was able to move the vehicle to the right shoulder under its own power. The right front tire/wheel was laying almost flat attached to the vehicle only by the brake line. The entire wheel assembly was detached from the steering/suspension system. The vehicle was towed to a local collision center and inspected by my insurance adjuster. The vehicle was determined a total loss. There were no injuries or other vehicles involved. The NC Highway Patrol responded but did not complete an accident report.

20260202CrashSUSPENSION

While traveling on I-26 east near North Carolina MM 51 in the left lane, the vehicle suddenly pulled uncontrollably to the left resulting in a sideswipe of the guardrail. The vehicle then swerved to the right stopping near the center of the interstate. My wife was able to move the vehicle to the right shoulder under its own power. The right front tire/wheel was laying almost flat attached to the vehicle only by the brake line. The entire wheel assembly was detached from the steering/suspension system. The vehicle was towed to a local collision center and inspected by my insurance adjuster. The vehicle was determined a total loss. There were no injuries or other vehicles involved. The NC Highway Patrol responded but did not complete an accident report.

20260202CrashSTEERING

While traveling on I-26 east near North Carolina MM 51 in the left lane, the vehicle suddenly pulled uncontrollably to the left resulting in a sideswipe of the guardrail. The vehicle then swerved to the right stopping near the center of the interstate. My wife was able to move the vehicle to the right shoulder under its own power. The right front tire/wheel was laying almost flat attached to the vehicle only by the brake line. The entire wheel assembly was detached from the steering/suspension system. The vehicle was towed to a local collision center and inspected by my insurance adjuster. The vehicle was determined a total loss. There were no injuries or other vehicles involved. The NC Highway Patrol responded but did not complete an accident report.

20260129FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated; however, before the vehicle stalled, the engine was sputtering. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and determined that the fuel pump had failed; however, the part to repair the vehicle was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

Mileage: 52,000

20260114ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The alternator pulley appears to be making contact with a harness rubbing through the insulation exposing the wire

20260114ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The alternator pulley appears to be making contact with harness rubbing through the insulation exposing the wire.

20260113FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The fuel level indication on my 2022 Ford Explorer behaves erratically and inaccurately. The issue occurs regardless of whether the vehicle is parked uphill, or downhill, just any time I’m on an incline, and it happens even when the fuel tank is full. The fuel gauge and/or “miles to empty” reading changes unexpectedly and does not reliably reflect the actual amount of fuel in the tank. This behavior is not limited to low fuel conditions. The problem appears consistently raising concerns about inaccurate fuel level reporting and potential fuel system malfunction. The vehicle has not displayed warning lights, and the issue is resolved by refueling, but changing parking orientation does not reset or cause the fuel gauge to show accurate reading. I have had one instance of needing to call roadside assistance as it falsely read I was out of fuel.

20260105ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I own a 2022 Ford Explorer purchased in April 2025. Since purchasing the vehicle, I have experienced multiple defects affecting safety and normal use. The instrument cluster becomes foggy, making it difficult to clearly see my speed while driving. The infotainment screen intermittently malfunctions and affects the backup camera display, reducing rear visibility. I also experienced fuel contamination that was confirmed and repaired by the dealership. In addition, the rear HVAC air vents close and do not provide airflow to the back seats. The vehicle has been taken to the dealership four separate times for different issues. Despite these repair attempts, the problems have continued or new issues have appeared. Due to the ongoing defects and safety concerns, I do not feel safe or confident operating this vehicle.

20260105FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I own a 2022 Ford Explorer purchased in April 2025. Since purchasing the vehicle, I have experienced multiple defects affecting safety and normal use. The instrument cluster becomes foggy, making it difficult to clearly see my speed while driving. The infotainment screen intermittently malfunctions and affects the backup camera display, reducing rear visibility. I also experienced fuel contamination that was confirmed and repaired by the dealership. In addition, the rear HVAC air vents close and do not provide airflow to the back seats. The vehicle has been taken to the dealership four separate times for different issues. Despite these repair attempts, the problems have continued or new issues have appeared. Due to the ongoing defects and safety concerns, I do not feel safe or confident operating this vehicle.

20260105VISIBILITY/WIPER

I own a 2022 Ford Explorer purchased in April 2025. Since purchasing the vehicle, I have experienced multiple defects affecting safety and normal use. The instrument cluster becomes foggy, making it difficult to clearly see my speed while driving. The infotainment screen intermittently malfunctions and affects the backup camera display, reducing rear visibility. I also experienced fuel contamination that was confirmed and repaired by the dealership. In addition, the rear HVAC air vents close and do not provide airflow to the back seats. The vehicle has been taken to the dealership four separate times for different issues. Despite these repair attempts, the problems have continued or new issues have appeared. Due to the ongoing defects and safety concerns, I do not feel safe or confident operating this vehicle.

20251229UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Sunroof liner has fallen making it impossible to see out the back window.

20251226UNKNOWN OR OTHER

While driving down the highway at about 55mph, I tried to open the panoramic sunroof. As it was opening, the sunroof shade/curtain did not retract into its roller assembly causing the shade to hang down from the roof. It blocked my entire view behind me. I couldn’t even see into the backseat. It was like a movie theater curtain had come down between the front and back seats. Luckily I was able to get home without further incident. This would be horrible if there were an infant in the backseat.

20251220ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

the check engine light and see manual (Alley Wrench) constantly goes off and code for P0973- the symptoms following were stalling that felt like someone was rear ending her and acceleration takes time to go back up. Will happen many times on a right and shops claim a replacement of transmission would be needed. Vehicle is 2022 Ford Explorer and should not need a replacement this soon!!!!

20251220UNKNOWN OR OTHER

the check engine light and see manual (Alley Wrench) constantly goes off and code for P0973- the symptoms following were stalling that felt like someone was rear ending her and acceleration takes time to go back up. Will happen many times on a right and shops claim a replacement of transmission would be needed. Vehicle is 2022 Ford Explorer and should not need a replacement this soon!!!!

Compare 2022FORDEXPLORER to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2022 FORD EXPLORER have?
The 2022 FORD EXPLORER has 297 NHTSA complaints, 25 crashes, 3 fires, 32 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2022 FORD EXPLORER?
The 2022 FORD EXPLORER received an overall NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5, front crash rating of Not Rated/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2022 FORD EXPLORER?
Yes, the 2022 FORD EXPLORER has 23 recall(s). The most common affected component is BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2022 FORD EXPLORER?
The most-complained component for the 2022 FORD EXPLORER is POWER TRAIN with 52 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include UNKNOWN OR OTHER and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Is the 2022 FORD EXPLORER safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2022 FORD EXPLORER has an NHTSA safety rating of Not Rated/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.