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ProblemsByVin File / 2022-FORD-EXPLORER NHTSA data synced 1 day ago
2022 · Ford

Ford Explorer problems

243 owner complaints and 10 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, what a working mechanic would actually do about it.

2022 Ford Explorer
Photo: Alexander Migl / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 · representative photo of the Ford Explorer
0 5 10
Reliability score
5.4 / 10

Below average for the segment. Multiple systems have recurring complaints.

0
Critical
10
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2022 Explorer?
Avoid — the powertrain

The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the powertrain was repaired or replaced.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

Buying a used 2022 Ford Explorer? Check these first

Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.

What to inspect on this specific car

⚠ The one to take seriously: powertrain is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 26,659 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.

Recalls to confirm are done

Run the VIN from the listing — 10 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.

Verdict for buyers: 5.4/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.

We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.

See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →
✦ Ask the data · AI

Ask anything about your 2022 Ford Explorer

A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.

Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.

Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.

Embed this reliability snapshot

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<iframe src="https://problemsbyvin.com/embed/reliability/2022-ford-explorer/" width="100%" height="340" style="border:1px solid #e2e8f0;border-radius:8px;max-width:640px" title="2022 Ford Explorer reliability snapshot" loading="lazy"></iframe> <p style="font:12px/1.5 system-ui,sans-serif;color:#64748b;max-width:640px;margin:6px 0 0">Source: <a href="https://problemsbyvin.com/2022-ford-explorer/" style="color:#b8540a;font-weight:600">2022 Ford Explorer reliability snapshot — ProblemsByVin</a></p>

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

powertrain
53 reports · fails ~26,659 mi · avg $2,500
severe
electrical
28 reports · fails ~4,350 mi · avg $850
severe
visibility
16 reports · fails ~32,105 mi · avg $350
severe
engine
13 reports · fails ~89,009 mi · avg $3,100
severe
fuel system
12 reports · fails ~45,209 mi · avg $1,200
moderate
suspension
10 reports · avg $900
moderate
steering
9 reports · fails ~108,500 mi · avg $700
severe
body
8 reports · fails ~22,050 mi · avg $1,500
moderate
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2022 Explorer's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2022 Explorer?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2022 Explorer · suspension
A bolt sheared off of the wheel assembly and got stuck between the rotor and break pad causing damage to rotor and break pad. This has since been repaired by the dealership, I am not aware if it was inspected by the manufacturer. I have pictures of the damage from the…
2022 Explorer · seatbelts
During a 2000 mile road trip, the front passenger seatbelt was nearly cut through at the point where the seatbelt exits the tensioner above the passenger's right shoulder. The location of the cut along the length of the webbing aligns with the position of the webbing when the…
12/26/2022 · NHTSA ODI #11498862.0
2022 Explorer · powertrain
When trying to shift from Drive to Reverse, the transmission delays going into Reverse for 3 seconds. While this is going on, the car is basically in Neutral. After three seconds it goes into gear. Does not happen when going from Park to Reverse! Dealer checked it, he says, and…
2022 Explorer · electrical
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…
View all 243 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2022 Ford Explorer? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 3 of 10

severe NHTSA 23V305000 April 28, 2023

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 12

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. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C14.
severe NHTSA 22V454000 June 24, 2022

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles

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. Owner notification letters were mailed August 22, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22C13.
severe NHTSA 23V199000 March 24, 2023

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2

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. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 31, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S16.
View all 10 recalls →

Common questions

Is the 2022 Ford Explorer reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 5.4 out of 10 based on 243 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2022 Ford Explorer has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

Should you avoid the 2022 Ford Explorer?

On the NHTSA data, the 2022 Ford Explorer is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the powertrain was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: Powertrain: 53 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 10,000–40,000 mi; Electrical system: 28 complaints, classified severe; Reliability score 5.4/10 — around the segment average; 10 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

What should I check before buying a used 2022 Ford Explorer?

Inspect the powertrain first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 53 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 26,659 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.

Is the 2022 Ford Explorer a good used car to buy?

It scores 5.4 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 243 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is powertrain. Typical failure occurs around 26,659 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.

What's the most common problem on the 2022 Ford Explorer?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 53 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 26,659 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 26,659 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Ford Explorer has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2022 Ford Explorer?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 243 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2022/Ford/Explorer. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Ford. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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