This bulletin supersedes 26-2241. Reason For Update: update the parts list to correct the claim quantity of the part number JB3Z-4B496-B from 3 to 6. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: * Harsh 3-4, 4-5 upshifts * Harsh 5-3, 4-3 downshifts * Harsh reverse engagements These symptoms may be worse when cold. This may be due to the F clutch friction plates brinelling into the clutch and planetary container cylinder (7B177).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2022 Ford Explorer powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2022 Ford Explorer have filed 53 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 26,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
53
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2018 Explorer | 43 |
| 2019 Explorer | 32 |
| 2020 Explorer | 440 |
| 2021 Explorer | 104 |
| 2022 Explorer (this page) | 53 |
| 2023 Explorer | 10 |
| 2025 Explorer | 13 |
2crashes
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 53 powertrain complaints filed for the 2022 Ford Explorer, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 53 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Powertrain accounts for 21% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 12 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This article supersedes 25-2302. Reason for update: update the labor time allowance for F-150 vehicles, update the Parts list to replace the part number W716979-S439 with W721084-S439, and add a note for LV fluids XT-10-QLVC and CXT-10-LV6 "Transfer Case Fluid". Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: Harsh engagement Delayed engagement Harsh shift Delayed shift Illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC)s P0751, P0752, P0756, P0757, P0761, P0762, P0766, P0767, P0771, P0772, P2700, P2701, P2702, P2703, P2704, P2705, P2707, P2708, P0729, P0731, P0732, P0733, P0734, P0735, P073
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗For 20202026 vehicles equipped with the 10R60 transmission, a new Transmission Clutch Circuit Leak Test has been introduced in the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS). This test utilizes the pressure and vacuum transducer (PVT) when available. Workshop Manual (WSM) updates related to this diagnostic procedure are planned for release in Q4 2026. The new test improves the accuracy of detecting leaks within transmission fluid circuits and replaces the previous air check method. The previous air check procedure has been shown to produce a high rate of false positives, which may lead to unnecessary repairs when no actual leak is present. Accordingly, the air check procedure is not to be us
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin supersedes 25-2587. Reason For Update: update the Parts list to add the F-clutch friction plates HL3Z-7B164-D and the F-clutch steel plates PR3Z-7B164-A for the proper vehicle lines, replace the transfer case mounting bolt part number from W714288-S438 to W714288-S437, update the part number W720688-S439 quantity from 2 to 1, update the part number ML3Z-7869-C claim quantity from 2 to 1 (only if necessary), update the description of CXT-10-LV6 and XT-10-QLVC by adding "transfer case fluid, 4WD only", move HL3Z-7A191-B and L1MZ-7F396-A fluid pan gaskets to the parts to inspect and replace list, and remove TL1Z-6775-A self adhesive heat shield from the F-150/Expedition/Navigator
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2020-2026 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility/Aviator vehicles may require replacement of the front drive halfshaft inner/outer CV joint boot for various reasons. If Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 205-04 > Diagnosis and Testing leads to CV joint boot replacement, L1MZ-3A331-G (Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility front inner/outer CV joint boot kit), L1MZ-3A331-H (Aviator front inner/outer CV joint boot kit), L1MZ-3A331-F (Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility front inner CV joint boot kit) and L1MZ-3A331-E (Aviator front inner CV joint boot kit) have been released for service. Refer to WSM, Section 205-04 for Removal and Installation procedures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2022 Ford Explorer powertrain complaints center on transmission engagement and power delivery failures. The most common issue is a 3-30+ second delay when shifting from Drive to Reverse—the transmission stays in neutral while the vehicle rolls uncontrolled, then engages with a hard jolt. Owners report this happens from low mileage (under 6,000 miles) and recurs even after valve body replacement, software flashes, or transmission work.
A second major pattern is sudden power loss while driving: the engine disconnects from the transmission, revs without acceleration, stalls, or goes into reduced-power mode. This has happened at highway speeds (55–75 MPH), during freeway merges, and in pursuit situations (police interceptor units). Restart or cycling restores power temporarily.
Unintended forward motion when reversing—the vehicle lurches ahead when reverse is selected—has caused at least one crash and injuries. Rough shifting between all gears, slipping during acceleration, and hesitation to engage second gear compound the safety profile.
Rear differential fasteners fracture or shear, producing grinding noise and loss of power to the rear wheels. In one case, the same failure occurred after recall 23S55 repair was supposed to fix it.
Multiple recall notices reference unavailable parts, leaving owners stranded for 6+ months unable to obtain repairs. Dealerships have told owners the delays are "normal" or that "nothing can be done."
Same Ford Explorer powertrain reports on nearby years: 2019 · 2020 · 2021 · 2025
Failure modes owners describe
Delay or failure to engage reverse gear
Transmission hesitates, stalls, or fails to shift into reverse when commanded. Delay ranges from 3 to 30+ seconds. Vehicle remains in neutral or neutral-like state, rolling backward or forward without driver input. Often accompanied by hard, jerky engagement when shift finally occurs.
When: Low mileage (under 6,000 miles) to higher mileage (40,000+). Some owners report issue present since purchase.
Symptoms owners cite: Delayed response when shifting from Drive to Reverse (3-30+ second delays); Vehicle remains in neutral during delay, rolls uncontrolled; Hard or jerky engagement into Reverse after delay; No delay when shifting from Park to Reverse; Vehicle will roll forward or backward on incline without driver input; Backup camera delayed to activate or displaying incorrectly; No warning lights in most cases; Occurs on regular basis, multiple times per driving session
Codes mentioned: Transmission Fault stuck in park, Service Engine Soon - transmission slipping internally
Repairs/costs cited: Valve body replacement attempted but did not resolve; transmission replacement required in some cases but parts unavailable. Computer software update/flash applied in some cases without lasting effect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 23V022000 (Back Over Prevention). Ford dealerships report no fix available or that delay is 'normal.' Software flashes issued per technical service bulletins. Parts unavailable for recall remedy.
Transmission power loss and stalling while driving
Engine disconnects from transmission or transmission fails to maintain power delivery while driving at various speeds. Vehicle loses motive power, revs but does not accelerate, stalls, or requires restart to regain function. Occurs randomly or when merging, accelerating, or climbing grades.
When: Various mileage; one failure at 665 miles, another at 26,000 miles. Can occur on first long trip after repair.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine races/revs but vehicle fails to accelerate; Loss of power on highway at 55-75 MPH; Vehicle stalls or loses all power for several seconds to 4+ minutes; Requires restart to restore power; Vehicle jerks, shudders, or shakes while attempting to accelerate; Warning lights: 'Powertrain Malfunction/Reduced Power', 'Pre-Collision Assist Not Available', 'Brake Applied; Power Reduced'; Multiple error codes on dashboard and FordPass app
Codes mentioned: Powertrain Malfunction/Reduced Power, Pre-Collision Assist Not Available, Service Engine Soon - transmission slipping internally, Service Engine Soon - internal PCM communication error, PCM FMEM operating strategy activated (limited vehicle function)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement attempted; failed valve body replaced; output speed sensor replacement attempted; brake sensors replaced; entire transmission replaced per Ford. Issues recur or new failures follow repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 23V675000 (Power Train). Ford TSB issued for transmission software flash. Recall remedy determined ineffective in at least one case where same failure mode occurred post-recall. No assistance offered in some cases.
Unintended forward motion when shifting to reverse
Vehicle lurches, lunges, or rolls forward when driver attempts to shift into reverse. Can occur immediately after shifting or during the engagement delay. Creates collision hazard.
When: Early ownership (5,650 to 40,000 miles). One reported after routine dealer service.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle lunges or rolls forward 2-3 feet when reverse is selected; Vehicle moves forward despite brake being depressed; Vehicle rolls forward on incline after gear shift commanded; Hard shift jolt when reverse finally engages after delay; No warning lights illuminated in most cases
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership crash damage inspection found no powertrain failures and did not repair. Owner injured (bruising to shoulder and chest). Valve body replacement and transmission replacement attempted in other cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner reported to manufacturer; case opened in one instance but referred to NHTSA. Recall 25V164000 (Power Train) noted in one complaint, but VIN not included in recall scope.
Harsh, delayed, or slipping transmission shifts
Transmission exhibits rough engagement between gears, hesitation before upshift or downshift, delayed shift engagement (1-2+ seconds), or slipping sensation during gear changes. Occurs in both forward and reverse operations.
When: Can appear within first few months of ownership or after repair attempts. One failure at 5,000 miles, another at 39,793 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Hard or rough shift from Park to Reverse or Drive; Hard downshift from 3rd to 2nd gear; Delayed 2-second engagement in 2nd gear during acceleration; Harsh shift jolts that jerk occupants; Transmission slips internally while driving; Vehicle does not upshift from 4th to higher gears normally; Slipping on acceleration after stop; Inconsistent shift timing and feel
Codes mentioned: Service Engine Soon - transmission slipping internally
Repairs/costs cited: Software flash or computer update performed; valve body replaced; transmission fluid serviced; transmission replacement required in cases. Issues return within 1-2 days to months after repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB issued for software flash. Lemon Law buyback approved in one case (two-year limit requirement applied). No assistance provided by manufacturer in some cases.
Rear differential/axle failure
Rear differential fasteners fracture or shear, rear axle bolts break, or internal differential damage causes loss of power to rear wheels, abnormal noise, and vehicle instability. Includes both pre-recall and post-recall failures.
When: Between approximately 15,600 and 66,000 miles. At least one failure occurred after recall 23S55 repair was completed.
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal grinding or thumping sound from rear; Reduced acceleration or loss of power while driving; Traction control or Hill Assist warning light illuminated; Vehicle shudders or shakes at highway speed; Steering wheel vibrates; Driveshaft pulled from differential housing; Grease leakage from differential; Driveshaft gouged by subframe; Rear differential drops or shifts position
Codes mentioned: Traction Control warning light, Hill Assist warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Rear differential cover, rear driveshaft, and left rear axle shaft replacement needed. Repairs not completed due to cost. Post-recall failure: partial cost coverage only offered by Ford instead of full replacement or treatment as failed recall.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 23V675000 (Power Train) and recall 23S55 (Rear Axle/Differential Fastener Fracture). Recall repair not available for extended time period. Recall remedy appears ineffective in at least one documented case.
Engine failure and blue smoke/overheating
Engine produces blue smoke indicating oil burning. Turbocharger and valve assembly replaced, but engine completely fails during extended driving. New long-block motor installed and fails on first long-distance trip.
When: Approximately 900 miles after initial blue-smoke complaint; new motor failed on first long-distance trip.
Symptoms owners cite: Blue smoke from exhaust; Complete engine shutdown at highway speed; Vehicle stranded mid-journey; Blue smoke returns after turbo replacement; Blue smoke returns after top-end valve assembly replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Turbocharger replaced by dealership; top-end including valve assembly replaced; long-block motor installed and failed. Out-of-pocket repair expenses in thousands.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford believed valve issue was cured; did not identify root cause. No manufacturer assistance mentioned for failed repair outcomes.
Electrical failures and control module issues
Powertrain control module (PCM) communication failures, unknown electrical failures affecting multiple vehicle systems, and battery/electrical issues causing reduced or eliminated vehicle function.
When: Low mileage: one at 1,800 miles, another at 1,200 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple warning messages: 'Powertrain Malfunction', 'Service Engine Soon', 'Pre-Collision Assist Not Available'; PCM communication error detected; Unknown electrical failures per dealer diagnosis; Brake sensor faults; Multiple unrelated systems failing simultaneously (seat position, headlights, transmission, camera); Vehicle jerks with random power disconnects; Vehicle enters reduced-power FMEM mode
Codes mentioned: Service Engine Soon - internal PCM communication error, Service Engine Soon - transmission slipping, PCM FMEM (Failure Mode Effects Management) activated, Pre-Collision Assist Not Available
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnosed as 'unknown electrical failures due to faulty programming.' No repairs completed; parts unavailable for recall remedy. Brake sensors replaced without resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 23V022000 noted; parts unavailable. Manufacturer notified but provided no assistance. No fix identified.
Gear shift delay and control system lag
Delay or lag between driver's gear selection input and vehicle response. Backup camera display delayed or inoperable. Gear shift display screen shows delay or goes blank/white during shift event.
When: Present since new in many cases; mileage range 1,800 to 40,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: 3-30+ second delay from Drive to Reverse selection to engagement; Backup camera displays with 3-5 second delay, reducing visibility; White vehicle screen appears on dash during shift delay; Backup camera gray or blue screen, not displaying video; Display lag matches gear engagement lag; Vehicle inoperable for safety critical functions during lag; Hesitation when accelerating from stop
Codes mentioned: Transmission Fault codes (when detected)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships report no issue exists or delay is 'normal' when scanned. No repairs offered.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships state 'nothing they can do' or issue is normal. Manufacturer has not offered remedy.
Vehicle shuddering and vibration under load
Vehicle shudders, shakes, or vibrates during acceleration, coasting, downshifting, or at highway speeds. Rumble from center console or rear area. Metal shavings found in differential fluid indicating internal wear.
When: Various mileage ranges; one complaint at 15,629 miles with axle fracture; metal shavings found in differential at unknown mileage.
Symptoms owners cite: Significant rumble and vibration under center console when coasting around 40 MPH; Uncontrollable shuddering at highway speed; Grinding sound from rear differential or axle area; Roaring sound from differential (metal shavings inside); Vibration during gear engagement and downshift; Fear of losing vehicle control due to vibration; Hard jerking when braking
Codes mentioned: Traction control warning light (in axle fracture case)
Repairs/costs cited: Axle seal replacement recommended in one case but not completed. Differential inspection revealed metal shavings (metal-to-metal wear). Dealers unable to diagnose some vibration issues.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer opened case in axle fracture complaint. No remedy offered for differential wear cases.
Recall repair parts unavailability and delay
Multiple recalls issued (23V675000 Power Train, 23V022000 Back Over Prevention, 22V255000, 23S55 Rear Axle) but replacement parts unavailable for extended periods (sometimes 6+ months). Owners unable to schedule appointments or obtain repairs despite vehicle safety concerns.
When: Recalls issued as early as 2023; parts still unavailable into 2024-2025. One owner waited nearly a year for parts.
Symptoms owners cite: Recall notification received but parts not available; Dealership unable to schedule appointment; Dealership disconnected call without scheduling; Extended wait times for recall repair (approaching 6-12 months); Vehicle unsafe to drive per owner assessment but unable to obtain recall repair
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs performed; parts unavailable. Owners left driving vehicles with known defects.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaigns 23V675000, 23V022000, 23S55, 22V255000 issued. Parts distribution disconnect noted. Ford exceeded reasonable time for recall completion per multiple owner complaints. No loaner vehicles or alternate remedy offered in narratives.
Synthesized from 53 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
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 they didn't find anything wrong on scanning it. Explorer has hard shifts in the lower gears and today I gave it some gas…
Transmission fails to smoothly shift, vehicle delays going in reverse after driving causing delays to park and shakes while downshifting. Drivers anticipate the vehicle to be able to backup sooner and can cause accident with delays. Safety 360 display and rear view camera goes completely out, inverts, and has delay when functions. Vehicle has full power failure while driving and can take 10…
When shifting drive to reverse it takes 4 to 5 seconds to start moving the car. This being a very dangerous situation when backing into a busy street.
I have received six (6) notifications of a power train failure, which causes the vehicle to "shudder" at highway speeds. The first issue took place 09/01/2023, and the last was on 11/1/2023. The vehicle then continues to operate normally. If the vehicle is turned off and then on again, the light clears. I took the vehicle to Tamiami Ford for service. They reported that they can see that…
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated when she was shifting the vehicle into reverse (R), and as she depressed the brake pedal, the vehicle was lunging forward. The contact stated that the failure had occurred following a routine service appointment with a local dealer. The contact stated that the failure was occurring only when she was shifting into reverse (R). The contact…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2022 Ford Explorer?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2022 Ford Explorer?
It's a meaningful issue. 53 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 14 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 10,000 and 40,000 miles, with the median around 26,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 10,000; a quarter make it past 40,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2022/Ford/Explorer.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.