2022 Ford Explorer Complaint Log

Powertrain System Fault will cause the vehicle to lose power possibly leaving the vehicle and passengers in danger if crossing traffic, pulling onto a road, etc.

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was restarted and taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. There were no diagnostic trouble codes retrieved. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE BEGINS MOVING FROM STATIONARY POSITION(BOTH IN FORWARD AND REVERSE GEARS) A LOUD CLUNKING SOUND IS HEAR ORIGINATING FROM THE REAR AXLE/REAR DIFFERENTIAL MOUNTING BOLT. I HAVE SEEN IT MY SELF WHEN LOOKING UNDER THE VEHICLE . AND I'M CONCERNED ABOUT SAFETY WHEN DRIVING IT LIKE THIS.

The coating over the window up/ down controls is pealing and flaky. The coating is very sharp and brittle and has deeply gashed a couple fingers.

Recently, my sun roof shade has started to sag and no longer retracts correctly. This is causing a loss of visibility out of the rear and side windows. It also is causing a distraction as it has lost it's tension. Additionally I have contacted two separate Ford dealerships, only for them to tell me that I have to bring the vehicle in and pay hundreds of dollars to "diagnose" that the shade is broken and that my extended warranty will not cover this cost even though it is a danger for me to drive my vehicle in this condition.

The panoramic sunroof, shade, plastic brackets become brittle annd fail very fast and becomes hanging down while you are driving and blocks your complete vision very dangerous . It is not safe at all. It totally blocks your vision.

This recall has been open for 8 months, all the while posing a huge safety risk. A new car can be built in less time. Why is this urgent recall effort taking so long to complete? Jul 08,2025 Manufacturer Recall Number25S75 NHTSA Recall Number25V455 Recall Status Recall Incomplete, remedy not yet available

The rack and pinion system needs to be replaced as a result of "normal wear and tear"

My front passenger get side lighting component started blinking about 6 months ago. Now it’s completely out. I went to get a new bulb and they told me I need to buy the entire lighting unit it’s $2800 at the dealership. I joined a Ford group on Facebook and hundreds of people are having the same issue. Some models newer than mine, but most from 2020 - 205 models. I reached out to Ford they won’t cover the issue.

After multiple attempts to fold the third-row power seat in my 2022 Ford Explorer, the seat mechanism failed completely. The seat will no longer lock securely in either the upright or folded position. The seat frame appears to have failed and the seat constantly springs back and will not stay in place. The seat was being operated normally using the factory power folding function when the failure occurred. There was no unusual load or misuse of the seat prior to the failure. The issue was inspected and diagnosed by a Ford dealership, which confirmed that the third-row seat frame had failed and would require replacement of the seat frame assembly. The dealership quoted approximately 3,622 to repair the issue. Because the seat will not lock securely in the upright or folded position, this may present a safety concern for passengers using the third-row seating area. No warning lights or messages were displayed prior to the failure.

Both catalytic converters have failed, with one have a catastrophic failure, resulting in pipe becoming disconnect from the exhaust system and dropped to pavement while vehicle was traveling at interstate speed. Pipe was facing forward when it dropped. Posed severe risk to myself and other vehicles. Disabled vehicle was towed to Ford dealership where it was confirmed both converters were cracked, with the one having broken apart. Noise and vibration condition was noted and started over a year prior, however, dealer was unable to diagnose it until the full failure made the source apparent.

The panoramic sunroof sunshade in my 2022 Ford Explorer failed and now sags downward. The shade hangs low enough to partially block the rear window and interferes with visibility through the rearview mirror. After researching the issue, I found many other owners reporting the same failure with the sunroof sunshade mechanism or clips. This appears to be a common defect. The reduced rear visibility while driving creates a safety hazard when checking traffic behind the vehicle.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked abnormally. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that unknown parts had failed, the battery was low, and an unknown part on the transmission had failed. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The failure persisted, and the vehicle remained at the residence unrepaired. The vehicle was no longer driven due to safety concerns. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

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

With less than 33,000 miles, started to experience noise, like something was loose coming from the right rear when going over bumps. This is intermittent. Took to mechanic and there is leaking coming from the shocks. same issue as stated in NHTSA complaint ID11544167. There is also a General Accounting Bulletins acknowledging this issue.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

The interior panoramic sunroof cloth has become detached from both side tracks causing the material to sag. We can no longer open or close to panoramic roof due to cloth stuck in the closed position in fear of the headliner getting worse.

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!!!!

I can’t get my gas tank below 1/4. It always starts lagging and has a late reaction time. I also have to use better gas and get treatments to help. With no solution in sight

I have been hearing a roaring sound for quite some time now. Finally figured it out and it’s the rear differential on my explorer. There’s metal shaving all in it. The plug is covered with it. The fluid is at the right amount. Does not have a hitch and I do not take it off road. It’s all highway miles.

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 99,000.

The shade covering my sunroof does not roll back properly. It leaves layers of fabric hanging in the backseat, which can block the drivers rear view if they are unaware of the issue. I’ve researched this issue online and it appears to be a pretty common issue.

Sun roof, moon roof collapse while driving . making rattling noise.

The sunshade portion of the moonroof does not retract when opening the moonroof. It simply hangs down, completely blocking the rear view of the driver when using the inside rear-view mirror.

Ford Explorer Recall – Ongoing Safety Hazard In July 2025, Ford issued a recall notice for my vehicle. Shortly after, the check engine light came on. Starting October 15, 2025, my vehicle began failing to start after refueling—making noise and taking multiple attempts to start. The same issue occurred repeatedly on October 23 and October 30, worsening each time. On November 3, we brought the car to a Ford dealership. They confirmed there is no available fix for the recall and said there’s “nothing they can do.” I explained this was a safety issue since I drive my son with a disability to therapy daily. They told me I would have to pay out of pocket for repairs even though the problem is linked to the recall. On November 8, while driving in Arizona, my vehicle again failed to start after refueling. Later that day, it lost power on the road, the speed dropped suddenly, and it would not accelerate. The same stalling and jerking occurred again on November 10 while my husband was driving. We contacted Ford Corporate and NHTSA, but both said nothing could be done because the recall label says the car is “still drivable.” This is inaccurate and dangerous. The car stalls and loses acceleration randomly, creating a serious risk of an accident. On November 21, the car again failed to start after refueling. This has happened multiple times each week, and Ford continues to delay a fix. My vehicle is unsafe to drive, and this unresolved recall poses an ongoing safety hazard to my family and others on the road.

Sunroof shade came off track and began drooping, obscuring view out of rearview mirror. Total lack of visibility out of the rear window (whether turning my head or using the rearview mirror) presented a significant safety hazard. Dealer confirmed problem and quoted over $2500 for repair. Prior to issue, a persistent rattling noise had been coming from the vehicle’s ceiling (at speed) for at least 6 months.

The exhaust/ downpipe broke while driving down the road.

2022 ford explorer with less than 100,000 miles on it. Started getting engine shudders and a check engine light. It’s currently in the shop and I’m being told by the shop and a third party adjuster that I need a whole new engine because there is coolant leaking into the cylinders.

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!

Not sure exactly what caused it to fail, but the heated seat when turned on barely gets warm then shuts off with the red lights on button still lit up. I can turn it completely off and back on and seast have immediately get really warm like they are supposed to. But again, only lasts 10mins. Not sure if electrical or not. Just purchased vehicle less than a month ago through Dealership. I have read many people have this same problem with the ST. Other models do not do this. I will.contact dealership on Monday 10/20 since I have 4,600 miles on warranty left.

Head lamp warning alerted (refers driver to drivers manual, only to say see a dealer) but no issues, both lamps were working. Took vehicle to Ford service center and they could not find a problem, we figured this could be an electronic issue with the warning, but Head lamp warning became more frequent again no issues. Then while driving in the dark with headlights on the automatic function, head lamps would cycle rapidly between bright and normal when approaching another vehicle…Even turning them to manual it continued to cycle Researched the issue and apparently it’s a known issue with Ford. The Automatic headlamp module can get wet and short out… this is a 1200.00 repair… the headlamp is now out, and even if not on the automatic feature it still blinks when approaching oncoming traffic… These lights are bright an when approaching on coming traffic with bright lights flashing in your eyes that becomes a safety issue… Yes, it is going in for repair however if it’s a known issue with Ford shouldn't it be a recall?

The sunroof liner has fallen. I cannot see behind me due to total blackness. There are many Explorer owners with this same hardship. This sunroof has been opened very little. I have called and there are MANY Explorer owners that are experiencing this same issue

Sunroof shade does not retract like it should causing bunching in the middle of the vehicle blocking view or rearview mirror and rear glass. Called dealer not covered under warranty, and there was no issues with it prior to it happening.

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

The sunroof does not seal properly. Randomly it starts to make a clicking sound when driving. It goes away once we open and close the sunroof. The sound is only generated when moving forward at speeds 35 and above. Appears to be a loose seal.

The driver's side impact airbag burst open when it deployed. This deposited unreacted airbag propellant on my skin, causing a severe chemical burn. The airbag is with the vehicle and currently in the yard of a local body shop, but which will soon turned over to my insurance company. To my knowledge, no investigation has yet been conducted regarding this equipment failure. There were no warning lamp or lights lit which would indicate that there was an issue with the associated Supplement Restraint Systems. I was the driver in a collision where the side impact airbags were deployed. I was wearing my seat belt. There was no intrusion of any foreign object into the cabin of the vehicle. I was not hit on the driver's side of the vehicle. When the side impact airbag deployed it tore open the left side of the t-shirt I was wearing and deposited unreacted airbag propellants on my skin. The unreacted airbag chemicals left me with a what looked to be a minor injury but which soon developed into a very painful chemical burn the size of my fist. Over the course of the next several days, this painful burn proceeded to eat through my skin.

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while making a right turn at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear driveshaft. The traction control and Hill Assist warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the vehicle failed to accelerate while the accelerator pedal was depressed. Upon further inspection, the contact noticed that the rear differential axle bolt had fractured and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign: 23V675000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the rear differential cover, rear drive shaft, and left rear axle shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.

It has became a safety hazard on my 22 ford explorer. The sunroof cover has folded and is now drooping down into my visual area in my review mirror and I can’t see out of my rear window.

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the hood independently unlatched and opened. The contact stated that the front windshield was fractured into pieces because of the failure. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that there was no evidence of what caused the failure. The contact was informed that the hood needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the parts were on back order. In addition, the contact stated that the failure caused emotional distress in the contact and the contact's son, who was also an occupant of the vehicle when the failure occurred. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was purchased in June 2024. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken back to the dealer because of electrical issues, and unknown sensors were replaced prior to the failure occurring. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.

Sunroof shade cover won’t roll back. Never used the sunroof and the one time I want to roll open the shade cover won’t roll back. It does open but the curtain just hangs. Took it to the dealer they won’t cover it even though the car only has 41,000 at the time of malfunction.

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the front passenger's side airbag was bulging outwards. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,231.

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the rearview became inoperable. The contact stated that the rearview camera image was blank. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the processing module console had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 76,000.

The smell of propane/metal smell in the cabin of vehicle after longer than 1 hour of driving

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.