2022 Ford Explorer Body & Structure Problems

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 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.

Driving on the highway and the sunroof exploded. No one around and no overpass. No signs of impact or object in or near vehicle. No other damage to vehicle.

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing, the backup camera was slow to respond. The screen displayed an image of the vehicle. Additionally, there was an extreme amount of air entering the vehicle from the door seals. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred her to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 5,100.

Power liftgate does not close properly, resulting in the hatch automatically reopening after attempting to close. This has also resulted in the liftgate actually opening while the vehicle was in motion.

Today, in my 2 month old 2022 Ford Explorer ST. The latch that holds/locks the hood (over engine) broke while driving 25 mph on city street and the hood smashed into my front windshield. I have never opened the hood since purchasing the vehicle and the hood ajar light never lite up until after it smashed into my windshield. I took the car to Ford Service and they are deferring responsibility. Even if I wanted to open the hood, I would have to pull the open lever upwards six inches twice to open (which I never did). And even if I accidently opened the hood, the door ajar light should have turned on, which it did not. This was very scary and I am very fortunate I did not run into another vehicle or object since it blocked all viability.

While at a gas station I opened the hood to check the oil, and the hood folded backwards far enough to contact, and destroy the windshield. My wife was cleaning the windshield at the time, and narrowly avoided having her hand/forearm severely injured by the hood. This is not supposed to happen. Whatever mechanism that is meant to prevent an incident like this was either defective, or non existent.

Rear liftgate intermittently and randomly opens when standing or walking near the rear, the rear left, or the rear right of the vehicle. In each situation the key is on my person (pocket or purse) and the key fob is not being engaged in any manner. I purchased my vehicle in January 2022 and it has happened more than a dozen times since I purchased it. I have concerns if it opens and I don't realize it and when my pets are in the back in case they were to jump out. It doesn't seem to matter whether the vehicle is locked or unlocked. It has happened while pumping gas and the vehicle was unlocked, it has happened while walking to the driver side rear passenger door to retrieve an item when the car was locked. On more than one occasion, it has randomly closed on me when standing under the liftgate while removing items from the back of the vehicle and hit me on the head. While researching this problem, it seems to be a common problem with any vehicle that has an electronic liftgate going back many many years. Multiple makes and models have reportedly had the same issue. I don't want it to open while driving as one other person reported as happening to them. The dealership had no idea how to fix the problem.