Last updated: 2026-03-04

2022 Ford Explorer Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2022 Ford Explorer scores 65/100 ("Good"). With 21 recalls and 208 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2022 is year 3 of the Sixth generation (U625).
Recalls
21
Complaints
208
Complaint Rate
10
per 10k sold
Below avgEst. Annual Cost
$732
Above avgMajor Repair Risk
14%
NHTSA Rating
N/A
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
21 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2022 is year 3 of the Sixth generation (U625).
- Redesigned for the 2020 model year.
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 6th generation Explorer (US).
What this means for buyers
Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.
Sixth generation (U625)
Should You Buy the 2022 Ford Explorer?
The 2022 Ford Explorer scores 65/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2022 is year 3 of the Sixth generation (U625).
With 208 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to power train (49). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2023 Ford Explorer, which scored 6 points higher. See also the 2021 Ford Explorer for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Acceptable reliability score
- Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- Low major repair risk (14%)
- Below-average complaint rate for SUV
Cons
- Above-average repair costs for its class
- Above-average recall count
- POWER TRAIN: Rear differential and transmission (49 complaints)
Compare 2022 Ford Explorer With
2022 Volkswagen Atlas
Score: 50/100
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Score: 62/100
2022 Nissan Pathfinder
Score: 66/100
2022 Honda Passport
Score: 74/100
2022 Chevrolet Blazer
Score: 79/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 21 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- POWER TRAIN (49)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (32)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (26)
- ENGINE (10)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (9)
- STEERING (8)
- SUSPENSION (8)
- FUEL SYSTEM (7)
- STRUCTURE (7)
- AIR BAGS (7)
- VISIBILITY (7)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (6)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (6)
- SERVICE BRAKES (5)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (4)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (4)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (2)
- LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (2)
- PARKING BRAKE (2)
- TIRES (2)
- SEAT BELTS (2)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1)
- Chest Clip (1)
- WHEELS (1)
Recall Overview
21
recalls on record
The 2022 Ford Explorer has 21 recalls on record, which is above average. A higher recall count can indicate multiple component concerns. However, recalls also demonstrate that the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
10
per 10k soldSegment avg: 13.7
Safety Incidents
Crashes
17
Fires
1
Injuries
21
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2022 Ford Explorer Recall Details
21 recalls have been issued for the 2022 Ford Explorer. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
Consequence
An improperly tightened fuel line connection may result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of fire.
Remedy
Ford will inspect and replace the fuel line assembly, if needed, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 29, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S60.
EQUIPMENT
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 to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Consequence
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated February 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
Consequence
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
The remedy is under development. Interim notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 16, 2025. Second letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated March 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.
Showing 10 of 21 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →
2022 Ford Explorer NHTSA Safety Ratings
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 14.7%
Safety Technologies
HEV Powertrain
Rollover risk: 14.7%
Safety Technologies
Ford Explorer Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$732
vs $573 avg for midsize SUVs
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.2
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
14%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
When Buying a Used 2022 Ford Explorer
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Inspect rear differential for abnormal sounds or metal shavings
- Test infotainment and backup camera for functionality
- Check for sunroof shade operation and visibility obstruction
- Verify steering wheel stability and power steering functionality
- Ensure fuel system recall repairs are completed
- Test cruise control for unexpected speed changes
Check Any 2022 Ford Explorer's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2022 Explorer in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Ford Explorer with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2022 Ford Explorer Common Problems by Component
208 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
49 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2022 Ford Explorer frequently report issues with the power train, particularly involving the rear differential and transmission. Common symptoms include abnormal sounds from the rear driveshaft, delayed gear engagement when shifting into reverse, and hesitation or stalling during acceleration. These issues are often reported around 10,000 to 66,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, including one crash with an injury when the vehicle lunged forward unexpectedly while in reverse. Complaints also highlight ongoing challenges with recall repairs, with some owners experiencing repeated failures even after recall work is completed.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
32 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2022 Ford Explorer frequently report issues with the panoramic sunroof, particularly involving the sunroof shade or liner falling or failing to retract properly, which obstructs the driver's rear view. Complaints often describe the shade hanging down, blocking visibility through the rear-view mirror, and in some cases, the sunroof glass itself shattering unexpectedly. These issues are noted at various mileage points, with some reports occurring as early as 41,000 miles. Additionally, one incident involving the sunroof resulted in minor injury when glass entered a passenger's eye. These reports highlight potential safety concerns, particularly regarding visibility and the structural integrity of the sunroof.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
26 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2022 Ford Explorer frequently report issues with the electrical system, particularly concerning the rearview camera and infotainment screen. Complaints describe the backup camera as intermittently failing or displaying delays, with some cases linked to unresolved recalls. The infotainment screen often goes black, affecting the ability to adjust air or heat settings. Several owners also mention problems with the instrument cluster, which can become foggy or fail to display critical information like speed and fuel levels. Safety implications are present, as one complaint involves a crash and another reports a fire, with issues sometimes appearing at low mileages as early as 1,000 miles. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring electrical issues, which can impact vehicle safety and functionality.
ENGINE (10 complaints)
ENGINE
10 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2022 Ford Explorer report several engine-related issues, with a notable pattern of engine failure and loss of power. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as engine shuddering, knocking sounds, and sudden loss of motive power, often accompanied by warning lights or the need for extensive repairs like engine replacements. These issues are reported at various mileages, with some occurring as early as 25,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, including one crash resulting in four injuries when the vehicle lost power in an intersection. Buyers should be aware of these potential issues, especially concerning the risk of engine failure and associated safety hazards.
BACK OVER PREVENTION (9 complaints)
BACK OVER PREVENTION
9 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2022 Ford Explorer frequently report issues with the back over prevention system, particularly involving the rearview camera. Common symptoms include a blank or blue screen displayed on the rearview camera, indicating a failure to operate as intended. These issues are often noted to occur around 14,000 to 76,000 miles. Multiple complaints also mention delays in the availability of parts needed for recall repairs related to this system. Safety implications are evident, with two reported incidents where the rear traffic warning failed to alert in time, resulting in crashes. This information may be pertinent for potential buyers considering the reliability and safety of the vehicle's back over prevention features.
STEERING (8 complaints)
STEERING
8 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2022 Ford Explorer frequently report issues with the steering system. Common symptoms include the steering wheel moving independently, seizing while reversing, and loss of power steering, particularly when driving at highway speeds. One incident involved a crash where the vehicle pulled uncontrollably to the left, resulting in a sideswipe of a guardrail, and the wheel assembly detached from the steering system. These issues are reported at various mileages, with some occurring as early as 10,000 miles. The complaints highlight potential safety implications, including loss of vehicle control.
AIR BAGS (7 complaints)
AIR BAGS
7 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2022 Ford Explorer report several airbag-related issues, with a notable number involving crashes and injuries. Common problems include side impact airbags deploying improperly, leading to chemical burns and thermal injuries, as well as instances where the airbags fail to deploy at all during a collision. Symptoms frequently mentioned are burns from airbag deployment, bulging airbags, and malfunctioning seat sensors that affect airbag recognition. Reported incidents occur across a range of mileages, with some as low as approximately 12,994 miles. Safety implications are significant, with multiple reports of injuries and crashes, highlighting concerns for potential buyers regarding airbag reliability in this model.
SERVICE BRAKES (5 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
5 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2022 Ford Explorer frequently report significant issues with the braking system, including near-complete brake failure, unresponsive brake pedals, and brake pedal components detaching during operation. Symptoms often involve the brake pedal failing to engage or providing insufficient pressure, with some reports of the pedal falling off entirely. These issues are reported at various mileages, with one incident at approximately 57,865 miles. Safety implications are serious, as two complaints involve crashes, resulting in four injuries, and describe situations where the vehicle could not be controlled due to brake failure. Additionally, a recall related to a rear axle bolt is mentioned, although it's unclear if it's directly connected to the braking issues. These patterns suggest that potential buyers should be cautious and ensure thorough inspection and verification of any recall repairs.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (4 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2022 Ford Explorer report issues with the forward collision avoidance system, including failure to recognize vehicles from the side and not applying emergency brakes. Complaints frequently mention sudden acceleration incidents, such as when a vehicle unexpectedly lunges forward from a stop, sometimes linked to the auto brake hold feature. One reported incident involved a crash with four injuries, suggesting potential safety implications. These issues appear to occur at varying times, with no specific mileage pattern noted. Used car buyers should be aware of these recurring problems, as they may affect vehicle safety and reliability.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (4 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2022 Ford Explorer frequently report issues with the vehicle's cruise control system and auto-hold parking feature. Complaints describe the cruise control unexpectedly increasing speed by 10 to 30 mph without driver input, especially when speed limits change, with affected vehicles having mileage around 5,000 to 9,980 miles. Additionally, two incidents involving the auto-hold feature resulted in unintended acceleration and crashes, one of which involved an injury to another party. These reports highlight potential safety implications, including loss of vehicle control and collisions.
When Do 2022 Ford Explorer Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Ford Explorer Years
Best Ford Explorer Years to Buy
The best Ford Explorer year is 2024 with a reliability score of 73/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2025 (72/100) and 2023 (71/100).
Ford Explorer Years to Avoid
The worst Ford Explorer year is 2020 with a score of 54/100, primarily due to power train (390) issues.
See full Ford Explorer years-to-avoid analysis →Ford Explorer Reliability Score Trend
Ford Explorer reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 70/100 compared to 62/100 for older years.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 64/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 69/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 54/100 | Mixed |
| 2021 | 62/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 65/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 72/100 | Good |
Ford Explorer Reliability Compared to Other Years
2022 Ford Explorer Reliability by Powertrain
The 2022 Ford Explorer is available with 2 powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.
| Powertrain | Complaints | Recalls | Incidents* | Crash Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | 208 | 20 | 18 | N/T |
| HEV | 0 | 1 | 0 | N/T |
| Total | 208 | 21 | 18 |
NHTSA tracks complaints separately for each powertrain configuration. Totals reflect the sum across all variants. N/T = Not tested by NHTSA.
* Incidents = crash + fire reports. A single complaint can include multiple incident types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2022 Ford Explorer reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2022 Ford Explorer?
How many recalls does the 2022 Ford Explorer have?
Is the 2022 Ford Explorer expensive to maintain?
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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