What 245 owners told NHTSA about the 2022 Ford Explorer Gas

While driving, parking, or doing any function of the vehicle, the screen will intermittently switch from the cameras being used to the on board navigation and start routing the vehicle to random locations, or it may blank out completely. It has also frozen in place and will not display reverse cameras, show proximity sensors, or anything.

NHTSA ODI 11747294

Unknown! sometimes the rear back up camera goes into a black screen and then once in drive the info screens stays black for about 30 seconds. the cars shifting is hard at times especially when going from slow to fast like for instance on a highway on ramp the shifting is very sluggish. the cupholder are a real hazard my cupholder bottomed out and my drink fell thru luckily there was no liquid in the cup otherwise it could have spilled into the electrical since it is right where the gear shift is. the the car not accelarating is dangerous when you trying to get on the highway. rear camera going blank sometimes and not being able to see whats behind you even when looking around you just can not see the blindspot which the camera could if it would not go black sometimes. if the car does not shift right when it is supposed to makes it really hard to go with flow of traffic on the highway. there never have been any warning lamps, message or anything else during these incidents and it does not happen all the time but when it does it is not safe

NHTSA ODI 11739777

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.

NHTSA ODI 11724141

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

NHTSA ODI 11710886

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

NHTSA ODI 11710892

I own a 2022 Ford Explorer purchased in April 2025. Since purchasing the vehicle, I have experienced multiple defects affecting safety and normal use. The instrument cluster becomes foggy, making it difficult to clearly see my speed while driving. The infotainment screen intermittently malfunctions and affects the backup camera display, reducing rear visibility. I also experienced fuel contamination that was confirmed and repaired by the dealership. In addition, the rear HVAC air vents close and do not provide airflow to the back seats. The vehicle has been taken to the dealership four separate times for different issues. Despite these repair attempts, the problems have continued or new issues have appeared. Due to the ongoing defects and safety concerns, I do not feel safe or confident operating this vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11708973

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!!!!

NHTSA ODI 11706334

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

NHTSA ODI 11701252

We purchased our 2022 Ford Explorer brand new on April 12, 2022. The backup camera was nonfunctional that same evening. We brought the car to Porter Ford, where the issue was confirmed via diagnostic code U0264:00 ("Lost Communication With Camera Module Rear"). The dealership informed us that this was tied to a known recall, but that the necessary parts were unavailable. We waited more than two years for a resolution, during which time the camera system remained inoperable or intermittently failed. This defect directly impacts rear visibility, which is required under FMVSS 111. In August 2024, Willis Ford performed Recall 23S23, replacing the rear camera and wiring harness. The issue continued. In May 2024, they opened Recall 23S232, again noting a need for parts. In September 2024, the camera was replaced again. The issue persisted. In June 2025, the issue was finally diagnosed as a failed IPMB module and possibly a harness fault. Ford has since quoted us $2,937.90 to repair the issue—despite written confirmation from the service advisor to Ford that: "If the vehicle was still under warranty, this repair would be covered." We have not paid anything, and are refusing partial coverage, as the defect was: Reported within 24 hours of vehicle delivery Tied to multiple recalls Never resolved after years of authorized service center attempts This is a clear and ongoing safety defect affecting rear visibility. Ford has failed to comply with safety standards by not resolving the issue in a timely or effective manner. We request NHTSA investigation into Ford’s handling of this camera recall and similar issues in other 2022 Explorers.

NHTSA ODI 11698560

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.

NHTSA ODI 11694276

Ongoing issues with the screen displaying upside down, blurry, red/green lines, powering on and completely off. Rearview calibration issue off centered (dealership fixed). This also impacts the cruise control alerts, lane keeping assist, etc. and occasionally powers vehicle off. Dealership was able to fix delayed reverse transmission via software for the PCM. Multiple dealership repair attempts have not fixed this ongoing issue from 2022-2025. Videos available via email request. Dealership verified some of the concerns and Ford would only authorize software updates, new battery, some camera components. When this failed to fix they were not authorized to further repair. As a courtesy the dealership rebuilt the software and this did not fix the issues.

NHTSA ODI 11689007

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.

NHTSA ODI 11686556

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.

NHTSA ODI 11686320

The sunroof shade always falls off from the tracks and has cost the sun shade to hang down and won't retract back ive been to the dealer about 4 times with this issue and they always say its fix but when I open the sun shade it gets stuck on the tracks and makes it hang out of place. I get so much anxiety opening my sunroof.

NHTSA ODI 11678948

On my 2022 it’s has a warning that it has a faulty park aid faults

NHTSA ODI 11664147

Every morning when I go to leave in my 2022 Ford Explorer when it's cold or not. I go to start the vehicle and it automatically says that their is a malfunction in the brake system that it requires service right away. That advance track and a whole bunch of safety systems had failed. The instrument cluster is lit up like a Christmas tree. Then when you do put the Explorer into reverse, your foot almost hits the floor board and automatically starts rolling backward until you slam on the brake hoping it will stop. Then when it flashes stating that the Electronic parking brake is still engaged when it clearly isn't. Then you basically have no brakes until the vehicle "warms up", once you reach normal operating temperature on the Ford explorer you can park and shut off the car release the automatic parking brake then reengage the parking brake and it feels like it's missing the catch mechanism when your foot it on the brake l. Like it tries to engage but then doesn't. Then you open the door then close it, lock the car and wait 2-6 minutes for all the gauges to turn off then you unlock the car open the door press the start button without the brake to confirm no error codes pop back on and if they door you have to reengage the auto brake system off and on. Then rinse and repeat, then when it "fixes" itself no lights turn on and your brake returns to normal. About 50% of the time. Half the time when you first try to drive away the brakes give out and the same errors reoccur. Its extremely unsafe I've had this car for a year and half I brought this issue to multiple Ford dealerships and they say it would be 3 weeks before they could even look at it. I don't have that kind of time. I work and I have a [XXX] daughter and fiance to worry about. This needs to be remedied ASAP. I am planning on taking it to another dealer and the police department to find out what I can do. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11656720

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was turned off, the contact was notified by the Ford App that the check engine warning light was illuminated and the message “Fuel Door Open" was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle previously had a transmission software update due to the vehicle hesitating to accelerate while driving. Additionally, the speedometer intermittently failed to function as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that there was water intrusion into the body control module fuse panel. The contact was informed that the battery and body control module fuse panel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 61,500.

NHTSA ODI 11652806

The dash cluster screen goes in and out. Randomly began and got more frequent as time went on. This screen shows ones speed, gas, cruise control, lane assist, mileage and which vehicle mode it is in. Once the blacked out screen appears driver has no indication of these features. Evaluated by dealership and had to replace and reprogram the entire dash cluster at an out of pocket cost of $1846.

NHTSA ODI 11642631

My wife was driving the car all of a sudden the check engine light came on, and it started to flash on and off. The car started sputtering. She pulled over turned the car off and called me. I informed her to wait a little bit and restart the car. She did – and then the check engine light came on, but was no longer flashing, and a car started running as if no problem. I had the code checked out it is P0300 – which is an error code of random misfire detected in the engine. Fortunately, she was not evolved in an accident, even though she was traveling on the highway. I am taking it to the dealer as his recommended. This happened when the mileage on the odometer read 40,144.

NHTSA ODI 11635503

An alert often shows up on the dashboard "check headlamp system. See manual". This is occasionally associated with one headlamp not working. This happens on and off. The alert spontaneously turns on, may stay for days or weeks and then spontaneously turns off. Ford dealership service were unable to fix this problem. This has happened multiple times since we purchased the car

NHTSA ODI 11635142

the entertainment screen goes black. screen has been black for 2 weeks. will still show back up camera when in reverse. screen does not work other than back up camera. unable to change air/heat settings. the back right seat will not lay down. the electrical component will not work. there is no manual way to let down seat. 3rd row seat stuck in up right position.

NHTSA ODI 11622152

There’s no accident . The passenger front recliner is stuck in the reclined position ( laying all the way back ). In the seated position , facing forward , the left side of the seat is stuck . The right side near the passenger door wants to come up, but not the left side. The seat is laying down flat in the reclined position . This is a safety issue .

NHTSA ODI 11597994

The vehicle is a hybrid police interceptor utility. The unit was moving running radar and activated its emergency equipment, made a u-turn on a highway cross over, when accelerating in pursuit of a vehicle its engine stalled out and shut off. The vehicle stated to shift to neutral and restart when safe. The officer shifted to neutral and the vehicle would not restart. It was coasted off the roadway and towed. This is the third issue of this type that has occurred with our fleet of ford hybrid police interceptor utilities.

NHTSA ODI 11596284

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while reversing, the rearview camera failed to display properly with a delay while shifting into gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a hardware system failure which needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The dealer stated that a known software system recall had been associated with the vehicle, but the VIN was not associated with the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11586437

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated the vehicle would not restart at a gas station with high technical security. No warning lights was illuminated. The contact was able to enter and exit and lock the vehicle, but not restart the vehicle. The contact spoke with the dealer who felt as if there was a radio frequency interrupting with the computer in the vehicle causing the vehicle to shutoff. The failure recurred an additional time. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 1,000.

NHTSA ODI 11575531