2022 Ford Explorer engine problems

Related recalls

• Recall 24V635000Aug 23, 202490,736 vehicles
  ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

  Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco, F-150, Edge, Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with either a 2.7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engine. The engine intake valves may break while driving, which can result in engine failure and a loss of drive power.

  Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S55.

• Recall 24V598000Aug 9, 202485,238 vehicles
  ENGINE

  Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with the Police Interceptor Utility Package. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.

  Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

  Remedy: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as promptly as possible upon hearing unexpected engine noises, or after experiencing an unexpected engine power reduction, or seeing smoke from the engine compartment. Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software. In addition, dealers will inspect for connecting rod bearing failure and if necessary, replace the engine long block. All inspections and repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S52.

• Recall 22V454000Jun 24, 2022776 vehicles
  ENGINE · STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

  Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles. The engine rails may have been improperly heat-treated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 301, "Fuel System Integrity."

  Risk: Improperly heat-treated engine rails may reduce the vehicle's structural protection in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. In addition, an engine rail may detach and contact the road while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Dealers will perform an engine rail strength test and replace the rails as necessary, free of charge. If the engine rails require replacement, owners will have the option for a vehicle replacement or buyback. Owner notification letters were mailed August 22, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22C13.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 9, 2026VAEngine

   The check engine light was on. A Ford dealership diagnosed the issue as a coolant intrusion manufacturer defect. There are a number of safety concerns associated with this issue. The primary danger of the coolant intrusion defect is catastrophic engine failure. Severe overheating, internal damage, misfires, fire hazard and oil contamination. There are no active recalls\campaigns\TSB for 2022 Ford Explorer XLT 2.3L EcoBoost engine. The car is available for inspection.…

   NHTSA complaint #11762952 · source
2. Filed Sep 5, 2026TXEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   I have a loss of fuel pressure and flow from the fuel tank due to fuel pump failure. Sometimes my engine stalls while driving, and when I go to fill my tank with gas, the engine will not start. I have to engage it for about 15 minutes before it will start. My check engine light comes on, and I will get the low fuel indicator light. But more importantly I cannot pass inspection. I need my car, I am a health care professional I have contacted my dealership, a Ford Motor…

   NHTSA complaint #11762330 · source
3. Filed Sep 4, 2026TXEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Pursuant to recall 24S55 engine valve crack causing catastrophic damage. Misfire codes given and addressed independently giving brief changes however car reverted back to "limp" mode on major Dallas hwy causing extreme safety issues. Conditions confirmed by Freedom Ford Greenville Texas. Estimated replacement costs exceeds 14k.

   NHTSA complaint #11762222 · source
4. Filed Aug 6, 2026FLElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   RECALL COMPLIANCE & SAFETY DEFECT DESCRIPTION: The vehicle was transported via roadside assistance to a licensed manufacturer dealership due to severe engine overheating under an active manufacturer safety recall. Service personnel systematically modified intake paperwork to alter the true mechanical state upon arrival, removing safety recall and towing documentation. Intake files were falsified with the notation stating that the customer reported a bad battery, executed…

   NHTSA complaint #11755278 · source
5. Filed Aug 5, 2026MIEngine

   Exhaust manifold turbo charged cracked while driving. Exposing everyone in the vehicle to raw exhaust inside the vehicle every time it is driven. The replacement part is back ordered until September 16th from the dealership. I was told this is an extremely common issue with ford explorers. I don’t understand how this part is not recalled. It has slowly gotten worse and worse. No warning lamps came on. You can hear the engine or manifold rattling/ticking while the vehicle is…

   NHTSA complaint #11755072 · source
6. Filed Aug 4, 202660,000 miMOEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle before the engine seized. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle restarted after several attempts and was driven to the residence. The contact's minor grandchild was an occupant in the vehicle when the failure occurred. The contact stated that the temperature was extremely hot outside when the failure…

   NHTSA complaint #11754722 · source
7. Filed May 27, 202664,598 miFLTowedEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle was driving unusually rough and the vehicle stalled. In addition, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to stall as intended. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed…

   NHTSA complaint #11740416 · source
8. Filed May 24, 2026TXElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11739777 · source
9. Filed Apr 10, 2026PAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionVisibility & Wipers

   There are three active recall on my car, all of which say there are not remedy available and NHTSA Recall Number 25V455 can cause engine failure that leads to a crash, was reported in July 2025, and STILL has no remedy. The other 2 recalls are NHTSA Recall Number 26V123 and NHTSA Recall Number 26V117.

   NHTSA complaint #11730431 · source
10. Filed Nov 11, 2025TXEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

    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…

    NHTSA complaint #11698789 · source
11. Filed Oct 18, 2025TXEngine

    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.

    NHTSA complaint #11694311 · source
12. Filed Aug 1, 2025FLEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown

    When i accelerate, the car jerks back and forth and stalls. ford has said the car was throwing codes but the TECH didnt feel the issue so they sent me on my way.... well fast forward to today, i am informed my car has thrown codes 4 times in the past few days and this morning i was scared to drive my car it was bad... and i have a [XXX] daughter. Our safety is my top priority and it doesnt seem to matter to anyone else INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF…

    NHTSA complaint #11677769 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology