Short answer: The biggest problems with the 2022 Ford Explorer are transmission problems, electrical system issues, and engine problems.
Transmission problems are the most common while electrical system, engine and structural problems aren’t as common.
Ford has issued 20 recalls for this vehicle, most of which involve the engine or electrical systems.
The 2022 Ford Explorer is known by many as a comfortable and family-friendly SUV, offered with features like behind-seat screens and a spacious passenger compartment.
Not every 2022 Explorer works as intended though: some leave the factory with defects that end up negatively impacting the driving experience.
In this article, we summarized the most common complaints from 2022 Explorer drivers.
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Common 2022 Ford Explorer Problems
2022 Ford Explorer Transmission Problems
Consumers commonly reported hesitation or delay when shifting between Drive and Reverse. The 2022 Explorer has also been included in several transmission-related rollaway recalls.
Drive and Reverse Shift Delay
- Severity: Moderate to severe; a several-second delay when shifting can increase crash risk in tight traffic situations or parking environments.
- Manufacturer’s Response: There is no recall specifically labeled for “shift delay,” but Ford has issued multiple transmission-related rollaway recalls that involve drivetrain or PCM software defects, including 23V-069, 23V-070, 23V-199, 23V-675, and 25V-166. These recalls involve improper transmission engagement, loose transmission bolts, incomplete software updates, or driveshaft disconnect concerns that could allow unintended vehicle movement.
- Fix: Dealers perform software updates, inspect and repair transmission fasteners, or repair/replace driveshaft components depending on the applicable recall. If not recall-related, a dealer diagnosis of transmission fluid condition, valve body function, and PCM calibration is recommended.
Transmission Recalls
- 23V-069 – Incomplete PCM update may cause rollaway
- 23V-070 – Loose transmission bolt may cause rollaway
- 23V-199 – Incomplete PCM update may result in rollaway
- 23V-675 – Driveshaft disconnect may cause rollaway
- 25V-166 – Driveshaft disconnect may cause rollaway
All remedies are performed free of charge.
2022 Ford Explorer Electrical System Issues
Drivers of the 2022 Ford Explorer mention their instrument cluster panel turning off while driving and having issues with the backup camera.
Instrument Cluster Panel Turning Off
- Severity: Moderate; loss of speedometer and warning indicators reduces driver awareness.
- Manufacturer’s Response: Ford has not issued a recall or TSB for this issue.
- Fix: Dealers should inspect wiring and update instrument panel cluster or body control module software if applicable.
Backup Camera Issues
- Severity: Moderate; rear visibility is reduced, increasing backing collision risk.
- Manufacturer’s Response: Ford issued multiple recalls affecting rearview camera image loss, including 23V-022, 23V-305, 23V-342, 25V-159, and 25V-442. These recalls involve software errors or camera image failures.
- Fix: Dealers update rearview camera software or replace camera components as necessary at no cost.
2022 Ford Explorer Structure Problems
Panoramic Sunroof Glass Shattering
- Severity: Moderate to severe; sudden glass breakage can startle the driver and potentially create debris hazards for occupants or other vehicles.
- Manufacturer’s Response: Ford has not issued a related recall or TSB.
- Fix: Dealers typically inspect the panoramic roof assembly and replace the sunroof glass panel if cracking or structural failure is found. Repairs are often covered under warranty if applicable.
Sunroof Shade, Track, and Headliner/Liner Failures
- Severity: Moderate; while not typically dangerous, a detached sunshade or sagging liner can obstruct visibility, distract the driver, and interfere with normal sunroof operation.
- Manufacturer’s Response: Ford has not issued a related recall or TSB.
- Fix: Dealers inspect the shade assembly, guide rails, tracks, and surrounding headliner components. Repairs may involve replacing the sunshade mechanism, track hardware, or liner material. Some owners report recurring failures, suggesting potential durability or alignment concerns.
2022 Ford Explorer Engine Problems
Owners of the 2022 Ford Explorer mostly mentioned engine shuddering.
Engine Shuddering
- Severity: Mild to moderate; while often drivability-related, persistent shuddering can indicate ignition, fuel delivery, or internal engine issues.
- Manufacturer’s Response: Recalls 24V-598 and 24V-635 involve engine-related defects including potential engine failure risks in specific engine configurations. These recalls do not specifically reference “shuddering” but address serious engine concerns.
- Fix: Dealers should inspect affected engines and repair or replace components as required under recall. For non-recall shuddering, diagnosis typically involves checking ignition coils, spark plugs, fuel injectors, and PCM calibration.
What 2022 Ford Explorer Drivers Say
“When engaging the gear from reverse to drive and vice versa. The car rolls even though the display panel shows gear has shifted. Thus the car even rolls forward or backwards post gear shift as it slowly engages.”
“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.”
“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.”
When to Invoke the Lemon Law
Lemon laws are intended to protect consumers when a vehicle repeatedly fails to meet reasonable standards of safety and reliability during the warranty period.
When substantial defects persist after multiple repair attempts, or when a vehicle spends an excessive number of days out of service, the manufacturer may be legally obligated to provide a refund, replacement, or financial compensation.
These laws are designed to ensure that consumers are not left paying for ongoing manufacturing defects.
Many qualifying claims involve recurring engine problems, transmission failures, electrical malfunctions, or safety system defects.
Even when repairs are attempted, the issue must be fully resolved to avoid potential lemon law implications. Careful documentation of repair visits and downtime often plays a central role in evaluating a claim.
| Affected Model | Average Lemon Law Settlement |
| 2022 Ford Explorer | $78,015 |
*Please note, the figures presented in the chart are approximations based on past case results
and should not be interpreted as a prediction or guarantee. Each case is unique and requires
personalized legal guidance.
Get Back on Track with the Lemon Law Experts!
If your vehicle continues to experience serious or repeated problems, you may have a lemon law claim. Contact the Lemon Law Experts today by calling (877) 885-5366 or by filling out an online contact form here on our website. We hope to assist you soon!
