The 2022 Ford Explorer has a elevated safety risk profile with 7 recall campaigns and 209 NHTSA complaints. Before buying, verify that all recalls have been completed. It's free at any dealer.

Recalls

209

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Recall Findings

23V0690002023-10-02

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine and 10R60 automatic transmission. An unintentional powertrain control module (PCM) reset may occur while the vehicle is in motion and result in park system damage.

A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash.

View at NHTSA

23V1990002023-24-03

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L RWD, 3.3L GAS, 3.3L FHEV, or 3.0L ST powertrain. The previous powertrain control module (PCM) update completed under recall 22V-255 did not include the automatic electronic parking brake feature when the vehicle is shifted to park, as intended. In addition, the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.

Without the electronic parking brake applied, the vehicle could rollaway if the driveshaft disconnects. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

23V3050002023-28-04

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 12.1-inch Integrated Computer Screen (ICS). When the Display On/Off Button is used to turn the display to "Off" prior to placing the vehicle in reverse, the backup camera rearview image will not appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

View at NHTSA

View all 7 recalls

23V6750002023-06-10

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.

A disconnected driveshaft can result in a loss of drive power or a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

24V5980002024-10-08

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.

An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

View at NHTSA

25V1660002025-14-03

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 23V-199 or 22V-255. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.

A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park without the parking brake applied. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

26V1590002026-17-03

SEAT BELTS

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.

A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

Across 1 model years, 209 owners have filed complaints about the 2022 Ford Explorer. POWER TRAIN issues top the list, so ask the seller about this area specifically during your inspection.

01Power Train36

02Unknown Or Other27

03Back Over Prevention9

04Engine8

05Fuel/propulsion System7

209 total across 1 model years (2022–2022)Full data at NHTSA.gov

Ford Explorer Fuel Economy

19–27mpg combined

16-27city

22-28hwy

$1,600-$2,300/yr

Across 15 configurations, the 2022 Ford Explorer returns 19–27 MPG combined. Choose the thriftier option if you're commuting; the sportier setup if you're not counting gallons.

By Trim

Explorer HEV RWD - Automatic (S10)

27mpg

3.3L 6-cyl · Rear-Wheel Drive

27 city28 hwy~$1,600/yr6/10 Average

Explorer Platinum HEV RWD - Automatic (S10)

26mpg

3.3L 6-cyl · Rear-Wheel Drive

25 city26 hwy~$1,700/yr5/10 Average

Explorer HEV AWD - Automatic (S10)

25mpg

3.3L 6-cyl · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive

23 city26 hwy~$1,750/yr5/10 Average

Explorer RWD - Automatic 10-spd

24mpg

2.3L 4-cyl Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive

21 city28 hwy~$1,800/yr5/10 Average

Explorer AWD - Automatic 10-spd

23mpg

2.3L 4-cyl Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive

20 city27 hwy~$1,900/yr5/10 Average

Explorer Platinum HEV AWD - Automatic (S10)

23mpg

3.3L 6-cyl · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive

23 city24 hwy~$1,900/yr5/10 Average

Explorer RWD - Automatic 10-spd

21mpg

3.0L 6-cyl Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive

18 city26 hwy~$2,100/yr4/10 Average

Explorer Timberline AWD - Automatic (S10)

21mpg

2.3L 4-cyl Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive

19 city22 hwy~$2,100/yr4/10 Average

Explorer AWD - Automatic (S10)

20mpg

3.0L 6-cyl Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive

18 city24 hwy~$2,200/yr4/10 Average

Explorer AWD - Automatic 10-spd

20mpg

3.0L 6-cyl Turbo · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive

18 city24 hwy~$2,200/yr4/10 Average

Explorer RWD - Automatic (S10)

20mpg

3.0L 6-cyl Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive

18 city25 hwy~$2,200/yr4/10 Average

Explorer FFV AWD - Automatic 10-spd

19mpg

3.3L 6-cyl · Part-time 4-Wheel Drive

16 city24 hwy~$2,300/yr4/10 Average

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Where to Find 2022 Ford Explorer

37States

29%in top 3

12% of the market sits in Michigan, though listings span 37 states. Expand your search and you'll find more options at better prices.

MIMichigan

4,68912%

TXTexas

4,16411%

FLFlorida

2,6097%

PAPennsylvania

2,1445%

CACalifornia

1,8735%

ILIllinois

1,4664%

DEDelaware

1,4424%

GAGeorgia

1,3964%

MOMissouri

1,3573%

NYNew York

1,3413%

NJNew Jersey

1,1703%

OHOhio

1,1383%

NCNorth Carolina

1,0723%

DCWashington DC

9382%

AZArizona

8462%

TNTennessee

8442%

MDMaryland

8122%

COColorado

7382%

MN730

OKOklahoma

6512%

NH546

IN507

WA471

AL443

KY413

WI399

IA376

UT370

OR346

MA311

RI307

VA291

ID287

NV282

NE279

AR256

CT251

Geographic distribution reflects all active listings for this model, not just 2022.

2022 Ford Explorer: Questions Buyers Ask

Pricing, reliability, and ownership answers

Is the 2022 Ford Explorer a good car to buy?

The 2022 Ford Explorer has its strengths and its watch-outs. 7 recalls have been issued, so verify completion with the dealer. Owners report power train as the area to watch most closely. Check the safety section for recall details and the pricing data to see if the numbers work for you.

Are there recalls on the 2022 Ford Explorer?

Yes, 7 recalls on record. The good news: recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Check the safety report for specifics, and always run the VIN before buying.

What's the gas mileage of the 2022 Ford Explorer?

Depending on configuration, the 2022 Ford Explorer delivers 19–27 MPG combined. Choose wisely. The full comparison shows how engine choice affects your wallet.

What are common problems with the 2022 Ford Explorer?

Out of 209 owner complaints, power train issues lead the pack. Get a pre-purchase inspection that specifically covers this area. The known issues breakdown has all the details.

How does the 2022 compare to other Ford Explorer years?

Each Ford Explorer model year has different pricing, recall counts, and owner satisfaction patterns. Compare all available years on the Ford Explorer overview page.