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2022 Ford

Explorer AWD

Auto 10-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L, Turbo, SIDI; Stop-Start

Ford Explorer: best and worst years
2022 Ford Explorer AWD (photo 1 of 3)

Photo may show a different model year; you're viewing the 2022.

PhotoFord Madox BrownPublic domainvia Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Drivetrain
Part-time 4-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Transmission
Automatic 10-spdEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Engine & performance

HP
270
Power to weight
0.061 hp/lb
Axle ratio
3.58

Efficiency

Smog score
6/10
SmartWay certified
No

Dimensions & capacity

Safety NHTSA record NHTSA, model year

Recalls
25
Owner complaints
269 See on NHTSA
Reported injuries
23

Feature availability

Cameras & visibility

  • Backup camera
    Standard

Driver assist

  • Adaptive cruise control
    Optional
  • Automatic emergency brakingPart of Ford Co-Pilot360.
    Standard
  • Blind-spot monitor
    Standard
  • Lane-keeping assist
    Standard

Convenience

  • Push-button start
    Standard

Reported problems NHTSA record NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • POWER TRAIN16%
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER15%
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM10%
  • ENGINE8%
  • BACK OVER PREVENTION6%
  • VISIBILITY/WIPER6%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 372 total.

Ford Explorer: best and worst years

Federal investigations NHTSA record NHTSA defect investigations, model year

  • EA23002opened Sep 29, 2023ENGINE

    Loss of Motive Power

  • RQ23002opened Jun 20, 2023POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT

    Rear Axle Bolt Failure

  • DP22005opened Jan 27, 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM

    Pedestrian alert sounds

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

232 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • Jun 5, 2026POWER TRAINSSM 54902

    For 20202026 vehicles equipped with the 10R60 transmission, a new Transmission Clutch Circuit Leak Test has been introduced in the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS). This test utilizes the pressure and vacuum transducer (PVT) when available. Workshop Manual (WSM) updates related to this diagnostic procedure are planned for release in Q4 2026. The new test improves the accuracy of detecting leaks within transmission fluid circuits and replaces the previous air check method. The previous

  • May 21, 2026FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMSSM 54857

    2020-2026 Explorer/Escape/Corsair, 2021-2026 Bronco Sport/Bronco, 2022-2026 Maverick, 2024-2026 Mustang/Ranger/Nautilus vehicles equipped with a 2.0L or 2.3L EcoBoost engine may require removal of the turbocharger wastegate control actuator linkage for various reasons. The Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-04 Fuel Charging and Controls - Turbocharger - 2.0L/2.3L EcoBoost > Removal and Installation > Wastegate Control Actuator Linkage service procedure been added. In addition, the wastegate actu

  • May 19, 2026SUSPENSIONTSB 26-2242

    This bulletin supersedes 25-2213. Reason for update: update the Service Procedure to add notes to clarify the customer symptoms, applicability of this TSB, directing technicians to evaluate both front strut mounts, and add Figure 1 to identify the specific area of the strut mount to observe. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit a click/pop noise while turning the steering wheel from straight ahead to full lock during low speed turning events. This noise may be due

  • May 18, 2026POWER TRAINTSB 26-2241

    This bulletin supersedes 25-2587. Reason For Update: update the Parts list to add the F-clutch friction plates HL3Z-7B164-D and the F-clutch steel plates PR3Z-7B164-A for the proper vehicle lines, replace the transfer case mounting bolt part number from W714288-S438 to W714288-S437, update the part number W720688-S439 quantity from 2 to 1, update the part number ML3Z-7869-C claim quantity from 2 to 1 (only if necessary), update the description of CXT-10-LV6 and XT-10-QLVC by adding "transfer cas

  • May 15, 2026POWER TRAINSSM 54827

    Some 2020-2026 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility/Aviator vehicles may require replacement of the front drive halfshaft inner/outer CV joint boot for various reasons. If Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 205-04 > Diagnosis and Testing leads to CV joint boot replacement, L1MZ-3A331-G (Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility front inner/outer CV joint boot kit), L1MZ-3A331-H (Aviator front inner/outer CV joint boot kit), L1MZ-3A331-F (Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility front inner CV joint boot kit) an

  • May 9, 2026ENGINE25B51

    Certain 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco, 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco Sport, 2020-2022 Model Year Corsair and Escape, 2016-2024 Model Year Explorer, 2019-2020 Model Year Fusion, 2016-2018 Model Year Focus RS, 2022-2024 Model Year Maverick, 2016-2019 Model Year MKC and 2019-2024 Model Year Ranger Vehicles Equipped with a 2.0L or 2.3L Engine and Engine Block Heater System Block Heater Replacement

  • May 8, 2026POWER TRAINTSB 26-2226

    This bulletin supersedes 26-2046. Reason For Update: update the parts list to change the claim quantity of the C clutch friction plates (HL3Z-7B164-A), C clutch steel plates (HL3Z-7B442-F), D clutch steel plates (HL3Z-7B442-D), add the rear driveshaft flange CV joint-to-pinion flange cup bolts and retaining straps (LK4Z-4B496-B) for Transit, and update the parts description for the transfer case fluids applicable for each vehicle line. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may

  • May 4, 2026POWER TRAINSSM 54795

    Some 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L PowerBoost engine and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine may exhibit an illuminated powertrain malfunction (wrench) indicator with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0A1E stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). The vehicle may be unable to enter electric-only drive modes as expected during normal drive cycles. This may be due to the software within the belt integrated starter generator (BISG). For vehicles with thi

  • and 224 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
3 yr / 36k mi
Powertrain
5 yr / 60k mi
Roadside assistance
5 yr / 60k mi
EV battery
8 yr / 100k mi

Source: www.cars.com as of 2026-06

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.