Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2022 Ford Explorer owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I was backing up at low speed (less than 1 mph) to park by gently letting my foot off the brake to back. I was using the rear backup camera to gauge how far I could go back without striking the vehicle behind me. The screen showed video that I was still several feet away from the vehicle behind me when I felt a sudden bump. I stepped on the brake hard to ensure I was no longer moving but the camera still showed several feet between my rear bumper and the vehicle behind me. I put the vehicle in park and got out to verify that I had struck the vehicle behind me. I had. I returned to the driver's seat, put the vehicle back in reverse to see what the camera showed and now it appeared on the screen that my bumper was touching the vehicle behind me. …
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.
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the Forward Collision Avoidance system activated without incident. The contact also stated that the Back Over Prevention camera would display several errors while in use. Additionally, the thermostat would indicate the wrong vehicle temperature causing the engine hot warning message to appear on the instrument panel. The thermostat and the Back Over Prevention camera sensors were both replaced. The Forward Collision Avoidance sensors were also replaced; however, the failure returned a month after repair. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 7,700.
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.
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.
I was driving (at a fairly low speed) recently when my vehicle began driving erratically. I pulled over and noticed that there was smoke in the passenger compartment. I exited the vehicle and walked to the passenger side (out of traffic) and opened the passenger door to retrieve my cell phone. At that point there was a burst of flame upon opening the door, and the fire quickly spread to the passenger compartment.
While merging on to the freeway, while trying to achieve freeway speed, the Explorer lost all power for about 10 seconds. During that time, multiple error messages appeared on my dashboard. The messages included "Pre-Collision Assist Not Available" and "See Manual". Several Error message were sent to my FordPass app. The messages include: 1."Service Engine Soon Warning - The powertrain control system speed sensors have detected the transmission did not achieve the gear expected and may be slipping internally..." 2."Service Engine Soon Warning - The powertrain control system has detected an internal PCM communication error. The PCM will invoked failure mode effects management (FMEM) operating strategy that maintains limited vehicle function..." 3."Pre- Collision Assist Not Available - The collision warning system has detected either a fault or an obstructed radar sensor". 4. …
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. …
The power lift gate was making a popping noise, so I took the truck to Ford for repair. They supposedly repaired the truck, but the power lift gate started opening and closing on its own and at random times. It also started to rain through the back glass, which caused mild in the truck. The warning states that the power loft gate should be completely closed or it can result in death, but it wasn't able to close at all times. Ours safety was out at risk due to the power lift gate opening and closing at random times, which could have caused me to be hit, other drivers to be injured, and theft of property from other people having access while the power lift gate didn't properly close. The problem was confirmed by a dealer. I showed video as well. …
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.
Related recalls
Electrical system › Propulsion system › Traction battery
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 3.0L PHEV engines. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.
Remedy: Dealers will perform a Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) diagnostic test and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 8, 2024.
Electrical complaints in other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2022 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA has 39 complaints about the electrical system of the 2022 Ford Explorer, 14% of the model year's 270 complaints. The component named most often is adas › driver monitoring › camera/sensor (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2022 Ford Explorer electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 23V-626 (traction battery, Sep 8, 2023). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2022 Ford Explorer electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 42,000 miles, and 50% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 1 injury to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.