Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the passenger's side rear window failed to roll up. The contact stated that after inspecting the vehicle, as a certified engineer, the master control switch on the driver's side door had remained in the down position allowing for the window to remain down. The plastic around the switch was warped, causing the switch to remain in a downward position to activate the button. The contact manually raised the window and disconnected the connector from the circuit board to allow all other windows to properly function. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not under recall for the failure. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. …
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds in the rain, the windshield wipers were engaged but failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that the windshield wipers were not wiping water off the windshield as the rubber on the wiper blades were defective. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 500.
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds in the rain, the windshield wipers were engaged but failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that the windshield wipers were not wiping water off the windshield as the rubber on the wipers was defective. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 500.
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and idling with the air conditioner activated, the rear hatch door window suddenly shattered. The contact stated that during the failure, there was no impact on the window to cause the shattering of the window. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 28,000.
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle and attempting to roll up the window, the rear passenger's side window failed to operate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the wiring harness needed to be repaired, the window was very hot, and the battery needed to be replaced. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 7,420.
The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the sunroof sunshade detached from the inner roof and sagged downward, creating a visibility hazard. The contact stated that the rearview mirror view was obstructed due to the failure. The contact stated that the failure was caused by faulty clips securing the sunshade. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and a local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.
The rearview backup camera on my vehicle has malfunctioned and does not reliably display an image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. The manufacturer sent an official Customer Satisfaction Program notice acknowledging this as a known defect and offering a one-time no-charge replacement, stating parts availability was limited only until October 2026. When I brought the vehicle to an authorized dealership for the repair, the dealership was unable to complete it due to lack of parts and told me parts would not be available until February 2027, several months beyond what the manufacturer's own notice stated. This creates an ongoing safety risk since I cannot reliably see behind the vehicle while backing up, increasing the risk of collision with pedestrians, other vehicles, or objects. …
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.
The backup camera and related system on the 2022 Ford Explorer ST has malfunctioned and failed to show any images. I'd had the vehicle to the dealer on 3 occasions, whereby I've just learned the issue was improperly diagnosed by another dealer as a faulty camera, but the real problem of a faulty processor was diagnosed and therefore not replaced. This issue puts me, other vehicles and pedestrians in particular risk as there is not rear camera image being projected. The problem has been confirmed by two dealers, diagnosed and now indication is to repair it. This is clearly part of the broader issues Ford is having with rear camera back-up systems.
Known defect among Explorer owners. The shade for the sunroof runs along tracks. That track is Known to fail causing the sunshade to fall down and blocks visibility out the rear windshield and inability to use the rear view mirror effectively. My vehicle was unsafe to drive until going to the dealership. They checked it and left it hanging down until I requested for it to be amended before driving home. They noted this is a known issue to Ford. They said the only way to fix it was to install a brand new system & there was no minor fix to components.
Related recalls
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer, Escape, Lincoln Aviator, and Lincoln Corsair vehicles. The windshield wiper motor may fail and prevent the windshield wipers from operating properly.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front wiper motors as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed April 2, 2026.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2022 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2022 Ford Explorer, 11% of the model year's 270 complaints. The component named most often is sun/moon roof assembly (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2022 Ford Explorer window & wiper problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 26V-117 (motor, Mar 3, 2026). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2022 Ford Explorer window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 28,000 miles, and 50% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to windows, wipers & sunroof 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.