YearToAvoid

2022 Ford Explorer Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 42 Electrical System complaints for the 2022 Ford Explorer, 16% of all 267 complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 24,850. A related recall (23V626000) covers high-voltage battery cell defects in PHEV Explorer/Aviator models.

Electrical System complaints
42
16% of 267
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
1
Median mileage
24,850 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

  • Owners report sudden loss of power or erratic driving accompanied by smoke or fire from the passenger compartment.
  • Some describe the SYNC/APIM infotainment module going completely black with no touch response shortly after purchase, disabling the reverse camera.
  • Others report the power liftgate popping, then opening and closing on its own after a dealer repair, allowing water to leak into the cabin.
  • Several describe temporary total power loss while merging onto the highway, accompanied by multiple dashboard warning messages.
  • Purge valve failures reported twice on the same vehicle within about a year and a half of ownership.
  • A few owners report the vehicle failing to restart at fuel stations, suspected to be linked to radio frequency interference with the vehicle's computer.

When 2022 Ford Explorer electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Aug 22, 2022, latest Sep 6, 2026.

2022 Ford Explorer electrical system complaints: complaints filed per month3Aug 2022Jun 2023Dec 2023Jul 2024Apr 2025Oct 2025Mar 2026Sep 2026
42 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2022 to Sep 2026; peak Sep 2025 (3).

Electrical System recalls for the 2022 Ford Explorer

  1. NHTSA 23V626000Sep 8, 2023Electrical System2,954 vehicles

    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.

    Risk: Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.

    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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford Motor Company's number for this recall is 23S53.

Electrical System complaints by Explorer model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201014 (12%)
  2. 201199 (8%)
  3. 201267 (8%)
  4. 2013183 (8%)
  5. 2014121 (7%)
  6. 2015105 (6%)
  7. 2016130 (5%)
  8. 201799 (6%)
  9. 201862 (8%)
  10. 201919 (6%)
  11. 2020230 (19%)
  12. 202151 (12%)
  13. 202242 (16%)
  14. 202314 (13%)
  15. 20242 (10%)
  16. 202523 (23%)

Frequently asked questions

How many electrical complaints does NHTSA have for the 2022 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA lists 42 Electrical System complaints for the 2022 Explorer, which is 16% of the 267 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2022 Ford Explorer's electrical system?
Yes. Recall 23V626000, reported September 8, 2023, covers a manufacturing defect in the high-voltage battery cells on 2020-2022 PHEV Explorer and Aviator models. Dealers perform a BECM diagnostic test and replace the high voltage battery pack if needed.
At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up on the 2022 Explorer?
The median mileage at failure for Electrical System complaints on the 2022 Explorer is 24,850 miles.
Have electrical issues on the 2022 Explorer caused any crashes or fires?
NHTSA data shows 1 crash, 1 fire, and 1 injury linked to Electrical System complaints for the 2022 Explorer.
How does 2022 compare to other Explorer years for electrical complaints?
The 2022 Explorer's 16% share of complaints tied to the Electrical System is higher than most other model years, though 2020 (19%) and 2025 (23%) show higher shares.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.