YearToAvoid

2022 Ford Explorer Engine Problems

Engine problems account for 38 complaints, 14% of all 2022 Ford Explorer complaints on file with NHTSA. Three related engine recalls exist, and median mileage at failure is 60,750 miles.

Engine complaints
38
14% of 267
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
6
Median mileage
60,750 mi
Related recalls
3

Typical engine symptoms owners report

  • Vehicle loses motive power or stalls unexpectedly while driving at various speeds, sometimes coasting to a stop and failing to restart.
  • Sudden unintended acceleration occurs while stopped with the auto-hold feature engaged, in some cases leading to a crash into another vehicle.
  • Engine cranks and then stalls repeatedly within the first minute or two of driving, sometimes multiple times per trip.
  • Engine appears to randomly disconnect from the transmission during acceleration, with a 'Brake Applied; Power Reduced' message displayed.
  • Cruise control unexpectedly increases speed on its own, jumping well above the set speed without driver input.

When 2022 Ford Explorer engine complaints were filed

First complaint Jun 28, 2022, latest Sep 9, 2026.

2022 Ford Explorer engine complaints: complaints filed per month3Jun 2022Mar 2023Nov 2023Nov 2024May 2025Nov 2025Sep 2026
38 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jun 2022 to Sep 2026; peak Nov 2022 (3).

Engine recalls for the 2022 Ford Explorer

  1. NHTSA 24V635000Aug 23, 2024Engine90,736 vehicles

    Engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanical

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco, F-150, Edge, Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with either a 2.7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engine. The engine intake valves may break while driving, which can result in engine failure and a loss of drive power.

    Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S55.

  2. NHTSA 24V598000Aug 9, 2024Engine85,238 vehicles

    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.

    Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

    Remedy: Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as promptly as possible upon hearing unexpected engine noises, or after experiencing an unexpected engine power reduction, or seeing smoke from the engine compartment. Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software. In addition, dealers will inspect for connecting rod bearing failure and if necessary, replace the engine long block. All inspections and repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S52.

  3. NHTSA 22V454000Jun 24, 2022Engine776 vehicles

    Engine

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles. The engine rails may have been improperly heat-treated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 301, "Fuel System Integrity."

    Risk: Improperly heat-treated engine rails may reduce the vehicle's structural protection in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. In addition, an engine rail may detach and contact the road while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will perform an engine rail strength test and replace the rails as necessary, free of charge. If the engine rails require replacement, owners will have the option for a vehicle replacement or buyback. Owner notification letters were mailed August 22, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22C13.

Engine complaints by Explorer model year

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

  1. 201031 (27%)
  2. 2011113 (9%)
  3. 2012103 (12%)
  4. 2013316 (14%)
  5. 2014272 (16%)
  6. 2015299 (17%)
  7. 2016530 (22%)
  8. 2017317 (19%)
  9. 2018129 (18%)
  10. 201926 (9%)
  11. 2020162 (13%)
  12. 202169 (16%)
  13. 202238 (14%)
  14. 202313 (12%)
  15. 20241 (5%)
  16. 202514 (14%)

Frequently asked questions

How many engine complaints does the 2022 Ford Explorer have?
NHTSA lists 38 engine-related complaints for the 2022 Ford Explorer, which is 14% of the 267 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2022 Ford Explorer engine?
Yes. NHTSA lists three engine-related recalls tied to the 2022 Ford Explorer: campaign 24V635000 covering Nano EcoBoost intake valves, 24V598000 covering Police Interceptor Utility engine failures, and 22V454000 covering improperly heat-treated engine rails.
At what mileage do 2022 Explorer engine problems typically show up?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for engine complaints on the 2022 Explorer is 60,750 miles.
Are the engine problems dangerous?
NHTSA data tied to this complaint area includes 3 crashes, 1 fire, and 6 injuries for the 2022 Explorer.
How does the 2022 Explorer compare to other years for engine complaints?
The 2022 Explorer's engine complaint share is 14%, lower than years like 2016 (22%) and 2017 (19%), but similar to 2020 (13%) and 2023 (12%).

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.