2022 Ford Explorer Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA lists 61 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2022 Ford Explorer, 23% of all complaints that year, with a median failure mileage of 22,000 miles. Four related recalls cover PCM software, subframe bolts, and transmission bolts.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 61
- 23% of 267
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 22,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 4
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Owners report a several-second delay when shifting into reverse, during which the vehicle rolls forward unexpectedly before engagement.
- Some describe the engine seeming to disconnect from the transmission while driving, with a loss of motive power and a "Brake Applied; Power Reduced" message on the dash.
- Others report sudden loss of power while driving at highway speed, accompanied by a powertrain warning symbol on the dashboard.
- A few owners describe hard shifting in lower gears in addition to the reverse-engagement delay.
- One complaint describes a powertrain failure shown on the gearshift display combined with a separate seat harness wiring issue.
When 2022 Ford Explorer transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Apr 20, 2022, latest Sep 20, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2022 Ford Explorer
- NHTSA 25V166000Mar 14, 2025Transmission & Powertrain4,247 vehicles
Power train:driveline:driveshaft
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 23V-199 or 22V-255. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.
Risk: A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park without the parking brake applied. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S22.
- NHTSA 23V675000Oct 6, 2023Transmission & Powertrain238,364 vehicles
Power train:driveline:driveshaft
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.
Risk: A disconnected driveshaft can result in a loss of drive power or a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the subframe bushing and rear axle bolt. They will also inspect the rear axle cover for damage near the bolt hole location and replace with a new cover if any damage is found. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 19, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S55.
- NHTSA 23V070000Feb 10, 2023Transmission & Powertrain1,138 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 F-150, Mustang, Explorer, Bronco, and 2023 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. The transmission may contain a loose bolt which could prevent the transmission from engaging the park gear, although the gear shifter position may indicate that the vehicle has been shifted to "PARK."
Risk: The inability to secure the vehicle in the park position can result in a rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transmissions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S06.
- NHTSA 23V069000Feb 10, 2023Transmission & Powertrain3,674 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine and 10R60 automatic transmission. An unintentional powertrain control module (PCM) reset may occur while the vehicle is in motion and result in park system damage.
Risk: A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the park system for damage and repair as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S05.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Explorer model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many transmission complaints does the 2022 Ford Explorer have?
- NHTSA lists 61 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2022 Explorer, which is 23% of all complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a transmission recall for the 2022 Ford Explorer?
- Yes. NHTSA lists four related recalls: campaign 23V069000 for a PCM reset tied to the 10R60 transmission, 23V070000 for a loose transmission bolt, 23V675000 for a rear axle mounting bolt fracture, and 25V166000 for a PCM software fix on units previously repaired under earlier recalls.
- At what mileage do transmission problems typically appear on the 2022 Explorer?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2022 Explorer is 22,000 miles.
- Have the transmission issues caused crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA data shows 2 crashes and 1 injury linked to Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2022 Explorer, with 0 fires reported.
- Is the 2022 Explorer worse than other years for transmission complaints?
- The 2022 Explorer's Transmission & Powertrain share is 23%, lower than the 2020 model's 40% and the 2021 model's 28%, but higher than most earlier model years like 2013 through 2019.