2022 Ford Explorer transmission problems

POWER TRAIN

RECALL COMPLIANCE & SAFETY DEFECT DESCRIPTION: The vehicle was transported via roadside assistance to a licensed manufacturer dealership due to severe engine overheating under an active manufacturer safety recall. Service personnel systematically modified intake paperwork to alter the true mechanical state upon arrival, removing safety recall and towing documentation. Intake files were falsified with the notation stating that the customer reported a bad battery, executed solely to evade mandatory factory safety recall tracking protocols and obscure dealer liability for subsequent failures. UNAUTHORIZED SHOP-FLOOR HAZARDS & MECHANICAL DAMAGE: Following custody transfer, shop technicians induced severe physical damage to the vehicle's twin-turbocharger assembly, resulting in a snapped turbo stud and a torn engine air filter. The vehicle was subsequently operated on public roads by shop personnel for 75 to 80 unauthorized miles under active engine overheating conditions without correcting thermal or safety recall failures, creating an immediate risk of catastrophic engine block structural cracking. The safety failures triggered 13 critical system fault codes across powertrain, electrical, and battery systems, which went entirely unaddressed while the shop attempted to compel payment under an altered repair estimate. CYBER SABOTAGE OF OUTBOUND SAFETY TELEMATICS: To actively obstruct diagnostic tracking and safety verification, shop staff executed a forced remote network reset of the vehicle's cellular modem. This reset deliberately severed user profile access and entirely deactivated the outbound telematics pipeline to systematically block the outbound transmission of the 13 powertrain and thermal fault messages to the user and manufacturer databases.

NHTSA complaint #11755278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Powertrain System Fault will cause the vehicle to lose power possibly leaving the vehicle and passengers in danger if crossing traffic, pulling onto a road, etc.

NHTSA complaint #11734583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE BEGINS MOVING FROM STATIONARY POSITION(BOTH IN FORWARD AND REVERSE GEARS) A LOUD CLUNKING SOUND IS HEAR ORIGINATING FROM THE REAR AXLE/REAR DIFFERENTIAL MOUNTING BOLT. I HAVE SEEN IT MY SELF WHEN LOOKING UNDER THE VEHICLE . AND I'M CONCERNED ABOUT SAFETY WHEN DRIVING IT LIKE THIS.

NHTSA complaint #11731426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11724141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Both catalytic converters have failed, with one have a catastrophic failure, resulting in pipe becoming disconnect from the exhaust system and dropped to pavement while vehicle was traveling at interstate speed. Pipe was facing forward when it dropped. Posed severe risk to myself and other vehicles. Disabled vehicle was towed to Ford dealership where it was confirmed both converters were cracked, with the one having broken apart. Noise and vibration condition was noted and started over a year prior, however, dealer was unable to diagnose it until the full failure made the source apparent.

NHTSA complaint #11722072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

My 2022 Ford Explorer had Recall 23S55 performed on June 21, 2025 to address rear axle/differential fastener fracture. Despite the recall repair, the rear subframe-to-differential cover bolt sheared off while driving, causing the differential to drop and the driveshaft to be pulled from the differential. Grease leaked and the driveshaft was gouged against the subframe. This is the same failure mode the recall was intended to prevent and occurred after the recall was certified as complete. This failure happened while I was driving with my daughter and could have resulted in loss of control if it occurred at highway speed. Ford has only offered partial cost coverage instead of treating this as a failed recall remedy. I am concerned this represents an ineffective recall repair and an ongoing safety risk.

NHTSA complaint #11715426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

I have been hearing a roaring sound for quite some time now. Finally figured it out and it’s the rear differential on my explorer. There’s metal shaving all in it. The plug is covered with it. The fluid is at the right amount. Does not have a hitch and I do not take it off road. It’s all highway miles.

NHTSA complaint #11699067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Ford Explorer Recall – Ongoing Safety Hazard In July 2025, Ford issued a recall notice for my vehicle. Shortly after, the check engine light came on. Starting October 15, 2025, my vehicle began failing to start after refueling—making noise and taking multiple attempts to start. The same issue occurred repeatedly on October 23 and October 30, worsening each time. On November 3, we brought the car to a Ford dealership. They confirmed there is no available fix for the recall and said there’s “nothing they can do.” I explained this was a safety issue since I drive my son with a disability to therapy daily. They told me I would have to pay out of pocket for repairs even though the problem is linked to the recall. On November 8, while driving in Arizona, my vehicle again failed to start after refueling. Later that day, it lost power on the road, the speed dropped suddenly, and it would not accelerate. The same stalling and jerking occurred again on November 10 while my husband was driving. We contacted Ford Corporate and NHTSA, but both said nothing could be done because the recall label says the car is “still drivable.” This is inaccurate and dangerous. The car stalls and loses acceleration randomly, creating a serious risk of an accident. On November 21, the car again failed to start after refueling. This has happened multiple times each week, and Ford continues to delay a fix. My vehicle is unsafe to drive, and this unresolved recall poses an ongoing safety hazard to my family and others on the road.

NHTSA complaint #11698789 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while making a right turn at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear driveshaft. The traction control and Hill Assist warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the vehicle failed to accelerate while the accelerator pedal was depressed. Upon further inspection, the contact noticed that the rear differential axle bolt had fractured and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign: 23V675000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the rear differential cover, rear drive shaft, and left rear axle shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.

NHTSA complaint #11686057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

I am writing to express my concern regarding a safety issue I have experienced with my vehicle. Specifically, there is a noticeable 3-5 second delay when shifting from Drive to Reverse. This delay not only creates confusion about whether the vehicle is in the correct gear, but also presents a potential safety hazard, as the vehicle may lurch forward when the driver intends to reverse. In addition, this gear shift delay causes the backup camera to display with a similar delay, reducing visibility and reaction time when maneuvering in reverse. This compromises the camera's effectiveness and the driver's ability to safely back up. I brought this issue to a Ford dealership, but I was told that there was nothing they could do about it. I find this response unsatisfactory, especially considering the safety implications. I would appreciate it if this issue could be further investigated and properly addressed. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response and a resolution to this issue.

NHTSA complaint #11670710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

2022 Ford Explorer Limited issues: 49K miles, when putting the vehicle in reverse and press gas it does not engage, it rolls and takes a few seconds before it engages. Powertrain Failure/Malfunction causes vehicle to bog down, low power, and vibration in rear. Once you turn vehicle off the error goes away only to come up again around 75 mph. Vibration also occurs at 30-40 mph and again at 60-70 mph, rear captains seats shake and passenger can feel in front seat. Dealer is aware, this is the 3rd time in 1 month it’s done this.

NHTSA complaint #11664232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to shift into reverse, the vehicle moved forward approximately 2 - 3 feet before reversing as intended. There were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V164000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer opened a case regarding the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

NHTSA complaint #11650569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed valve body. The contact was informed that the valve body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired under warranty. The failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed output speed sensor. The contact was informed that the output speed sensor needed to be replaced and recalibrated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The manufacturer approved of the buyback; however, the contact stated that the Lemon Law requirement limited the ownership to two years. The failure mileage was approximately 39,793.

NHTSA complaint #11648382 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The transmission performance is poor, sometimes bordering and dangerous. In reverse you sometimes supply the gas in the car just sits there and doesn’t move and then it will quickly move backwards dangerously. There’s also a hesitation on acceleration and harsh shifting. I’ve had it to the dealer where they reset and reloaded the transmission software, it seem to smooth out the driving a little bit, but it’s been four months and it’s pretty much back the way it was originally, harsh, shifting, delayed power.

NHTSA complaint #11633578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

A bolt sheared off of the wheel assembly and got stuck between the rotor and break pad causing damage to rotor and break pad. This has since been repaired by the dealership, I am not aware if it was inspected by the manufacturer. I have pictures of the damage from the dealership. No warning lamps or messages prior to the failure. It was in the dealership 900 miles (3 weeks earlier) for an oil change and tire rotation.

NHTSA complaint #11633053 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V675000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11625909 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

When engaging the gear from reverse to drive and vice versa. The car rolls even though the display panel shows gear has shifted. Thus the car even rolls forward or backwards post gear shift as it slowly engages.

NHTSA complaint #11617014 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

This is a Utility Interceptor used by a police department, and we have two of them. The vehicle stalls out when trying to enter traffic. It will stall for 2 or 3 seconds with the accelerator pressed all the way to the floor. Ford Motor Company released a technical service bulletin and provided a software flash for the transmission. I had the vehicle serviced at Ford in Bloomington, Indiana, but the transmission software flash did not correct the problem. I then returned the vehicle to Ford and stated that it did not solve the problem. The service technician stated that they contacted an engineer, Ford, and they noted that it was the nature of that transmission and that nothing else could be done. The technician also noted that the vehicle will not upshift from 4th gear to 1st gear when trying to accelerate. The bottom line up front is that transmission stalling the way it does is a safety issue for a police department or any driver.

NHTSA complaint #11607832 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The vehicle is a hybrid police interceptor utility. The unit was moving running radar and activated its emergency equipment, made a u-turn on a highway cross over, when accelerating in pursuit of a vehicle its engine stalled out and shut off. The vehicle stated to shift to neutral and restart when safe. The officer shifted to neutral and the vehicle would not restart. It was coasted off the roadway and towed. This is the third issue of this type that has occurred with our fleet of ford hybrid police interceptor utilities.

NHTSA complaint #11596284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V675000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11595799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the reverse mode did not function as needed. The contact stated that when the gear shifter was shifted to reverse mode, the vehicle rolled either forward or backwards and then hesitated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, however the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

NHTSA complaint #11575750 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V675000 (Power Train) however, an appointment to repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer was made aware of the issue but disconnected the call without scheduling an appointment. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11573973 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Select reverse with gear shift. Does not engage reverse for approximately 8-10 seconds once selected and when engine is warm. Have almost been hit multiple times when backing up because it takes so long to engage reverse.

NHTSA complaint #11572058 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Front suspension makes rattling noise when driving under 20 mi/hr on bumpy roads . Especially noticed in cold temperatures. Dealership replaced sway bar link that has not fixed the Problem. Also power training light flashed multiple times

NHTSA complaint #11569718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Transmission fails to smoothly shift, vehicle delays going in reverse after driving causing delays to park and shakes while downshifting. Drivers anticipate the vehicle to be able to backup sooner and can cause accident with delays. Safety 360 display and rear view camera goes completely out, inverts, and has delay when functions. Vehicle has full power failure while driving and can take 10 minutes to turn back on, happened twice.

NHTSA complaint #11560172 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

When shifting drive to reverse it takes 4 to 5 seconds to start moving the car. This being a very dangerous situation when backing into a busy street.

NHTSA complaint #11559814 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

I have received six (6) notifications of a power train failure, which causes the vehicle to "shudder" at highway speeds. The first issue took place 09/01/2023, and the last was on 11/1/2023. The vehicle then continues to operate normally. If the vehicle is turned off and then on again, the light clears. I took the vehicle to Tamiami Ford for service. They reported that they can see that their is an issue, but are unable to diagnose it.

NHTSA complaint #11556867 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY

The contact leased a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering uncontrollably and was making an abnormal grinding sound. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front driver's side axle was fractured. The dealer informed the contact that the failure was unprecedented. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 15,629.

NHTSA complaint #11554040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Since new the vehicle intermittently fails to shift in or out of reverse instead going to neutral and free rolling. Cycling the shift selected multiple times or performing a battery reset temporarily resolves the issue. This results in the vehicle being unable to move out of the roadway when backing onto a road.

NHTSA complaint #11552455 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.