Model year 2022 · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD

2022 Ford Explorer: recalls, fuel economy and safety ratings

EPA rates the 2022 Ford Explorer at 19–27 mpg combined across 15 versions. NHTSA lists 25 safety recalls and 273 owner complaints for this model year.

Safety recalls

EPA combined mpg

19–27

NHTSA overall rating

—

Recall file dated Oct 27, 2026 · EPA file dated Sep 29, 2026 · updated Oct 27, 2026, 7:34 AM EDT

NHTSA lists this vehicle as EXPLORER HYBRID, EXPLORER PHEV, EXPLORER POLICE INTERCEPT.

Check your own car: enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls for that exact vehicle, and contact a Ford dealer to schedule the repair — safety recall repairs are free. The list below covers the whole model year, so not every recall applies to every car.

2022 Ford Explorer recalls

NHTSA's recall file lists 25 safety recalls for the 2022 Ford Explorer, newest first.

Seats: Mid/rear assembly

NHTSA 26V451000 Reported Jul 14, 2026

Filed by: Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 26S52)
Units affected: 387,911 (estimate)
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2027 Aviator and 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, tipping, or sliding unexpectedly.
Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters explaining the safety risk were mailed August 19, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Lincoln Aviator owner notification letters were mailed August 21, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S52. This recall expands Recall 25V393. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Seat belts

NHTSA 26V159000 Reported Mar 17, 2026

Filed by: Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 26C18)
Units affected: 561 (estimate)
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The seat belt anchor bolts at the second-row outer seating positions may be improperly secured.
Risk: A loose seat belt buckle may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the second-row outer seat belt lower anchor bolts and replace or repair them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 30, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C18. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 19, 2026.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Visibility: Windshield wiper/washer: Motor

NHTSA 26V117000 Reported Mar 3, 2026

Filed by: Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 26S14)
Units affected: 604,533 (estimate)
Problem: 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.
Risk: Windshield wipers that fail to operate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in November 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S14. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 4, 2026.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Back over prevention: Software

NHTSA 26V123000 Reported Mar 3, 2026

Filed by: Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 26C11)
Units affected: 889,950 (estimate)
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2020-2024 Lincoln Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The image on the center display may flip or invert, resulting in an incorrectly displayed rearview image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: An incorrectly displayed rearview image can reduce the driverâs view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C11. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 5, 2026.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Equipment: Electrical: Engine block heater

NHTSA 25V685000 Reported Oct 10, 2025

Filed by: Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 25SA4)
Units affected: 59,006 (estimate)
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Risk: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated December 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Fuel system, gasoline: Delivery: Fuel pump

NHTSA 25V455000 Reported Jul 7, 2025

Filed by: Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 25S75)
Units affected: 850,318 (estimate)
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Bronco, Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, 2021-2022 Lincoln Navigator, Mustang, F-150, and 2022 Expedition vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump may fail, which can result in an engine stall while driving.
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump on super duty vehicles and update the powertrain control module (PCM) software on all other affected vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S75.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Back over prevention: Software

NHTSA 25V442000 Reported Jun 27, 2025

Filed by: Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 25S72)
Units affected: 200,237 (estimate)
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Seats: Mid/rear assembly

NHTSA 25V393000 Reported Jun 13, 2025

Filed by: Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 25S67)
Units affected: 304,662 (estimate)
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Aviator, and Explorer vehicles. The switch for the easy-entry second-row outer seats may bind or stick, resulting in the seats unlatching, folding, or sliding unexpectedly while driving.
Risk: A seat that moves unexpectedly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the second-row seat switch, and replace the bezel around the switch as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 7, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S67.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Back over prevention: Software

NHTSA 25V159000 Reported Mar 14, 2025

Filed by: Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 25S27)
Units affected: 49,399 (estimate)
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 23V-342. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the Image Processing Module 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 25S27.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Power train: Driveline: Driveshaft

NHTSA 25V166000 Reported Mar 14, 2025

Filed by: Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 25S22)
Units affected: 4,247 (estimate)
Problem: 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.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Equipment: Other: Labels

NHTSA 24V852000 Reported Nov 8, 2024

Filed by: Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 24C39)
Units affected: 27,678 (estimate)
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

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

NHTSA 24V635000 Reported Aug 23, 2024

Filed by: Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 24S55)
Units affected: 90,736 (estimate)
Problem: 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.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Engine

NHTSA 24V598000 Reported Aug 9, 2024

Filed by: Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 24S52)
Units affected: 85,238 (estimate)
Problem: 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.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Power train: Driveline: Driveshaft

NHTSA 23V675000 Reported Oct 6, 2023

Filed by: Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 23S55)
Units affected: 238,364 (estimate)
Problem: 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.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Electrical system: Propulsion system: Traction battery

NHTSA 23V626000 Reported Sep 8, 2023

Filed by: Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 23S53)
Units affected: 2,954 (estimate)
Problem: 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.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Back over prevention: Sensing system: Camera

NHTSA 23V342000 Reported May 12, 2023

Filed by: Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 23S23)
Units affected: 442,973 (estimate)
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the 360-degree camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S23. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 23V-022. Vehicles previously repaired under 23V-022 will need to have the new remedy performed.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Back over prevention: Display function

NHTSA 23V305000 Reported Apr 28, 2023

Filed by: Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 23C14)
Units affected: 523 (estimate)
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with a 12.1-inch Integrated Computer Screen (ICS). When the Display On/Off Button is used to turn the display to "Off" prior to placing the vehicle in reverse, the backup camera rearview image will not appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will update the ICS software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 27, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C14.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Parking brake: Electrical and 1 more component

NHTSA 23V199000 Reported Mar 24, 2023

Filed by: Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 23S16)
Components: Parking brake: Electrical; Power train: Automatic transmission: Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Units affected: 674 (estimate)
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L RWD, 3.3L GAS, 3.3L FHEV, or 3.0L ST powertrain. The previous powertrain control module (PCM) update completed under recall 22V-255 did not include the automatic electronic parking brake feature when the vehicle is shifted to park, as intended. In addition, the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.
Risk: Without the electronic parking brake applied, the vehicle could rollaway if the driveshaft disconnects. 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 PCM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 31, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S16.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Power train: Automatic transmission: Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

NHTSA 23V069000 Reported Feb 10, 2023

Filed by: Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 23S05)
Units affected: 3,674 (estimate)
Problem: 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.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Power train: Automatic transmission

NHTSA 23V070000 Reported Feb 10, 2023

Filed by: Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 23S06)
Units affected: 1,138 (estimate)
Problem: 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.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Back over prevention: Sensing system: Camera

NHTSA 23V022000 Reported Jan 23, 2023

Filed by: Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 23S02)
Units affected: 382,759 (estimate)
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, and 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair vehicles equipped with a 360-degree camera. The video output may fail, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
Risk: Loss of the rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the image processing module (IPMB) software, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed April 25, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed February 13, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S02. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall number 21V-735. Vehicles previously repaired under 21V-735 will need to have the new remedy performed.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Fuel system, gasoline: Delivery: Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

NHTSA 22V685000 Reported Sep 14, 2022

Filed by: Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 22S60)
Units affected: 69 (estimate)
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Explorer and Ranger vehicles equipped with 2.3L engines. The fuel line may be loose due to improper tightening of the fuel line connection.
Risk: An improperly tightened fuel line connection may result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of fire.
Remedy: Ford will inspect and replace the fuel line assembly, if needed, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 29, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S60.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Engine and 1 more component

NHTSA 22V454000 Reported Jun 24, 2022

Filed by: Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 22C13)
Components: Engine; Structure: Frame and members
Units affected: 776 (estimate)
Problem: 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.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Power train: Axle assembly and 1 more component

NHTSA 22V255000 Reported Apr 14, 2022

Filed by: Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 22S27)
Components: Power train: Axle assembly; Power train: Driveline: Driveshaft
Units affected: 252,936 (estimate)
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer Police FHEV, Explorer Police 3.3L, and 2020-2022 Explorer 2.3L RWD, 3.0L PHEV, 3.3L FHEV, and 3.0L ST GAS vehicles. 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, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the bushing and axle cover, or update the electronic parking brake software. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed June 9, 2022, and March 10, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 9, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S27.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Fuel system, gasoline: Storage: Tank assembly: Filler pipe and cap

NHTSA 22V088000 Reported Feb 16, 2022

Filed by: Ford Motor Company (manufacturer recall no. 22C02)
Units affected: 18,366 (estimate)
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The fuel filler tube may detach during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."
Risk: A detached fuel filler tube can result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install a fuel vapor line redundant locking clip, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 4, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22C02.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Recall summaries are written by NHTSA from manufacturers' defect reports. Dates are when NHTSA received the report.

2022 Ford Explorer fuel economy by version

EPA city/highway/combined estimates for each engine, transmission and drive combination. Annual fuel cost is EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year (55% city, 45% highway) at EPA's current fuel-price assumptions; your cost will vary.

2022 Ford Explorer EPA fuel economy
Version	Engine	Transmission	Drive	Fuel	City/Hwy/Comb	Fuel cost/yr	CO2 g/mi
Explorer AWD	2.3L 4-cyl turbo	Automatic 10-spd	Part-time 4-Wheel Drive	Regular	20/27/23 mpg	$2,900	387
Explorer AWD	2.3L 4-cyl turbo	Automatic 10-spd	Part-time 4-Wheel Drive	Regular	20/26/22 mpg	$3,050	404
Explorer AWD	3.0L 6-cyl turbo	Automatic 10-speed	Part-time 4-Wheel Drive	Regular	18/24/20 mpg	$3,350	444
Explorer AWD	3.0L 6-cyl turbo	Automatic 10-spd	Part-time 4-Wheel Drive	Regular	18/24/20 mpg	$3,350	445
Explorer FFV AWD	3.3L 6-cyl ffv	Automatic 10-spd	Part-time 4-Wheel Drive	Gasoline or E85 / E85	16/24/19 mpg	$3,550	470
Explorer HEV AWD	3.3L 6-cyl hybrid	Automatic 10-speed	Part-time 4-Wheel Drive	Regular	23/26/25 mpg	$2,700	361
Explorer HEV RWD	3.3L 6-cyl hybrid	Automatic 10-speed	Rear-Wheel Drive	Regular	27/28/27 mpg	$2,500	324
Explorer Platinum HEV AWD	3.3L 6-cyl hybrid	Automatic 10-speed	Part-time 4-Wheel Drive	Regular	23/24/23 mpg	$2,900	379
Explorer Platinum HEV RWD	3.3L 6-cyl hybrid	Automatic 10-speed	Rear-Wheel Drive	Regular	25/26/26 mpg	$2,600	342
Explorer RWD	2.3L 4-cyl turbo	Automatic 10-spd	Rear-Wheel Drive	Regular	21/28/24 mpg	$2,800	370
Explorer RWD	2.3L 4-cyl turbo	Automatic 10-spd	Rear-Wheel Drive	Regular	20/28/23 mpg	$2,900	386
Explorer RWD	3.0L 6-cyl turbo	Automatic 10-spd	Rear-Wheel Drive	Regular	18/26/21 mpg	$3,200	428
Explorer RWD	3.0L 6-cyl turbo	Automatic 10-speed	Rear-Wheel Drive	Regular	18/25/20 mpg	$3,350	437
Explorer Timberline AWD	2.3L 4-cyl turbo	Automatic 10-speed	Part-time 4-Wheel Drive	Regular	19/22/21 mpg	$3,200	433
Explorer Timberline AWD	2.3L 4-cyl turbo	Automatic 10-speed	Part-time 4-Wheel Drive	Regular	19/21/20 mpg	$3,350	445

Source: FuelEconomy.gov (U.S. DOE and EPA), file dated Sep 29, 2026. Each version links to its FuelEconomy.gov record.

EPA estimates come from standardized lab tests so cars can be compared fairly; real-world mileage depends on speed, weather, load, tires and driving style.

2022 Ford Explorer crash-test ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the tested versions. More stars mean a lower chance of serious injury in that type of crash. Rollover risk is NHTSA's estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

2022 Ford Explorer NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
Tested vehicle	Overall	Frontal	Side	Rollover	Rollover risk	Forward collision warning
2022 Ford Explorer HEV SUV 4WD	Not rated	Not rated	5 stars	4 stars	15.1%	Standard
2022 Ford Explorer HEV SUV RWD	Not rated	Not rated	5 stars	4 stars	14.7%	Standard
2022 Ford Explorer SUV 4WD	Not rated	Not rated	5 stars	4 stars	15.1%	Standard
2022 Ford Explorer SUV RWD	Not rated	Not rated	5 stars	4 stars	14.7%	Standard

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program), checked Oct 26, 2026.

Star ratings compare vehicles of similar size and weight; a frontal rating for a large pickup is not directly comparable with one for a small car.

2022 Ford Explorer owner complaints

Owners have filed 273 complaints with NHTSA about the 2022 Ford Explorer, most recently on Oct 21, 2026. 17 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 23 injured people and 0 deaths. These are unverified reports; a complaint is not proof of a defect.

Most-cited components in 2022 Ford Explorer complaints
Component named in complaints	Mentions
Power train	58
Unknown or other	57
Electrical system	36
Engine	30
Fuel/propulsion system	23
Visibility/wiper	22
Fuel system, gasoline	15
Suspension	13
Back over prevention	11
Service brakes	9

Source: NHTSA consumer complaint files (complaints received since January 1, 2015). One complaint can name several components.

Had a safety problem with your vehicle? You can report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem.

Other Ford Explorer model years

Ford Explorer by model year
Year	Combined	Recalls	Complaints	Overall rating
2027 Explorer	19–23 mpg	2	0	5/5
2026 Explorer	19–24 mpg	15	42	5/5
2025 Explorer	20–24 mpg	22	109	5/5
2024 Explorer	20–24 mpg	10	21	5/5
2023 Explorer	20–27 mpg	15	113	5/5
2021 Explorer	19–27 mpg	27	456	5/5
2020 Explorer	19–28 mpg	35	1,249	5/5
2019 Explorer	18–22 mpg	6	300	5/5
2018 Explorer	18–22 mpg	7	737	5/5
2017 Explorer	18–22 mpg	14	1,713	5/5
2016 Explorer	18–22 mpg	14	2,484	5/5
2015 Explorer	18–23 mpg	8	1,815	5/5

All Ford Explorer years compared · Decode a VIN

Other 2022 Ford models

2022 Ford Bronco 2022 Ford Bronco Sport 2022 Ford EcoSport 2022 Ford Edge 2022 Ford Escape 2022 Ford Expedition 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning 2022 Ford F150 2022 Ford GT 2022 Ford Maverick 2022 Ford Mustang 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E 2022 Ford Ranger 2022 Ford Transit Connect 2022 Ford Transit T150 Wagon

Sources

Recalls: NHTSA recall flat file (FLAT_RCL_POST_2010), dated Oct 27, 2026, plus a live check of api.nhtsa.gov in your browser.
Complaints: NHTSA consumer complaint flat files (COMPLAINTS_RECEIVED), counts only — we do not republish complaint text.
Crash tests: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings API.
Fuel economy: FuelEconomy.gov vehicles file (U.S. DOE and EPA), dated Sep 29, 2026.
NHTSA, EPA and DOE do not endorse OpenVIN. Vehicle names identify vehicles only; OpenVIN is not affiliated with Ford.