Problems · by component

2022 Ford Explorer engine problems

30 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2022 Ford Explorer cite engine, 11% of all 271 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
30
11% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
5
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The check engine light was on. A Ford dealership diagnosed the issue as a coolant intrusion manufacturer defect. There are a number of safety concerns associated with this issue. The primary danger of the coolant intrusion defect is catastrophic engine failure. Severe overheating, internal damage, misfires, fire hazard and oil contamination. There are no active recalls\campaigns\TSB for 2022 Ford Explorer XLT 2.3L EcoBoost engine. The car is available for inspection. Although, the vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police or insurance agent, the issue was presented to Ford and a claim was submitted to the insurance company that services my Mechanical Breakdown Insurance. So far the insurance company is not authorizing the work without an engine breakdown. They are not excepting the P0300 and P0316 code or the results of a barascope and other test. The Ford corporation will not provide a written statement that confirms the dealerships diagnosis is accurate. Some doctrine that states the engine long block had to be replaced to fix the coolant intrusion defect. Ford has recalled coolant intrusion issues on other engine models. I requested a formal…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 9, 2026EngineODI 11762952
“I have a loss of fuel pressure and flow from the fuel tank due to fuel pump failure. Sometimes my engine stalls while driving, and when I go to fill my tank with gas, the engine will not start. I have to engage it for about 15 minutes before it will start. My check engine light comes on, and I will get the low fuel indicator light. But more importantly I cannot pass inspection. I need my car, I am a health care professional I have contacted my dealership, a Ford Motor company representative, and the only response and action I get in return is that they are still waiting on the part to come in. It has been over a year. I need this recall to be completed as indicated by Ford Motor corporation and its dealerships, please. My contact information is [XXX], [XXX], my email is [XXX]. My vehicle is the 2022 FORD EXPLORER, VIN: [XXX], my Cell number is [XXX].”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 5, 2026Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11762330
“Pursuant to recall 24S55 engine valve crack causing catastrophic damage. Misfire codes given and addressed independently giving brief changes however car reverted back to "limp" mode on major Dallas hwy causing extreme safety issues. Conditions confirmed by Freedom Ford Greenville Texas. Estimated replacement costs exceeds 14k.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 4, 2026Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11762222
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 6, 2026Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11755278
“Exhaust manifold turbo charged cracked while driving. Exposing everyone in the vehicle to raw exhaust inside the vehicle every time it is driven. The replacement part is back ordered until September 16th from the dealership. I was told this is an extremely common issue with ford explorers. I don’t understand how this part is not recalled. It has slowly gotten worse and worse. No warning lamps came on. You can hear the engine or manifold rattling/ticking while the vehicle is running. The vehicle is available for inspection. I brought the vehicle to a repair shop called MIDAS. Where I was told exactly what was wrong with it. The problem is reproduced every single time the vehicle is on. The replacement part is also not covered under fords “emissions warranty”. Even though it is part of the emissions.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 5, 2026EngineODI 11755072
“The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle before the engine seized. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle restarted after several attempts and was driven to the residence. The contact's minor grandchild was an occupant in the vehicle when the failure occurred. The contact stated that the temperature was extremely hot outside when the failure occurred. The failure was a persistent failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 4, 2026Fuel system, gasoline, EngineODI 11754722

Showing 6 of 30 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Engine

Free remedy

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.

EngineReported Aug 10, 2024NHTSA 24V598000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Other 2022 Explorer problem areas