Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2022 Ford Explorer
The 2022 Ford Explorer has notable recall campaigns and complaints, particularly in power train, electrical, and engine categories. With 24 recalls and 271 complaints, buyers should carefully inspect for issues. Extensive recall activity suggests caution, but concrete failure data is limited.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2022 Ford Explorer has 24 NHTSA recall campaigns and 271 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Newest 20 recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #26V451000 Second-Row Seat May Move Unexpectedly NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #26V159000 Improperly Secured Seat Belt Anchors NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #26V123000 Incorrectly Displayed Rearview Camera Image/FMVSS 111 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #26V117000 Windshield Wipers May Fail NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V685000 Engine Block Heater May Short Circuit and Cause Fire NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V455000 Low Pressure Fuel Pump May Fail NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V442000 Rearview Camera Image May Not Display NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V393000 Second-Row Seat May Move Unexpectedly NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V166000 Vehicle Rollaway from Driveshaft Disconnect NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V159000 Rearview Camera Image May Not Display NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V852000 Missing Dashboard Air Bag Warning Label/FMVSS 208 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V635000 Engine Intake Valves May Break NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V598000 Engine Failure May Cause Fire NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V675000 Vehicle Rollaway from Driveshaft Disconnect NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V626000 High Voltage Battery May Short Circuit NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V342000 Rearview Camera Image May Not Display NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V305000 Rearview Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V199000 Incomplete PCM Update May Result in Rollaway NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V069000 Unintended PCM Reset May Cause Vehicle Rollaway NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V070000 Loose Bolt in Transmission May Cause Rollaway NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 61 complaints
- Unknown or Other 57 complaints
- Electrical System 39 complaints
- Engine 30 complaints
- Back Over Prevention 23 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 22 complaints
Of the 271 complaints on file, 17 report a crash and 1 a fire; across all 271 complaints, owners report 23 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Engine intake valves may break
How to check: Ask if the intake valves have been inspected or replaced.
Loose bolt preventing park engagement
How to check: Shift to park and ensure vehicle stays stationary.
Back over prevention software failure
How to check: Test rearview camera for clear display during reverse.
Windshield wiper motor may fail
How to check: Activate wipers and observe for consistent operation.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for irregular engine noise or rough idle.
Red flag: Loud engine noises persistently.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check dashboard for warning lights.
Red flag: Persistent engine or transmission warning lights.
- 03
Initial acceleration
What to check: Observe for transmission smoothness.
Red flag: Jerky or delayed shifts.
- 04
City driving
What to check: Test brakes gently and firmly.
Red flag: Spongy brake feel or noise.
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Ensure steady power delivery without hesitation.
Red flag: Noticeable power loss or stalling.
- 06
Reverse parking
What to check: Monitor rear camera display clarity.
Red flag: Flickering or distorted rearview image.
- 07
Final inspection
What to check: Operate wipers and verify function during spraying.
Red flag: Failure of wipers to operate smoothly.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the engine intake been inspected?
- Have all recalls been addressed?
- Are there any transmission issues?
- Has the rear camera been checked?
- Any problems with the windshield wipers?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Vehicle recall repair history
- Service records and logs
- Warranty coverage details
- Title and ownership documents
- Inspection or emissions reports
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2022 Ford Explorer at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2022 Ford Explorer? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.