2022 Ford Explorer User Complaints
The 2022 Ford Explorer has been recently launched and so, it does not have any complaints to its name as of the date we write this article. However, some of the models of the SUV have delivered substandard performances, which do not conform to Ford’s standards of reliability. While the latest iteration is a part of the sixth generation launched in 2020, some of the problems of the vehicle have trickled down from the previous generation. Listed below are the most common complaints of the SUV in the past couple of years and their implications on the ownership experience.
Electric System Complaints
- Malfunctioning rearview camera: Across the sixth generation of the SUV, buyers have reported the rearview camera not performing its intended function. When the vehicle is put in reverse, the camera fails to display the image and the screen turns blue. As a result, drivers remain unaware of their surroundings, which can increase the chance of a crash. Keeping in mind the volume of this complaint, a recall has been initiated by the brand, referenced by NHTSA ID 21V735000.
- Improper functioning of the Forward Collision-Avoidance System: In the current generation and even some units of the previous generation, buyers have reported the malfunctioning of the forward collision avoidance safety system. The functionality falsely identifies the threat of a crash and engages the braking system, unexpectedly bringing the vehicle to a halt.
Mechanical Complaints
- Stalling of engine: The 2020 Ford Explorer has also had a fair share of complaints about its engine. In some cases, complainants have recorded the engine to lose its power and stall unexpectedly, without any prior symptoms. While it is not as widespread as other concerns, an engine stall can increase the chance of a crash.
- Sloshing of the fuel tank: When the vehicle has around 50% capacity left, complainants have reported the sloshing and clunking of the fuel inside the tank. While the reason for the issue is not yet known, the problem has plagued the sixth generation of the SUV.
- Transmission Issues: The Ford Explorer transmission issues are not a new concern for the SUV. In the current and previous generations, buyers have reported hard and delayed shifting, which causes the vehicle to operate at higher RPMs. In some other cases, it also causes the vehicle to lurch forward violently, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Braking system concerns: Across the 2020 and 2021 MYs of the SUV, buyers have reported the service brakes to not perform their intended functions. When the vehicle is put in reverse, the braking system fails to bring the vehicle to a halt, even when the pedal is depressed.
Interior Complaints
- Exhaust fumes inside the cabin: Several buyers have reported a burning smell engulfing the cabin. While this issue is not so common in the current generation, it has plagued some model years of the previous generation. Though no cause is known for the concern, the exhaust fumes can pose a risk to the well-being of the passengers.
Miscellaneous Complaints
- Vehicle catches fire: In a handful of cases, both in the current and previous generation, buyers have reported the SUV to catch fire without any prior symptoms. The fire starts from under the hood and engulfs the vehicle in a matter of seconds. While no injuries and fatalities have been reported so far, this issue is a grave safety concern and requires the brand’s immediate attention.
The complaints of the current generation have reduced drastically from 2020 to 2021. While the debut iteration had around 270 complaints, 2021 MY of the SUV has only 25 complaints. However, considering that the initial variant was riddled with problems, the 2022 MY can replicate all of the problems, due to a shared platform.
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Category
|
Number of Complaints
|
|
Visibility
|
8
|
|
Fuel and Propulsion System
|
12
|
|
Electronic Stability Control
|
5
|
|
Structure
|
11
|
2022 Ford Explorer Recalls
The Ford Explorer has never had an extensive recall history and even 2022 MY has remained unscathed as of now. However, the SUV has had less than convincing iterations, where the number of recalls has been in the double figures. So, to gauge a perspective about the SUV, it is important to know about the recalls of the previous iterations. Listed below are all the recalls initiated by the brand on the Explorer since 2018.
|
S. No
|
Date
|
NHTSA ID
|
Issues Noticed
|
Additional Remarks
|
|
1.
|
10th Nov 2021
|
21V870000
|
Incorrect components in the rear suspension module
|
Due to improper labeling, incorrect components might have been installed in the rear suspension module, which can affect the normal working of the SUV, increasing the risk of a crash.
|
|
2.
|
22nd Sept 2021
|
21V735000
|
Malfunctioning rearview camera
|
Due to a failure of the video output, the rearview camera might not display the image, increasing the chance of a crash.
|
|
3.
|
23rd Aug 2021
|
21V652000
|
Improper deployment of side airbags
|
Due to the possible detachment of the weld studs, the side airbags might not deploy properly in case of a crash. As a result, the affected vehicles fail to comply with federal laws.
|
|
4.
|
10th Mar 2021
|
21V154000
|
Rear lower control arm knuckles might break
|
Due to improper heat treatment, the rear control arm knuckles might get damaged, increasing the risk of loss of control over the vehicle.
|
|
5.
|
17th Dec 2020
|
20V788000
|
Improper tightening of motor mount fasteners
|
Due to improper tightening of the motor mount fasteners, the SUV could lose its power unexpectedly, increasing the chance of a crash.
|
|
6.
|
24th Nov 2020
|
20V730000
|
The fuel tank inlet check valve might not be properly welded
|
Due to improper welding of the inlet check valve to the fuel tank shell, there might be a possible fuel leak, which can cause a fire.
|
|
7.
|
10th Nov 2020
|
20V693000
|
Damaged driveshaft
|
The drive shaft in the SUVs equipped with a 2.0L or 3.3L engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission might fracture along the weld seam, increasing the risk of a crash.
|
|
8.
|
23rd Sept 2020
|
20V575000
|
Malfunctioning rearview camera
|
Due to an error in the electric connection, the rearview camera might not display the correct image. As a result, the affected vehicles fail to comply with federal laws.
|
|
9.
|
10th Sept 2020
|
20V549000
|
Improperly secured seat belts
|
The second-row center seat belts might not be properly secured. As a result, these seat belts might not restrain a passenger in case of a crash, increasing the chance of an injury.
|
|
10.
|
21st Aug 2020
|
20V497000
|
Side airbag may be loose in the seatback
|
Due to improper tightening, the side airbags might not deploy correctly, increasing the risk of an injury in the event of a crash.
|
|
11.
|
4th Dec 2019
|
19V859000
|
Possibility of a fuel leak
|
Due to the chafing of the fuel vapor line with the plastic liquid fuel line, there might be an increased risk of a fuel leak.
|
|
12.
|
30th Sept 2019
|
19V687000
|
Wiring harness may contact with A/C pulley
|
Due to a contact of the wiring harness with the air conditioner compressor, there might be an increased risk of damage to the A/C belt.
|
|
13.
|
5th Aug 2019
|
19V575000
|
Vehicle in factory mode
|
In some 2020 Ford Explorers, the vehicle still might be in factory mode. As a result, the affected units fail to comply with federal laws.
|
Compared to the Ford Explorer, each rival of the SUV has been recalled a lesser number of times. In their outgoing iterations, the Kia Telluride has one recall, while the Honda Pilot and Chevrolet Traverse have been called back thrice and twice, respectively.
|
Component Affected
|
2022
|
2021
|
2020
|
2019
|
2018
|
2017
|
2016
|
|
Safety
|
0
|
1
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Exterior
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
0
|
|
Electric
|
0
|
1
|
3
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
1
|
|
Interior
|
0
|
0
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
3
|
3
|
|
Drive System
|
0
|
1
|
3
|
0
|
0
|
3
|
5
|
|
Fuel System
|
0
|
0
|
2
|
0
|
1
|
0
|
1
|
|
Engine
|
0
|
1
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
1
|
Which Ford Explorer model year should you avoid?
The Ford Explorer has been on the market for a long time and has entered into its sixth generation now. However, not all of its models are purchase-worthy. Amongst the past few iterations, we would recommend buyers stay wary of the 2020 and 2016 options. While the 2020 Ford Explorer has 274 complaints and 12 recalls to its name, the 2016 Ford Explorer has a mind-numbing 1241 complaints and 11 recalls. Both these vehicles will make for a painstaking ownership experience and are far from ideal purchases.
Should you buy a used Ford Explorer?
Whether or not the Ford Explorer will be an ideal family vehicle for you will depend on your usage. In most cases, the SUV will prove to be a sought-after option and the same can also be said for the 2022 Explorer. It concocts the space of a three-row SUV with the off-road capabilities of a truck and can be driven within the city limits with ease. So, if you plan on buying a new or used Explorer, the SUV will make for a superb choice. However, it is important to tread carefully if opting for the 2018 and 2020 MYs.
