2022 Ford Explorer Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 61about this part
- Share
- 23%of 271 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 22,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 61 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2022 Ford Explorer, 23% of the 271 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 22,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 5 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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, filed 2026-04“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, filed 2025-11“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11698789, filed 2025-11“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, filed 2024-12“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, filed 2023-11Related recalls
- 25V166000Mar 14, 2025Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 23V-199 or 22V-255. The rear…Covers: Ford Explorer 2020–2022
- 23V675000Oct 6, 2023Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to…Covers: Ford Explorer 2020–2022
- 23V069000Feb 10, 2023Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine and 10R60 automatic transmission. An unintentional…Covers: Ford Explorer 2020–2022
- 23V070000Feb 10, 2023Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 F-150, Mustang, Explorer, Bronco, and 2023 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with automatic…Covers: Ford Explorer 2022–2023, F-150 2022–2023, Bronco 2022–2023 +2 more
- 22V255000Apr 14, 2022Ford 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…Covers: Ford Explorer 2020–2022, Explorer Hybrid 2020–2022, Explorer Intercept Hybrid 2020–2021 +1 more
Related service bulletins
- 11038712Oct 22, 2026This bulletin supersedes 26-2226. Reason for update: update the Service procedure for 2021-2022 F-150 3.5L EcoBoost vehicles with new Ford Diagnosis and Repair System(FDRS) C…
- 11038672Oct 22, 2026This bulletin supersedes 26-2309. Reason for update: update the Model section to remove Aviator 10R80, update theParts list to add 3.3L to W520514-S440, and add L1MZ-7Z490-G…
- 11038707Oct 21, 2026This bulletin supersedes 26-2226. Reason For Update: update the Service Procedure for 2021-2022 F-150 3.5L EcoBoost vehicles with the new Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS)…
- 11037559Sep 22, 2026This bulletin supersedes 26-2309. Reason For Update: update the Model section to remove Aviator 10R80, update the Parts list to add 3.3L to W520514-S440, and add L1MZ-7Z490-G…
- 11036595Aug 26, 2026This article supersedes 26-2287. Reason for update: update the labor operation numbers to add MT to operations C, F, G, H, J, K, L and M, and correct the part number LIMZ-4A015-B…
- 11035556Aug 3, 2026Some 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L PowerBoost engine, 2020-2026 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.3L hybrid engine, and 2020-2023 Lincoln Aviator vehicles…
- 11034224Jul 2, 2026This bulletin supersedes 26-2241. Reason For Update: update the parts list to correct the claim quantity of the part number JB3Z-4B496-B from 3 to 6. Some of the vehicles listed…
- 11034011Jun 18, 2026This article supersedes 25-2302. Reason for update: update the labor time allowance for F-150 vehicles, update the Parts list to replace the part number W716979-S439 with…
- 11033775Jun 5, 2026For 20202026 vehicles equipped with the 10R60 transmission, a new Transmission Clutch Circuit Leak Test has been introduced in the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS)…
- 11032750May 18, 2026This bulletin supersedes 25-2587. Reason For Update: update the Parts list to add the F-clutch friction plates HL3Z-7B164-D and the F-clutch steel plates PR3Z-7B164-A for the…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 7% |
| 2025 | 16 | 15% |
| 2024 | 1 | 5% |
| 2023 | 12 | 11% |
| 2022 | 61 | 23% |
| 2021 | 127 | 28% |
| 2020 | 504 | 40% |
| 2019 | 35 | 12% |
| 2018 | 50 | 7% |
| 2017 | 125 | 7% |
| 2016 | 215 | 9% |
| 2015 | 86 | 5% |
| 2014 | 80 | 5% |
| 2013 | 119 | 5% |
| 2012 | 55 | 7% |
| 2011 | 64 | 5% |
| 2010 | 28 | 24% |
| 2009 | 3 | 9% |
| 2008 | 36 | 24% |
| 2007 | 57 | 27% |
| 2006 | 296 | 47% |
| 2005 | 99 | 20% |
| 2004 | 460 | 35% |
| 2003 | 335 | 30% |
| 2002 | 1,502 | 46% |
| 2001 | 42 | 11% |
| 2000 | 133 | 14% |
| 1999 | 115 | 9% |
| 1998 | 103 | 5% |
| 1997 | 104 | 6% |
| 1996 | 120 | 8% |
| 1995 | 119 | 14% |
| 1994 | 86 | 7% |
| 1993 | 72 | 8% |
| 1992 | 77 | 12% |
| 1991 | 69 | 11% |
| 1990 | 2 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2022 Ford Explorer
58 complaintsElectrical system
39 complaintsFuel system
37 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
31 complaintsEngine
30 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
23 complaintsBrakes
13 complaintsSuspension
13 complaintsForward collision avoidance
12 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsAir bags
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2022 Ford Explorer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology