2022 Ford Explorer Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2022 model year · 1,701+ owner reports · Updated April 2026

According to Au7o's analysis of 1,701+ owner reports, the 2022 Ford Explorer has 3 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Rear Axle Mounting Bolt Fracture ($0-$2,500 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Rear Axle Mounting Bolt Fracture with 678 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $0 to $6,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 3 Known Issues

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Community Reported

678 owners

On the 2020-2022 Ford Explorer, the rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture, causing the rear axle housing to move out of position. This can result in the driveshaft or half-shafts becoming disconnected, leading to loss of forward power and loss of transmission torque to the rear wheels, significantly increasing crash risk.

Common Symptoms

Severe noise and vibration from rear of vehicle
Clunking sounds when accelerating or decelerating
Vehicle pulls to one side
Loss of forward power while driving
Visible movement or misalignment of rear axle

How to Fix

Replace rear axle bolt with updated part. Replace subframe bushing. Inspect rear axle cover for damage and replace if necessary. Replace rear subframe, differential cover, and mounting bolts if bolt has already fractured.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 678+ owners who fixed this issue

NoteThis is a high-severity issue - ignoring it can lead to costly repairs or safety concerns. Address it promptly.
TipGet a proper diagnosis before replacing parts - similar symptoms can have different causes
TipSearch Ford Explorer forums and owner groups for real-world experiences and DIY guides
TipGet multiple quotes from independent mechanics - dealer prices can be 2-3x higher for the same repair
UpgradeComplete strut and shock absorber set for full suspension refresh (KYB Excel-G Strut/Shock Set)
View on Amazon
UpgradeFour-wheel alignment kit with cam bolts for proper tire wear correction (Moog Alignment Cam Bolt Kit)
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Typical repair cost:$0 - $2,500

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678+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence678 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2024Reviewed Feb 2026

Community Reported

567 owners

On the 2020-2024 Ford Explorer, the 10R60 10-speed automatic transmission exhibits harsh shifting, delayed gear engagement, slipping between gears, and erratic behavior. Ford identified that actuators in the transmission are sometimes too tight, causing abnormal shifts. The transmission adaptive learning can also cause issues when it incorrectly learns driving patterns.

This issue also affects: Acura TL, Mitsubishi Outlander, Acura ILX

Common Symptoms

Harsh 1-2 and 3-4 gear shifts
Harsh 7-6 downshift
Delayed engagement into Reverse or Drive
Gear slipping during acceleration
Herky-jerky shifting during normal driving
Gear whine from transmission

How to Fix

Transmission control module software update (TSB 21-2046). Adaptive learning reset procedure. Transmission fluid change with Mercon ULV. Valve body replacement in severe cases. Complete transmission replacement if internal damage has occurred.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 567+ owners who fixed this issue

TipGet a proper diagnosis before replacing parts - similar symptoms can have different causes
TipSearch Ford Explorer forums and owner groups for real-world experiences and DIY guides
TipGet multiple quotes from independent mechanics - dealer prices can be 2-3x higher for the same repair
UpgradeReplacement shift solenoid to restore proper gear engagement (Dorman Transmission Shift Solenoid)
View on Amazon
UpgradeTransmission filter kit with gasket for fluid service after solenoid replacement (ATP Transmission Filter Kit)
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Typical repair cost:$150 - $6,500

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567+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence567 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2024Reviewed Feb 2026

Community Reported

456 owners

On the 2020-2024 Ford Explorer, a software failure in the 360-degree camera system's image processing module can cause the rearview camera to display a blank/black image when the vehicle is placed in reverse, or the image may remain frozen on the display after the backing event has ended. This affects driver visibility and increases the risk of backing collisions.

This issue also affects: BMW 8 Series, BMW i3, BMW M3

Common Symptoms

Rearview camera shows blank/black screen when in reverse
Camera image frozen or not updating
Camera image remains on screen after shifting out of reverse
Camera is no longer operational error message
Intermittent camera flickering

How to Fix

Image processing module software update at dealership (free under recall). Camera module replacement if hardware failure. Check camera lens for dirt, debris, or condensation.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 456+ owners who fixed this issue

TipGet a proper diagnosis before replacing parts - similar symptoms can have different causes
TipSearch Ford Explorer forums and owner groups for real-world experiences and DIY guides
TipGet multiple quotes from independent mechanics - dealer prices can be 2-3x higher for the same repair
UpgradeProfessional OBD-II diagnostic scanner for reading infotainment and body module codes (BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBD2 Scan Tool)
View on Amazon
UpgradeAutomotive relay replacement set for common relay failures (Bosch Automotive Relay 5-Pin 12V)
View on Amazon
UpgradeDigital multimeter for diagnosing fuse, relay, and module electrical faults (Innova Digital Multimeter)
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UpgradeOEM-quality replacement sensor for accurate readings and proper system function (Bosch Replacement Sensor)
View on Amazon

Typical repair cost:$0 - $800

Research This Issue

456+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence456 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2024Reviewed Feb 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Ford Explorer problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 1,701+ owner reports, the 2022-2022 Ford Explorer has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Rear Axle Mounting Bolt Fracture, 10R60 10-Speed Transmission Harsh Shifting, 360-Degree / Rearview Camera System Failure. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Ford Explorer reliable?

The 2022-2022 Ford Explorer has 3 known issues documented across 1,701+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Rear Axle Mounting Bolt Fracture. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Ford Explorer problems?

Repair costs for known Ford Explorer issues range from $0 to $6,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Rear Axle Mounting Bolt Fracture, typically costs $0-$2,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2020-2022 Ford Explorer Rear Axle Mounting Bolt Fracture?

The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture, causing the rear axle housing to move out of position. This can result in the driveshaft or half-shafts becoming disconnected, leading to loss of forward power and loss of transmission torque to the rear wheels, significantly i… Repairs typically run $0-$2,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2020-2024 Ford Explorer 10R60 10-Speed Transmission Harsh Shifting?

The 10R60 10-speed automatic transmission exhibits harsh shifting, delayed gear engagement, slipping between gears, and erratic behavior. Ford identified that actuators in the transmission are sometimes too tight, causing abnormal shifts. The transmission adaptive learning can al… Repairs typically run $150-$6,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2020-2024 Ford Explorer 360-Degree / Rearview Camera System Failure?

A software failure in the 360-degree camera system's image processing module can cause the rearview camera to display a blank/black image when the vehicle is placed in reverse, or the image may remain frozen on the display after the backing event has ended. This affects driver vi… Repairs typically run $0-$800. Severity: medium.

2022 Ford Explorer Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 3 Known Issues

2020-2022 Ford Explorer: Rear Axle Mounting Bolt Fracture#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2020-2024 Ford Explorer: 10R60 10-Speed Transmission Harsh Shifting#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2020-2024 Ford Explorer: 360-Degree / Rearview Camera System Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

Other Ford Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Ford Explorer problems?

Is the Ford Explorer reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Ford Explorer problems?

What is the 2020-2022 Ford Explorer Rear Axle Mounting Bolt Fracture?

What is the 2020-2024 Ford Explorer 10R60 10-Speed Transmission Harsh Shifting?

What is the 2020-2024 Ford Explorer 360-Degree / Rearview Camera System Failure?