VehicleVerdict

2022 Ford Explorer transmission problems

The 2022 Ford Explorer has 59 transmission complaints filed with NHTSA — 17% of the year's total, and down from the prior model year.

59

Transmission complaints

17%

Share of year

2

Crash-involved

4

Related recalls

Transmission complaints by year

Related recalls

25V166000TransmissionMarch 14, 2025 · 4,247 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall numbers 23V-199 or 22V-255. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.

Consequence

A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park without the parking brake applied. A disconnected driveshaft can also result in a loss of drive power. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S22.

23V675000TransmissionOctober 6, 2023 · 238,364 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.

Consequence

A disconnected driveshaft can result in a loss of drive power or a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the subframe bushing and rear axle bolt. They will also inspect the rear axle cover for damage near the bolt hole location and replace with a new cover if any damage is found. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 19, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S55.

23V069000TransmissionFebruary 10, 2023 · 3,674 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine and 10R60 automatic transmission. An unintentional powertrain control module (PCM) reset may occur while the vehicle is in motion and result in park system damage.

Consequence

A park system that is damaged may not shift into "PARK," resulting in a vehicle rollaway and increasing the risk of injury or crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the park system for damage and repair as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S05.

23V070000TransmissionFebruary 10, 2023 · 1,138 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 F-150, Mustang, Explorer, Bronco, and 2023 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. The transmission may contain a loose bolt which could prevent the transmission from engaging the park gear, although the gear shifter position may indicate that the vehicle has been shifted to "PARK."

Consequence

The inability to secure the vehicle in the park position can result in a rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transmissions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S06.

What owners report

When vehicle is put into reverse, there is a 15-20 second delay before reverse kicks in. You don't know when it is reverse yet , you let go of brakes and vehicle moves forward until transmission engages. Have taken vehicle to dealer to have checked out and ford and dealer says normal delay. Very…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 4, 2023 · crash

Common questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2022 Ford Explorer have?

NHTSA has 59 complaints about the 2022 Ford Explorer transmission — 17% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2022 Ford Explorer transmission?

Yes — 4 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the transmission: 23V069000, 23V070000, 23V675000, 25V166000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.