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2022 Ford Explorer: check engine light

15 of the 275 complaints about the 2022 Ford Explorer describe check engine light.

owner complaints
15
of this car's complaints
5%
typical mileage
72,378
recalls
3
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls and 28 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Check engine light by model year

What owners say

Filed Nov 2, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · OH

Component Involved: Fuel Tube Support Bracket / Vapor Canister Purge Solenoid Bracket Assembly Part Number: GL3Z-9B325-B Diagnostic Code: P0496 / P1450 Description of Safety Hazard and Defect: I am writing to report a hazardous component defect on my vehicle that presents an immediate safety risk during standard operation. My vehicle triggered an active Check Engine Light with diagnostic trouble code P0496 (EVAP System High Purge Flow). An authorized Ford dealership technician confirmed that the internal mechanism within the purge solenoid bracket assembly (Part GL3Z-9B325-B) failed mechanically by seizing completely in the "stuck-open" position. The failure of this component introduces an uncontrolled, un-metered vacuum leak that continuously pulls raw, highly concentrated fuel vapors out of the charcoal canister directly into the engine's intake manifold. This creates an uncorrectable air-to-fuel ratio imbalance that manifests in severe, dangerous drivability hazards: 1. Engine Stalling in Traffic: The sudden influx of raw vapors disrupts combustion efficiency while idling or driving at low speeds, causing the vehicle to unexpectedly sputter, drop RPM, and stall out in active traffic conditions, creating an immediate crash risk. 2. Severe Hard-Starting/Refusal to Start: Immediately after refueling at a standard gas pump, the action of filling the tank forces massive amounts of vapor through the stuck-open valve. This completely floods the engine cylinders, causing the vehicle to aggressively crank without starting or stumble violently upon catching. This component is failing prematurely well before its intended design life across the EcoBoost engine lineup. Because a sudden engine stall in active intersections or on major highway corridors directly strips the driver of power steering and braking assistance, this systemic mechanical defect constitutes a clear vehicle safety hazard. I request that the federal safety agency log this failure data to advance a mandatory safety recall.

Filed Sep 22, 2026 · Suspension · CA

Car was purchased brand new from Ford Dealership in May 2023. In September 2026, brought car in for 20,000 mile service at Ford Dealership in San Jose, California to discover that both rear shock absorbers are already worn and shocks are leaking. Dealer recommended that they needed to be replaced. Upon research, this issue has very common with 2022 Ford Explorers (all trims). I believe this is a defective issue that should be investigated. No check engine or warning lights ever came up due to this issue.

Filed Sep 9, 2026 · Engine · VA

The check engine light was on. A Ford dealership diagnosed the issue as a coolant intrusion manufacturer defect. There are a number of safety concerns associated with this issue. The primary danger of the coolant intrusion defect is catastrophic engine failure. Severe overheating, internal damage, misfires, fire hazard and oil contamination. There are no active recalls\campaigns\TSB for 2022 Ford Explorer XLT 2.3L EcoBoost engine. The car is available for inspection. Although, the vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police or insurance agent, the issue was presented to Ford and a claim was submitted to the insurance company that services my Mechanical Breakdown Insurance. So far the insurance company is not authorizing the work without an engine breakdown. They are not excepting the P0300 and P0316 code or the results of a barascope and other test. The Ford corporation will not provide a written statement that confirms the dealerships diagnosis is accurate. Some doctrine that states the engine long block had to be replaced to fix the coolant intrusion defect. Ford has recalled coolant intrusion issues on other engine models. I requested a formal Tiered Goodwill Review based on the Miller v. Ford framework and resolution terms. Since the service center’s portal does not display an automatic, VIN-specific internal factory code for a long block replacement. The request was denied. While the Miller v. Ford litigation established corporate accountability for structural block and cylinder coolant intrusion faults in 2.0L blocks, my 2022 2.3L engine shares a highly similar open-deck block geometry and suffers from the exact same systemic coolant failure. Furthermore, Ford has acknowledged manufacturing line coolant and block defects on 2021–2023 2.3L engines through Customer Satisfaction Programs 23B42 and 23B08. Yet there are no recalls associated with my VIN.

Filed Sep 5, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · TX

I have a loss of fuel pressure and flow from the fuel tank due to fuel pump failure. Sometimes my engine stalls while driving, and when I go to fill my tank with gas, the engine will not start. I have to engage it for about 15 minutes before it will start. My check engine light comes on, and I will get the low fuel indicator light. But more importantly I cannot pass inspection. I need my car, I am a health care professional I have contacted my dealership, a Ford Motor company representative, and the only response and action I get in return is that they are still waiting on the part to come in. It has been over a year. I need this recall to be completed as indicated by Ford Motor corporation and its dealerships, please. My contact information is [XXX], [XXX], my email is [XXX]. My vehicle is the 2022 FORDÂ EXPLORER, VIN:Â [XXX], my Cell number is [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 4, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · 60,000 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle before the engine seized. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle restarted after several attempts and was driven to the residence. The contact's minor grandchild was an occupant in the vehicle when the failure occurred. The contact stated that the temperature was extremely hot outside when the failure occurred. The failure was a persistent failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Filed Jul 8, 2026 · Fuel system · TX

Im being told my car is not covered under the recalls from the Chicago Ford plan when I have the exact same DTC codes currently showing on my car as listed in the recall and SSM. The check engine light is on with DTCs P018C and P04F0. Please have the technician specifically reference Ford Special Service Message (SSM) 51247 and inspect connector C1198 on the driver's side frame rail for water intrusion, damaged terminals, or poor pin fit before replacing any parts. Also, please check my VIN for open Recall 22C02 (Fuel Filler Tube End Form) and perform the recall if applicable. If the P04F0 is related to the recall, please diagnose and repair accordingly. combination of P018C + P04F0 is still the reason to have connector C1198 inspected.

Filed May 27, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · 64,598 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle was driving unusually rough and the vehicle stalled. In addition, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to stall as intended. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed low pressure fuel pump. The contact was informed that the low pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact referenced a recall, the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System,Gasoline) however the contact's VIN was not associated. The failure mileage was approximately 64,598.

Filed Dec 20, 2025 · Electrical · NC

the check engine light and see manual (Alley Wrench) constantly goes off and code for P0973- the symptoms following were stalling that felt like someone was rear ending her and acceleration takes time to go back up. Will happen many times on a right and shops claim a replacement of transmission would be needed. Vehicle is 2022 Ford Explorer and should not need a replacement this soon!!!!

Filed Nov 11, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · TX

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. They confirmed there is no available fix for the recall and said there’s “nothing they can do.” I explained this was a safety issue since I drive my son with a disability to therapy daily. They told me I would have to pay out of pocket for repairs even though the problem is linked to the recall. On November 8, while driving in Arizona, my vehicle again failed to start after refueling. Later that day, it lost power on the road, the speed dropped suddenly, and it would not accelerate. The same stalling and jerking occurred again on November 10 while my husband was driving. We contacted Ford Corporate and the federal safety agency, but both said nothing could be done because the recall label says the car is “still drivable.” This is inaccurate and dangerous. The car stalls and loses acceleration randomly, creating a serious risk of an accident. On November 21, the car again failed to start after refueling. This has happened multiple times each week, and Ford continues to delay a fix. My vehicle is unsafe to drive, and this unresolved recall poses an ongoing safety hazard to my family and others on the road.

Filed Nov 10, 2025 · Fuel system · 99,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V455000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 99,000.

Filed Oct 18, 2025 · Engine · TX

2022 ford explorer with less than 100,000 miles on it. Started getting engine shudders and a check engine light. It’s currently in the shop and I’m being told by the shop and a third party adjuster that I need a whole new engine because there is coolant leaking into the cylinders.

Filed Jul 1, 2025 · Engine · 72,378 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. Additionally, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the front end of the vehicle, and there was an abnormal gasoline odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the catalytic converter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 72,378.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanicalReported August 23, 2024 · 90,736 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Bronco, F-150, Edge, Explorer, Lincoln Nautilus, and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with either a 2.7L or 3.0L Nano EcoBoost engine. The engine intake valves may break while driving, which can result in engine failure and a loss of drive power.
Risk
A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will perform an engine cycle test and replace the engine as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S55.

Recall number 24V635000 · Recall details

EngineReported August 9, 2024 · 85,238 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Explorer vehicles equipped with the Police Interceptor Utility Package. In the event of an engine failure, engine oil and fuel vapor may be released into the engine compartment and accumulate near ignition sources such as hot engine or exhaust components, possibly resulting in an engine compartment fire.
Risk
An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy
Owners are advised to park and shut off the engine as promptly as possible upon hearing unexpected engine noises, or after experiencing an unexpected engine power reduction, or seeing smoke from the engine compartment. Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software. In addition, dealers will inspect for connecting rod bearing failure and if necessary, replace the engine long block. All inspections and repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 15, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S52.

Recall number 24V598000 · Recall details

EngineReported June 24, 2022 · 776 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles. The engine rails may have been improperly heat-treated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and 301, "Fuel System Integrity."
Risk
Improperly heat-treated engine rails may reduce the vehicle's structural protection in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. In addition, an engine rail may detach and contact the road while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will perform an engine rail strength test and replace the rails as necessary, free of charge. If the engine rails require replacement, owners will have the option for a vehicle replacement or buyback. Owner notification letters were mailed August 22, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22C13.

Recall number 22V454000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2022 Ford Explorer check engine light

Is check engine light a common problem on the 2022 Ford Explorer?

15 of 275 owner complaints about the 2022 Ford Explorer (5%) mention check engine light. The model year with the most reports is 2016.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2022 Ford Explorer?

There are 3 recalls and 28 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2022 Ford Explorer

Backup camera 23Stalling 16Loss of power 13Fuel pump 8Jerking 7Engine failure 6Harsh shifting 6Sunroof shattered 6Collision warning 5Headlights 5Hesitation 5Wipers 5

All model years of the Ford Explorer

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