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2022 Ford Explorer: engine failure

6 of the 274 complaints about the 2022 Ford Explorer describe engine failure.

owner complaints
6
of this car's complaints
2%
recalls
3
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls and 28 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Engine failure by model year

What owners say

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 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 Apr 10, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · PA

There are three active recall on my car, all of which say there are not remedy available and the federal safety agency Recall Number 25V455 can cause engine failure that leads to a crash, was reported in July 2025, and STILL has no remedy. The other 2 recalls are the federal safety agency Recall Number 26V123 and the federal safety agency Recall Number 26V117.

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 Nov 8, 2024 · Engine · 177,175 miles · CA

On 10/28/2024 at approximately 0515 I was traveling at 51 MPH when my 2022 Ford Explorer King Ranch edition with ~25k miles experienced catastrophic engine failure. The vehicle had no prior indication of failure. No engine light, no warning lights, etc. The vehicle started shaking violently and lost all power. I was able to safely pull to the shoulder of a two-lane road. The vehicle was completely dead and would not start. I am not sure if there was oil or anything leaking as it was dark outside. I called a tow truck and had the car taken to the Ford dealership. After initial inspection, the dealership moved the car to the "heavy maintenance" part of the service department. After a few days, I called to find out what they found and was informed the engine had "thrown a rod" and the entire engine would have to be replaced. After a week and a half, I called back and was told they are still disassembling the engine and their next step will be to submit a "cost cap" to Ford for permission to replace the engine. After researching the issue online, I came across the Safety recall 24V‑598 on engine failures in the 3.3L size engine, typically only on police interceptor versions of the Ford Explorer. The information in the recall sounded exactly like what happened to my explorer but was told by the dealer the 3.0L engines were not affected and they had never seen one fail like this. I truly believe the 3.0L engine sizes are affected and the recall should be expanded to include this version of the explorer. I was lucky that I was able to safely drift to the side of the road, however, others may not be that lucky.

Filed Feb 16, 2023 · Steering · 10,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while reversing, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

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 engine failure

Is engine failure a common problem on the 2022 Ford Explorer?

6 of 274 owner complaints about the 2022 Ford Explorer (2%) mention engine failure. The model year with the most reports is 2013.

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 16Check engine light 15Loss of power 13Fuel pump 8Jerking 7Harsh shifting 6Sunroof shattered 6Collision warning 5Headlights 5Hesitation 5Wipers 5

All model years of the Ford Explorer

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