2022 Ford Explorer

Powertrain

Powertrain and transmission defects directly impair the vehicle’s core function and are generally considered substantial defects under California lemon law. Owners of the 2022 Ford Explorer have reported harsh shifting, shuddering, slipping, and transmission warning lights. 74 NHTSA complaints have been submitted for this defect category. Owner reports include: “Both catalytic converters have failed, with one have a catastrophic failure, resulting in pipe becoming disconnect from the exhaust system and dropped to pavement while vehicle was traveling at interstate speed. Pipe was facing forward when it dropped. Posed severe risk to myself and other vehicles. Disabled vehicle was towed to Ford dealership where it was confirmed both converters were cracked, with the one having broken apart. Noise and vibration condition was noted and started over a year prior, however, dealer was unable to diagnose it until the full failure made the source apparent.” (NHTSA Complaint #11722072)

Other Systems

The 2022 Ford Explorer has generated 54 NHTSA complaints for this defect category. If your vehicle has experienced recurring issues in this area that the dealer has been unable to repair after multiple attempts, you may have a qualifying lemon law claim under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. Owner reports include: “The panoramic shade on my 2022 Ford Explorer failed causing an inability to see clearly. The dealership did replace the faulty motors on both sides free of charge. Afterwards when attempting to close the sunroof after opening, it wouldn’t close. We had to force it shut due to rainy weather. After taking to the dealership for possible repair/replacement we’ve been told that both motors need to be replaced and the track is broken and needs to be replaced. Cost of 3500.00 to 3900.00. I have rarely used the sunroof because I’m afraid it won’t work. Now I’m stuck with a huge repair on faulty Ford equipment that has been rarely used and can’t be worn out unless you installed used equipment in the first place. Shame on Ford!” (NHTSA Complaint #11716174)

Backup Camera

The 2022 Ford Explorer has generated 18 NHTSA complaints for this defect category. If your vehicle has experienced recurring issues in this area that the dealer has been unable to repair after multiple attempts, you may have a qualifying lemon law claim under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. Owner reports include: “The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the rearview became inoperable. The contact stated that the rearview camera image was blank. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the processing module console had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 76,000.” (NHTSA Complaint #11676271)

Fuel System

Fuel and propulsion system defects can cause stalling, fuel leaks, or power loss — all substantial impairments of use and safety. The 2022 Ford Explorer has generated 16 NHTSA complaints for this defect category. Owner reports include: “This recall has been open for 8 months, all the while posing a huge safety risk. A new car can be built in less time. Why is this urgent recall effort taking so long to complete? Jul 08,2025 Manufacturer Recall Number25S75 NHTSA Recall Number25V455 Recall Status Recall Incomplete, remedy not yet available” (NHTSA Complaint #11724942)

Engine

Engine and cooling problems are among the most serious defects under California’s Song-Beverly Act. Owners of the 2022 Ford Explorer have reported issues including stalling, overheating, loss of power, rough idling, excessive oil consumption, and check engine lights that return after dealer repairs. With 16 NHTSA complaints on record, this defect pattern is well-documented. Owner reports include: “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.” (NHTSA Complaint #11694311)

Active NHTSA Recalls — 2022 Ford Explorer

The following 22 recalls have been issued for the 2022 Ford Explorer by the NHTSA or Ford. If your vehicle is affected, the manufacturer is required to provide a free remedy. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls.

California Lemon Law — Song-Beverly Act

California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1790–1795.8) is one of the strongest lemon laws in the United States. It protects buyers and lessees of new and certified pre-owned vehicles that develop substantial defects the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts.

Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.22, a lemon law presumption is triggered when any of the following apply to your 2022 Ford Explorer:

• 4+ repair attempts for the same non-safety defect without resolution
• 2+ repair attempts for a defect likely to cause death or serious bodily injury
• 30+ calendar days out of service for warranty repairs (cumulative, not consecutive)

Once the presumption is triggered, the burden shifts to Ford to prove the vehicle is not a lemon. Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1794(d), Ford must pay your attorney’s fees if you prevail — meaning qualified representation costs you nothing out of pocket.

What You Can Recover

If your 2022 Ford Explorer qualifies as a lemon under California law, Ford may be legally required to:

• Repurchase your vehicle — Full refund of your down payment, all monthly payments, registration fees, and incidental costs (towing, rentals), minus a mileage offset for miles driven before the first repair attempt
• Replace your vehicle — Provide a new, comparable vehicle at no cost to you
• Pay your attorney’s fees — Under § 1794(d), Ford pays all legal fees if you prevail
• Civil penalty up to 2x damages — If Ford willfully violated the Act, courts may award double the actual damages

Steps to Protect Your 2022 Ford Explorer Claim

Step 1: Document every repair visit. Keep all repair orders, work orders, and dealer invoices. Each visit counts as a repair attempt, even if the dealer says nothing is wrong.

Step 2: Keep returning for repairs. You must give Ford a reasonable opportunity to fix the defect. Visit different authorized Ford dealers if needed and ask for written documentation of each visit.

Step 3: Contact a California lemon law attorney. Once you believe the threshold has been met — 4 attempts for non-safety defects, 2 for safety defects, or 30 days out of service — contact an attorney for a free case evaluation. Under § 1794(d), Ford pays your fees if you win.

Step 4: Send a demand letter. Your attorney will send Ford a formal demand letter. Most California lemon law cases resolve through negotiation without going to trial.

2022 Ford Explorer Lemon Law Questions

How many repair attempts qualify my 2022 Ford Explorer as a lemon?

Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.22, four or more repair attempts for the same non-safety defect, or two attempts for a safety-related defect, triggers the lemon law presumption. Additionally, 30 or more cumulative days out of service qualifies regardless of the number of repair attempts.

Does Ford pay my attorney fees?

Yes. Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1794(d), Ford is required to pay your reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs if you prevail in a lemon law claim. This means qualified lemon law representation is free to you if your case succeeds.

Can I file a lemon law claim without an active recall?

Yes. A recall is not required to file a lemon law claim. The Song-Beverly Act covers any substantial defect that impairs the use, value, or safety of the vehicle that the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts. NHTSA complaints support the claim by establishing a pattern, but are not a prerequisite.

What is the time limit to file a lemon law claim for my 2022 Ford Explorer?

California lemon law claims are generally subject to a four-year statute of limitations from the date you discovered or should have discovered the defect. However, you must still be within the manufacturer’s original warranty period when the defect first appears. Contact an attorney promptly to preserve your rights.