It’s upsetting that the 2022 Ford Explorer has a low-reliability rating. It’s an excellent SUV to consider, but the weak reliability scores may cause potential buyers to walk. So let’s see why the Ford Explorer has a low rating and if it’s really that bad. 

How reliable is the 2022 Ford Explorer? 

According to Consumer Reports, the 2022 Ford explorer has a predicted reliability ranking of one out of five. That’s the worst score a vehicle can get, and it’s pretty far below average. But the predicted reliability ranking is based on issues with the 2020 and 2021 model years. 

To provide a reliability ranking, Consumer Reports sends out user surveys so owners can report the issues that they faced. The survey contains 17 potential trouble spots ranging from the engine, electronics, transmission body integrity, and more. 

The biggest problems seem to be related to the 2020 Explorer’s body integrity, electronics, power equipment, and transmission. Each of these areas has fewer complaints for the 2021 Ford Explorer model year. This could mean that the issues are being solved. 

How many miles will an Explorer last? 

We aren’t walking away from the 2022 Ford Explorer yet. It looks like significant problems from the 2020 model have been resolved. On average, the Ford Explorer can last between 80,000 to 200,000 miles. That’s quite the range. 

In most cases, the Explorer will last for about 12 to 17 years on the road if you drive about 12,000 miles on an annual basis. But drivers typically drive about 15,000 miles per year, so 12,000 feels a bit short. 

There are also examples of some Ford Explorer models making it past 300,000 miles. Providing the proper care and maintenance does prolong the life of a vehicle. The Ford Explorer costs about $732 to maintain on an annual basis. This figure is a little high because the average cost to maintain a vehicle is $651. 

What are the most common Ford Explorer problems?

According to Motor Verso, one of the most common Ford Explorer problems involves transmission issues. The Explorer seems to be prone to lurching and jolting, which can be unsettling. If your vehicle doesn’t let you go into gear, slips out of gear while you’re driving, or jumps gears without warning, you might have transmission trouble. 

Another common issue involves warping and bubbling paint. This can be pretty frustrating because you don’t want your new 2022 Ford Explorer to have chipped paint. This also could lead to rust and corrosion. 

The Ford Explorer can also be hot in an unwanted way. People have reported that the heater of the Explorer may get stuck on the highest setting, leading to overheating. If the heated blend door fails, the heater is unable to function properly. 

But on a positive note, Explorer models with the highest amount of reported issues are the 2002, 2004, and 2006 models. Ford has had ample time to correct these problems. The Explorer has been around for 30 years, so it’s a trusted name, at least. 

If you’re in the market for one, you might want to avoid the 2020 model. It has the most reported problems in recent history. The 2021 model is doing a lot better, and you could find a deal on a used option from 2019 or older.