2022 Ford Explorer Visibility Problems

Known defect among Explorer owners. The shade for the sunroof runs along tracks. That track is Known to fail causing the sunshade to fall down and blocks visibility out the rear windshield and inability to use the rear view mirror effectively. My vehicle was unsafe to drive until going to the dealership. They checked it and left it hanging down until I requested for it to be amended before driving home. They noted this is a known issue to Ford. They said the only way to fix it was to install a brand new system & there was no minor fix to components.

NHTSA ID

11753818

Incident

Apr 18, 2024

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the front windshield wiper was operating intermittently. The contact received notification of NTHSA Campaign Number: 26V117000 (Visibility); and associated the failure with the recall. However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11751835

Incident

Jul 21, 2026

The panoramic sun roof shade failed on my vehicle where instead of it retracting properly it drops down onto the second row passenger's. This posses a safety risk as it impedes completely the drivers ability to see through the rear view mirror by blocking off the view of the back glass. The issue happened without any notice or noise it just happened all of a sudden I noticed it as I was not able to look through rear view mirror. This also puts at risk others as it impedes the drivers field of view allowing the possibility of an accident of occurring. I like to drive with my sunroof open very often, so now that is a risk I will have all the time I open my sunroof where I will have my field of view blocked. I have called two ford dealership to try to get quotes to repair the issue. First I was shocked with the price for the repair, but I was also shocked when I was told that it is a very common issue with the panoramic sunroof where the shade drops down. I asked do people usually get it repaired or not and they told me that most people don’t fix it that they just decide to deal with it or not use the sunroof at all. One of the dealerships told me the cost of the repair was roughly above $3 thousand dollars and the other told me it would be around $2.8 thousand dollars. A lot of labor is required as they have to bring down the headliner and remove the sunroof glass panels to be able to get it repaired. They also were not able to guarantee that after the repair that it would not happen again as they told me it was a design flaw that it was just a matter of time before it happened again. I believe Ford should be hold accountable for this and provide a permanent fix to this issue that is very common with the panoramic sun roof that creates a safety hazard for vehicle occupants and others. Especially if after customers have to pay considerable amounts of money for repairs and the issue will happen again as it is a design flaw.

NHTSA ID

11751397

Incident

Jul 10, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the sunroof sunshade detached from the inner roof and sagged downward, creating a visibility hazard. The contact stated that the rearview mirror view was obstructed due to the failure. The contact stated that the failure was caused by faulty clips securing the sunshade. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and a local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.

NHTSA ID

11749368

Incident

Mar 20, 2026

Mileage

50,000 mi

Rear wiper works intermittently

NHTSA ID

11739352

Incident

May 20, 2026

There are three active recall on my car, all of which say there are not remedy available and NHTSA 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 NHTSA Recall Number 26V123 and NHTSA Recall Number 26V117.

NHTSA ID

11730431

Incident

Jul 8, 2025

Recently, my sun roof shade has started to sag and no longer retracts correctly. This is causing a loss of visibility out of the rear and side windows. It also is causing a distraction as it has lost it's tension. Additionally I have contacted two separate Ford dealerships, only for them to tell me that I have to bring the vehicle in and pay hundreds of dollars to "diagnose" that the shade is broken and that my extended warranty will not cover this cost even though it is a danger for me to drive my vehicle in this condition.

NHTSA ID

11729741

Incident

Apr 6, 2026

The panoramic sunroof sunshade in my 2022 Ford Explorer failed and now sags downward. The shade hangs low enough to partially block the rear window and interferes with visibility through the rearview mirror. After researching the issue, I found many other owners reporting the same failure with the sunroof sunshade mechanism or clips. This appears to be a common defect. The reduced rear visibility while driving creates a safety hazard when checking traffic behind the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11722595

Incident

Feb 23, 2026

The headliner that covers my panoramic sunroof has came loose on both sides , obstructing my reaview .

NHTSA ID

11716418

Incident

Feb 5, 2026

I own a 2022 Ford Explorer purchased in April 2025. Since purchasing the vehicle, I have experienced multiple defects affecting safety and normal use. The instrument cluster becomes foggy, making it difficult to clearly see my speed while driving. The infotainment screen intermittently malfunctions and affects the backup camera display, reducing rear visibility. I also experienced fuel contamination that was confirmed and repaired by the dealership. In addition, the rear HVAC air vents close and do not provide airflow to the back seats. The vehicle has been taken to the dealership four separate times for different issues. Despite these repair attempts, the problems have continued or new issues have appeared. Due to the ongoing defects and safety concerns, I do not feel safe or confident operating this vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11708973

Incident

Apr 13, 2025

Sun roof, moon roof collapse while driving . making rattling noise.

NHTSA ID

11701252

Incident

Nov 3, 2025

We purchased our 2022 Ford Explorer brand new on April 12, 2022. The backup camera was nonfunctional that same evening. We brought the car to Porter Ford, where the issue was confirmed via diagnostic code U0264:00 ("Lost Communication With Camera Module Rear"). The dealership informed us that this was tied to a known recall, but that the necessary parts were unavailable. We waited more than two years for a resolution, during which time the camera system remained inoperable or intermittently failed. This defect directly impacts rear visibility, which is required under FMVSS 111. In August 2024, Willis Ford performed Recall 23S23, replacing the rear camera and wiring harness. The issue continued. In May 2024, they opened Recall 23S232, again noting a need for parts. In September 2024, the camera was replaced again. The issue persisted. In June 2025, the issue was finally diagnosed as a failed IPMB module and possibly a harness fault. Ford has since quoted us $2,937.90 to repair the issue—despite written confirmation from the service advisor to Ford that: "If the vehicle was still under warranty, this repair would be covered." We have not paid anything, and are refusing partial coverage, as the defect was: Reported within 24 hours of vehicle delivery Tied to multiple recalls Never resolved after years of authorized service center attempts This is a clear and ongoing safety defect affecting rear visibility. Ford has failed to comply with safety standards by not resolving the issue in a timely or effective manner. We request NHTSA investigation into Ford’s handling of this camera recall and similar issues in other 2022 Explorers.

NHTSA ID

11698560

Incident

Apr 12, 2022

Sunroof shade came off track and began drooping, obscuring view out of rearview mirror. Total lack of visibility out of the rear window (whether turning my head or using the rearview mirror) presented a significant safety hazard. Dealer confirmed problem and quoted over $2500 for repair. Prior to issue, a persistent rattling noise had been coming from the vehicle’s ceiling (at speed) for at least 6 months.

NHTSA ID

11694327

Incident

Oct 7, 2025

I bought the car May 31th and on June 1st the moon roof shade come out of its track

NHTSA ID

11671822

Incident

Jun 1, 2025

The backup camera and related system on the 2022 Ford Explorer ST has malfunctioned and failed to show any images. I'd had the vehicle to the dealer on 3 occasions, whereby I've just learned the issue was improperly diagnosed by another dealer as a faulty camera, but the real problem of a faulty processor was diagnosed and therefore not replaced. This issue puts me, other vehicles and pedestrians in particular risk as there is not rear camera image being projected. The problem has been confirmed by two dealers, diagnosed and now indication is to repair it. This is clearly part of the broader issues Ford is having with rear camera back-up systems.

NHTSA ID

11653910

Incident

Feb 12, 2024

Retracted the sunroof and the fabric didn’t retract and just hung down. I don’t retract the sunroof often so it can’t be over use. I closed it but it billows and is a distraction when looking in my rear view mirror. Can’t make it tight again and can’t be without my vehicle for weeks while dealership has it. This is a major fault with the design. No warning. It’s worked and then it didn’t.

NHTSA ID

11643073

Incident

Feb 3, 2025

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the passenger’s side rear window failed to roll up. The contact stated that after inspecting the vehicle, as a certified engineer, the master control switch on the driver’s side door had remained in the down position allowing for the window to remain down. The plastic around the switch was warped, causing the switch to remain in a downward position to activate the button. The contact manually raised the window and disconnected the connector from the circuit board to allow all other windows to properly function. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not under recall for the failure. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 43,000.

NHTSA ID

11596096

Incident

Jun 23, 2024

Mileage

43,000 mi

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and idling with the air conditioner activated, the rear hatch door window suddenly shattered. The contact stated that during the failure, there was no impact on the window to cause the shattering of the window. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 28,000.

NHTSA ID

11596084

Incident

Jun 22, 2024

Mileage

28,000 mi

Driving on the highway and the sunroof exploded. No one around and no overpass. No signs of impact or object in or near vehicle. No other damage to vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11589564

Incident

May 17, 2024

The plastic window switch has peeled, creating essentially a very sharp edge that has cut me and caused bleeding and pain. It is available for inspection and I have pictures. This is a problem known to Ford. The vehicle was dropped of at a Ford dealership, Crossley Ford Liberty, MO. The problem identified, but not covered under warranty.

NHTSA ID

11545808

Incident

Sep 1, 2023

Windshield stress crack developed overnight. First notices July 18th as small crack (less than 6 inches) on right top third. Over the week grew to 8 inches. Less than 10,000 miles and under 1 year. Ford considers this a wear item and is only covered for 90 days. Currently available for inspection. Not driving car in case the windshield completely fails. Windshield will be inspected and replaced by insurance.

NHTSA ID

11534550

Incident

Jul 18, 2023

The sun roof/ moon roof shattered while going down the road at 70 MPH. Glass showered down on my wife as she was traveling until she could stop and get the glass cleaned up.

NHTSA ID

11514079

Incident

Mar 24, 2023

Since "fixing" my vehicle with retrofitted 2nd row HVAC controls, the 2nd row heating is unable to be controlled from the front, which means if you have a child in a car seat who can't reach the 2nd row controls you must reach behind while driving to adjust the heat. If you try to adjust from the front controls, it shuts off the overhead vents and only blows from one 3rd row floor vent, which doesn't provide much heat for the 2nd row passengers. The AC controls work properly when controlled from the front. I've taken my vehicle to Ford several times and they tried reprogramming, etc. and compared to other vehicles of the same model year and said they are functioning the same as mine. I believe this poses a serious safety risk as who is not going to attempt to reach back to provide some heat to a cold child?

NHTSA ID

11510740

Incident

Jan 4, 2023

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds in the rain, the windshield wipers were engaged but failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that the windshield wipers were not wiping water off the windshield as the rubber on the wipers was defective. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 500.

NHTSA ID

11494470

Incident

Nov 7, 2022

Mileage

500 mi

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds in the rain, the windshield wipers were engaged but failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that the windshield wipers were not wiping water off the windshield as the rubber on the wiper blades were defective. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 500.

NHTSA ID

11494468

Incident

Nov 7, 2022

Mileage

500 mi