FORD EXPLORER (2022) recall — Structure
Ford is recalling certain 2022 Explorer vehicles due to improperly heat-treated engine rails that may reduce crash protection and cause engine rail detachment. Owners must have rails checked by dealers for free.
Use caution until it’s fixed
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.
Contact the company & request your remedy
What happened, in plain English
Ford is recalling some 2022 Explorer vehicles because engine rails might not be heat-treated properly, which could lead to less crash protection and increase crash risk. Owners should have their engine rails checked by a dealer for free. Read more at govinfonow.com/recall/80851-ford-explorer-2022-engine-rail-safety-risk.
Source Summary by GovInfoNow · govinfonow.com/recall/80851-ford-explorer-2022-engine-rail-safety-risk · Updated August 18, 2026 · Official notice: NHTSA #22V454000
Cite this page
“Ford Explorer 2022: Engine Rail Safety Risk.” GovInfoNow, updated August 18, 2026. https://govinfonow.com/recall/80851-ford-explorer-2022-engine-rail-safety-risk. Based on NHTSA recall #22V454000 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V454000).
Why it’s dangerous
Improperly heat-treated engine rails may not hold up well in crashes, reducing the vehicle's ability to protect occupants. Engine rails could also detach while driving and contact the road, increasing crash risk.
Who’s affected
Owners of 2022 Ford Explorer vehicles are affected. Drivers with improper engine rail heat-treatment are at higher risk during crashes.
How to tell if you have this one
Check for 2022 Ford Explorer vehicles. The recall covers specific models that failed federal safety standards for occupant crash protection and fuel system integrity.
- Brand
Ford- Category
Vehicle
What to do — step by step
Check Engine Rail Strength
Dealers will perform a free engine rail strength test to determine if replacement is needed.
Get Replacement or Buyback Option
If engine rails require replacement, owners can choose vehicle replacement or buyback.
What NHTSA says to do
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.
Questions people ask
Why is this recall happening?
The engine rails may have been improperly heat-treated, causing the vehicle to fail federal safety standards for occupant crash protection and fuel system integrity.
How can I check if my vehicle is affected?
Check if you own a 2022 Ford Explorer. The recall covers specific models that failed federal safety standards for occupant crash protection and fuel system integrity.
What should I do if my engine rails need replacement?
If the engine rails require replacement, you can choose vehicle replacement or buyback through Ford.
Contact Ford
We’ve drafted a message you can send Ford to request your refund or repair — edit it as you like.
Subject: Recall 22V454000 — Ford Ford Hello, I own a Ford that is covered by recall 22V454000 from Ford. The official recall notice states: 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. I’m writing to arrange the remedy described in the recall (a refund, repair, or replacement as applicable). Could you please tell me the next steps to resolve this? Thank you.
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Where this comes from
The facts (hazard, remedy, dates, manufacturer) are pulled from the official NHTSA recall record. The plain-language summary and step-by-step checklist are written by GovInfoNow to make the official notice easier to act on — they don’t replace it.
- Official source: NHTSA Recall #22V454000 (June 24, 2022)
- Plain-language summary written by qwen3:4b on August 18, 2026, from the official record above. Not reviewed by a person — if it conflicts with the NHTSA notice, the notice is correct. Report an error on this page.
- GovInfoNow is an independent service and is not a government agency. We republish official NHTSA recall data; we don’t issue, amend or administer recalls.