2015 Ford Explorer
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Structure is the leading concern among 1,791 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 4th highest complaint count among 26 Explorer model years with reports.
Of the 2015 reports, 37 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 98 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Back over prevention, sensing system, cameraOct 13, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on October 25, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Mustang owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA9. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 14, 2025.
Campaign 25V695000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, roof and pillarsJan 19, 2024
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024 and December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
Campaign 24V031000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearJul 15, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Exposure to road salt can cause the cross-axis ball joint to corrode and seize, resulting in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.
A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle, and replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall numbers 16V-245, 19V-435, and 20V-675. Certain vehicles previously repaired will need to return for the new remedy. An interim notification letter notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on September 10, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2022. Owners may contact Ford's customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S32.
Campaign 21V537000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearMar 12, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin that were previously repaired under a prior recall numbers 16V-245 or 19V-435. The outboard section of a rear suspension toe link may fracture.
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle attached to the rear suspension toe link and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S62.
Campaign 20V675000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, axle assembly, axle shaftNov 10, 2020
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Explorer, 2014-2015 Taurus and 2014 Edge vehicles equipped with 2.0L or 2.3L engines and front wheel drive. The support bracket for the front drive axle halfshaft may fail.
The failed bracket could result in a loss of park function which can cause unintended vehicle movement, and loss of motive power while driving which increases the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the link shaft bracket, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners received an interim notification detailing safety risk December 8, 2020. A second letter will be mailed when parts become available in January 2021. The recall began February 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S63.
Campaign 20V692000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearJun 10, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, and inspect both rear toe link ball joints, replacing the rear wheel knuckle(s), if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S17.
Campaign 19V435000 on NHTSA.gov
Wheels, hubAug 28, 2017
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain Wheel Hub Bearing assemblies, part number HB5Z-1104-C, incorrectly listed as being for installation on the rear axles of 2011-2017 Ford Explorer 4X2 vehicles. These bearings assemblies were manufactured without a self retention feature, possibly resulting in the separation of the wheel or wheel end.
A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify the distributors of the hubs specifying that they are to only be used on drive axles. It is believed that none of the hubs were purchased from Ford dealers for the incorrect application. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 17E048000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearApr 26, 2016
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured January 17, 2014 to May 31, 2014. The affected vehicles may have improperly welded rear suspension toe links that may fracture.
A fracture of the rear suspension toe link may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. The recall began on November 18, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S18.
Campaign 16V245000 on NHTSA.gov
Parking brakeJul 24, 2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 23, 2015, Lincoln MKT vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 21, 2015, and 2015-2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 23, 2015. The affected vehicles have a parking brake that may not fully engage when applied. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
If the parking brake does not fully engage and the transmission is left in a gear other than 'Park' while on a slope, the vehicle may roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will test the operation of the parking brake system, and if necessary, replace the parking brake control assembly, free of charge. The recall began on September 4, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15C07.
Campaign 15V464000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: back over prevention
133 reports, newest first. Show all
Back over prevention, Nov 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while reversing, the back-over prevention camera failed to display an image and instead showed a black screen. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer before receiving the recall notification and had the camera replaced. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that there were no parts for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
Suspension, Structure, Back over prevention, Nov 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign numbers: 19V435000 (SUSPENSION), 21V537000 (SUSPENSION), 24V031000 (STRUCTURE), and 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, parts for the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the contact heard outside noises inside the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that when the heater was activated, the front windshield made an abnormal sound and then shifted. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while the vehicle was parked at the residence, the driver’s and passenger’s side A-pillar trims detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a glass specialty shop, and the front windshield was replaced. The contact stated that the failure persisted. 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 issue. The failure mileage was unknown.
Structure, Back over prevention, Nov 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera image was blurry, nearly causing the vehicle to strike a bicyclist. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. 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 issue. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.
Structure, Back over prevention, Nov 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE) and 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a distorted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). In addition, the screen displayed a black screen, or occasionally fail to turn on. The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. The message "Check Rear-view Camera" was displayed. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the failure had occurred since the vehicle was purchased. The failure mileage was unknown.
Structure, Back over prevention, Nov 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated that there was water leaking inside the vehicle through the passenger's side windshield, on the lower right, which required the contact to manually scoop water out of the cabin of the vehicle. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were unavailable for the repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.
Back over prevention, Nov 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in reverse(R), the rearview camera was inoperable. An error message was displayed on the screen. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a distorted or blank image intermittently at other times. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. 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 approximately 164,000.
Structure, Back over prevention, Nov 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the driver's side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted and replaced the A-pillar trim. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a distorted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. 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 issue. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Structure, Back over prevention, Nov 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). However, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the driver's side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted and replaced the A-pillar trim. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the driver's side A-pillar trim was loose. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the rearview camera displayed a distorted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. The message "Rear-view Camera Inoperable" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired after the most recent failure. 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 issue. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Structure, Back over prevention, Nov 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the windshield exterior A-pillar trims had become loosened. A mobile technician from the dealer applied tape to the trim pieces as a temporary repair at the residence. Additionally, the contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera image was distorted, intermittent, or black. The message that the camera was inoperable and to contact the dealer was displayed. The contact had received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention), and related the failures to the recall; however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Structure, Back over prevention, Nov 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts needed for the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated that the back-over prevention camera displayed a distorted or reversed image while in reverse. Occasionally, the screen was blacked out or was white. An alarm sounded from the camera system even while the vehicle was not in reverse. The failures occurred intermittently but became more persistent. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.
Structure, Back over prevention, Nov 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the driver's side A-pillar trim had become loose and was almost blown off the vehicle by the slipstream. Additionally, the contact reported that the rear-view camera was intermittently black. The contact was aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair for the recall repairs. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer and was informed that parts for the recall repairs were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Structure, Back over prevention, Nov 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE) and 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). However, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the passenger's side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the rearview camera failed to function as intended while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. A dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. 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 issue. The failure mileage was unknown.
Suspension, Structure, Back over prevention, Oct 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V435000 (SUSPENSION), 24V031000 (STRUCTURE), and 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). However, the parts for the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a black screen while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the visibility, which prevented the safe operation of the vehicle. The local dealer was not 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 issue. The failure mileage was unknown.
Back over prevention, Oct 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted.
Back over prevention, Oct 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed multicolored screens while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, prevented the safe operation of the vehicle. The message that the backup screen was inoperable was displayed. In addition, the navigation screen failed to operate as intended. The contact changed the SIM card and replaced the battery. The contact stated that when the screen showed a colored screen, the contact turned off the vehicle, opened and closed the door, and restarted the vehicle, and the camera would reboot. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. 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 issue. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
Structure, Back over prevention, Oct 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE) and 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). However, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a distorted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). In addition, the rearview camera moved independently while in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, preventing safe operation of the vehicle. The contact was unsure if any warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was not 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 issue. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Structure, Back over prevention, Oct 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rearview camera image appeared blank. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. 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 not available.
Back over prevention, Oct 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera displayed a reversed rearview image, potentially comprising the back over prevention system. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); the VIN was included, but parts were not yet available for the repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Structure, Back over prevention, Oct 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE) and 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). However, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger’s side front A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. In addition, the trim at the bottom of the front windshield had detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. Most recently, the contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a distorted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer after the most recent failure. 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 issue. The failure mileage was unknown.
Back over prevention, Oct 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, after contacting the dealer, the contact was informed that the part was not yet available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not informed of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Electrical system, Back over prevention, Oct 9, 2025
Rear view camera displays a blank or distorted images when vehicle is in reverse. Rear view camera will display a message that the rear view camera is unavailable. A faulty rear view camera can increase the risk of a crash
Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Sep 29, 2025
Rear Camera not working properly, Dashboard screen starts rapidly flickering when vehicle put in reverse. Unable to see if anything is behind vehicle.
Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Sep 25, 2025
I SEE THEY ARE RECALLING BACKUP CAMERAS ON FORD EXPLORERS MINE HAS NOT WORKED PROPERLY FOR YEARS. WHEN BACKING UP THE CAMERA SHOWS OBJECTS ON THE LEFT SIDE OF CAR ON THE RIGHT AND VICE VERSA. EXAMPLE IF IM BACKING UP AND A CAR IS COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE OF CAR IN PARKING LOT IT SHOWS IT COMING FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE. IT ALSO STAYS ON WHILE DRIVING AND SOMETIMES SHOWS AND BLACK SCREEN AND DISTORTED IMAGES. THE DATE BELOW IS JUST THIS REPORT DATE BECAUSE I CAN'T SUBMIT WITHOUT
Structure, Back over prevention, Sep 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the top of the passenger’s side A-pillar trim had fractured, and the driver’s side A-pillar trim was frequently popping out of place while driving. The contact stated that the rear-view camera intermittently displayed a blank or distorted image while shifted into reverse(R). The contact stated that the message "Contact the Dealer" was displayed on the instrument panel. The manufacturer was notified of the failures, and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the VIN related to the rear-view camera. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 112,000
Back over prevention, Sep 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing, the back over prevention camera system screen displayed a black screen. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure; however, the VIN was not included. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.