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: electrical system
92 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 30, 2025
Recall number 25S42 should include 2015 Ford Explorers. The rearview camera goes blank or is distorted. It causes the driver the inability to see anything behind the vehicle if the object cannot be seen using the mirrors.
Electrical system, Structure, Mar 31, 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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the controls on the infotainment center failed to operate as intended. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Electrical system, Structure, Oct 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that there was water leaking into the interior of the vehicle through the windshield exterior A-pillar trims. The contact then became aware that both A-pillar trims had detached. The contact stated that the water entry had caused extensive damage to the vehicle. The contact stated that the sunroof and the infotainment system were no longer operable. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who did not provide the contact with a diagnosis. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact also stated that he had received medical treatment for symptoms related to mold exposure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 118,000.
Electrical system, Sep 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was restarted on the third attempt; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was driven to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the body control module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The contact stated that vehicle was currently being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Steering, Electrical system, May 23, 2024
For a few weeks, I thought I had developed an air bubble in my power steering system, as occasionally, steering would have a very slight resistance that I could pull through with minimal effort. I went to check my power steering fluid and upon inspection and research, discovered that my vehicle (a Police Intercepter Utility, equal to a base model Explorer) has electric power steering, not hydraulic. I figured the issue was just a minor quirk of the electrical power steering motor kicking in. A few days ago, my power steering failed completely failed while driving at about 35mph. Only once did the dashboard light up with a warning about servicing advanced stabili-trac and something else closely related. The alert lights went out on their own after about 5 seconds and steering returned to normal. Later the same day, steering became very difficult again with no alert lights and it has remained very difficult to steer the vehicle at any speed since then, identical to the failure of a hydraulic power steering pump. I have not yet talked with Ford or any mechanics about the issue, but I plan to do so swiftly. Upon research, there are at least 280 identical complaints about identical make, model, and year vehicles. It may be time for a formal recall on the affected parts.
Electrical system, Air bags, Structure, May 2, 2024
Extensive leaking from the windshield area that is causing a significant amount of water to flood the passenger floorboard and the middle console where the screen for the radio, ac/heating control, and navigation system is. The lights on the middle console screen have become wet and are now blinking. The radio and the ac/heating screen is not allowing for any adjustments. The airbag light is now on the driver's console screen. The safety concerns due to the leaking of the windshield or the seals around the windshield would be an sudden loss of vehicle power while driving. Another safety concern is the windshield or the parts of the seals will come lose while operating the vehicle. There is also water leakage coming from the interior lights right above the middle console control panel.
Electrical system, Apr 22, 2024
The back up camera works sometimes. If we move the shifter from reverse to N or P back to reverse the camera mostly came back on & stayed on until neutral or drive was chosen. It occasionally has the image upside down which is very dangerous. My wife [XXX] & [XXX] have problems turning our head to view mirrors with difficulty & pain. That’s why we chose the Explorer. It is dangerous as we can’t see traffic traveling either way behind the car, almost causing accidents as we are blind to see vehicles behind & beside the cars moving from the right or left. Our friends also having Ford cars are experiencing the same problems as the 2020 & newer reported camera problems that seem to be under recall soon. The problem exists from earlier models beside the Explorer. We asked our local Ford dealer on a recall but we were told no. They offered to fix the problem by replacing the camera assembly for a cost of $800 to $2000!! No chance or any repair or switch adjustment offered. I feel we & other owners Ford this is a serious safety problem that needs to be fixed by the manufacturer for faulty parts or connectors? I’m hoping you have other frustrated consumers with the same problems. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Apr 6, 2024
Rear back up camera does not always engage, and when it does, it sometimes shows inverted image. (Objects that are actually on the right appear on the left side of the screen.)
Electrical system, Structure, Visibility/wiper, Mar 8, 2024
The Moonroof/Sunroof’s motor always breaks down in winter due to snow freezing and water entering the roof and engine, I've had it repaired twice at the dealership, but every winter the problem returns, I talked to owners of the same model of vehicle and the same thing happens to them.
Steering, Electrical system, Jan 15, 2024
The Power Steering was not working and a Low Voltage Warning came on saying power consumption was being reduced. I took the car to a mechanic and he tested the battery and alternator output. They both checked good. After driving for 10-15 minutes, the power consumption reduction turns off and things go back to normal. This happens on almost every drive.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Nov 17, 2023
Warning lights that the ABS system was not functioning. Said to see dealer. Dealer said ABS module bad and had to be replaced. Told me could affect my ability to stop without new module could be a safety concern. Told me there is a back log of orders for module and could not give me a date when parts could come in. Said it could be months which leads me to believe many vehicles have this issue. Big concern to me. In addition, the rear back up camera does not always work which I believe is a real safety concern and know many year explorer cameras have malfunctioned and have been recalled. This year explorer should be recalled also. They have many fixes listed on youtube that identify various fixes various engineering issues, For safety of people (especially children) sake, this should be recalled in my opinion.
Electrical system, Back over prevention, Oct 25, 2023
The backup camera does not come up all the time. Sometimes it shows a blank screen or if it does show the camera picture is on the opposite side then what it show(backwards). Thank you
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 5, 2023
The car would not accelerate after leaving a light. I had just exited the freeway and the gas pedal would not respond and I was stuck in the middle of a 4 lane highway. A yellow warning wrench appeared on the dash and then a check engine light. The error code is P2111 stating the throttle body stuck open.
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 18, 2023
I have a 2015 Ford Explorer. I have had it inspected by a mechanic at the dealership where I purchased said vehicle. I also have taken it to Ford dealership in my town. My car runs perfectly fine then it doesn’t. I have been stranded numerous times and I have replaced the battery in the smart key as they said that would be the problem. I have had the computer reset to my car. When it happened last my camera to help me back up stopped and I was almost in a very bad wreck with my children and grandchildren in my car. It just died!!! I am now sitting in a parking lot at 93 degrees and it again won’t start and know one knows why. I have done everything I can and have been told. I don’t hot rod in my vehicle. Someone for the love of god please help me. I don’t have the money to keep doing this not to buy another vehicle.
Electrical system, Jul 14, 2023
When driving vehicle at any speed on the dashboard the terrain system failure light appears with a wrench light and the terrain system dial light shuts off when this occurs vehicle losses speed immediately stopping abruptly in traffic have taken to dealership but unable to recreate and I haven't been able to drive with the light one due to loosing ability to continue driving as I must turn off vehicle and reset to be able to drive very unsafe have contacted ford also say they can't help without the light reminding on
Power train, Electrical system, Jun 6, 2023
The Gear Shift Selector would not register when the Gear Shift was in Park. This condition prevented turning the engine off. A costly repair was paid for and it has since been noted this is a common complaint on Ford Explorers. Another failed Ford design for which they should be held accountable. The complete Gear Shift Assembly was replaced May 12, 2017 53,86 miles
Electrical system, Air bags, Seat belts, May 27, 2023
Air bag light comes on intermittently. Current mileage 62,094. Noted 21 prior complaints on your site. Brought to dealer who told me the problem was with a wire harness failure. None of the safety air bags will operate/deploy when this light is on. A faulty harness that had failed will put me and my passengers in serious jeopardy of injury or death in the event of an accident. This diagnosis cost me $149 only to find out it would cost hundreds of dollars more to have the problem fixed. Internet research reveals this problem was addressed in a 2016 technical bulletin 16-0001; Code B141B. We purchased this vehicle as a certified pre-owned vehicle after Ford issued the technical bulletin. No mention of Ford's internal bulletin was made by the dealer at the time of my purchase. Ford has been aware of this problem for years. According to the dealership technician there is no formal recall to have this manufacturing defect corrected by Ford at no cost to the purchaser of the vehicle. Didn't fully functional air bags come as part of my certified pre-owned purchase? I expect the manufacturer's safety equipment to be fully functional. Please review 2015 Explorer Owner's Manual as follows: Child Safety (pages 18-37), Safety Belts (pages 38-48) Personal Safety System (page 49) and Supplementary Restraints System (pages 50-61) with particular attention to page 49 bearing in mind that NONE of these safety features work when the air bag light is on. What good are safety features that are disabled by a manufacturing defect in the wiring harness? Ford has not only disappointed its customers, it has put them in serious jeopardy when using their product. Your rating system notes Crash, Fire, Injuries and Deaths. Do not wait for a positive notation in any of these categories before you act on safety recommendations, including a mandated recall, which is your primary tool for preventing future civil transportation accidents.
Electrical system, Back over prevention, Jan 27, 2023
The backup camera fails constantly when you put the Ford Explorer into reverse the camera works sometime and sometime it do not work a message will pop up saying that there is a problem with the camera and need to be service this is happening to a lot of the 2015 Ford Explorers and older and there should be a recall because if you look online there have been thousands of people having the same problem with their backup camera
Electrical system, Air bags, Jan 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the second-row rear inflatable seat belt connector caused the air bag warning light to illuminate. The contact related the failure to TSB-21B11 (2nd Row Inflatable Seat Belt). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the cable was re-routed under the seat and re-enforced with electrical tape; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Electrical system, Engine and engine cooling, Aug 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact was able to jumpstart the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was towed to a local Pep Boys where the battery was replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that she noticed that coolant was leaking onto the ground in the driveway. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the water pump was leaking. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.
Electrical system, Structure, Jun 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while parked or while driving during inclement weather, water would enter the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the rain caused an electrical failure in the vehicle that caused the radio, windows, and other electrical equipment to not function properly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the roof rack needed to be replaced. The contact stated that she was concerned about the electrical failure that was caused by the soft roof rack. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 92,000.
Electrical system, Apr 20, 2022
The brake light goes on for a couple of minutes then goes off also the engine oil comes on when I had already change it but then comes off as well . Both light randomly come on and off might be a electrical problem . Suspension is really bad my car goes like if it’s going on bumps then it stops then again, does it randomly . Also car shakes
Electrical system, Air bags, Jul 29, 2021
Driver side air bag light on.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 9, 2021
THE HIGHWAY WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY. I WAS DRIVING. AND THE CAR SUDDENLY HAD NO WAS ON EVERYTHI PULL OVER BUT I HAD TO PULL OVER. BECAUSE. THE CAR DIDN'T SHUT OFF, BUT I STEPPED ON THE PEDAL AND THERE WAS NO POWER. SO I PUL THE ROAD TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AND TURNED THE CAR OFF. I STARTED IT BACK UP AND DID FINE AND WENT HOME. BUT THIS WAS DANGEROUS. IT HAPPENED AGAIN. WHEN I WAS AT A RED LIGHT, IT TURNED GREEN. I STEPPED ON THE PEDAL AND THE CAR DID NOT MOVE. I THINK IT'S SOMETHING IN ELECTRICAL OR THROTTLEL NOT SURE.
Electrical system, Air bags, Mar 18, 2021
OUR AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT LIGHT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO GORDIE BOUCHER FORD IN JANESVILLE WI FOR REPAIRS. THE ENTIRE AIR BAG SYSTEM WILL NOT WORK IF THIS LIGHT IS ON. FORD KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, IT IS WELL DOCUMENTED IF YOU SEARCH THE INTERNET. A COMMON PROBLEM THAT REQUIRES A WIRING HARNESS TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A FRAYED WIRE. THE COST TO REPAIR THIS IS $1200. I DID HAVE THE REPAIR DONE BECAUSE WITHOUT IT I WOULD HAVE NO WORKING AIRBAGS ON MY VEHICLE. THIS IS CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE THAT FORD IS AWARE OF AND SHOULD BE IMMEDIATELY RECALLED. I DID REQUEST THE OLD WIRING HARNESS IF THAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU WOULD NEED TO HELP GET THIS SAFETY RECALL STARTED. I WOULD LIKE TO BE REIMBURSED FOR MY EXPENSES.