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: engine
288 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Sep 1, 2022
Vehicle stopped suddenly as I was driving on the highway. When I was able to resume driving the vehicle began to drag as if there was no power. The check engine light came on. I was eventually able to reach a auto supplier who checked the engine light that reported that the blower fan motor was not working. This was a very dangerous situation as the posted speed limit is 55mph and my vehicle suddenly stopped on the highway.
Engine, Aug 29, 2022
At approximately 101,000 miles noticed a drip of coolant on garage floor . Inspected car , noticed empty coolant expansion tank and leak from water pump weep hole. Took to dealer and confirmed leaking water pump . Vehicle is not equipped with coolant monitor , most people would not of noticed this leak . This has lead to catastrophic engine failure on other Explorers leading to loss of power while driving.
Engine, Aug 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while her daughter was driving at an unknown speed, the contact stated that the vehicle was performing abnormally when the coolant temperature warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the coolant leaks while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the water pump cracked and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Aug 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle overheated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the water pump was leaking coolant. The mechanic informed the contact that the water pump and timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.
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.
Engine, Aug 7, 2022
Sitting in my car one day and the engine coolant light came on, so I checked and noticed that it was low but I just had an oil change the prior week that included fluid checks. I purchased coolant and put it in no problem and the following week I'm picking up school supplies and notice fluid leaking from my car, checked coolant and it is all gone on the ground. Luckily I was somewhere to purchase more coolant in order to get it home. Local mechanic says that water pump is gone and it's gonna run about $2k-3k to fix.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormally strong burning odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the turbocharging of the cooling lines was weakening. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact became aware of an unknown recall. The contact contacted the local dealer for the recall repair. However, the dealer informed her that the vehicle could not be repaired under the unknown recall as the VIN was not included. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Engine, Jul 20, 2022
Water pump went out and had to have my vehicle towed and I was out of my vehicle for a month and half... Faulty water pump and Ford knows this that is why they have a law suit against them. Then where they put this water put makes the cost even more!!! $1500 labor and $500 water pump then from the water pump going out it mixed oil and water through my engine and leaked all over my compressor so that went out so I had to change that also and that was another $1000.. FORD SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL THES FAULTY WATER PUMPS BECAUSE THEY KNOW THEIR IS A PROBLEM WITH THEM!@!@!@!@
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, there was an excessive amount of coolant fluid leaking from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed with a defective water pump. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 83,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the engine temperature gauge indicated the engine temperature was high and overheating. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the water pump had failed. No further information was available. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were contacted but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 123,000.
Engine, May 16, 2022
2015 Ford Explorer XLT was parked at gas station and when returning I got a warning light “Engine coolant over temperature”. Coolant leaking in a puddle on front passenger side at bottom of motor indicating the same water pump issue everyone else has mentioned. Was able to make it to an Auto Zone down the road and the reservoir was nearly empty. Added more coolant and is still leaking out. With this flawed design causing people to pay thousands out of pocket, Ford should recall or reimburse vehicle owners.
Engine, May 8, 2022
The timing chain needs replaces. The phasers are causing the timing chain to stretch. As reported here: https://www.f150ecoboost.net/threads/ford-recall-force-on-2011-2015-phasers-and-timing-chain.32250/
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 15, 2022
VEHICLE HAS APX 78000 MILES WITH A BROKEN WATER PUMP. THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO BE GOOD FOR 100K MILES. MANY PEOPLE HAVE GOTTEN THEM REPLACED TO HAVE THEM BREAK AGAIN WITH IN A YEAR.
Engine, Apr 5, 2022
The water pump that is incased inside my engine has started leaking at only 75,000 miles with very few of those miles in the last 2 years as I've hardly been driving because of the pandemic. I was not aware of this issue and there was no warning or alert until I took my car in for a safety recall for my seat belts and to have another defective issue of the heater fan being stuck on defrost fixed that I should not have to be paying $5,000 out of pocket for. I have ready many similar complaints and this is a HUGE safety issue and they need to have a recall on these since the engine can seize up with little to no warning. I was lucky that they just happened to check for me before I had to replace my entire engine or worse!
Engine, Mar 12, 2022
Water pump started leaking at 50k miles
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a carbon monoxide odor was detected coming from the cabin air vents, which caused the contact and his passenger to have headaches. The vehicle had previously been serviced by the dealer for the recurring failure. The dealer had diagnosed the vehicle with an unknown failure, and an unknown part was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an upcoming appointment for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
Engine, Dec 29, 2021
Water pump was leaking. Got warning indicating the coolant levels were low. Filled up coolant and was empty a couple weeks later. Was 14 hours of labor to fix. Mechanic said they get ford explorers with the same issue about 2 times per week. Should be a recall.
Engine, Dec 29, 2021, fire
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving his vehicle at approximately 50 MPH, the check engine light illuminated, and he smelled as if something was burning. The contact stated that he then pulled over and waited until the smoke cleared before driving the vehicle again. The contact stated that he then took his vehicle to get serviced for an oil change as he thought that may be the cause of the failure he was experiencing. The contact stated that while getting his vehicle serviced he was advised that it was liquid of some sort leaking into the engine. The contact stated he then contacted his independent mechanic to get his vehicle diagnosed. The contact stated it was confirmed by his mechanic there was fluid leaking into the engine and that the failure he was experiencing was identical to vehicles of the same year, make, and model vehicle upon doing research. The contact stated he contacted the manufacturer and was advised to contact NHTSA. The failure mileage was 88,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Structure, Jul 22, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front windshield bonding fracture and disconnected structing another vehicle. The contact also mentioned that an abnormal fume odor appeared in the interior cabin from all vents. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and inspected which the technician was unable to duplicate the issue. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact mentioned a recall however while conducting a recall search there was NHTSA Action Number: EA17002 (STRUCTURE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) as a possible solution to the failure, however, the VIN was not included in the action number. The manufacture was notified of the failure and informed the contact that no recalls was under the VIN. The failure mileage was approximate 26,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jun 16, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while his son was driving 40 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed and an abnormal sulfur odor was detected in the cabin of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact's son drove the vehicle to his residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and an unknown manufacturer’s recall repair was performed. The contact stated that the sulfur odor was still present while driving the vehicle. The contact reference NHTSA Action Number: EA17002 (Structure, Engine and Engine Cooling) and NHTSA Action Number: PE16008 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Structure). The vehicle was not taken back to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 92,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 7, 2021
EXHAUST FUMES INSIDE INTERIOR-This seems to only occur on road trips where fast and hard acceleration is needed for highway driving which is not something we normally due. Since we have owned the vehicle, on every occasion of strong hard acceleration there is a strong exhaust / spent fuel smell being brought into the cars interior. We have reached out to the local Ford Dealer several times but without satisfactory results. The exhaust fumes continue to exist in the cars interior upon hard and fast acceleration. My wife just returned from a interstate road trip with signs of exhaust fume poisoning with an extreme headache and very lethargic.What is it going to take for Ford to fix this problem or for a recall to be issued. Will it take fatalities or long term respiratory issues before anything is done to solace this issue. Besides the huge concern about the car owners safety and health; what about the potential diminished resale value of the vehicle due to Ford’s negligence to truly fix this exhaust issue.
Engine, Apr 28, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DAMEROW FORD (12325 SW CANYON RD, BEAVERTON, OR 97005, (800) 732-8633) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.
Engine, Jan 14, 2021
FORD EXPLORER CONTINUES TO SHUT OFF ENGINE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY OR FWY. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD FOR ME AND MY FAMILY. THE TRUCK SUDDENLY LOOSES POWER AND TURNS OFF. I HAVE TO WAIT A MINUTE THEN START ENGINE AGAIN
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 4, 2021
EXHAUST ODOR SMELL INSIDE THE CABINET
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 23, 2020
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND TOWING A TRAILER THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST POWER AND DRAMATICALLY SLOWED DOWN. IT WAS ALMOST LIKE SLAMMING ON THE BRAKES. THE INFORMATION WINDOW SHOWED "TERRAIN MANAGEMENT FAULT". THE ENGINE WAS BARELY RUNNING AND WAS RUNNING ERRATICALLY. I WAS ABLE TO GET PULLED OVER AND STOPPED THE ENGINE. WHEN I TRIED TO RESTART IT THE "TERRAIN MANAGEMENT FAULT". APPEARED AGAIN AND THE ENGINE WAS AGAIN BARELY RUNNING. AFTER A FEW STOPS AND STARTS THE MESSAGE CLEARED AND THE ENGINE BEGAN TO RUN NORMALLY. THE FORD DEALER FOUND A BAD THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY WAS FAULTY. THE REPAIR WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.