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: structure
409 reports, newest first. Show all
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.
Structure, Feb 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds, the front passenger’s side exterior A-pillar trim clip detached. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the trim was replaced. Over time, the contact noticed that the rear passenger side A-pillar trim had formed a crack. Additionally, the front and rear driver-side A-pillar trims had become loosened. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Feb 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the driver's side and passenger’s side front door panels were cracked. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, and stated there was no recall or warranty coverage for the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000.
Structure, Feb 21, 2024
The exterior right-side A-pillar panel departed the vehicle unexpectedly while driving at highway speeds (~70 mph). No early warning signs or indications were present. The incident occurred on the highway at night. When the panel departed, it made a loud noise like something hit the windshield. The driver and passengers were unaware that the panel was no longer attached to the vehicle until exiting the highway and inspecting the vehicle. The panel was not found on the highway after the incident and very well could have hit another vehicle, person, or animal and caused an accident. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. The Ford Motor Company has an active recall for this issue and has indicated that they will not replace the panel until a remedy is identified later this year (2024). With the panel missing, there are broken pieces of plastic still loosely attached to the A-pillar and make a vibrating noise when driving at highway speeds.
Structure, Feb 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure), however, the remedy was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH the right pillar trim detached from the vehicle. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and it was confirmed the vehicle was included in the recall and the vehicle could be repaired under an advanced recall if the contact paid for the repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and informed the contact he had to wait to receive a recall letter in mid 2024 and it was possible to receive a refund for the repairs. VIN tool confirms remedy not yet available.
Structure, Feb 12, 2024
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 manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that following a recent heavy rainfall, water entered the vehicle on the passenger’s side. The contact called the manufacturer and was informed that the remedy was not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Jan 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the retention clips were not flush with the rest of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed and determined that the A-pillar and retention clips were not properly engaged. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the A-pillar and retention clips were replaced again. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) as a possible solution; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
Structure, Jan 2, 2024
Outer Windshield Panel on Drivers Side completely detached and blew off into oncoming and following traffic without warning. It did not make contact with any vehicle or pedestrian, however the risk was still there.
Structure, Dec 26, 2023
Passenger side front window trim (column). The rubber seal started flapping on the expressway (60-70mph), followed by the entire trim piece ripping off. Created a significant distraction for driver and passenger. Trim piece flew off vehicle onto a 6 lane highway creating a safety issues for other drivers. There was no previous history of damage/accident involving this trim piece.
Structure, Nov 7, 2023
I was driving on the highway on my way to work and the windshield trim panel on the passenger side flew off of my vehicle. This is definitely a safety hazard as this flying part could have hit another vehicle and/or caused an accident.
Visibility, Structure, Oct 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the front windshield molding became fractured and started striking the front passenger’s side door glass. The contact was able to safely drive the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was informed that there was no recall. The dealer advised the contact to report the failure to the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Structure, Sep 29, 2023
While driving on the freeway, the windshield trim panel on the passenger side detached, lifted, and folded about 2/3 of the way up the panel. The detached portion then banged against the roof of the vehicle, door, and front passenger window until it snapped and flew off. It put us and other motorists in danger.
Structure, Sep 27, 2023
-Driver side front door/window trim flew right off while on freeway and almost hit another car. This is actually the 2nd time the trim came off after being repaired not even 5 months ago (I didn't file a complaint the first time). -It could hit another car or motorcycle while going high speeds and possibly cause a crash. -I haven't checked with my dealer but have read articles online how there already are complaints regarding this. -I took it to a local private car repair facility, and they claimed to have seen it happen quite frequently. -You can slowly see the trim start to delaminate over time. My passenger side trim is half-way off and probably a matter of time before the same happens to it.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Sep 16, 2023
The window trim came off while I was going 60mph. It was very loud and scary. I had no warning. I didn’t realise what it was until I stopped. I’m very lucky that it didn’t hit the car behind me at that speed. I see this part missing from a lot of Ford Explorers so it must be common. There needs to be a recall before someone gets hurt.
Structure, Aug 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 53 MPH, there was an abnormal booming sound detected. The contact noticed that the windshield panels had detached from the driver’s and passenger’s side. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a complaint was filed, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 61,711.
Structure, Aug 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the front driver's side door and window trim panels were detaching and deteriorating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the failure was related to Customer Satisfaction Program: 17N01 (Crankshaft Position System Variation Not Learned), however, the campaign had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but declined to assist because the campaign had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.
Structure, Aug 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after visually inspecting the rear hatch, he observed corrosion damage at the base of the hatch from outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who confirmed the corrosion with no specific diagnosis but advised that the hatch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 36,000.
Structure, Jul 29, 2023
Driver's side windshield A pillar molding.. Flew off on the interstate.
Structure, Jul 21, 2023
Driving down the highway and the passenger side windshield trim broke and detached from car, scraping down the side of my car and hitting the car behind us.
Structure, Jul 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the trim on the windshield detached. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the door gasket. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Structure, Jul 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that when he closed the front driver's side door, the outside door handle fractured and detached. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the fractured door handle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.
Structure, Jul 9, 2023
Driver side Windshield trim flew off on interstate
Structure, Jul 7, 2023
I currently have a 2015 Ford Explorer. This is the 2nd time that I am having to replace the windshield trim on the passenger side due to it flying off while driving.
Structure, Jun 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal banging sound against the passenger’s side window. The contact thought that road debris had been kicked up and struck the vehicle. The contact stated that she heard an abnormal wind rushing noise coming from the top of the passenger’s side door. The contact stopped the vehicle and realized that a part of the door trim panel had detached from the vehicle and struck the vehicle. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer and the vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE23001 (Structure). The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Structure, Jun 18, 2023
The passenger side window trim flew off on the expressway. Barely missing the vehicle behind. The drivers side trim looks as if it's becoming detached also.