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
Structure, Feb 1, 2023
Driving on the highway, my left windshield trim flew off. This could have hurt someone or caused an accident. There was no warning prior to it coming off. The dealer charged me $500 to replace it.
Structure, Jan 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the passenger’s side pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Structure, Jan 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the front passenger’s side window molding detached from the vehicle. The contact notified a local dealer of the failure; however, the vehicle was not yet taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 67,000.
Structure, Engine, Jan 26, 2023
Timing belt broke and caused vehicle to stop running, this was after I took it to a mechanic who did a diagnostic and no issues showed up. Now, because of the timing belt breaking, the engine is irreparable and the entire engine will need to be replaced. It only has 116K miles. Another minor complaint is the front driver's side side windshield panel has come unglued. Luckily, the vehicle was stationary when I noticed it being loose. However, it could pose a safety risk. I have noticed other similar vehicles missing the same piece, so it seems to be a consistent problem with Ford Explorers.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jan 22, 2023
Blower motor heat. Trim in door split.
Structure, Dec 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the front driver’s and front passenger's side interior door trim started to detach from the door panel. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer nor the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Structure, Sep 13, 2022
Front windshield side trim came off while driving.
Structure, Sep 13, 2022
Front windshield wiper cowl has disintegrated. Allows water to drip into glove compartment and passenger side flooring.
Suspension, Structure, Sep 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that she noticed that the front passenger’s side door panel had started to detach. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the trim panel needed to be repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that she heard noise in the rear driver's and passenger side wheels. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the rear wheel knuckle was previously replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number and advised to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
Structure, Aug 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated she noticed that the front driver’s side door trim was raised nearby the window. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the front driver’s side door panel to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who was able to glue the front driver-side trim back in place. The vehicle was repaired; however, the front passenger’s side door trim experienced the same failure. A dealer was not contacted regarding the second failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Structure, Aug 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the driver's and passenger side door trim panel started to detach from the window’s edge. The vehicle was initially taken to the dealer for a recall repair however, the contact stated that the dealer checked the door trim panel and stated that there were no issues found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided the number to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 114,000.
Structure, Aug 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated the passenger’s side roof rail covering had detached. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000. The VIN was not available.
Structure, Jun 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the passenger’s side front door panel was delaminating. The contact stated that there was a recall regarding the defect however, the recall had since expired. The dealer was contacted and the contact was informed that the vehicle was included in the recall. The contact was informed that the recall repair was to replace the door panel. The dealer had referred the contact to the manufacturer to inquire if the recall could be completed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the recall had since expired. The contact was referred to the NHTSA to file a complaint. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.
Structure, Jun 7, 2022
The windshield trim on the passenger side flew off the vehicle unexpectedly while driving 70 mph on the freeway. The piece hit the windshield and then flew off and could have struck a vehicle behind me or caused someone to swerve unexpectedly. This is extremely dangerous. There was no warning lights or indicator light. While searching for recalls online numerous people have complained of this happening to them unexpectedly.
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.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jan 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle there was an odor of mildew inside the cabin of the vehicle. Upon inspection, it was discovered that water had leaked under the floorboards and the carpet was extremely wet causing black mold to develop under the carpet. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 124,000
Structure, Sep 10, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that he noticed that the passenger’s side door panel was fractured, and the back of the trim panel was exposed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that they could not complete an unknown recall repair on the vehicle because the extended warranty had expired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 92,000.
Structure, Aug 26, 2021
Pulled on driver side door handle to open and handle came apart. Smaller piece fell off and larger handle part pulled out from the door.
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.
Structure, May 26, 2021
At 89,000 miles I was going 65 mph headed home when my window pillar flew off just so happen the vehicle behind us didn’t get affected by it. I am reaching out because there should be a recall on this. This is unacceptable for you to even pay for something with a part that will come off. Reach 100,000 popping noise when turning. What’s the issue Ford.
Structure, Apr 7, 2021
PASSENGER SIDE A PANEL HAS BEEN LOOSE FOR MANY YEARS, BUT FLEW OFF WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAPPENED WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY AND SMACKED INTO MY WINDSHIELD. VERY DANGEROUS FOR THE DRIVER AND OTHERS ON THE ROAD!!! I HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH THIS ONLINE AND DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW THIS HASN'T BEEN RECALLED.
Structure, Feb 7, 2021
ON JAN 20, 2021 MY 2015 FORD EXPLORER LEFT DRIVER SIDE LOWER WINDSHIELD MOULDING PANEL FLEW OFF INTO TRAFFIC. I WAS TRAVELLING AT 45 MPH ON A WINDY DAY. I CIRCLED AROUND AND SOMEONE HAD RUN OVER IT AND SO IT WAS NOT REPAIRABLE. I HAD 96K MILES ON THE CAR. I GOT THE CAR IN 2017 AND HAVE NOT HAD WINDSHIELD REPLACED. I SAW A FEW CARS SWERVE AROUND IT BEFORE ANOTHER CAR HIT IT. THIS COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
Structure, Seats, Other or unspecified, Dec 27, 2020
THE PASSENGER CABIN BOTH FRONT AND REAR HAS THE PUNGENT SMELL OF EXHAUST WHENEVER THE VEHICLE IS: - ENGINE RUNNING AND - EITHER IN PARK OR DRIVE AND - EITHER MOVING OR STATIONARY AND - EITHER HIGHWAY OR CITY DRIVING AND - GOING 0 MPH, OR 10 MPH OR 20 MPH OR 50 MPH AND - EITHER TURNING OR STRAIGHT AND - WITH THE HEAT ON OR OFF AND - WITH THE AIR CONDITIONING ON OR OFF AND - WITH ALL OF THE WINDOWS SEALED (UP) THE FUMES SEEM TO MAKE US NOT FEEL WELL AND MAKE OUR EYES BURN. THERE IS SOMETHING SERIOUSLY WRONG WITH THESE CARS! SO ANYTIME THE CAR IS RUNNING EXHAUST FUMES ARE ENTERING THE PASSENGER CABIN.
Structure, Dec 10, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR PANEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS INSPECTED NOT DIAGNOSED. THE DOOR PANEL WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM: 17N04 (FRONT DOOR TRIM PANEL REPAIR) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 17N04 HAD EXPIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.
Structure, Nov 20, 2020
THE PAINT ON THE HOOD OF MY CAR APPEARS TO BE 'BUBBLING' IN MULTIPLE SPOTS.