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, Sep 27, 2016
EXHAUST FUMES ARE ENTERING THE CABIN. THIS HAPPENS MOSTLY UNDER HEAVY ACCELERATION WITH THE AC RUNNING. RECENTLY THE EXHAUST FUMES WILL ENTER THE CABIN SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT IF THE WINDOWS ARE OPEN. THE DEALER HAS PERFORMED ALL FORD RECOMMENDATIONS INCLUDING SEALING OF BODY PANEL SEAMS AND REPLACING EXHAUST TIPS. EXHAUST FUMES IN THE CABIN CANNOT BE SAFE.
Structure, Sep 6, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT NOTICED A MUSTY MOLD ODOR THAT PROGRESSED INTERNALLY DUE TO VARIOUS SEAMS AND SEALS THAT PREMATURELY FRACTURED AND CAUSED WATER INTRUSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FIVE TIMES FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO PREVENT THE FAILURE AFTER LEAKS NEAR THE SUN ROOF. THE FRONT SEALS AND THE REAR SEALS LEAKED WATER FROM VARIOUS LOCATIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR A FIFTH TIME, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000.
Power train, Structure, Service brakes, Aug 8, 2016, crash
MY WIFE AND I PARK OUR 2015 FORD EXPLORER XLT IN THE PARKING AREA IN FRONT OF OUR HOUSE. IN ORDER TO GO ANYWHERE, WE NEED TO BACK IT OUT OF ITS PARKING SPOT, REVERSE-TURN TO THE RIGHT, APPLY THE BRAKES, PUT THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE, AND FINALLY DRIVE FORWARD ON THE DRIVEWAY UNTIL REACHING THE STREET. THIS MORNING, MY WIFE PLANNED TO GO TO THE STORE. SHE ENTERED THE VEHICLE, STARTED IT, PUT IT IN REVERSE, AND PROCEEDED TO BACK OUT OF THE PARKING SPOT. AS USUAL, SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES TO STOP THE CAR AND PUT IT IN DRIVE, BUT UNFORTUNATELY, THIS MORNING THE BRAKES DID NOT RESPOND. SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES A FEW MORE TIMES TO NO AVAIL. AFTER THAT DID NOT WORK, SHE APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, WHICH DID NOT DO ANYTHING EITHER. FINALLY, SHE TURNED OFF THE ENGINE AND PUT THE CAR IN PARK, WHICH DIDN'T DO ANYTHING EITHER. SHE ENDED UP DOING A U-TURN IN REVERSE. MY OTHER TRUCK WAS PARKED TO THE RIGHT OF WHERE THE FORD EXPLORER WAS PARKED, SO ONCE THE FORD EXPLORER REACHED MY PARKED TRUCK AND COLLIDED WITH IT, THE FORD EXPLORER FINALLY STOPPED. IN ADDITION TO MY WIFE, OUR TWO SONS AGED 6 AND 8, WERE INSIDE THE VEHICLE WITH HER WHEN THIS HAPPENED. WE HAVE ATTACHED A PHOTO OF THE FORD EXPLORER COLLIDED ONTO MY PARKED TRUCK (A FORD F150), WHICH IT HAD TO DO IN ORDER TO STOP AND NOT COLLIDE INTO ANYTHING OR ANYONE ELSE. THE MAIN REASON WE GOT A FORD EXPLORER IS BECAUSE WE BELIEVED IT WOULD BE A STURDY SUV THAT WOULD KEEP MY WIFE AND KIDS SAFE, SO THIS INCIDENT IS EXTREMELY CONCERNING. THE CAR IS ALMOST NEW WITH APPROXIMATELY 12,000 MILES AND WE HAVE HAD ALREADY HAD TO TAKE IT INTO THE REPAIR SHOP APPROXIMATELY EIGHT TIMES. WE HAVE ASKED FORD TO REPLACE IT, BUT THEY HAVE NOT BEEN WILLING TO DO SO, WHICH IS WHY WE ARE ESCALATING THIS MATTER TO REGULATING AGENCIES FOR RESOLUTION AS WELL AS OUT OF CONCERN FOR OTHER FAMILIES WHO MAY HAVE HAD A SIMILAR EXPERIENCE.
Structure, Jun 21, 2016
WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHER SPEEDS POSTED AT 60, 65 MPH, ETC ON OPEN HIGHWAYS THERE IS A VERY LOUD NOISE ACROSS FRONT WINDSHIELD. CANNOT OPERATE THE RADIO UNLESS VOLUME IS SO HIGH THAT CANNOT TALK OR HEAR. CONCERN THAT WINDSHIELD MAY NOT BE SEALED PROPERLY.
Structure, Mar 25, 2016
***BLF NOTE: CONTACT THE CONSUMER TO OBTAIN THE VIN AND MODEL YEAR. 3-29-2016*** HIGH TECH KEY DEVICE IN MY POCKET ,CAR IS LOCKED . WHILE I WAS PUMPING GAS ,SOMEONE ENTER THE CAR ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE,STOLE MY PURSE INSIDE OF COMPARTMENT BOX NEAR THE DRIVER SEAT .THOSE LOCKS DO NOT PROVIDE SAFETY .AS LONG THE DEVICE IS AROUND ,ANYONE CAN OPEN THE CAR .THIS IS A CRUCIAL PROBLEM .THE CONTROL DEVICE MUST WARN THE PERSON HOLDING IT , THAT SOME OTHER ACTIVITIES ARE IN PROGRESS .I BELIEVE THAT WILL SAVE SOME UNNECESSARY LOST OF BELONGINGS , OR WORSE ,THE LOST OF SOMEONE'S LIFE .I HOPE TO SEE IN THE NEAR FUTURE ,A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL OF THESE CAR KEY DEVICES.PLEASE LET THESE UNFORTUNATE EVENTS BE KNOWN BY THE PUBLIC .I AM SURE THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY VICTIM.THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN MOTION AND WAS LOCKED.
Structure, Engine, Dec 11, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL ODOR IN THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45-65 MPH. THE FAILURE HAPPENED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WERE APPROXIMATELY 20 HOLES THAT NEEDED TO BE RESEALED. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VENTILATION CABIN NEEDED TO BE RESEALED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1,000. UPDATED 08/30/16*LJ; UPDATED 5/9/18*JB *CN
Structure, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 26, 2015
DRIVING HOME UP A HILL WITH A NEWLY PURCHASED 2015 FORD EXPLORER MY WIFE AND I NOTICED A BAD SMELL LIKE EXHAUST FUMES; WE PUT THIS DOWN TO THE NEW ENGINE/EXHAUST BURNING OFF ANY FACTORY GREASE ETC. SUBSEQUENT TRIPS WITH ALL OF MY FAMILY IN THE SUV WE ALL EXPERIENCED A FOUL EXHAUST AND SULFUR SMELL WHEN GOING UP A HILL OR ACCELERATING ABOVE 3K RPM; THERE WERE NO OTHER VEHICLES IN FRONT OF US TO BLAME FOR THE ODOR. WE HAVE TAKEN THE SUV TO THE DEALER 4 TIMES NOW AND THEY IN CONJUCTION WITH FORD TECHNICAL SUPPORT CANNOT FIND THE ROOT CAUSE. THEY HAVE REPLACED/ INSTALLED: EGR VALVE COVER (TECH BULLETIN), BOTH EXHAUST DOWN PIPES, FRONT TRANSFER CASE. THE DEALER HAS NO TEST EQUIPMENT TO FIND THE PROBLEM OR CONFIRM WE ARE SMELLING ENGINE EXHAUST CONTAINING TOXIC GASES INCLUDING CO.
Structure, Jun 15, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE PANORAMIC ROOF SHATTERED ONTO THE REAR SEAT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE PANORAMIC GLASS WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,354. MA 08/11/15 UPDATED 10/20/2017*CN
Electrical system, Structure, Apr 19, 2015
I AM GOING INTO THE 5TH MONTH OF LEASING MY 2015 FORD EXPLORER AND I AM NOT HAPPY WITH THIS VEHICLE. CURRENTLY THE ODOMETER READS 2,100 MILES AND THEY WERE NOT ENJOYABLE MILES. I HAVE TO SAY THAT THIS 2015 EXPLORER HAS THE WORST DESIGN ON THE INSIDE THAT I'VE EVER SEEN. THE OUTWARD VISIBILITY FROM THE DRIVER'S SEAT FOR THE FRONT AND REAR OF THIS VEHICLE IS SEVERELY COMPROMISED BY THE HUGE C PILLARS WHICH CREATE BLIND SPOTS WITHIN THE VEHICLE. ALTHOUGH THIS MODEL HAS BLIS, I'VE ALMOST BEEN IN 2 COLLISIONS BECAUSE I CANNOT SEE MY RIGHT SIDE REAR OR LEFT SIDE REAR DUE TO THE FAULTY DESIGN OF THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE BLIS SYSTEM DID NOT WARN ME THAT THERE WAS A TRACTOR TRAILER APPROACHING ME ON THE LEFT SIDE. THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT THE DEALER CANNOT REMEDY. THIS IS A FACTORY DESIGN FLAW THAT IS GOING TO GET SOMEONE SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED BECAUSE THE DRIVER CAN'T SEE WHAT'S COMING. THE BLIS IS USELESS. NAVIGATING THROUGH TIGHT SPACES IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE BECAUSE YOU CANNOT SEE THE FRONT END TO JUDGE YOUR DISTANCE BETWEEN VEHICLES/OBJECTS AND THE WIDE FRONT PILLARS ALSO ADD TO THE FRUSTRATION OF TRYING TO SEE WHAT'S ON THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE BLOWER MOTOR FOR THE HEATING/AC SYSTEM JUST TURNS OFF AS WELL AS THE DASHBOARD CLUSTER LIGHTS AND THEN COMES BACK ON AFTER 10 - 15 SECONDS. THIS HAS OCCURRED A FEW TIMES. THERE IS A BURNING SMELL INSIDE THE VEHICLE UPON START UP. NOT SURE IF IT'S EXHAUST GAS ENTERING THE VEHICLE OR IF IT'S SOMETHING IN THE HEATER/AC SYSTEM. (I WAS TOLD AT THE DEALERSHIP THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AND WILL DISSIPATE AFTER A FEW THOUSAND MILES). NOT THE ANSWER THAT I WANTED TO HEAR. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. THE SENSATION OF NOT FEELING SAFE WHILE DRIVING MAKES FOR UNSAFE DRIVING. MY LIFE AND THE LIVES OF MY PASSENGERS AND OTHER MOTORISTS IS OF MY UTMOST CONCERN. I AM RETURNING THIS SUV TO FORD. *TR