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, Back over prevention, Jan 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the driver’s side A-pillar windshield trim began to detach from the vehicle. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera became inoperable, and the rearview image appeared blurry. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The approximate failure mileage was 81,000.
Structure, Back over prevention, Jan 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the remedies were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issues. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Structure, Jan 5, 2026
See attached document for complaint. I've got a 2015 Ford Explorer. A recall letter was sent to me over two years ago. The issue was the exterior a-pillar applique trim clip. I have been trying to get this taken care of over two years now. All the Ford Dealerships in my area tell me is we don't have the parts in. I'm a very patient person but this has become ridiculous. I would very must appreciate some help in getting this matter resolved.
Structure, Jan 5, 2026
See attached document for complaint. I am writing in regard to an open recall on my Ford Explorer. In February 2024 I received a letter from Ford about a safety recall notice, 24S02/HNTSA, explaining that A-pillar applique trim clip attachment was improperly assembled. Then, another letter from Ford in October 2025, marked “Important Safety Recall”. The driver’s side A-pilar applique trim fell off while driving on interstate I-64 in Virginia. Fortunately, no accident resulted. I have been to my dealership in Williamsburg, Virginia several times for service for this problem and I am always told there are no parts available. Over time I have purchased 5 ford vehicles and always was satisfied with them. This brings me to ask when may I expect proper resolution for this problem?
Structure, Back over prevention, Jan 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). However, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the passenger's side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the driver's side A-pillar trim was loose. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired after the most recent failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Structure, Back over prevention, Dec 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a distorted and inverted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure had obstructed the road's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Electrical system, Structure, Dec 26, 2025
The recall campaign from Jan 19,2024 Manufacturer Recall Number24S02 NHTSA Recall Number24V031 has been open since 2024 and has not had a remedy become available. In the meantime, my passenger side pillar has become detached, as warned in the recall. Rain leaks into my car and causes visibility issues. This is worrisome because I do have three young children, one in a car seat right behind the passenger side. In addition, the second recall,Oct 13,2025 Manufacturer Recall Number25SA9 NHTSA Recall Number25v695 is also an extreme issue with my vehicle. The backup camera has malfunctioned several times, almost daily at this point. It also will not notify me of something behind me as it's intended to at times. FORD has yet to remedy either of these.
Structure, Back over prevention, Dec 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the back over prevention camera was inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that parts were on back order. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was unknown.
Structure, Dec 15, 2025
Exterior A-pillar trim and rubber strip on both sides has detached from vehicle on the highway. The sides got detached on separate occasions. While driving on the highway, the driver side rubberstrip got detached in one end, starting to flap back and forth over the windscreen, making a lot of noise and obstructing the view. The trim did not come off that time. The passenger side entire trim flew off completely on the highway causing a hazard for other drivers. There is a recall, 24S02 since 2 years ago in relation to this but Ford has not yet been able to address the issue. I received another letter from them to immediately call the dealer to schedule inspection and repair. However, the dealer keeps telling me that the parts have been on backorder for over a year and they cannot address the issue without the parts. How long is it reasonable to wait for this hazard to be addressed?
Structure, Dec 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the exterior A-pillar trim had detached, allowing water into the vehicle after rainfall, and the infotainment screen was foggy. The contact later 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 dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Structure, Nov 28, 2025
My vehicle is impacted by the existing safety recalls. The trim around my windshield has broken and parts have flown off the car while driving. I have taken my car to the dealer to ask for repair and they said they should have parts in about 3 months. It has been nearly a year and they still do not have parts. I cannot imagine why they can't get the parts for a safety issue in this amount of time. Is there anything you can to do force them to prioritize getting these parts and getting my car fixed?
Structure, Back over prevention, Nov 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Structure, Nov 20, 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 not yet available. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH, the front passenger’s side A-pillar trim detached. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to parts not being available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,200.
Suspension, Structure, Back over prevention, Nov 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign numbers: 19V435000 (SUSPENSION), 21V537000 (SUSPENSION), 24V031000 (STRUCTURE), and 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, parts for the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the contact heard outside noises inside the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that when the heater was activated, the front windshield made an abnormal sound and then shifted. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while the vehicle was parked at the residence, the driver’s and passenger’s side A-pillar trims detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a glass specialty shop, and the front windshield was replaced. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.
Structure, Nov 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH on the freeway, the driver's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim detached and flew off the vehicle. The contact later applied tape around the A-pillar. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000(Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was notified of the failure and secured the passenger's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim with tape at the residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was contacted when the failure initially occurred, and informed the contact that the parts would be available in a few months. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Structure, Back over prevention, Nov 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera image was blurry, nearly causing the vehicle to strike a bicyclist. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.
Structure, Back over prevention, Nov 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE) and 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a distorted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). In addition, the screen displayed a black screen, or occasionally fail to turn on. The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. The message "Check Rear-view Camera" was displayed. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the failure had occurred since the vehicle was purchased. The failure mileage was unknown.
Structure, Nov 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver’s and passenger’s side A-pillar trims detached and flew off the windshield. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that parts were not available. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, parts were not available. In addition, the contact stated that the driver's side exterior trim had detached approximately two years ago, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was repaired, and the contact paid out of pocket for the repair. The contact stated that the dealer had gone out of business. The failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the concern was that the vehicle would be repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Structure, Back over prevention, Nov 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated that there was water leaking inside the vehicle through the passenger's side windshield, on the lower right, which required the contact to manually scoop water out of the cabin of the vehicle. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were unavailable for the repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.
Structure, Nov 7, 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 not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver’s side windshield exterior A-pillar trim cracked and flew off the vehicle. The contact stated that months later, the passenger’s side windshield exterior A-pillar trim cracked and flew off the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the part was still not available for the recall repair. The failure mileage was unknown.
Structure, Nov 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact stated that the A-pillar trim had detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who informed the contact that the parts were on back order until January 2026. The dealer confirmed that the trim seal was loose. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 222,610.
Structure, Back over prevention, Nov 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the driver's side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted and replaced the A-pillar trim. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a distorted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Structure, Nov 5, 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 not yet available. The contact stated that the windshield exterior A-pillar trims were loose. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was inspected, and the parts were ordered to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.
Structure, Back over prevention, Nov 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). However, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the driver's side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted and replaced the A-pillar trim. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the driver's side A-pillar trim was loose. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the rearview camera displayed a distorted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. The message "Rear-view Camera Inoperable" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired after the most recent failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Structure, Nov 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled to have the recall repair performed. After waiting for approximately two hours, the contact was informed that the part was unavailable, and the dealer placed duct tape on the A-pillar trims to prevent the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact had not experienced a failure.