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: other or unspecified
402 reports, newest first. Show all
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.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Aug 27, 2023
Left side windshield trim molding flew off hitting car behind me. Causing car to then chase me down and run me off the road. Two months later the right side flew off while driving luckily not hitting another car on the road. Something needs done about this. Every Ford Explorer I see on the road is missing one or both of these trim pieces! Do better FORD!
Other or unspecified, Jul 22, 2023
While driving the trim by my windshield flew off after hitting my windsheild, which made me swerve and almost crash into car next to me. Then the weatherstripping started to detach from windsheild and come loose. Pulled over to see what had happened. Saw the missing part. Now the other side came off while driving! I've used duct tape in its place because Ford wants way too much money to replace. Thank God my family and other families were not injured by my vehicle.
Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Jul 10, 2023
Rear camera stopped working
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Jun 30, 2023
The components that hold the windshield in started coming out going down the highway at 55 miles per hour terrifying me that the windshield was coming out. I understand that this is happening a lot in the ford explorers. I am having components replaced next week.
Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Jun 29, 2023
Sudden back up camera failure without a warning light or message. There has not been an accident/incident but it is difficult to see behind the vehicle at certain angles when turning my head to the rear to back up. I have not yet had it checked by a mechanic because upon further research found that it may be too costly for me to have repaired. I had no obvious issues before it stopped working.
Other or unspecified, Jun 25, 2023
Backup camera - the backup camera stopped working at approximately 86k miles.
Other or unspecified, Jun 23, 2023
Throttle body not working properly. The vehicle has left me stranded, mid driving- just loses power & I have to coast to the nearest location and re start vehicle. It is an incredibly dangerous situation. Signals to me "terrain management system failure".
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 5, 2023
While driving the temp started to fluctuate, causing the car the shut down in traffic. I had no clue what was happening. The only warning I got from the vehicle was a check engine light. This should not be possible. I understand the design is meant to protect the engine, but what about the driver. This was horrible and I've seen hundreds of others with this same issue. This needs to be recalled. In addition, it will cost me 4000 to fix this...while the pump itself only costs 200. The labor is the other 3800. This is a horrible thing to do to drivers.
Other or unspecified, Jun 2, 2023
Driver's side windshield molding flew off while traveling on the PA turnpike at approximately 70mph. This not only startled myself (the driver) but caused the vehicle behind me to swerve. No accident was caused as there were no vehicles in the left lane of traffic at that time.
Other or unspecified, May 22, 2023
Front Window Trim fell off while traveling on highway, the noise startled me and I was going 70 mph, did not see the part fall off and this is the second incident. The shop I took vehicle to the first time said it was a poor design and this happens often. Trim replacement part is 67.00. I bought a used vehicle, had 126,000 miles on it at purchase. I feel the poor design needs to be remedied at the manufacturers expense. please make a decisive recommendation for consumers. this is unacceptable.
Other or unspecified, Apr 13, 2023
The front door trim panels on both driver and passenger side doors are bowing. The problem is noted by Ford under recalls or a service bulletin for my Vin number. The problem was reported to Ford by me in 2022. Ford will not pay to correct the problem, even though the company lists the door problem for my car. I am the original owner of the car and the door panels are original to the car.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Apr 2, 2023
The driver side windshield trim separated from the vehicle while driving on the freeway. Upon inspection at our destination, it was evident that 4 of the plastic clips had broken causing the failure. The driver behind us was able to avoid the flying debris from this incident. We have not taken it in for repairs yet. There was no warning or early indication of this problem prior to it occurring. Concerned the passenger side will do the same.
Steering, Suspension, Other or unspecified, Mar 24, 2023
I am unable to take this matter to the dealer, as they have shut down thier business.
Other or unspecified, Mar 23, 2023
Windshield panels pulling away from the window.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Feb 19, 2023
Plastic cover of windshield detached while driving. May pose a hazard to other drivers as it becomes a projectile when detaching. It also startled the driver when it detached, causing swerving.There was no damage done to provoke the problem, it was spontaneous. Have not taken the vehicle to be inspected by dealer.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Feb 4, 2023
While driving down the interstate, the driver’s side windshield trim panel flew off my vehicle.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jan 22, 2023
Blower motor heat. Trim in door split.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 12, 2023
My 2015 Ford Explorer is having fumes in the car. The dealership has charged me for an oil leak, cracked exhaust and now wants me to pay for a muffler. There is still exhaust fumes coming into the car making it hard to drive in the cold.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 22, 2022
Water pump leakage I noted that my Ford was leaking fluid and took it in to be serviced. Upon review it was determined that the water pump needed to be replaced as well as the timing belt. Ford Explorer models from 2011 to 2016 had the most water pump issues. Consumers have continuously reported complaints with a few of all the models having leakage issues. I am not alone in this and it looks like several are indicating a class action lawsuit should occur as Ford knows this is an issue and has not completed a recall. https://www.vehiclehistory.com/articles/all-about-the-ford-explorer-water-pump-recalls The loss of engine coolant through a leak in the water pump can damage the engine. Without the engine coolant, the motor will overheat and lock up, causing the consumer to purchase a new engine. Ford Motor Company has repaired the issues when the consumer brings the vehicle in for service. No recalls have happened, so the customer has to pay for the repairs. Ford engines from this year have the water pump built inside the engine. When the pump fails, the coolant mixes with the oil shutting the engine down. A class-action lawsuit was issued, but there were no recalls. A recall needs to occur and Ford needs to fix for all impacted models and reimburse those who were impacted by this dangerous flaw.
Other or unspecified, Jul 20, 2022
Coolant leaked because of failed water pumps which is a known problem by many Ford Explorer owners.
Other or unspecified, Jul 13, 2022
The transmission went out in the car, because the Transfer Case was bad. I could have been stuck somewhere because of this problem. Ford needs to be more proactive on this. My daughter also had her transmission go out also. NOT OK!!!
Other or unspecified, Jul 1, 2022
When accelerating, an odor becomes prominent throughout the cabin of the vehicle. I can only describe the smell as exhaust. This smell usually goes away, or is too faint to notice after a few minutes. If this is exhaust, isn't there a possibility of Carbon Monoxide poisoning? At first, I thought the smell came from some kind of cleaner that the dealer had used when cleaning, but now over a year later, the smell still happens. Only after investigating this smell on the internet, I found that this appears to be a prominent issue with this vehicle.
Other or unspecified, Jun 30, 2022
Backup Camera failed and only works intermittenly. Mostly doesn't work. Because of the design of the car, it is very hard to see when backing up.
Other or unspecified, Mar 26, 2022
hand free smart trunk on my car doesn’t go up all the way, when I go to put stuff in a trunk I got strucked to my head several times, when I also push the trunk up not to get hit the hydraulic bars gets lose and the trunk falles down and struck my head few times left me with bruises, it’s very dangerous