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
1,791 reports, newest first.
Forward collision avoidance, Back over prevention, Sep 11, 2025
Back up camera is intermittent like the other Ford models effected by other recalls. Adaptive Cruise Control and front collision warning system out of calibration, senses buildings and other obstacles on the left intermittently. Cruise control comes on but is not working. No accidents because of this defect.
Structure, Back over prevention, Sep 10, 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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the A-pillar trim was detaching from both the driver’s and passenger’s side of the windshield. While in reverse, the back over prevention camera screen was black and fail to display the image of the rear of the vehicle. The message “Camera Not Available" was displayed on the screen. The failure had become more persistent. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
Structure, Sep 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the passenger’s side exterior A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle and flew off the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Other or unspecified, Sep 10, 2025
Rear backup camera does not function. Either gives a blank image or a flipped/reversed image or a very grainy image. It has been properly inoperable for years, since at least 10/1/2022. Why were Explorers not included in recall 25V57200? The cameras were the same as the Edge and Expedition which were included, and I believe the same for the Mustang.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 9, 2025
The current recall of ford backup cameras including this year but not this vehicle type almost exactly matches what happens with this rear view camera. Either is blacks out completely or when it is on it shows the lines curving when In fact you are going straight and the picture can be extremely blurry as well.
Back over prevention, Sep 9, 2025
The back up camera works only intermittently. It's fine sometimes and other times I just get a black screen. this has been going on for a year or more.
Other or unspecified, Sep 9, 2025
Rear back up camera is glitching in and out and at times goes completely black or won’t come in at all once put in reverse
Structure, Sep 4, 2025
See attached document for complaint. I am writing to formally report a serious and ongoing delay in the fulfillment of Safety Recall 24S02 (NHTSA Recall 24V031) for my 2015 Ford Explorer, which poses a hazard not only to my family but to others on the road. This recall involves the exterior trim on the A-pillars of the vehicle detaching while driving. In our case, this hazard has already occurred-one of the trims on our vehicle flew off while we were on the highway. Thankfully, no one was injured, but this incident highlights the urgency of the recall and the risk posed by the remaining trim, which could detach at any time. Despite receiving the recall notice in early 2024, and despite repeated attempts over the past year and a half to get the necessary parts, we have been informed by our dealership that Ford has not manufactured or supplied any parts for this recall. The dealership confirmed that they requested the parts back in February 2024, but as of today, no update or estimated timeline has been provided by Ford. This situation is unacceptable and has left us driving a vehicle with a known, active safety hazard. We feel that Ford has failed to meet its obligation to repair this defect within a reasonable timeframe, and we are deeply concerned for our safety and the safety of others on the road.
Steering, Sep 3, 2025
I was in a parking lot when the electric power steering went out. Couldn’t turn wheel at all
Structure, Sep 3, 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 front A-pillar trims on the driver’s and passenger’s side detached. The contact stated that the A-pillar trims were temporarily repaired with duct tape. The local dealer was not 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 failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Structure, Sep 3, 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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the A-pillar trim on the driver's side of the windshield detached. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer suggested that the A-pillar trim be secured with duct tape by a technician, or the contact could also perform the temporary fix. The contact secured the trim piece with duct tape to prevent further detachment and eliminate the outside sound entering the cabin of the vehicle due to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Structure, Sep 1, 2025
Hello. From what I understand, Ford has not come up with a solution for the exterior a--pillar applique trim clip attachments. I fully believe they have abandoned this issue as its not a brand new vehicle. Well, its new to me so it fully counts and should not be abandoned. I was on the highway in St. Louis, Missouri (I live right across the river in Illinois) and out of nowhere, something hit my car. I swerved and almost hit a driver to my left and after that, I almost got the guy in front of me. Now this caused a massive panic attack and soon after anxiety set in. I have horrible anxiety issues and I have the prescriptions to prove it. Its so bad, I can't fall asleep and so I take another prescrption for help getting to sleep. Anyway, I got off the closest ramp ands parked to see what happened. Sure enough, the passenger side exterior a-pillar is hanging there. That's the "something that hit the car and almost caused a multi car accident. I tried to call Ford about this but I'm left with ongoing ringing. Live chat agent had no idea what I was talking about. That set me off. I had taken a screenshot of the Kelly Blue Book website stating there was a recall, which, by the way, has been removed. Now that is extra suspicious. The KBB website stated notices were sent sometime earlier this year but I got nothing. The registration is in my name and is 100% accurate with my address and phone number are all up to date. I found no other way to contact Ford. I didn't want to file a complaint, but here we are. This is a SAFETY issue which caused me to fall into a panic and anxiety attack. I have a witness as my husband was in that passenger seat when it happened. Like I said, I, without a single doubt, believe that Ford Motors has abandoned this problem and that they don't care.This issue needs addressed now. I can't afford to go get it repaired myself as I am between jobs. If this isn't resolved, I will call my attorney for guidance.
Other or unspecified, Aug 31, 2025
The exterior A-pillar trim part is loose causing water to leak through. You can hear/feel the air in the corner of the windshield as the SUV is moving. I have tried several times since receiving this recall notice in FEBRUARY 2024 to get this fixed and replaced through FORD. Each time brought my car in for service over the past 18 months, I was told that the part was not available but was on back order. In the meantime, water and moisture gets through causing a smell and mold. This is a health and safety issue. How do I get this repaired?
Structure, Aug 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the driver’s and passenger’s side A-pillar trims were loose. The dealer had been contacted for over a year for parts availability and was informed that parts were not yet available to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that parts were available, and the contact was referred to a dealer to schedule an appointment for the vehicle to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact called the dealer again and was informed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 26, 2025
While driving with the ac on you can smell exhaust fumes in the cabin and it's worse towards the rear carbin of the vehicle. I've gotten nauseated and sleepy from the fumes and have had several headaches in addition to the other symptoms. Ford needs to recall this issue. Also I have an active recall for the window pillars and the dealership says they still dont have the parts to fix it, and it's been over a year, what's the hold up Ford??!!
Structure, Aug 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the trim on the passenger’s side A-pillar was cracked in the middle and was very loose. The contact stated that water entered the vehicle, raining and soaking the passenger’s side floor mat. The contact called several dealers and was informed that parts to repair the vehicle were not available. The contact attempted to stop the water by using silicon caulk on the trim; however the temporary fix still allowed water into the vehicle. The contact recently became aware that the driver's side trim was separating at the top of the trim, and water was entering on the driver's side. Additionally, the contact stated that the windshield gasket was crumbling along the top of the windshield. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time to repair the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
Structure, Aug 20, 2025
I received a recall letter in February 2024 stating there was a recall on my vehicle and that the parts for fixing the recall were out of stock, and they should be available in the latter half of 2024. I never recieved another letter and the part of my vehicle that is recalled flew off my vehicle while driving on the highway it hit my rear passenger window and scared everyone in the vehicle the window didn't bust and I didn't realize that it was a piece of my vehicle that flew off until I got to where I was headed and seen the part missing, while we were driving I thought someone threw something out the window.
Steering, Aug 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 50-55 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The message "Power Steering Failure -Service Immediately" was displayed. The contact was able to pull over to the side road. The contact was able to drive to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed and determined that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 139,160.
Other or unspecified, Aug 19, 2025
The back up camera only works occasionally because of the height of vehicle it is difficult to back up safely . Sometimes the camera works and other times it sends a message to contact the dealer
Structure, Aug 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard a loud flapping sound coming from the windshield. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined that the A-pillar trim had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer ordered the parts and informed the contact that parts needed to be reordered due to the parts being damaged upon arrival. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Structure, Aug 14, 2025
The pillar trim recall has been in effect for nearly 2 years. I took my husband’s Explorer (I am his legal guardian as he suffered [XXX] and he has been hospitalized for over a year) to Chillicothe MO Ford in October of 2024 for the safety recall on this trim issue, as my A pillar trim flew off from the highway and may have impacted another vehicle on [XXX] between St. Joseph and Kansas City at around that time. Chillicothe Ford inspected the vehicle and ordered parts. It is now almost over a year, and neither Chillicothe Ford or Ford Corporate Office can give me an estimate on when it the parts are available. I escalated this concern yet again to Ford Corporate, and they blamed it on the Chillicothe dealership for not requesting an emergency part order. I talked to Chillicothe Ford immediately thereafter, and they said that they did escalate the part request, and nothing has been done -not just for me but over 10 other Explorer owners who are waiting on the parts for this recall. I called Richmond MO Ford dealership this week, and was informed they had the same problem and that Ford is lying about the part availability. Almost a million consumers are affected by this recall, and accordingly there are exponentially as many unfortunate drivers who could be hit by flying parts, and Ford REFUSES TO ADDRESS THIS RECALL. My sister had the same part fall off her car into traffic a month ago with her Ford Explorer. THIS IS A LIFE SAFETY ISSUE AND NHSTA NEEDS TO HOLD FORD MOTOR COMPANY ACCOUNTABLE FOR WILLFULLY PUTTING THE PUBLIC IN HARM’S WAY! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Structure, Aug 14, 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 60 MPH, the passenger’s side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted. 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 issue. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Aug 11, 2025
The factory installed headlight screw punctured the coolant line of my 2015 Ford Explorer causing my transmission to stop working properly. This resulted in a $725 tow bill and $1,067.56 in repairs. The certified mechanic verified that the screw was an original part and it punctured the line, likely after some time rubbing against it. The transmission did not appear to be damaged however my safety was at risk trying to pull over to when the vehicle would no longer shift gears. I have a video of the leak that lines up with the screw placement but was not able to upload it...I am happy to email it to you.
Structure, Aug 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, one of the A-pillar trims partially detached and struck the windshield. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was determined that parts for 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 vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Steering, Engine, Aug 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the power steering assist was inoperable. The failure occurred while the contact’s husband was stopped for fuel. The driver turned on the vehicle and the steering wheel had seized. The engine maintenance warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion and steering needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired by the dealer. The contact stated that an independent mechanic confirmed that the steering and rack and pinion needed to be replaced, but the parts were on backorder. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was opened. The owner was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.