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.
Steering, Jun 4, 2025
Loss of power steering assist
Steering, Jun 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after having the tires replaced, while in reverse or while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was losing power steering functionality. The failure had become a persistent failure. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 149,466.
Other or unspecified, Jun 2, 2025
The back up camera works on and off. I nearly hit a person when the camera suddenly stopped working. Thank goodness I was backing up very slowly and the guy knocked in my rear window.
Other or unspecified, Jun 2, 2025
Drivers side A Post windshield trim piece came flying off vehicle while driving on the highway. I just learned that Ford came out with a recall on this part almost 1 & 1/2 years ago and they have still not fixed or remedied this condition. TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE. I am now worried that the passenger side trim piece will come off next, potentially causing an accident or additional hazard on the roadway. I went to my local Ford dealer and was told by the service department that there is nothing they can do, due to not having any parts available and to check back in late summer.
Back over prevention, Jun 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon shifting the vehicle into reverse, the rearview camera displayed an inverted image. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the rearview camera. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V368000 (Back Over Prevention); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 87,000.
Structure, Jun 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim detached. No waring light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted; however, 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 57,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 31, 2025
The rear backup camera is either a blank black screen, or has distorted display. The directional guides do not display combined with a reverse presentation. Sometimes displays, system is malfunctioning, contact your manufacturer.
Structure, May 30, 2025
Date of Occurrence: Monday, [XXX] While driving on [XXX] in Florida, the Exterior A-Pillar on the Drivers Side Window blew off of my vehicle. The entire thing! My Vehicle has been under a Recall for this very problem. Safety Recall Notice 24S02/NHTSA Recall 24V031. I even had a repair appointment set up at the Dealership that we bought the vehicle from in 2018. Paradise Ford in Cocoa, FL. Upon arrival, I was informed that they had no parts and would actually, be calling all of the other clients that were scheduled that day for the same repair. Since then, I have received an additional Letter from the Ford Company letting me know that Parts are still unavailable. Now, that this has occurred, I have reached out to a local Ford Dealership here in Wisconsin (our Primary Residence) and also been told that no parts are available. I am currently awaiting a call back from them as of yesterday 05/29/2025, to see if there are any other options other than them using an off market part to replace the Pillar at my cost (option told to me by their Service Scheduling Girl. Needless to say, we averted a possible very bad situation this past Monday. If this piece, which is rather larger, had hit another car, there could have been a very negative outcome. My complaint is that, I am now driving a vehicle that is missing an important part. I want it fixed. We have been waiting, patiently, for going on 2 years. Upon research, I've seen articles written that these parts have been on Backorder since this recall was initiated. And, that there are approximately 5% of these vehicles that will experience the disengagement of this part(s). Sounds like Ford is dropping the ball on this, big time. What are my options now? I need to get this repaired as well as have the Passenger side Pillar also replaced since one has already 'fallen off'. And, the entire Drivers side Window is now exposed to additional damage/failure without that piece in place. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Vehicle speed control, May 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that occasionally while at a complete stop or while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle lurched forward or experienced unintended acceleration. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer and was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, May 27, 2025
The reverse backup camera gives a mirror view so the left side of the car appears on the right side of the screen. Making it unsafe to backup because you turn the wrong way if you go by what the camera shows you.
Forward collision avoidance, May 24, 2025
I am unsure of when it first occurred, but before it finally stopped notifying me of a possible front end collision, I had noticed that it would begin to randomly notify me of a collision warning from the front end when there was nothing in front of me or near me. Then one day it just stopped notifying me all together. I checked all fuses and they are all working properly. That I can remember, it has now been more than 4 months now. Once it completely stopped, everytime I start my car, I get a notification on my dashboard stating collision forward collisiin warning not working.
Structure, May 19, 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 his wife was driving 65-70 MPH, the driver's side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was not contacted, and 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 approximately 80,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Other or unspecified, May 16, 2025
My backup camera does not always work. Just get a black screen
Structure, Other or unspecified, May 14, 2025
On the hood, the paint is coming off (and has been for several years). It looks like maybe where it was "clamped" (for lack of better words) while they were painting the hood and maybe the paint didn't adhere like it should. I have actually seen several 2015 Ford Explorers that have the exact same paint spots missing on their hoods. One time I almost tried to get into another Explorer because it was black and the paint was missing in the same spot and i thought it was my car. My next issue is the back up camera doesn't work more often than it does. It always says unavailable. I know there have been recalls on other Fords for the exact same reason, so not sure why 2015 Ford Explorers were excluded.
Structure, May 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the exterior trim was had fractured. The contact used tape to secure the fractured trim piece. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, May 9, 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 local dealer was contacted. 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 contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Electrical system, May 8, 2025
The Backup Camera and dashboard screen are malfunctioning. The dashboard screen is completely black/blank when car is put in reverse. There are no warning lamps on dash or any other messages showing any errors/failures, etc. This is a safety issue, due to blind spots on vehicle. I took car to mechanic and they said this is an "on going issue with Ford, multiple people are having issues. The backup up camera needs to be replaced but that also means the dash board screen and everything else needs to replaced also since all tied together, this is very costly, keep looking for the recall". No need to involve insurance or police as there has not been an accident. I saw the most recent recalls but it did not include the 2015 Explorer it included other 2015 models. This has been happening for a while now probably started happening at 70,000 miles and now I have 115,000 miles. Bought the car when it had 35,000 miles on it.
Structure, May 6, 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, May 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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had experienced the failure causing the passenger’s side panel to eject from the vehicle and the driver's side panel to become unsecured. The failure mileage was 105,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, May 2, 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 was contacted by the dealer and stated that parts for the recall repair were available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and replaced the driver’s side A-pillar trim. The contact was informed that the plastic piece where the A-pillar trim was mounted was missing. However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The repair was not completed. 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 45,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, May 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the A-pillar trim clips were missing. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 ( Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 30, 2025
Recall number 25S42 should include 2015 Ford Explorers. The rearview camera goes blank or is distorted. It causes the driver the inability to see anything behind the vehicle if the object cannot be seen using the mirrors.
Structure, Apr 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the exterior A-pillar trim had detached around the windshield. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the VIN was not included. The contact called the local dealer, who confirmed that parts were not available to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Structure, Visibility/wiper, Apr 30, 2025
waiting for recall repair to be done, over 1yr and still nothing
Structure, Apr 28, 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 A-pillar trim slightly detached, and an abnormal sound was coming from the windshield. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.