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.
Suspension, Aug 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to turn left, and while driving over rough road surfaces, there was a sound like metal striking metal sound coming from the rear-end of the vehicle. The contact stated that while turning left caution was used because the vehicle was bouncing and was losing stability. The contact stated that the rear driver’s side wheel felt imbalanced with the rest of the wheels as if the tire pressure was low. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, Lofton Motorsports (4122 S Memorial Dr, Tulsa, OK 74145); who had diagnosed that the stabilizing axle link needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was returned to the dealer where the CV axle shaft was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to another dealer, Bill Night Ford (9607 S Memorial Dr, Tulsa, OK 74133); who had diagnosed that the front suspension system and both control arms had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failures persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that the rear subframe had failed. The dealer informed the contact that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V245000 (Suspension); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer had referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 141,000.
Steering, Aug 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that on two separate occasions, the power steering assistance failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that the "Power Steering Assist Fault" and the traction control warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The contact was also referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Structure, Aug 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V031000 (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.
Structure, Aug 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the front driver’s and passenger’s side A-pillar trims detached and flew off the vehicle. 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 failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Aug 22, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 22, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Structure, Aug 22, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Engine and engine cooling, Structure, Aug 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while operating the vehicle the odor of exhaust fumes was present inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who determined that the cabin of the vehicle needed to be resealed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the vehicle did not qualify for the manufacturer’s Extended Warranty coverage to repair the vehicle. The failure mileage was 114,000.
Structure, Aug 20, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Steering, Aug 18, 2024
My steering fault light started to regularly come on. I took my vehicle to Firestone and was told they could not repair it, due to there being a steering recall. I was advised I would have to take my vehicle to Ford. Upon doing so, I was told at Ford there is no steering recall for my vehicle, only a panel recall. Yet, there is a steering recall for other Ford vehicles right now. The Ford Explorer is experiencing the same steering issue. I am having to pay more than $3,000 to fix an issue that should be a recall. Plus, the Ford advisor told me this is a safety issue.
Structure, Aug 15, 2024
The A-pillar trim piece on the passenger side of my 2015 Explorer came off of the vehicle while it was being driven. This could have put someone on the road behind me at risk of a serious accident. I took it to the Ford dealership and they inspected it and determined that both A-pillar trim pieces need to be repaired and replaced under an existing recall from Ford Motor Co.. The dealership did not give me a copy of the inspection report, but I signed one on 8/12/2024. I was told by the dealership service department that the parts are on backorder, and a date for replacement could not be given. I was told that I could continue to drive my car "as is" while waiting indefinitely for parts for this repair and replacement. I feel that Ford Motor Co. is not giving this the attention it deserves, and is certainly not fixing this recall issue in a timely manner.
Air bags, Structure, Engine, Aug 15, 2024
i dont understand ford explorer has same recall i have a lot of recall on these and i cant take it off everytime its a recall. i work 7 days a week. Thats the reason i try to trade it in . But i still own a lot for it. I dont know to much about the explorer i brought from the carlot.
Air bags, Aug 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the air bag warning light had remained illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Air bags, Aug 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with faulty wiring for the second-row seat air bags. The contact was informed that the wiring needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a manufacturing design flaw. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,489.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Aug 14, 2024
The vehicle stopped while I was driving and wouldn’t accelerate when trying to push the gas pedal. The warning wrench light then appeared and said power train. Once I pulled over and cut the car off and back on it drove normal for a few miles and broke down again. My safety was impacted because the vehicle literally stopped while I was driving on a busy road.
Steering, Aug 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel seized, causing the vehicle to become difficult to maneuver. The message “Service Advance-trac” was displayed, and the traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering rack and module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure was mileage was 63,450.
Other or unspecified, Aug 8, 2024
Right and left inside door panel detaching from the door
Other or unspecified, Aug 8, 2024
Exterior A-Pillar Molding
Seat belts, Aug 7, 2024
The inflatable seat belts on the middle row of 2015 Explorer Sport have broken. The buckle component on the R passenger side completely locked into place with a child buckled into it, and the child had to squirm and be pulled out of the belt. It is locked into the buckle. The L driver side buckle is cracked apart and causing the same issue. I am unable to transport my family safely with the lack of the use of these 2 seat belts. I have taken this to a independent service center to be checked/fixed as Ford dealership couldn't service my vehicle for 6 wks from now, and independent service company has told me that the part is consistently an issue and is constantly on back order. I have been told there is no release date for when part will be available. I filed a complaint with Ford Customer service and was told there is nothing they can do to help. No warning, no alerts - this just happened on a hot day with kids in my car unable to get out of a seatbelt. I can NOT use a vehicle because of lack of seatbelts.
Structure, Aug 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the A-pillar trim on the passenger’s side windshield started to detach. 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, and the dealer stated that parts were not yet available. 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 not available. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Aug 7, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 5, 2024
The contact’s brother owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while the vehicle was being driven by the owner, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop. The parking brake was used to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact stated that an independent mechanic unofficially diagnosed the vehicle powertrain failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,400.
Structure, Aug 5, 2024
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 driver's side and passenger's side windshield exterior A-pillar trims and rubber seals had detached. 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 failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Steering, Aug 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed. Additionally, the "Steering Fault Assist" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle due to the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the mechanic could not determine the cause of the failure. The contact continued driving the vehicle until the ABS and traction control warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The steering wheel seized, and the vehicle was towed back to the independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Structure, Jul 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the exterior A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. 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 not 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 failure mileage was approximately 163,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.