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.
Other or unspecified, Feb 27, 2024
IT IS REGARDING THE RECALL- THIS PART ACTUALLY CAME OFF A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AGO AND I HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET TO HAVE IT FIXED. SINCE THE REPAIR SHOP STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT REPLACE THE TRIM ALONE AS IT WOULD COMPROMISE HOW THE WINSHIELDS WAS HELD IN THE WHOLE THING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE THE BILL FROM THAT AS WELL AS PICTURES FROM THE TRIM BEING GONE SO IS THERE ANYAY TO GET REIMBURSED FOR THAT SINCE THAT HAS BEEN LABLED A RECALL/DEFECT OF THE VEHICLE?
Suspension, Feb 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his stepdaughter was driving 5 MPH and making a turn, the wheels locked up and the suspension bracket fractured. The front passenger’s side axle assembly drooped to the ground. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who repaired the front end. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Structure, Feb 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds, the front passenger’s side exterior A-pillar trim clip detached. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the trim was replaced. Over time, the contact noticed that the rear passenger side A-pillar trim had formed a crack. Additionally, the front and rear driver-side A-pillar trims had become loosened. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed 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 made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Feb 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the driver's side and passenger’s side front door panels were cracked. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, and stated there was no recall or warranty coverage for the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000.
Structure, Feb 21, 2024
The exterior right-side A-pillar panel departed the vehicle unexpectedly while driving at highway speeds (~70 mph). No early warning signs or indications were present. The incident occurred on the highway at night. When the panel departed, it made a loud noise like something hit the windshield. The driver and passengers were unaware that the panel was no longer attached to the vehicle until exiting the highway and inspecting the vehicle. The panel was not found on the highway after the incident and very well could have hit another vehicle, person, or animal and caused an accident. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. The Ford Motor Company has an active recall for this issue and has indicated that they will not replace the panel until a remedy is identified later this year (2024). With the panel missing, there are broken pieces of plastic still loosely attached to the A-pillar and make a vibrating noise when driving at highway speeds.
Other or unspecified, Feb 19, 2024
The driver and passenger front interior door panels are separating from the door and blocking the vision from the driver on the driver’s window and passenger window. They are also effecting the operation of the power windows from going up and down. This can definitely cause an accident which is not safe to drive. This was recalled in November 7, 2017 under 17N04 from Ford Motor Company. I am looking for these unsafe door panels to be replaced by Ford with your help.
Steering, Feb 19, 2024
My steering lost all power and basically froze going straight. I was almost home, within 500 feet and managed to strong arm it into my driveway. I have 2 warning lights on, Service Advance Trac and Service Power steering Now. Something with in the steering system is not right. My safety was not a concern when it happened as I was slowing down to turn into my driveway Looking online, this seems to be a major problem for many people No inspections as yet, since I would need to have it towed someplace I mentions those 2 warnings above.
Engine, Feb 18, 2024
Water pump inside the engine went out and was leaking coolant all over the engine and transmission. Caused the engine to over heat and the cabin heat to fail. Risk of fire with fluids on engine. Problem so common there is a class action lawsuit but no recall.
Other or unspecified, Feb 14, 2024
Well my problem began AFTER I got my cat back from the dealer for taking it in to get the rear toe link recall taken care of. Now I don't know exactly what the problem even is but I will try to explain with as much detail as I can to help you understand what I am still currently having to deal with. After getting. Y car back everything was fine until I suddenly get this sudden jerking of my car after I had made a right hand turn and as I was trying to accelerate to the posted speed limit, I honestly believed that one of my tires was about to break off while driving on the freeway with my two daughters in the vehicle with me while traveling to my sister's house nearly 35 minutes away from my residence. When I felt it, it startled me to the point where I believed that I might have popped a tire. I pulled over to check and nothing visible was wrong. Being 5 minutes away from my sisters house I drove to her house with my hazard lights on and after every turn I would feel as if one of my tires was going to just fall right off. My brother in law is a mechanic and I asked him to take it for a careful drive in an empty parking lot so he can feel what I was trying to explain to him. So he did and he said that it might be either the transmission not shifting properly and could be slipping, or the second theory is that the rear toe link can be either broken or damaged. He didn't know that I had already taken it to the dealer to have it replaced. I told him that the dealer had already replaced the rear toe link and his facial expression was very clear to understand that he was not sure if they did actually fix it or possibly mess with something else, because they might have believed I would have taken my car to get fixed there. Since that is my only vehicle and have a teenager in junior high and a 9 yr old in elementary I have to take them to school on opposite sides of my house . I have noticed that now it's not just after turning, but actually more frequently and longer.
Structure, Feb 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure), however, the remedy was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH the right pillar trim detached from the vehicle. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and it was confirmed the vehicle was included in the recall and the vehicle could be repaired under an advanced recall if the contact paid for the repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and informed the contact he had to wait to receive a recall letter in mid 2024 and it was possible to receive a refund for the repairs. VIN tool confirms remedy not yet available.
Structure, Feb 12, 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 manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that following a recent heavy rainfall, water entered the vehicle on the passenger’s side. The contact called the manufacturer and was informed that the remedy was not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Other or unspecified, Jan 27, 2024
I have had to have this trim piece replaced twice by McMahon Ford in Norwalk ct. first time [XXX] and the second time [XXX]. Both times I have had to pay out of pocket. Therefore I do not understand why my vin number is not included here. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Wheels, Jan 26, 2024
I went to dealer and they are not fixing this issue at the moment and they dont know until when are they going to start fixing it.
Seat belts, Jan 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was discovered that the cause of the failure was related to the rear middle row seat belt assembly. The air bag light was illuminated due to the seat belt assembly faulty wiring. The defect was initially repaired under warranty; however, the failure persisted, and the warranty expired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact of a Customer Satisfaction Program related to the failure; however, the vehicle was not included in the program. The contact was then given a case number. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 13,681.
Suspension, Wheels, Jan 24, 2024
This vehicle was recalled twice--2019 and 2022. Each time the rear toe links were replaced. I purchased after the 2022 recall from a Chevy Dealer not knowing of the recalls. In fall of 2023 a left rear wheel came loose causing us to lose control, scary but not life threatening. An independent center replaced the left rear toe link as the part was broken. On [XXX] while on [XXX] expressway the car again went out of control--this time is was scary-the vehicle was out of control going side to side at least 4 times and at one point the vehicle behind us said it was on two wheels. I had the car towed 3 hours back to the repair center and I then started to research recalls and concerns with the Explorer. I found recall information stating this was a problem and that cross axis ball joints and toe links were to be checked and replaced as needed. At the repair shop it was again the toe link that broke. The shop contacted a Ford dealer and got new reinforced toe links and a cross axis ball joint. He feels the vehicle should be okay but I am not sure I want to drive it, nor do I want to sell or trade it in as the next person could be in danger. I have saved the ball joint and the shop would willingly support what happened and what they repaired. I have contacted Ford Motor Company 5 times and basically told there is not a current recall and they are not responsible for repairs. The case number I have with Ford customer relations is [XXX]. Lastly the recall in 2019 21S32 expressed concerns about cars sold in northern U.S. or Canada because salt use can cause the ball joint to corrode and seize resulting in a fracture of the rear toe link. In talking to two Ford dealers in my area neither shared any information or concern about this recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Structure, Jan 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the retention clips were not flush with the rest of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed and determined that the A-pillar and retention clips were not properly engaged. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the A-pillar and retention clips were replaced again. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) as a possible solution; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
Steering, Jan 24, 2024
The electric power steering shuts off at random times. The power steering goes out and the steering may lock according to the Sonora Ford Dealership. The dealership said that the car is not safe to drive without the steering rack replaced. The dealership also noticed a clunk in the steering rack when turned lock to lock. When the steering turns off a red warning signal appears on the dash with a Battery symbol and a message to check charging system.
Steering, Jan 22, 2024
Vehicle power steering failure, causing locked steering. After reading, am finding this is a major problem with many Ford models. There has been recalls on many other models. No warning at all just locked up. Luckily did not happen to my wife at highway speeds. DTC codes U3000-96 U2011-61 C1B00-2F U3003-68 U0415-00
Steering, Electrical system, Jan 15, 2024
The Power Steering was not working and a Low Voltage Warning came on saying power consumption was being reduced. I took the car to a mechanic and he tested the battery and alternator output. They both checked good. After driving for 10-15 minutes, the power consumption reduction turns off and things go back to normal. This happens on almost every drive.
Suspension, Jan 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds and making a left turn, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that while having a routine alignment at an independent mechanic, the contact was informed that there was an issue with the alignment. The contact was informed that the passenger’s side rear ball joint connected to the chassis was not aligned. The contact was informed that the bolt was embedded in the chassis. The contact stated that the nut had been overtightened. There was a crack detected. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension). The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that there was no warranty coverage for the repair. No assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.
Structure, Jan 2, 2024
Outer Windshield Panel on Drivers Side completely detached and blew off into oncoming and following traffic without warning. It did not make contact with any vehicle or pedestrian, however the risk was still there.
Structure, Dec 26, 2023
Passenger side front window trim (column). The rubber seal started flapping on the expressway (60-70mph), followed by the entire trim piece ripping off. Created a significant distraction for driver and passenger. Trim piece flew off vehicle onto a 6 lane highway creating a safety issues for other drivers. There was no previous history of damage/accident involving this trim piece.
Engine, Dec 6, 2023
Premature water pump failure on 2015 Ford Explorer Limited with 51,000 miles. Noticed coolant leak while changing oil. Took it to a mechanic that pressure tested cooling system to discover water pump is leaking.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Nov 17, 2023
Warning lights that the ABS system was not functioning. Said to see dealer. Dealer said ABS module bad and had to be replaced. Told me could affect my ability to stop without new module could be a safety concern. Told me there is a back log of orders for module and could not give me a date when parts could come in. Said it could be months which leads me to believe many vehicles have this issue. Big concern to me. In addition, the rear back up camera does not always work which I believe is a real safety concern and know many year explorer cameras have malfunctioned and have been recalled. This year explorer should be recalled also. They have many fixes listed on youtube that identify various fixes various engineering issues, For safety of people (especially children) sake, this should be recalled in my opinion.
Suspension, Service brakes, Nov 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V675000 (Suspension) and 21V537000 (Suspension) however, after the repairs, the vehicle started experiencing suspension and alignment failures. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle seemed misaligned and was pulling to the right and to the left. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle shuddered significantly while depressing the brake pedal. The contact also stated that the vehicle was hesitant while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that while on a road trip, the floorboard of the vehicle was hot, which caused her to pull to the side of the road until the vehicle had cooled down. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times. The dealer replaced the front brake calipers, rotors and pads, the rear brake rotors, the rack and pinion, the sway bar link, and bushings, the four tires, and performed an alignment several times; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to a second dealer for assistance. The second dealer, Ray Pearman Lincoln (2501 Bob Wallace Ave SW, Huntsville, AL 35805) determined that the recall repairs needed to be performed a second time, and a new set of knuckles needed to be installed. The manufacturer was informed of the second dealer's assessment and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.