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, Back over prevention, Jul 10, 2023
Rear camera stopped working
Structure, Jul 9, 2023
Driver side Windshield trim flew off on interstate
Structure, Jul 7, 2023
I currently have a 2015 Ford Explorer. This is the 2nd time that I am having to replace the windshield trim on the passenger side due to it flying off while driving.
Fuel/propulsion system, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 1, 2023
Upon driving, my vehicle just started randomly cutting out. I was told that it had to do with the throttle body. I did further research, and I noticed that I haven't been the only Explorer owner that has had this issue, so I'm not sure why there isn't a recall already established. Not only does it put me and my kids at risk, but it also puts drivers around me at risk. My car shuts down, which could cause the drivers behind me to rear end my vehicle. There has been some sort of warning light that comes on, that looks like a wrench, but only after my car shuts off, which is followed by the check engine light coming on. There were no warning signs prior to this happening.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Jun 30, 2023
The components that hold the windshield in started coming out going down the highway at 55 miles per hour terrifying me that the windshield was coming out. I understand that this is happening a lot in the ford explorers. I am having components replaced next week.
Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Jun 29, 2023
Sudden back up camera failure without a warning light or message. There has not been an accident/incident but it is difficult to see behind the vehicle at certain angles when turning my head to the rear to back up. I have not yet had it checked by a mechanic because upon further research found that it may be too costly for me to have repaired. I had no obvious issues before it stopped working.
Other or unspecified, Jun 25, 2023
Backup camera - the backup camera stopped working at approximately 86k miles.
Other or unspecified, Jun 23, 2023
Throttle body not working properly. The vehicle has left me stranded, mid driving- just loses power & I have to coast to the nearest location and re start vehicle. It is an incredibly dangerous situation. Signals to me "terrain management system failure".
Seat belts, Jun 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the rear passenger's side seat belt buckle retractor was stuck and failed to release as needed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
Structure, Jun 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal banging sound against the passenger’s side window. The contact thought that road debris had been kicked up and struck the vehicle. The contact stated that she heard an abnormal wind rushing noise coming from the top of the passenger’s side door. The contact stopped the vehicle and realized that a part of the door trim panel had detached from the vehicle and struck the vehicle. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer and the vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE23001 (Structure). The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Structure, Jun 18, 2023
The passenger side window trim flew off on the expressway. Barely missing the vehicle behind. The drivers side trim looks as if it's becoming detached also.
Engine, Jun 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. Additionally, the contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, the vehicle was shuddering. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the crankshaft pulley needed to be replaced; however, the part was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 65,417.
Steering, Suspension, Engine, Jun 14, 2023
I have a recall on rear suspension I have called to have the repairs done several times I was given response of they didn't have the parts needed and would take several weeks . Rear suspension is very unsafe and now the engine cooling component is causing issues with over heating and not giving any warning lights on dash and am afraid found cause fire or some unsafe issue
Air bags, Jun 7, 2023
The air bag system light came on. Dealer says repair requires splicing into passive restraint system wiring to repair. To me seems unacceptable as a method of repair as the passive restraint system saves lives. As a former highway patrolman for California I see what airbags do to save lives and the fact that ford refuses to help with a passive restraint system on a vehicle I just purchased seems as if they want my family endanger. And they want me to pay for a splice wire job which puts my family at a higher risk of injury or death. Ford has had vehicle for two weeks and their rectification to the issue is splice the wires se attached email from dealership
Structure, Jun 6, 2023
The windshield trim piece on the passenger side flew off while driving and could have hit another vehicle /property or a person causing damage or injury. Online research indicates there is a known issue with these parts. However, I was unable to locate a recall.
Power train, Electrical system, Jun 6, 2023
The Gear Shift Selector would not register when the Gear Shift was in Park. This condition prevented turning the engine off. A costly repair was paid for and it has since been noted this is a common complaint on Ford Explorers. Another failed Ford design for which they should be held accountable. The complete Gear Shift Assembly was replaced May 12, 2017 53,86 miles
Visibility/wiper, Structure, Jun 6, 2023
The A-Pillar Windscreen TRIM on each side of the vehicle are a failed Ford design and require pending replacement to prevent them flying off whilst traveling and endangering other road users or pedestrians.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 5, 2023
While driving the temp started to fluctuate, causing the car the shut down in traffic. I had no clue what was happening. The only warning I got from the vehicle was a check engine light. This should not be possible. I understand the design is meant to protect the engine, but what about the driver. This was horrible and I've seen hundreds of others with this same issue. This needs to be recalled. In addition, it will cost me 4000 to fix this...while the pump itself only costs 200. The labor is the other 3800. This is a horrible thing to do to drivers.
Other or unspecified, Jun 2, 2023
Driver's side windshield molding flew off while traveling on the PA turnpike at approximately 70mph. This not only startled myself (the driver) but caused the vehicle behind me to swerve. No accident was caused as there were no vehicles in the left lane of traffic at that time.
Structure, Jun 1, 2023
While driving around 45 mph I was startled by something black flapping against the passenger side of the windshield. I thought I must have hit a large bird and it was caught somehow. I immediately pulled off the road to see what happened. I found a large strip of rubber sealer had come loose from around my windshield and was causing the flapping, also the windshield trim was gone. I drove back the way I came and found the missing part in the road. Yes I feel this is a hazard to traffic. I was very startled with the commotion and if there was a car behind me they could have been startled by flying pieces of my car. I haven't had the repairs done yet.
Electrical system, Air bags, Seat belts, May 27, 2023
Air bag light comes on intermittently. Current mileage 62,094. Noted 21 prior complaints on your site. Brought to dealer who told me the problem was with a wire harness failure. None of the safety air bags will operate/deploy when this light is on. A faulty harness that had failed will put me and my passengers in serious jeopardy of injury or death in the event of an accident. This diagnosis cost me $149 only to find out it would cost hundreds of dollars more to have the problem fixed. Internet research reveals this problem was addressed in a 2016 technical bulletin 16-0001; Code B141B. We purchased this vehicle as a certified pre-owned vehicle after Ford issued the technical bulletin. No mention of Ford's internal bulletin was made by the dealer at the time of my purchase. Ford has been aware of this problem for years. According to the dealership technician there is no formal recall to have this manufacturing defect corrected by Ford at no cost to the purchaser of the vehicle. Didn't fully functional air bags come as part of my certified pre-owned purchase? I expect the manufacturer's safety equipment to be fully functional. Please review 2015 Explorer Owner's Manual as follows: Child Safety (pages 18-37), Safety Belts (pages 38-48) Personal Safety System (page 49) and Supplementary Restraints System (pages 50-61) with particular attention to page 49 bearing in mind that NONE of these safety features work when the air bag light is on. What good are safety features that are disabled by a manufacturing defect in the wiring harness? Ford has not only disappointed its customers, it has put them in serious jeopardy when using their product. Your rating system notes Crash, Fire, Injuries and Deaths. Do not wait for a positive notation in any of these categories before you act on safety recommendations, including a mandated recall, which is your primary tool for preventing future civil transportation accidents.
Other or unspecified, May 22, 2023
Front Window Trim fell off while traveling on highway, the noise startled me and I was going 70 mph, did not see the part fall off and this is the second incident. The shop I took vehicle to the first time said it was a poor design and this happens often. Trim replacement part is 67.00. I bought a used vehicle, had 126,000 miles on it at purchase. I feel the poor design needs to be remedied at the manufacturers expense. please make a decisive recommendation for consumers. this is unacceptable.
Steering, May 22, 2023
Last year I had to have the electric power steering pump replaced as it completely locked up almost causing an accident while trying to turn, this year now the steering shaft froze up while driving in traffic. Totaling $3,100.00 to fix when I was told this is something that should never need to be replaced and I drive my vehicle very carefully with my children in it .
Steering, May 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH and turning the vehicle to the left, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the steering wheel was also jerking while attempting to steer through the turn. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but recurring. The contact stated that the failure occurred mostly at slower speeds while turning. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the intermediate shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.
Engine, May 18, 2023
Waterpump