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.
Seat belts, Mar 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the contact seat belt warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the seat belt sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle had exceeded the warranty extension and was no longer covered. The contact researched online and related the failure to Ford Customer Satisfaction Program: 21B11 (Seat Belts). The failure mileage was 64,710.
Steering, Power train, Engine, Mar 6, 2023
Without any warning, the engine and power system failed while on the highway. There was no system warning lights preceding the event, and the vehicle had be well maintained. We were lucky to have been able to get off the road by safely coasting. Once towed to the mechanics, we were told that a rod had failed and entire would need to be replaced.
Back over prevention, Mar 3, 2023
My rear camera intermittently goes off in the middle of backing up.
Steering, Traction control system, Engine, Mar 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 55-60 MPH, the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that the vehicle had lost steering gear functionality. The contact was able to pull the steering wheel and regain control. There was an unknown steering message displayed. The contact stated that the traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering gear, connecting rod, and rear toe link needed to be replaced, but the parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was unknown.
Structure, Feb 23, 2023
Passenger side front windshield trim flew off the car while driving on the freeway.
Back over prevention, Feb 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the back-up camera intermittently failed to operate as needed. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who agreed to service the vehicle; however, the mechanic was informed by the dealer that there was a shortage of camera available to be sold due to a recall on other vehicle models. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Feb 19, 2023
Plastic cover of windshield detached while driving. May pose a hazard to other drivers as it becomes a projectile when detaching. It also startled the driver when it detached, causing swerving.There was no damage done to provoke the problem, it was spontaneous. Have not taken the vehicle to be inspected by dealer.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 16, 2023
Upon excellerated take off the exhaust fumes fill the cabin. There has been a prior recall for such issues. This has happened multiple times over the entire time that I have owned it. It is getting increasingly worse and I worry for myself, my family and others. My local Ford dealership dismissed me every time I brought it up.
Steering, Feb 13, 2023
We have had power steering loss upon starting our 2015 Ford Explorer front wheel drive with park assist. This evening 2/13/2023 my wife called me to tell me the steering has stopped working again and she could not turn the wheels. The power rack has totally failed and I AS A STRONG MAN COULD HARDLY turn the wheels. I limped it home and it was all I could do to turn the wheels even going down the road. I am upset that Ford would of made this type of self sealed power rack that can fail and one will lose all control of the steering. Because it is so hard to turn the wheels. No woman can turn when in this situation and can wreak their Explorer because of this failure. Ford need to fix this issue and not just put the same part back into the Explorer. So anyone that owns a 2015 Explorer be aware of this issue!!
Structure, Feb 11, 2023
I was driving on the interstate at 60 mph and the passenger side windshield panel flew off. As far as I know, it did not hit any vehicles that were traveling behind me.
Structure, Feb 11, 2023
I was driving on the interstate at 65mph and the driverside windshield panel flew off. As far as I know, it did not hit any vehicles that were traveling behind me.
Structure, Feb 10, 2023
The vertical black plastic trim piece along the side of the windshield on the drivers side of the car detached and flew away while driving on the highway.
Structure, Feb 10, 2023
Right "A pillar" cap broke off while driving on the freeway
Service brakes, Feb 10, 2023
I was driving my explorer in the snow and had put it in 4 wheel snow mode..as I was driving down a hill and began braking to make a turn the car slid a little bit and I thought nothing of it. I parked and drove again in snow mode a few miles and noticed that after I put the car back into regular drive the brake pedal seemed harder than usual. I parked, waited a minute, turned my car back on, touched the brake pedal and it seemed ok or better. A few hours later, I leave work and brakes seem harder than usual again. I had not put it in snow mode nor were any warning lights on. I only make it a mile or so when I find myself in the left lane of a highway attempting to drive up hill and my car barely goes 20mph. Something is seriously wrong at this point, with my 4 way flashers on, I had to navigate heavy rush hour traffic on a highway until I could find a safe place to pull off. Still no warning lights. I call my mechanic and he advised me to have it towed to his garage, Meineke. He is able to look at it the next day and finds the brakes are locked up and possibly something wrong with the 4 wheel drive. He's unable to determine for sure what is wrong and I have it towed again to the Ford Dealership. Ford Dealership has it for a few days and they had a tough time determining what was wrong. They checked codes and because no warning lights were on they didn't have much to go on. They determined it wasn't my 4 wheel drive but that it was my ABS module. They replaced it and flushed the fluid (which I was told was not the problem, it showed no signs of being compromised). They also replaced brakes rotors and calipers in the rear which I believe we're damaged in the ordeal. I do believe my safety and the safety of others was at risk. I should have seen a warning light to let me know something was wrong before I was on a highway.
Structure, Feb 10, 2023
Windshield Trim: My windshield trim began stripping off of my windshield as I was traveling on highway speeds on I-10 back in August 2022. I managed to "glue" the trim back into place until getting to the dealership. They informed me that it would be cheaper to replace the whole windshield since I had existing chips and a crack (through my insurance) than it would be to replace the trim. Therefore, I filed a claim through my insurance and paid my $500 deductible to have the windshield and trim replaced. Check Engine Light: Throughout the life of my vehicle, I have had multiple episodes of Check Engine Light errors and "running lean codes." More recently in October 2022 at 102,000 miles, I experienced check engine errors with running lean codes. After $8k and 4 separate trips to the Ford Dealership from October 2022 to January 2023 to "fix" the problem by overhauling my engine and replacing sensors etc, the check engine light is gone (for now). There is obviously a widespread problem with Ford Explorers and their check engine lights. Ford Consumer Affairs will not provide financial support since they indicated that even though my vehicle is less than 150,000 miles, it is over their 7 year mark (mine just turned 8 years old). I have copies of all receipts and are available upon request. Rear Backup Camera: My camera has been glitching in and out (while in reverse) for the last year and is a safety concern.
Engine, Feb 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the HVAC system was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the water pump was faulty, causing coolant intrusion into the engine, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Structure, Feb 8, 2023
Trim moulding right passenger front window. The piece is not available as it flew off while driving down Highway on 25 June 2022. We don't know what happened to the piece and if it struck anything/one traveling behind us. No warning. We replaced piece.
Power train, Feb 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal noise was heard coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that the noise occurred for several days however while driving 55 MPH, there was an abnormal clunking sound heard as the vehicle jolted forward. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed, and a grinding noise was heard as the vehicle was parked. The grinding noise stopped after the vehicle was placed in the park. The contact inspected the vehicle and found no objects. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the failure as a rear axle bolt fracture. The contact was informed that the driveshaft and bolt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The independent mechanic advised the contact to call the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V255000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The contact called a Ford dealer and was awaiting an appointment for a diagnostic test. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Visibility, Feb 7, 2023
Driver side windshield trim unexpectedly and instantaneously detached while traveling approximately 65 mph on interstate during daylight hours under dry conditions. It flew off the vehicle creating cosmetic damage to driver door and mirror, landing in lane behind. Part was lost on road somewhere and have not had it replaced or repaired. It could have impacted a vehicle behind causing damage or dangerous condition for driver or other vehicles. It has not been inspected and is in original condition after incident. I became aware of similar complaints and felt need to register. Estimated repair approximately $500.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Feb 4, 2023
While driving down the interstate, the driver’s side windshield trim panel flew off my vehicle.
Power train, Structure, Feb 4, 2023
Body: windshield Trim detached last year and flew off at highway speeds. Didn’t cause damage to my own vehicle but could have bounced off someone else’s. Drivetrain: non serviceable (unable to do a fluid change) on my power train unit. Due to this it started leaking at the front seal and others reported failure during driving. The fix would be to add a drain plug and make it a serviceable unit.
Structure, Feb 3, 2023
Window trim pillars have blown off the car multiple times at highway speeds
Visibility, Feb 3, 2023
Having read in a newspaper about the side windshield trim flying off it got me thinking about the rubber seals that go under that trim. On my Ford Explorer i have had those rubber seals split and and start ripping in strips. I have had to glue them to keep them from ripping off and maybe hit a vehicle behind me. Also there is a plastic plate that is below the windshield and under the windshield wipers that is warping. Have talked to a person that owns a body shop he told me that that is a common problem on these models of Explorers. He told me if i go and complain Ford may fix it for free. I have one more thing to mention. Went put in the VIN# for my Explorer it states that i have a recall that has not been Fixed. It is for the rear toe link. Well it has been fixed and i don't know how to change it to fixed.
Parking brake, Feb 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while attempting to engage the parking brake, the parking brake failed to respond. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and the parking brake assembly was replaced. The contact was informed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V464000 (Parking Brake) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included. The approximate failure mileage was 82,900.
Visibility, Structure, Feb 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the front windshield was detaching. The contact stated that the windshield seal was peeling away and slowly detaching. The contact stated that the trim had detached. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.