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, Sep 9, 2022
The power steering went out while I was driving. I had to hold the steering wheel all the way to the left just to go straight. Had the car towed to the dealership where I was informed the repair would cost $3000 and Ford will not cover any of it. Was told that Ford does not even make the part any more because they had so many problems so they would have to order a refurbished part in order to fix.
Suspension, Structure, Sep 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that she noticed that the front passenger’s side door panel had started to detach. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the trim panel needed to be repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that she heard noise in the rear driver's and passenger side wheels. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the rear wheel knuckle was previously replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number and advised to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
Engine, Sep 1, 2022
Vehicle stopped suddenly as I was driving on the highway. When I was able to resume driving the vehicle began to drag as if there was no power. The check engine light came on. I was eventually able to reach a auto supplier who checked the engine light that reported that the blower fan motor was not working. This was a very dangerous situation as the posted speed limit is 55mph and my vehicle suddenly stopped on the highway.
Steering, Aug 30, 2022
2015 FORD EXPLORER ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING ASSIST MODULE RACK AND PINION MY WIFE STARTED THE VEHICLE AND A POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME UP ON THE DASH.WE HAD NO POWER STEERING,THANK GOODNESS IT HAPPENED IN OUR DRIVEWAY AND NOT ON THE ROAD SOMEWHERE. WE WERE ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO THE NEAREST FORD DEALER AND THEY TOLD US THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING ASSIST MODULE RACK AND PINION WAS BAD. WE HAD TO PAY $2500 UP FRONT TO ORDER THE PARTS AND WERE TOLD THE PARTS WERE ON BACK ORDER AND MAY TAKE 2 WEEKS TO A MONTH OR MORE TO COME IN.THEY TOLD US IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE UNTIL FIXED.I STARTED LOOKING UP THIS PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND OUT THIS WAS HAPPENING TO MANY OTHER VEHICLES,FORD EXPLORERS THANKS FOR LOOKING INTO THE PROBLEM AND SAVING LIVES
Engine, Aug 29, 2022
At approximately 101,000 miles noticed a drip of coolant on garage floor . Inspected car , noticed empty coolant expansion tank and leak from water pump weep hole. Took to dealer and confirmed leaking water pump . Vehicle is not equipped with coolant monitor , most people would not of noticed this leak . This has lead to catastrophic engine failure on other Explorers leading to loss of power while driving.
Structure, Aug 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated she noticed that the front driver’s side door trim was raised nearby the window. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the front driver’s side door panel to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who was able to glue the front driver-side trim back in place. The vehicle was repaired; however, the front passenger’s side door trim experienced the same failure. A dealer was not contacted regarding the second failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Structure, Aug 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the driver's and passenger side door trim panel started to detach from the window’s edge. The vehicle was initially taken to the dealer for a recall repair however, the contact stated that the dealer checked the door trim panel and stated that there were no issues found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided the number to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 114,000.
Structure, Aug 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated the passenger’s side roof rail covering had detached. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000. The VIN was not available.
Steering, Aug 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while pulling into the driveway at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized with the Service Advance Trac and Steering Loss Stop Safely messages displayed. The contact related the failure to a faulty rack and pinion and steering column; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Steering, Aug 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became inoperable. The power steering assist and advance track warning indicator lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 69,053.
Engine, Aug 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while her daughter was driving at an unknown speed, the contact stated that the vehicle was performing abnormally when the coolant temperature warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the coolant leaks while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the water pump cracked and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Aug 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle overheated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the water pump was leaking coolant. The mechanic informed the contact that the water pump and timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.
Electrical system, Engine and engine cooling, Aug 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact was able to jumpstart the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was towed to a local Pep Boys where the battery was replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that she noticed that coolant was leaking onto the ground in the driveway. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the water pump was leaking. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.
Engine, Aug 7, 2022
Sitting in my car one day and the engine coolant light came on, so I checked and noticed that it was low but I just had an oil change the prior week that included fluid checks. I purchased coolant and put it in no problem and the following week I'm picking up school supplies and notice fluid leaking from my car, checked coolant and it is all gone on the ground. Luckily I was somewhere to purchase more coolant in order to get it home. Local mechanic says that water pump is gone and it's gonna run about $2k-3k to fix.
Steering, Jul 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized. The steering fault message was displayed while the advanced traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormally strong burning odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the turbocharging of the cooling lines was weakening. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact became aware of an unknown recall. The contact contacted the local dealer for the recall repair. However, the dealer informed her that the vehicle could not be repaired under the unknown recall as the VIN was not included. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Steering, Jul 23, 2022
I was driving up north to spend the weekend camping with family and 2 hours into our trip two light went off one being the steering wheel check light a d the other being the advance trac light. I had to pull over completely because i was unable to drive the vehicle.
Engine, Jul 20, 2022
Water pump went out and had to have my vehicle towed and I was out of my vehicle for a month and half... Faulty water pump and Ford knows this that is why they have a law suit against them. Then where they put this water put makes the cost even more!!! $1500 labor and $500 water pump then from the water pump going out it mixed oil and water through my engine and leaked all over my compressor so that went out so I had to change that also and that was another $1000.. FORD SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL THES FAULTY WATER PUMPS BECAUSE THEY KNOW THEIR IS A PROBLEM WITH THEM!@!@!@!@
Other or unspecified, Jul 20, 2022
Coolant leaked because of failed water pumps which is a known problem by many Ford Explorer owners.
Steering, Jul 19, 2022
Every since I bought this vehicle I have intermittent power steering failure while driving. I was assured in the past that the toe link recall took care of this problem but I still continue to have this problem, although not as frequent as was before. While drive when it goes out I get the following errors flash: Service Advan Trac, Steering Assit Fault, and Hill start assist not available. These are the warnings that flashes. As of now, if I can get pulled over and turn off the vehicle and let it sit. Everything runs normal. But what is strange this last time I also got a Power Steering Low error flash up. This is dangerous and I can not believe FORD has not recalled my vehicle for the module when all the years and some of my years have been recalled for it. This is a $$$$ repair.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, there was an excessive amount of coolant fluid leaking from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed with a defective water pump. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 83,000.
Steering, Jul 13, 2022
This has been an intermittent issue for approximately a year. The vehicle experiences binding popping when turning. The steering sticks and takes a second to return to function. I have almost missed curves because of the malfunction. It has not been examined by a dealership, but by a few independent mechanics. Sometimes it cannot be duplicated and in other instances it happens so quickly the tech cannot assess the issue properly. I have not had any warning lights or alerts other than the activity. I am scared to drive my vehicle especially with my kids inside. I have read several forums and this is clearly an issue that Ford is aware of, but has chosen to do nothing about. Please help.
Other or unspecified, Jul 13, 2022
The transmission went out in the car, because the Transfer Case was bad. I could have been stuck somewhere because of this problem. Ford needs to be more proactive on this. My daughter also had her transmission go out also. NOT OK!!!
Other or unspecified, Jul 1, 2022
When accelerating, an odor becomes prominent throughout the cabin of the vehicle. I can only describe the smell as exhaust. This smell usually goes away, or is too faint to notice after a few minutes. If this is exhaust, isn't there a possibility of Carbon Monoxide poisoning? At first, I thought the smell came from some kind of cleaner that the dealer had used when cleaning, but now over a year later, the smell still happens. Only after investigating this smell on the internet, I found that this appears to be a prominent issue with this vehicle.
Steering, Power train, Jul 1, 2022
I purchased this vehicle in May 2021. Within a week after purchasing, the power steering went out completely. When this happened, an indicator came on the dash that said "Steering Assist Fault-Service required". Another indicator came on as well that said "Service Advancetrac". Not only did the power steering go completely out, but the selector that allows me to change modes from grass, snow, sand, normal conditions was not working either. It was no longer lit up and would not respond when I tried to change it. This exact same scenario has actually HAPPENED 6 TIMES NOW in the past year, with the most recent happening on June 21, 2022. Each time, it happens when I am going to a relatively slow speed (under 25 mph) and it is VERY difficult to get it off the road due to the power steering being out. I am only reporting now because I didnt' know how to report it, or that it would do any good at all to do so. When this happened that very first time a week after I purchased it, the dealership said that I would need to have something with the steering replaced. I complained that I had only had the vehicle for 1 week, so they took it back to repair it. The repair apparently didn't fix it becuase it keeps happening. I transport my children in this vehicle daily. If the power steering fails again at a higher speed, a collision is very likely. I do not know why the Advancetrac selector goes out as well when this happens, but it happens every time. Each time this happens, I have to get it to the side of the road, turn off the vehicle, let it sit for a few minutes, and it is usually back to normal when I start it back up. When this happens, there are no indications prior to it that something might be wrong. It is completely random when it happens.