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, Jun 30, 2022
Backup Camera failed and only works intermittenly. Mostly doesn't work. Because of the design of the car, it is very hard to see when backing up.
Suspension, Jun 19, 2022
I took my explorer on June 7, 2022 and had toe link replaced due to recall. We were heading on vacation in it on June 11 and almost wrecked. We took to a garage and we’re told the wrong toe link was put on it because there are no adjustments on it to line it up. On a wet road and when you hit a bump the back end of the explorer wants to slide around. We ruined our tires driving it. It ate the tires on the outside almost down to the wires. The wheels are tiled wrong. It can not be lined up due to toe link being to short and no adjustments on them. It is very dangerous to drive now. We called [XXX] in Morehead Kentucky where they were replaced. They said if it is the parts you sent they couldn’t do anything. Something needs to be done because it deadly to drive right now. My husband is taking off work to take it to Tim Shorts tomorrow to let them look at it. We need the proper toe links put on it and we need a new set of tires due to the damage these have caused. These toe links put myself, my husband and our son’s life in danger. My husband told them if they would have lined it up as they should have they would have known they were the wrong toe links. If I have to I will get a lawyer but I hope I do not have to. We just want the proper toe links and a new set of tires. I will need something to drive while waiting for the repairs. Thank you Sincerely [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Steering, Jun 19, 2022
Driving 65-70 mph on highway headed home steering seemed a little stiff going into a curve then cleared up. 10 miles further down the road the steering seems a little hard to keep in my lane and then felt normal again. Coming into town slowing down to about 35-40 mph Service Advancetrac soon light came on. I slowed down as there was no where safe to pull over safely and turned on hazard lights until I could look for a spot to pull over and call my husband. Drove a couple more miles and pulled into a parking lot just as the steering loss light came on and all steering capability was lost. I’ve seen many complaints from owners of same make and model with this problem. Makes me curious why there is no recall on this year model when there are calls for this on previous year models
Structure, Jun 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the passenger’s side front door panel was delaminating. The contact stated that there was a recall regarding the defect however, the recall had since expired. The dealer was contacted and the contact was informed that the vehicle was included in the recall. The contact was informed that the recall repair was to replace the door panel. The dealer had referred the contact to the manufacturer to inquire if the recall could be completed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the recall had since expired. The contact was referred to the NHTSA to file a complaint. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.
Structure, Jun 7, 2022
The windshield trim on the passenger side flew off the vehicle unexpectedly while driving 70 mph on the freeway. The piece hit the windshield and then flew off and could have struck a vehicle behind me or caused someone to swerve unexpectedly. This is extremely dangerous. There was no warning lights or indicator light. While searching for recalls online numerous people have complained of this happening to them unexpectedly.
Electrical system, Structure, Jun 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while parked or while driving during inclement weather, water would enter the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the rain caused an electrical failure in the vehicle that caused the radio, windows, and other electrical equipment to not function properly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the roof rack needed to be replaced. The contact stated that she was concerned about the electrical failure that was caused by the soft roof rack. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 92,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the engine temperature gauge indicated the engine temperature was high and overheating. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the water pump had failed. No further information was available. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were contacted but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 123,000.
Engine, May 16, 2022
2015 Ford Explorer XLT was parked at gas station and when returning I got a warning light “Engine coolant over temperature”. Coolant leaking in a puddle on front passenger side at bottom of motor indicating the same water pump issue everyone else has mentioned. Was able to make it to an Auto Zone down the road and the reservoir was nearly empty. Added more coolant and is still leaking out. With this flawed design causing people to pay thousands out of pocket, Ford should recall or reimburse vehicle owners.
Steering, May 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized. The contact manually steered the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with power steering module failure. The mechanic informed the contact that the power steering module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.
Steering, May 11, 2022
Steering locks up while driving, no warnings or anything just cannot steer the vehicle.
Steering, May 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The Power Steering Assist Fault and Service Advance Tract messages were displayed. The contact veered to the side of the road and waited. The contact continued driving the vehicle using extra effort to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
Steering, May 9, 2022
The Ford electronic rack and pinion system just failed. No warning light, no advance notification. Driving vehicle down road and abs ability to steer vehicle becomes impossible. Stopped vehicle and brought to dealership. In any other circumstance this could have led to a crash with injuries or death. Googled problem, and innumerable instances of this happening with Ford vehicles. Surprised this isn’t a recall item already!!
Engine, May 8, 2022
The timing chain needs replaces. The phasers are causing the timing chain to stretch. As reported here: https://www.f150ecoboost.net/threads/ford-recall-force-on-2011-2015-phasers-and-timing-chain.32250/
Suspension, May 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension) 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 had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Seat belts, May 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the driver’s and passenger’s side middle row captain chair inflatable seat belt receivers had malfunctioned and were inoperable. The contact indicated that the passenger’s side seat belt receiver housing and the internal clip had initially fractured and later the driver's internal clip had fractured making the seat belts unusable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the seat belts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 106,000.
Steering, Apr 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 25 MPH and making right turn, the steering wheel suddenly malfunctioned and became difficult to turn causing the vehicle to drive off the road. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 163,000.
Electrical system, Apr 20, 2022
The brake light goes on for a couple of minutes then goes off also the engine oil comes on when I had already change it but then comes off as well . Both light randomly come on and off might be a electrical problem . Suspension is really bad my car goes like if it’s going on bumps then it stops then again, does it randomly . Also car shakes
Steering, Apr 18, 2022
Electronic power steering failure, no warnings no lights on dash, steering completely bound up was unable to control vehicle, vehicle came to a halt on side of road narrowly missing a service pole, powered off vehicle and started again, steering was active but decided not to risk driving and called a tow
Steering, Apr 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the power steering failed to operate while the power steering system and advance track warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000. The VIN was not included.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 15, 2022
VEHICLE HAS APX 78000 MILES WITH A BROKEN WATER PUMP. THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO BE GOOD FOR 100K MILES. MANY PEOPLE HAVE GOTTEN THEM REPLACED TO HAVE THEM BREAK AGAIN WITH IN A YEAR.
Suspension, Apr 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2015 FORD Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V675000 (Suspension) and 21V537000 (Suspension) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Power train, Apr 11, 2022
The cars timing chains are being stretched way to early in the mileage. I have a repair that will cost over $3500 to replace the VCTS, guides, chains, tensioners, solenoids and water pump. All of this with under 75,000 miles on the vehicle. This same issue is also on the ford f-150's that has the same issue and the exact same motor is in the explorer but for will cover the f-150 issues and not the explorers.
Engine, Apr 5, 2022
The water pump that is incased inside my engine has started leaking at only 75,000 miles with very few of those miles in the last 2 years as I've hardly been driving because of the pandemic. I was not aware of this issue and there was no warning or alert until I took my car in for a safety recall for my seat belts and to have another defective issue of the heater fan being stuck on defrost fixed that I should not have to be paying $5,000 out of pocket for. I have ready many similar complaints and this is a HUGE safety issue and they need to have a recall on these since the engine can seize up with little to no warning. I was lucky that they just happened to check for me before I had to replace my entire engine or worse!
Steering, Apr 5, 2022
Electric power steering rack and pinion failure -- no communication to steering module. Currently available for inspection but may require immediate repair or sale of vehicle due to requirement of drivable vehicle. Inability to steer may have resulted in damage to person, vehicle and/or property if not immediately realized and car parked. Problem confirmed by independent service center (AAA Carolinas service center). No inspection of vehicle or component by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, although irregular but continuous issues with sensor re: putting transmission in park for 2+ years.
Steering, Apr 2, 2022
Rack and pinion failure while driving vehicle at speed. Unable to turn steering wheel without strenuous effort. Terrain Management fault, Advance Trac fault and Steering Assist fault lights/warnings indicated on dashboard.