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.
Power train, Jul 17, 2021
Driving on highway at 65 MPH. All the sudden a "Terrain Management" fault error with a wrench icon appeared, and car lost speed and was vibrating. Turned the car off and then on and the fault cleared. The error message is not explained in the user manual and no suggestions how to fix it.
Steering, Jul 15, 2021
Front rack and pinion while driving experiencing loss of steering control could be fatal if not strong enough to control vehicle inspected and confirmed that it is the rack and pinion
Suspension, Jul 12, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V675000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact called the local dealer and Midway Ford (2777 Snelling Ave N, Roseville, MN 55113:(651) 636-8200) and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Suspension, Power train, Jul 7, 2021
Power train and control is bad
Back over prevention, Jul 3, 2021, crash
Rear backup screen failed to appear on screen. (Rapid flashing on and off)
Visibility, Jun 23, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated the sunroof was leaking into the cab and floored the floors with 45 inches of water. The contact took the vehicle to a body repair shop and drained the lines of the rooftop. The contact stated she continues to experience the failure. The contact called a local dealer to make them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Steering, Jun 21, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while reversing out of a parking lot, the steering wheel locked not allowing the contact to steer the vehicle. The contact stated the power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with the power steering assist module needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not under any recall. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jun 16, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while his son was driving 40 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed and an abnormal sulfur odor was detected in the cabin of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact's son drove the vehicle to his residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and an unknown manufacturer’s recall repair was performed. The contact stated that the sulfur odor was still present while driving the vehicle. The contact reference NHTSA Action Number: EA17002 (Structure, Engine and Engine Cooling) and NHTSA Action Number: PE16008 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Structure). The vehicle was not taken back to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 92,000.
Visibility, Jun 14, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that rainwater was discovered inside the cabin of the vehicle on the front passenger’s side of the vehicle. Upon inspection, it was determined that a section of the front windshield seal had dry rotted allowing the rainwater to enter the vehicle and causing the front windshield to be unsecured. The cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 95,000.
Steering, Jun 12, 2021
In July 2020, after car had sat mostly unused from March 2020 to June 2020 due to the pandemic lockdown, steering binded up while turning left out of a parking lot at a slow speed. Had to yank the steering wheel to get it to return to normal steering. Made a popping sound when yanked. Didn’t happen again but in September 2020 started noticing a lot of popping when the wheel would turn left or right at slow speeds. Took car to Meineke. They diagnosed need for new front struts. These were replaced at a cost of $1000. Popping stopped until about November 2020. Noticed it again only intermittently when pulling out of driveway and turning steering wheel far left or right. Would hear a single pop sound. From then until June 2021 would notice this intermittently and had steering bind up again probably 2 more times. Very terrifying to have to yank hard to get steering wheel to turn correctly when driving in traffic. Steering did seem a little loose as well. After reading about the hundreds of complaints about rack and pinions going bad on 2014-2016 explorers and seeing that my car’s symptoms were exactly the same I knew this had to be the issue. I took the car to Meineke and they wanted $3600 to replace the rack and pinion which was way too much. Ford dealer at Oxmoor replaced for $1988. The car had 103,000 miles when the problems started. It had a certified preowned warranty through 100,000 miles so of course this wasn’t covered but a rack and pinion should not fail in a 6 year old car with barely over 100K miles. And having steering that doesn’t work is extremely dangerous. Ford needs to step up and take responsibility for this failure and do a recall in ALL explorers that are having this issue and replace the rack and pinions and reimburse those that have had to pay out of pocket for it. My father worked for Ford and I’ve been loyal to this brand but after spending over $3000 on a car in a matter of 6 months that is barely 6 yrs old, I’m done with Ford.
Service brakes, Jun 11, 2021
Driving at interstate speeds I lost total ABS, Traction Control, and Stability Control systems. Putting the lives of my entire family at risk. Also catylatic converts have gone bad
Steering, Suspension, Jun 11, 2021
Steer gear column going out
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 7, 2021
EXHAUST FUMES INSIDE INTERIOR-This seems to only occur on road trips where fast and hard acceleration is needed for highway driving which is not something we normally due. Since we have owned the vehicle, on every occasion of strong hard acceleration there is a strong exhaust / spent fuel smell being brought into the cars interior. We have reached out to the local Ford Dealer several times but without satisfactory results. The exhaust fumes continue to exist in the cars interior upon hard and fast acceleration. My wife just returned from a interstate road trip with signs of exhaust fume poisoning with an extreme headache and very lethargic.What is it going to take for Ford to fix this problem or for a recall to be issued. Will it take fatalities or long term respiratory issues before anything is done to solace this issue. Besides the huge concern about the car owners safety and health; what about the potential diminished resale value of the vehicle due to Ford’s negligence to truly fix this exhaust issue.
Steering, Jun 7, 2021
Rack & Pinion failed on 09MAY21; I did not keep the old one, so unfortunately it is not available for inspection. My safety or the safety of others was put at risk; I was turning onto an active roadway from a local store parking lot, when the steering inexplicably locked up on me in the middle of the turn. It freed enough momentarily, by wrenching with all my strength back and forth on the wheel, to get back off of the road onto the shoulder. I narrowly avoided being hit by oncoming traffic in the southbound lane coming down the hill. Yes, the problem was reproduced & confirmed at an independent service center. He placed it on the lift, we both took turns turning the wheel slowly to the right and left; you could both hear and feel the distinct sound of gears clicking & popping after being turned approximately 2/3rds of the way to the right, then back to the left. We took turns standing under the rack and pinion electric steering box, if you placed your hand on the bottom/base, you could feel the hard thump when the wheel was turned as described above. The wheel would intermittently lock up, requiring us to yank hard on it both ways to free it up. No, it was not inspected by anyone aside from myself and the mechanic. No, there weren't any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. It failed suddenly at approximately 93,000 miles.
Suspension, May 27, 2021
2015 Ford Explorer. Consumer writes in regards to NHTSA safety recall 20V-675. Consumer would like to know when parts will be available to perform safety recall. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED.
Structure, May 26, 2021
At 89,000 miles I was going 65 mph headed home when my window pillar flew off just so happen the vehicle behind us didn’t get affected by it. I am reaching out because there should be a recall on this. This is unacceptable for you to even pay for something with a part that will come off. Reach 100,000 popping noise when turning. What’s the issue Ford.
Steering, May 24, 2021
While driving my vehicle my power steering went out. This was while making a left turn. Luckily there were not other vehicles in close proximity and I was able to safely pull into a parking lot. The Ford dealership said that it is the steering rack and after some online research this seems to be a common issue that isn’t being recalled by Ford.
Air bags, May 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was referred to an authorized dealer. The local authorized dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power train, May 8, 2021
WHEN STOPPED FOR THE AT LEAST THE DURATION OF A STOP LIGHT, WHILE IN DRIVE WITH BRAKE PEDAL COMPRESSED, CAR WILL SOMETIMES DROP IN RPMS AND ALSO ATTEMPT TO ACCELERATE FORWARD.
Steering, May 7, 2021
WHEN DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, BELOW 30 MPH, STEERING BECOMES DIFFICULT AND WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL AND RELEASING IT COMING OUT OF A TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL GETS STUCK BEFORE IT RETURNS TO THE STRAIGHT POSITION. WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL IS VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN, ALMOST AS IF THE POWER STEERING HAS STOPPED WORKING. HOWEVER, NORMALLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, NO POWER STEERING IS NOT AN ISSUE, BUT BECAUSE THIS MODEL HAS AN ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MOTOR, IT SEEMS THAT THE ELECTRIC MOTOR FIGHTS THE OPERATOR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE RESISTANCE FELT WHILE TRYING TO STEER AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IS VERY SEVERE AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT, AND THE RESISTANCE OF THE STEERING WHEEL TO GO BACK TO STRAIGHT AT LOWER SPEEDS IS ALSO SEVERE.
Steering, Apr 30, 2021
I TOOK MY 2015 FORD EXPLORER XLT IN TO FORD DEALERSHIP TO HAVE RECALLS TAKEN CARE OF TO SEE IF THE ONE RECALL WOULD TAKE CARE OF THE STEERING PROBLEM AND IT DIDN'T. WE HAVE BEEN DRIVING THE EXPLORER SINCE JULY OF 2020 WITH NO POWER STEERING BECAUSE IT'S OUR ONLY VEHICLE. DEALER SAID IT WOULD COST ME 140.00 FOR THEM TO FIND OUT THE PROBLEM. CAN'T AFFORD IT. IS IT GOING TO TAKE SOMEONE TO BE KILLED FOR FORD TO TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM??????? MY WIFE DROVE TO THE STORE WITH NO PROBLEM AND SHE CAME OUT AND GOT IN AND STARTED IT AND HAD NO POWER STEERING.
Engine, Apr 28, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DAMEROW FORD (12325 SW CANYON RD, BEAVERTON, OR 97005, (800) 732-8633) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.
Other or unspecified, Apr 19, 2021
I NOTICED THAT I STARTED TO FEEL LIGHT HEADED AND WENT TO MY DOCTOR. AT FIRST IT WAS THOUGHT TO BE MY ALLERGIES. THE CONDITION ONLY WORSENED TO THE POINT WHERE I COULD NOT STAND WITHOUT GETTING DIZZY. I COULD NOT WORK AND HAD RINGING AND LOSS OF HEARING IN MY ONE EAR. IT WAS AROUND THIS TIME THAT I STARTED TO NOTICE A SULFUR SMELL COMING FROM MY VEHICLE. THE MORE I DROVE THE CAR, THE WORSE THE SMELL GOT TO THE POINT WHERE YOU COULD NOT DRIVE THE CAR. I LOOKED INTO THE SITUATION AFTER SPEAKING WITH MY STEP FATHER WHO IS A MECHANIC AND HE REPORTED AN ISSUE WITH EXPLORERS. I TOOL TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS A DIFFERENT ISSUE AND THAT THE WARRANTY HAD JUST RUN OUT. I CONTACTED FORD WHO SAID THEY WOULD FOLLOW UP AND DID NOT. I CALLED THEM BACK AND THEY ARE STATING THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON IN THE CAR AND IF I WOULD NOT HAVE HAD MY SENSE OF SMELL I COULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS GOING ON AND COULD HAVE INJURED OR KILLED MYSELF OR OTHERS FOR THEIR FAULTY VEHICLE. I UNDERSTAND THAT VEHICLES BREAK DOWN, BUT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND THEY DID NOT ISSUE A RECALL. THE SAFETY CONCERN IS STILL THERE AND I COULD HAVE KILLED MYSELF OR OTHERS BECAUSE OF THEIR NEGLIGENCE AND LACK OF CONCERN FOR THE SAFETY OF THEIR CUSTOMERS.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Apr 18, 2021
FORD EXPLORER 2015 4WD (79,000 KM), CURRENTLY NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY OR RECALL. ON MARCH 2020 WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTEE WITH 70,000 KM, I'VE EXPLAINED TO FORD DEALER THAT THERE IS STEERING PROBLEM APPEARED SUDDENLY WHEN DRIVING, THEY MADE COMPUTER AND TECHNICAL CHECK BUT NO CODE ARISE, THEREFORE, THEY INFORMED ME THAT NOTHING FOUND AND IT MAY NOT REPEATED AGAIN. ON JANUARY 2021 (THE VEHICLE BECAME OUT OF WARRANTY) - 76,440 KM, THE SAME PROBLEM APPEARED WITH WARNING LIGHTS SHOWN SUDDENLY (TERRAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FAULT, SSERVICE ADVANCE TRAC, POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT) 'THIS HAPPENED APPARENTLY AND SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AS THE STEERING SUDDENLY STOP WORKING AND MOVING AND I COULDN'T CONTROL THE CAR AND WAS ABOUT TO HAVE A HORRIBLE ACCIDENT. I'VE HARDLY STOPPED THE CAR ASIDE SWITCH-OFF AND RESTART IT THE PROBLEM DISAPPEARED AND SEND IT TO THE DEALER WHO IN TURN CHECKED AGAIN AND INFORMED THAT NO FAULT IS DETECTED DESPITE SHOWING THE RECORDED VIDEO TO THEM OF THE SAID PROBLEM. THE SAME PROBLEM HAPPENS SUDDENLY MANY TIMES WHILE DRIVING, IT HAS APPEARED RECENTLY AT 79,000 KM (KINDLY SEE THE ATTACHED SNAPSHOTS). TILL NOW, I DON'T KNOW HOW TO ACT AS I'M SPENDING A LOT MONEY FOR CAR CHECK TO FORD WITH NO OUTCOME WHEREAS FORD MANUFACTURER IS NOT ABLE TO DETECT THIS FATAL DANGEROUS DEFECT, AND ALSO IT'S NOT COVERED BY RECALL DESPITE BEING VERY DANGEROUS ON PEOPLE'S LIVES.
Steering, Apr 15, 2021
RACK AND PINION STEERING HAS GONE BAD. CLICKING SOUND WHEN TURNING AND STEERING UNSTABLE. FEELS VERY UNSAFE AT ANY SPEED.