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.
Structure, Apr 23, 2026
my B pillars started coming off on the highway going 60 mph. driver side was hanging by electrical piece for the keypad for door opening. my son looked and passenger side coming off as well. had to pull over and duct tape it on. already had A pillars replaced which left side was coming off, had to duct tape. for some reason their is a recall for this on 2016 and up but not 2015.
Back over prevention, Apr 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera became inoperable. The rearview camera intermittently operated and turned on and off. Occasionally, the screen was blank. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or replaced. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The approximate failure mileage was 132,000.
Structure, Back over prevention, Apr 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the exterior A-pillar trims had detached. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where tape was applied to the trims as a temporary fix. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. No further information was available. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Other or unspecified, Apr 19, 2026
I've tried for over 3 years get this fix it's the A-pillar trem. Gone to auto nation in corpus christi tx 4 times now. They keep saying they have been trying to get the item. But it on back order still 3 years on back order. Mine came off 4 years ago and almost hit another car. I need this fixed. It looks like the windshield is going to come off. And the B-pillar seal are now missing so there's now seal around my windshield.
Suspension, Structure, Service brakes, Apr 15, 2026
My vehicle has been shaking and clunking for years now, and my dealership has denied me service for two years on account of them not being able to recieve parts
Structure, Back over prevention, Apr 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recalls repairs were not yet available. An unknown dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the parts were not yet available for the recall repairs. Additionally, the contact stated that the parts had been unavailable for more than a year. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Other or unspecified, Apr 4, 2026
My backup camera stoped working out of no where. They have a recall for it that was put out in october and it is now April. That is 6 months ago. I called ford for a update and they refuse to help me. They said they are only servicing mustangs right now. That’s ridiculous.
Back over prevention, Apr 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the rear-view camera was inoperable. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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 failure mileage was 92,000.
Structure, Apr 2, 2026
Insignias on motor vehicle labeled as "POLICE" facilitates false impersonation of a police officer and/ perception of false pretenses. Seller has actual knowledge and can be punished under color of law upon a purchase agreement.
Structure, Mar 30, 2026
Passenger's side A-pillar molding flew off while driving.
Structure, Mar 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Structure, Mar 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger’s side A-pillar trim fractured. The contact stated that the A-Pillar trim was loosely swinging across the windshield. In addition, the contact stated that because of the failure and the unrepaired recall, the exterior air and moisture came into the interior of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or a dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, parts for the recall repair were unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Visibility/wiper, Lane departure, Mar 23, 2026
Rear view camera and A-Pillar clips that were promised in the recalls are still not available, increasing the amount of time that it is unsafe to backup my 2015 Ford Explorer. As well as the A-Pillar clip the endangers other drivers if the trim were to come off.
Structure, Mar 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, one of the windshield exterior A-pillar trims detached and was flapping against the driver's side window before separating from the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure), and the dealer was contacted for the recall repair. The dealer sent a mobile technician to the residence, and the vehicle was inspected. The technician informed the contact that the windshield exterior A-pillar trims were missing. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available, and the vehicle was not repaired; however, after contacting the NHTSA Hotline for recall information, the contact was informed that the VIN was no longer included in the recall. The contact confirmed that the recall repair had not been completed. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Mar 20, 2026
The specific component or system has not fully failed. However, my vehicle is currently experiencing an intermittent check engine light condition, turning off and on, which was diagnosed at a Retailer producing code P0018 then at the dealership and produced code P0017. The codes relate to the engine control module (ECM) detects that the camshaft on is out of sync with the crankshaft resulting in misaligned engine timing. I have requested that the dealership further review and escalate the diagnosis to determine whether the issue aligns with any known concerns, Technical Service Bulletins, or manufacturer-supported programs. The vehicle and any related components are available for inspection upon request. At this time, the vehicle experiences reduced engine performance, including stalling, and inability to accelerator as needed, which pose a safety risk while driving, particularly in traffic or at highway speeds. The vehicle has been inspected and confirmed by the dealership. I have also contacted the manufacturer, who advised me to work directly with the dealership to have the issue reviewed and potentially escalated. I have since requested that they further evaluate the condition and determine whether it corresponds to any known issues or manufacturer-supported repair programs. At this time, the vehicle has not been inspected by police, insurance representatives, or other third parties. This check engine light and fluctuating RPM directly impacting the vehicles acceleration was the primary indicator of the issue. The manufacturer previously issued two Customer Satisfaction Program notices to address this issue for other model year vehicles. I have attached both notices to this complaint. This demonstrates a manufacturer defect which is a safety hazard for drivers.
Suspension, Structure, Mar 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal, roaring sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the contact's husband discovered that the steel belts on the driver’s and passenger’s rear tires were prematurely worn. The contact then became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension); which the contact associated with the failure. An appointment was scheduled with a local dealer for the recall repair. Upon arriving for the appointment, the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the issue, and the contact was informed that the recall repair was performed prior to and was a one-time repair. The contact provided an estimate for an out-of-pocket repair. The contact stated that the top of the driver’s and passenger’s side A-pillar trims were loose. The contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.
Structure, Mar 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front driver’s side A-pillar trims were shaking and vibrating, and the sealant had started to deteriorate. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.
Structure, Back over prevention, Mar 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while attempting to reverse(R), the rear-view camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rear-view camera failed to function properly and intermittently operated as needed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention) and 24V031000 (Structure); however, parts for the recall repairs were not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired, and the dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
Steering, Mar 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the front ball joint and lower control arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact researched and was made aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 197,000.
Structure, Mar 18, 2026
Since 2024 I have been trying to fix recall 24S02/ 24V031 - EXTERIOR A-PILLAR TRIM but the dealer always has the same answer. We don't have the parts available, we will call you, but they never call back and show no signs of progress. Explorer 2015 [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Structure, Back over prevention, Mar 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that occasionally, while shifted in reverse(R), the rear-view camera displayed a distorted image. Two local dealers were contacted; however, parts were not available for the recall repairs. 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 failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
Structure, Back over prevention, Mar 16, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while in reverse, the image on the back over camera was displayed in reverse and remained on the screen for an extended time before reverting to the main display screen. Additionally, the trim around the entire windshield was detaching. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that there were no parts for the repair repairs available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Back over prevention, Mar 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received the recall notification letter for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact stated that the camera became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 75,080.
Power train, Mar 10, 2026
I have always maintained the vehicle and drive the vehicle well. The car just started stuttering when driving and the torque converter for the transmission failed. It doesn’t even have many miles. I’m sure this is a common complaint that needs addressed and recalled because there wasn’t anything done to contribute to this problem. It has been parked since this first occurred in 2024.
Structure, Mar 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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. The VIN was not available.