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.
Back over prevention, Mar 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. 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 contact stated that occasionally, while in reverse(R), the rearview camera failed to display a clear image on the center digital screen. 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 failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Structure, Back over prevention, Mar 6, 2026
The contact's mother 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 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.
Engine and engine cooling, Structure, Mar 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there were exhaust fumes inside the vehicle while accelerating. There were no warning lights illuminated. Upon research, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Action Number: EA17002 (Structure, Engine and Engine Cooling). The local dealer was contacted and informed that there was a fee for the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Structure, Mar 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) in March of 2024. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer to have the A-pillar trim on the passenger’s and driver's side inspected. The dealer informed the contact that the trim on the passenger’s side was loose, and the trim was removed. The dealer was asked if the part would be replaced and was advised that parts were not yet available. The dealer was asked to place the part back on the vehicle and was informed that the part was fractured while inspecting the trim. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not informed about the removal of the part. The mileage was approximately 89,000.
Structure, Back over prevention, Feb 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the A-pillar had detached. The camera image occasionally failed to display, or the screen was distorted or blank. The contact attempted to clean the screen, but the failure persisted. An unknown camera message was displayed. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts to repair the vehicle were on backorder. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
Suspension, Feb 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic for an alignment, the contact was informed that the alignment could not be performed because the rear toe link was rusted and needed to be repaired. The contact stated that the recall repair for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension) was previously performed on the vehicle; however, the failure occurred. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Structure, Feb 23, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the exterior A-pillar trim clips on the passenger’s and driver’s side became loose and were flapping. The passenger’s side A-pillar eventually flew off the vehicle while driving. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where an inspection confirmed the failure; however, the contact was informed that since parts were not available, no repairs could be performed. 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, and the contact inquired about reimbursement if the A-pillar trims were replaced out of pocket. The manufacturer stated that no reimbursement could be processed until the part for the remedy was available. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 57,952.
Engine and engine cooling, Structure, Feb 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the odor of exhaust fumes was present inside the cabin of the vehicle, causing the driver and the passenger to experience nausea and dizziness. No medical assistance was required. The contact was concerned that there was possibly carbon monoxide hazard inside the vehicle while driving. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were contacted regarding ethe failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed of NHTSA Action Number: EA17002 (STRUCTURE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the investigation. The failure mileage was unknown.
Structure, Back over prevention, Feb 18, 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 repairs. The contact stated that whenever it rained or snowed, water was entering the vehicle from the A-pillar trim seal, covering the floorboard. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not available for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issues. The failure mileage was approximately 192,000.
Back over prevention, Feb 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. While reversing, the rearview camera displayed a distorted image, or the message "No Picture Available" was displayed. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Other or unspecified, Feb 17, 2026
There is a recall out for Ford vehicles for the pillars outside of the windshield, mine flew off the windshield while driving in the interstate. I called ford trying to schedule an appointment because the same thing happened to my boyfriend’s grandma and she told me there was a recall. I was informed that my vin was not apart of the safety recall for whatever reason. The car is available for inspection upon request. I feel as if my car repair should be covered because it clearly is not a safe model of the 2015 ford explorer and the same thing is happening with other vehicles that are covered under the recall.
Structure, Back over prevention, Feb 11, 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 part to do the recall repair was not yet available. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the front passenger’s side A-pillar trim detached and struck another vehicle. In reverse, the rearview camera failed to display a clear image behind the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted on several occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to parts not being available. The vehicle was taken to a local Auto-Glass shop, where the vehicle was repaired at the owner's expense. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred and was temporarily repaired using tape. 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 contact had not experienced a failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
Structure, Back over prevention, Feb 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing into the driveway at approximately 2 MPH, the rear-view camera image went blank. The vehicle had been experiencing intermittent loss of the back over prevention camera function for approximately one year. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part for the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact also received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part for 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 not informed of the failure with the camera. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
Structure, Back over prevention, Feb 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 recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the front driver’s side A-pillar trim detached and flew off onto the roadway. Upon further inspection, the contact noticed that the front passenger’s side A-pillar trim was loose. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera failed to display a clear image. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was trim was temporary replaced with tape. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts not being available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Structure, Back over prevention, Feb 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact stated that while in reverse(R) on several occasions, the rear-view camera failed to activate; however, on other occasions, the screen displayed properly. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but informed the contact that parts for the recall repairs were not currently available. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
Structure, Feb 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud, windy sound coming from the windshield. The contact stated that the A-pillar trim and attachments had detached from the vehicle. The technician at the dealer went to the residence and inspected the vehicle twice. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact was informed that parts would be available within two weeks. The parts had not been available for two years. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but was unsure if a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was unknown.
Electrical system, Feb 6, 2026
Power lift gate working sporadically
Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, Feb 5, 2026
RECALL ID 25V695 rear camera. Camera does not work. Please issue a remedy!
Structure, Back over prevention, Feb 4, 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 local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Structure, Feb 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact stated that while driving at 80 MPH, the driver’s side exterior A-pillar trim detached and separated from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Structure, Feb 4, 2026
A recall was issued in Jan 2024 - notice 24S02/NHTSA Recall 24V031. In the fall, maybe September 2024, we had still been unable to schedule an inspection by the dealership. We were driving on the interstate, and part of the exterior A-pillar trim detached and flew off of the car into traffic, where it could have potentially caused an accident, had there been more traffic at the time. We finally got the vehicle inspected in Spring 2025, and were told we did need the trim replaced on both sides, and it should be available by the fall of 2025. During the first week in January 2026, I asked again about the replacement, and was informed that the new projected date for the part to be available was a year out (i.e. end of 2026 or beginning of 2027). In Aug 2025, we had the windscreen replaced, and were told by Safelite Auto Glass that they had the A-Pillars and Trim available in their warehouse, but since we were expecting the dealership to replace these parts, we declined the additional expense. I've been informed at the dealership that many people buy them online or from other locations, but there was no offer of reimbursement if I went outside of the Ford parts supply system. I understand with almost 2 million vehicles affected, patience is necessary, but I think 3 years waiting for a fix (when compatible parts are obviously still available in the economy) is excessive, and puts more people at risk, particularly if hundreds of thousands of vehicles are still driving around with the original, un-fixed parts.
Structure, Feb 3, 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 vehicle was taken to the dealer, where black tape was used to secure the A-pillar trims. 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 and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Structure, Back over prevention, Jan 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention. The contact stated that the A-pillar trims were cracked and loose. The contact stated that the rear-view camera operated as designed; however, there was no audible chime while the camera was operational. The local dealer was contacted for updates on parts availability and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
Engine, Jan 30, 2026
ENGINE LIGHT ACTIVATION code: P0430 Catalyst system efficiency below threshold Bank 2
Structure, Jan 29, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Champaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact stated that the driver’s and passenger’s side A-pilar trims were partially rotted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that that the exterior A-pillar trims needed to be replaced, but the parts were not currently available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.