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.
Air bags, Jul 23, 2018
THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING AND REMAINED ON (STATIONARY AND IN ALL DRIVING CONDITIONS) AT ABOUT 61,000 MILES WHILE ON A ROAD TRIP. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO GRAPEVINE FORD IN GRAPEVINE, TX AT 62,654 TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CAUSE WAS SECOND ROW OPEN HARNESS WITH CODES B141B AND B141C. CHECK OASIS FOUND TSB #16-001, APPLIED TO REPAIR. PER TSB, REPOSITIONED HARNESS AND REPLACED CONNECTORS. PER TSB, CLEARED CODES. THE REPAIRS WERE COVERED UNDER CPO WARRANTY WITH $100 DEDUCTIBLE.
Power train, Jul 19, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE GEAR INADVERTENTLY SHIFTED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ROLL DOWN THE DRIVEWAY. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO HOLD ON TO THE VEHICLE UNTIL IT STOPPED AT THE BOTTOM OF THE DRIVEWAY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURES TO THE HEAD, KNEES, AND BACK THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 29,000.
Engine, Jul 19, 2018
HAVE HAD 2015 EXPLORER IN LOCAL FORD DEALER 6 TIMES TO HAVE EXHAUST FUMES IN CABIN RESOLVED. THEY HAVE PERFORM REPAIRS TO CURRENT TSB'S. STILL HAVING EXHAUST FUMES IN CABIN AFTER NORMAL ACCELERATION. STARTING TO SMELL FUMES WHEN ENTERING CABIN AFTER REMOTE START. CURRENTLY VECHILE IN SHOP AGAIN!
Steering, Jul 17, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS ON SIX DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. IN ADDITION, THE ADVANCE TRAC SERVICE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE STRUCK A CURB. THERE WERE NO DAMAGES TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DARCARS FORD LANHAM (9020 LANHAM SEVERN RD, LANHAM, MD 20706, (301) 459-1100) AND WAS WAITING TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000.
Structure, Jul 17, 2018
PASSENGER FRONT WINDOW SIDE PANEL HAS LIFTED FROM THE BOTTOM. I'VE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAY IT IS NOT A MANUFACTURER DEFECT? THEY REFUSE TO FIX IT FOR FREE??? LESS THAN TWO YEARS OLD WHEN IT CAME APART.
Steering, Jul 12, 2018
THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING ASSIST (EPAS) WENT OUT WHILE WHILE MY WIFE WAS MANUEVERING THROUGH A PARKING LOT ONE TIME AND WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ANOTHER TIME. LUCKILY NO ACCIDENT RESULTED FROM EITHER OCCURENCE.
Visibility, Jul 11, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION AND THE PANORAMIC SUN ROOF SHATTERED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PANORAMIC SUN ROOF WAS NOT STRUCK BY AN OBJECT PRIOR TO THE EXPLOSION. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,575.
Steering, Jul 10, 2018
WHILE DRIVING DOWN A GRAVEL ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING. THE VEHICLE DISPLAYED A MESSAGE ADVISING THE POWER STEERING ASSIST HAD FAILED AND A SERVICE ADVANCETRAC WAS SHOWING. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME, BUT IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. LUCKILY, MY WIFE WAS NOT DRIVING DOWN A BUSY HIGHWAY OR IN A CURVE AS THAT WOULD HAVE EASILY RESULTED IN A BAD ACCIDENT. THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP ADVISED THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY IS BAD.
Other or unspecified, Jul 9, 2018
TAKATA RECALL WHEN STOPPED, HAVING TROUBLE PUTTING THE SHIFT IN PARK. SOMETIMES IT TAKES SEVERAL TRYS OF MOVING THE SHIFT INTO PARK BEFORE THE RED LIGHT GOES ON SO I CAN TURN IT OFF.
Steering, Jul 9, 2018
POWER STEERING LOCKS INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING THE CAR. IT HAPPENED ABOUT A WEEK AGO, WHEN I STARTED THE CAR THE NEXT DAY IT WAS OK. IT HAPPENED AGAIN THIS LAST FRIDAY JULY 6, 2018 ON A CITY STREET WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT HOME. IT IS PARKED ON MY DRIVEWAY NOW, I WON'T DRIVE THE CAR ITS DANGEROUS.
Structure, Jul 5, 2018
PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD TRIM FLEW OFF WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 3, 2018
DURING ACCELERATION INTO INTERSTATE THERE IS A "BURNT MATCH" TYPE SMELL IN THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. ONCE SPEED LEVELS OUT THE SMELL DISAPPEARS. I FIRST NOTICED THIS ABOUT A MONTH AGO BUT I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED AND THIS WAS ONLY THE SECOND OR THIRD TIME TO HAVE IT ON THE INTERSTATE SINCE I PURCHASED IT.
Steering, Jul 2, 2018
ELECTRONIC STEERING ASSIST CONTROL FREEZES UP WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. THIS COULD RESULT IN AN INCREASED RISK OF A CRASH. THE VEHICLE MUST BE PULLED OVER AND TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE MUST BE TURNED OFF FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES. WHEN RESTARTED, THE PROBLEM CEASES. SOMETIMES THE VEHICLE MUST BE TURNED OFF FOR LONGER PERIODS THAN 10 MINUTES TO "RESET" THE PROBLEM. THIS ERROR HAS OCCURRED FIVE TIMES SINCE JANUARY OF 2016.
Other or unspecified, Jul 2, 2018
I NOTICED SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING, IN ME WHEN I DROVE MY 2015 FORD EXPLORER SPORT, I COMPLAINED WHEN I TOOK MY 2015 FORD EXPLORER SPORT, BACK SEVERAL TIMES, TO RICH FORD SERVICE, SINCE THE DELIVERY OF MY FORD EXPLORER SPORT FROM, MONDAY MAY 7, 2018 AND AGAIN I RETURNED MY 2015 FORD EXPLORER SPORT BACK TO RICH FORD MAY 2018 I COMPLAINED TO MR. TIM SLOAN ABOUT THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING, MR. TIM SLOAN CALLED ME AROUND 12:00 WEDNESDAY MAY 9, 2018 THAT THE 2015 FORD EXPLORER SPORT IS READY FOR PICK UP, TIM SLOAN SAID THAT (RICH FORD SERVICE DROVE IT AROUND FOR 40 MILES, AND RICH FORD SERVICE PERSONS, COULD NOT SMELL THE 'CO' PROBLEM) I INFORMED TIM THAT 'CO' IS CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING 'CO' 'SILENT KILLER.' IS ACTUALLY ODORLESS, COLORLESS, TASTELESS, AND IT CANNOT BE NOTICED WITHOUT A 'CO' DETECTOR OR 'CO' METER,
Other or unspecified, Jul 2, 2018
STRONG EXCESSIVE FUEL EXHAUST/FUMES IN CABIN OF CAR, ESPECIALLY NOTICED WHEN ACCELERATING LIKE GETTING ONTO THE INTERSTATE WITH AIR CONDITION ON.
Steering, Power train, Jun 22, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL LOST POWER AND THE POWER STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE POWER TRAIN WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LONGMONT FORD (235 ALPINE ST, LONGMONT, CO 80501, (720) 771-6003) WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC TEST LOCATED A FAILURE CODE. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE THE DIAGNOSIS AND FAILURE CODE SPECIFICS AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,116. *TT
Structure, Jun 21, 2018
THE HOOD ON OUR 2015'S PAINT IS PEELING OFF. WE ARE TOLD THE SAME HOOD IS ON THE 2016 EXPLORER AND THERE IS A RECALL ON THE PAINT...WE HAVE BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY. HOW DO WE GET THIS REPAINTED.
Structure, Jun 19, 2018
WIFE WAS DRIVING CAR ON HIGHWAY. DRIVER SIDE WINDOW MOLDING BLEW OFF WHILE GOING 60 MPH ON HIGHWAY. HAD TO SWERVE TO MISS IT. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. IT HAPPENED LAST WEEK TO PASSENGER SIDE.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 15, 2018
CAR LOSES POWER. THIS HAPPENED ON MY 2011 FORD MUSTANG V6 THAT HAD THE THROTTLE BODY REPLACED. CAR LOSES POWER SEVERAL TIMES A DAY NOW.
Steering, Jun 14, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT, AN ABNORMAL CLICKING NOISE WAS HEARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FREEWAY MOTORS OF ROGERS (14080 MAIN ST, ROGERS, MN 55374, (763) 428-8488) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL GEAR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Electrical system, Jun 12, 2018
THE DOOR LOCKS IN THE CAR ARE FAILING ON ALL 4 DOORS. I HAVE REPLACED THE DOOR LOOK ON THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE DOOR. NOW ALL THREE DOORS HAVE FAILED. ALSO WHEN I GO TO THE CAR WASH THE DRIVERS POWER SEAT STARTS MOVING WITHOUT PUSHING ANY BUTTONS. ALSO THE DRIVERS SIDE PANEL GLUE I HAD FAILED AND ALLOWS THE VINYL FROM THE SIDE OF THE DOOR TO COME OFF
Structure, Jun 11, 2018
PASSENGER SIDE "A POST" WINDOW MOLDING BLEW OFF DURING HIGHWAY DRIVING AT 60MPH. MOLDING SHOWED NO SIGNS OF FAILURE PRIOR TO INCIDENT.
Engine, Jun 7, 2018
2015 FORD EXPLORER SPORT EXHAUST IN THE CABIN I BEGAN SMELLING RAW EXHAUST WHEN I WOULD FIRST START MY CAR, THE AIR BLOWING THOUGH MY VENTS. I WOULD ROLL MY WINDOWS DOWN BECAUSE IT MADE ME IMMEDIATELY NAUSEOUS, AS I DROVE THE SMELL WOULD GO AWAY AND ROLL MY WINDOWS BACK UP. THE SMELL ONLY WENT AWAY FOR A FEW MINUTES AS THE CABIN RESATURATED WITH EXHAUST SMELL. I STARTED TROUBLESHOOTING AND FOUND WHEN I TURNED ON RECIRCULATION WHILE DRIVING THE SMELL SUBSIDED. THIS ONLY WORKED WHILE DRIVING AND USING LESS THAN HALF THROTTLE. I WOULD SMELL A ROTTEN EGG SMELL WHEN I WOULD USE PART TO FULL THROTTLE ANYWHERE I WAS TRAVELING. I CONTACTED MY DEALER AND THEY PERFORMED THE EXHAUST COMPLAINT REPAIR. AFTER DRIVING THE CAR THE LAST FEW DAYS FROM GETTING IT BACK THERE HAS BEEN NO DIFFERENCE. AS THE WEATHER HEATS UP I AM USING AIR CONDITIONING MORE AND HAVE BEEN STARTING TO GET HEADACHES, NAUSEOUS AND LOSE OF ENERGY. MY COWORKER RODE WITH ME TODAY AND COMPLAINED WITHIN THE FIRST MINUTE OF DRIVING THAT EXHAUST SMELL WAS PRESENT IN THE CAR AND WAS GETTING A HEADACHE. I ROLLED DOWN THE WINDOWS AND HAVE NOT USED THE CLIMATE CONTROL. I WILL NOT BE USING THE CLIMATE CONTROL UNTIL THIS IS FIXED, I DO NOT WANT TO BE ANOTHER VICTIM OF A SERIOUS INJURY ACCIDENT OR DEATH.
Other or unspecified, Jun 2, 2018
MY WIFE AND I ARE GETTING DIZZY AND MY WIFE IS GETTING SEVERE HEADACHES. WE BOTH NOTICE A STRONG NATURAL GAS SMELL IN THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING TODAY (06-02-18) I SMELLED IT FIRST AND DIDN'T SAY ANYTHING TO HER. ABOUT 30 MILES LATER SHE TOLD ME THAT SHE SMELLS GAS. IF THIS CONTINUES WE WILL GO TO THE ER AT OUR HOSPITAL TO GET CHECKED FOR CARBON MONOXIDE. WE WILL ALSO CONTACT THE DEALER ON MONDAY. WE JUST GOT BACK FROM FLORIDA IN WHICH WE DROVE A TOTAL OF 2700 MILES. THE VACATION WAS FROM 05-19 THRU 05-28-2018. IT HEADACHES/DIZZINESS STARTED ABOUT 2 DAYS BEFORE OUR TRIP.
Steering, Jun 1, 2018
MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. I COULDN'T TURN THE WHEEL AT ALL. MECHANIC SAYS THE STEERING MODULE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.