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, Jan 29, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact stated that the rear-view camera display was black while in reverse(R). The contact stated that the message "Camera not Available" and "Contact Dealer” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the rear-view camera needed to be replaced. The contact was then notified of the recall shortly after the failure. The dealer was contacted, but the contact was informed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Back over prevention, Jan 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera display failed to function as intended. The rear-view camera displayed reversed images. The contact stated that the objects that were on the left were displayed on the right. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact declined to pay the diagnostic test cost. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Seat belts, Jan 26, 2026
This weekend the seatbelt on the Driver seat gave out and now I am unable to buckle my seatbelt at all. I called Larry H Miller Ford in Lakewood CO and they informed me that a diagnostic for the seat belt is 230$ which is out of my budget. The women I spoke with then stated that just the other day she had an Explorer (same make and model as my vehicle) came in with the same issues and the repair was about 1,200$ which is definitely not in my budget. Not only is it illegal to drive without a seat belt in Colorado, it is extremely dangerous and posses an immediate risk to my safety. Like I stated I can’t afford Fords diagnostic however if I need to take it to insurance or police for inspection I will do that. There was no warning signals or indication this would happen. I would like further investigation if this has already happened to at least 2 of us in the Denver area there has to be more and this is extremely dangerous and up to Ford to fix the problem.
Other or unspecified, Jan 24, 2026
Backup camera picture is distorted if it works at all. There is a recall on this part (25v695). Contacted dealership and said that it only pertains to a mustang for this month.
Wheels, Jan 21, 2026
On 11/7/2025, your team completed the Rear Suspension Toe Link Fracture recall repair. However, on 11/13/2025, while driving, I discovered that the rear passenger-side wheel was extremely loose and nearly detached. This was due to the lug nuts not being properly tightened after your service—a severe safety hazard that could have resulted in a catastrophic accident. Because of this negligence, I incurred significant additional expenses and inconvenience: Emergency service from an independent mechanic over the course of a week (11/13–11/17) to secure the wheel and address damage caused by the incident. Replacement of rear knuckle assemblies, hubs, and front struts because the hubs were seized and could not be removed without replacing the knuckles. On 11/29, at a second shop where I replaced two tires, I learned that the vehicle could not be properly aligned because the toe link installed during your recall repair is not adjustable. The mechanic noted that proper alignment requires either camber bolts or an adjustable toe link. As a result, the vehicle remains severely unbalanced and unsafe to drive. Both invoices and mechanic notes confirm the dangerous condition caused by improperly secured lug nuts and the inability to align the vehicle due to the toe link issue.
Other or unspecified, Jan 20, 2026
I was on the highway when the passenger side Exterior A-Pillar Applique Trim had detached from the SUV. There was a car behind me, not close at all, and the thing almost hit that car. No one got hurt but the driver and myself both were visibly upset. No police or emergency services were needed. As stated in my previous complaint, I have horrible anxiety issues. When that happened, I had an anxiety attack. I thought consumers were supposed to feel protected and safe in there vehicles. I am in the process of retaining legal counsel to address this safety defect and its impact that its had, twice now, on other drivers as well as myself. Kind regards, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Back over prevention, Jan 16, 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 rearview camera image was distorted while in reverse(R). The vehicle was taken to Exotic Sound & Tint Inc., where the rearview camera was replaced; however, the failure persisted. 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 made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Structure, Back over prevention, Jan 13, 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 intermittently, the back-over prevention camera displayed a distorted image, was black, or displayed a message to contact the dealer. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issues. The failure mileage was 94,000.
Structure, Back over prevention, Jan 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the driver’s side A-pillar windshield trim began to detach from the vehicle. 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 while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera became inoperable, and the rearview image appeared blurry. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. 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 repairs. The approximate failure mileage was 81,000.
Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Jan 12, 2026
We have received 2 recalls. - the window pillar sheared off while driving - the rear camera stopped working These recalls are have been active for some time & have yet to be resolved. I replaced one of windshield pillars & am seeking reimbursement The rear camera we had replaced thru our vehicle warranty & am seeking reimbursement for our copay
Structure, Back over prevention, Jan 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification 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 dealer was contacted and confirmed that the remedies were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issues. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Back over prevention, Jan 6, 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 dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the rearview camera was intermittently inoperable while in reverse(R). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. 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 112,000.
Structure, Jan 5, 2026
See attached document for complaint. I've got a 2015 Ford Explorer. A recall letter was sent to me over two years ago. The issue was the exterior a-pillar applique trim clip. I have been trying to get this taken care of over two years now. All the Ford Dealerships in my area tell me is we don't have the parts in. I'm a very patient person but this has become ridiculous. I would very must appreciate some help in getting this matter resolved.
Structure, Jan 5, 2026
See attached document for complaint. I am writing in regard to an open recall on my Ford Explorer. In February 2024 I received a letter from Ford about a safety recall notice, 24S02/HNTSA, explaining that A-pillar applique trim clip attachment was improperly assembled. Then, another letter from Ford in October 2025, marked “Important Safety Recall”. The driver’s side A-pilar applique trim fell off while driving on interstate I-64 in Virginia. Fortunately, no accident resulted. I have been to my dealership in Williamsburg, Virginia several times for service for this problem and I am always told there are no parts available. Over time I have purchased 5 ford vehicles and always was satisfied with them. This brings me to ask when may I expect proper resolution for this problem?
Structure, Back over prevention, Jan 2, 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 repair were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the passenger's side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the driver's side A-pillar trim was loose. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired after the most recent failure. 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 failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Back over prevention, Dec 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear view camera displayed a distorted image and turned off. The contact received a recall notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the recall remedy parts were not available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Structure, Back over prevention, Dec 29, 2025
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 rearview camera displayed a distorted and inverted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure had obstructed the road's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. 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 made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Electrical system, Structure, Dec 26, 2025
The recall campaign from Jan 19,2024 Manufacturer Recall Number24S02 NHTSA Recall Number24V031 has been open since 2024 and has not had a remedy become available. In the meantime, my passenger side pillar has become detached, as warned in the recall. Rain leaks into my car and causes visibility issues. This is worrisome because I do have three young children, one in a car seat right behind the passenger side. In addition, the second recall,Oct 13,2025 Manufacturer Recall Number25SA9 NHTSA Recall Number25v695 is also an extreme issue with my vehicle. The backup camera has malfunctioned several times, almost daily at this point. It also will not notify me of something behind me as it's intended to at times. FORD has yet to remedy either of these.
Steering, Dec 23, 2025
on 8/1/25 service steering assist light came on, vehicle was driven to the auto repair shop with no hard codes to diagnose. Vehicle was driven towards home on 8/6/25 and lost all steering within a matter of seconds while on the highway at 60 mph. Steering assist light came on and stabilitrac light flashed. Vehicle had to be towed and rack and pinion needed replacing. Once fixed the vehicle was driven until 9/23/25 infrequently when the steering assist fault came back on and vehicle would not move as steering locked up and the rack and pinion needed to be replaced again. 12/13/25 steering assist light came on while backing up and steering locked up. This is terrifying to say the least.
Structure, Back over prevention, Dec 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the back over prevention camera was inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that parts were on back order. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Dec 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that on several occasions, while starting the vehicle and while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the long block assembly had failed, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
Structure, Dec 15, 2025
Exterior A-pillar trim and rubber strip on both sides has detached from vehicle on the highway. The sides got detached on separate occasions. While driving on the highway, the driver side rubberstrip got detached in one end, starting to flap back and forth over the windscreen, making a lot of noise and obstructing the view. The trim did not come off that time. The passenger side entire trim flew off completely on the highway causing a hazard for other drivers. There is a recall, 24S02 since 2 years ago in relation to this but Ford has not yet been able to address the issue. I received another letter from them to immediately call the dealer to schedule inspection and repair. However, the dealer keeps telling me that the parts have been on backorder for over a year and they cannot address the issue without the parts. How long is it reasonable to wait for this hazard to be addressed?
Steering, Power train, Other or unspecified, Dec 12, 2025
I am filing an official safety complaint regarding my 2015 Ford Explorer Sport 3.5L due to a dangerous and sudden power-steering failure that occurred while I was driving with my children in the vehicle. There were no warning lights, alerts, or symptoms leading up to the failure. The power steering went out instantly and without any indication that something was wrong. The moment it failed, the steering wheel locked up and became extremely difficult to turn, nearly causing multiple accidents. I had children in the car at the time, and this situation created an immediate and severe safety hazard for everyone in my vehicle and on the road. After this happened, I contacted (by phone) Ford directly. Without any inspection, hesitation, or further explanation, I was immediately told that the vehicle “needs a new steering rack and pinion.” The quoted repair cost exceeds $3,000, on a vehicle I am still paying $500 a month for. I have since discovered that there are thousands of other Ford Explorer owners reporting the exact same issue, with the same model years, same sudden failure, and the same required repair. This is clearly not an isolated incident. This pattern strongly indicates a widespread manufacturing or component defect that poses a significant risk of injury or death. I am deeply concerned that Ford has not issued a formal recall for a problem that can cause an immediate loss of steering control at highway speeds and in everyday driving conditions. The number of publicly documented complaints online demonstrates that this is a systemic and dangerous failure that should not be ignored. I am requesting that NHTSA fully investigate this issue and require Ford Motor Company to issue a recall for the defective steering rack/power steering system in the 2015 Ford Explorer Sport 3.5L ecoboost w/o park assist, as well as any related model years or trims using the same components. Vehicle is available for inspection.
Seat belts, Dec 10, 2025
Both of the inflatable seat belts in the back seat fail to latch. Have been checked for debris.
Suspension, Dec 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension); and the vehicle was repaired under the recall. After the recall repair, the contact noticed that the rear end of the vehicle was wobbling and the rear of the vehicle swayed towards the left or right while driving at speeds of 35 MPH or higher. There were no warning lights. The contact replaced the tires twice due to the failure, causing the tires to lose treadwear and lose traction. The dealer was informed about the failure and confirmed that the recall repair had been completed and was only a one-time free repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.