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, Oct 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part for the recall repair was not available. The contact contacted several dealers; however, the contact was informed that the manufacturer had not made parts available for the recall repair. The contact stated that parts had not been available for more than three years. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue but provided no assistance. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 16, 2025
When accelerating and braking, motor rocks forward and backwards. Rpms jump erratically when this happens and when sitting stationary at a light or stop sign. Which causes the entire vehicle to vibrate. Oddly enough, fuel injector cleaner seems to help with the vehicle shaking somewhat.
Electrical system, Oct 16, 2025
Vehicle shuts off at random various speeds. Takes about 3 minutes to get it to restart.
Structure, Oct 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver’s side exterior A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle and flew off into traffic. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from the A-pillar after the failure. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was confirmed that parts were not yet available for the repair. 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 unknown.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Seats, Oct 14, 2025
Parking lights are illuminated and not head lamps for daytime running lights. Was sold by Ford Certified Dealership. Also has no interior lighting for security. BCM replaced, and still has same issue, along with the 3rd row seats not functioning, interior overhead lights not functioning, trailer socket not functioning.
Electrical system, Back over prevention, Oct 9, 2025
Rear view camera displays a blank or distorted images when vehicle is in reverse. Rear view camera will display a message that the rear view camera is unavailable. A faulty rear view camera can increase the risk of a crash
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Oct 4, 2025
My backup camera keeps going out and now it’s gone completely out. If it does come up it’s backwards with no assist line and constantly beeping. There are recalls for this same situation with almost all other fords 2015-2019 I think and immune is doing the same exact thing and no recalls???
Other or unspecified, Oct 2, 2025
I have been having issues with my vehicle's backup camera for about 3-4 years. Initially, the backup camera rarely went black when I reversed so I was not very concerned Over the years, it has worsened that now every time I drive the camera goes black at least once when I drive my car. There has been no incident due to the camera issue; however, I have had some close calls due to the backup camera not working. The warning beep does work when the backup camera does not. A couple years ago I did inquire about a recall which there was none so instead I asked dealership for a quote on the cost of replacing the camera which was very expensive. I did not not replace it at the time due to the cost and do not foresee doing so in the future for that reason. I learned about the recent backup camera recall but it does not include my vehicle. Thank you for your time.
Structure, Oct 1, 2025
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 60 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 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 35,000.
Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Sep 29, 2025
Rear Camera not working properly, Dashboard screen starts rapidly flickering when vehicle put in reverse. Unable to see if anything is behind vehicle.
Other or unspecified, Sep 26, 2025
Backup camera not functioning properly (goes black in the middle of backing up and says “contact dealership”). I saw an article online that my car may have been affected by the backup camera recall. I brought my car to the dealership and they said my VIN was not affected but I have the problems listed. I contacted Ford and reported this with Customer Care Department (Case #: CXH-05669623-J5P1M4). They said that’s all I can do. I have small children all under the age of 5 and fear backing up in my driveway. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Sep 25, 2025
I SEE THEY ARE RECALLING BACKUP CAMERAS ON FORD EXPLORERS MINE HAS NOT WORKED PROPERLY FOR YEARS. WHEN BACKING UP THE CAMERA SHOWS OBJECTS ON THE LEFT SIDE OF CAR ON THE RIGHT AND VICE VERSA. EXAMPLE IF IM BACKING UP AND A CAR IS COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE OF CAR IN PARKING LOT IT SHOWS IT COMING FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE. IT ALSO STAYS ON WHILE DRIVING AND SOMETIMES SHOWS AND BLACK SCREEN AND DISTORTED IMAGES. THE DATE BELOW IS JUST THIS REPORT DATE BECAUSE I CAN'T SUBMIT WITHOUT
Other or unspecified, Sep 22, 2025
My backup camera is reversing or going blank intermittently . It even turned upside down one time. Ford says I am not included in the recent recall, yet I have the same problem that is being recalled.
Steering, Sep 21, 2025
I was going to the pharmacist. When I started my vehicle there was an alert for ""steering assist fault service required". I tried to turn the steering wheel and it would not turn. I could not use my vehicle.
Steering, Sep 19, 2025
Steering wheel when turned to right or left makes a loud screeching sound. It was brought to dealership and diagnosed that the steering wheel computer is failing and only way to fix is to replace the entire steering wheel rack. 5k to replace. Vehicle was inspected in April ‘25. Same issue has been happening constantly since. 80k miles Also, rear back up camera goes blank intermittently.
Steering, Sep 18, 2025
Power steering service required message Power steering instantly failed at 55 mph Warning messages for AdvanceTrac and Terrain Assist Blinkers only work if held after all this Every other motorist in the road at the time (this morning) was put at risk as the vehicle was nearly impossible for my wife to steer. Multiple dealers claimed there is no recall for this. After online investigation, it appears there are quite a lot of instances of this happening. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. It has not been inspected by any dealer, police, insurance or any others.
Other or unspecified, Sep 17, 2025
For about the last 3 years, whenever the car is put into reverse, the rear backup camera is intermittently going blank. The camera eventually will display the image, but it can be several seconds before the camera view resumes. The Ford dealership wants to charge about $700 to replace the entire camera, but I don't think the camera is the issue given that so many recalls have been issued over the exact same issue. There have been multiple recalls issued by Ford for the same issue, but I can't find one on the 2015 Ford Explorer-Limited line.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 16, 2025
1. Component/System Failure: The water pump on my 2016 Ford Explorer failed, causing a significant antifreeze leak. The component is available for inspection upon request. 2. Safety Risk: The failure creates a risk of engine seizure while driving. Loss of engine coolant can cause the engine to overheat suddenly, potentially leading to a dangerous situation on the road that could harm myself or other drivers. 3. Confirmation of Problem: The problem has been confirmed by the dealer service department during inspection. The water pump leak was observed and diagnosed by a certified Ford service technician. 4. Inspections: The vehicle has been inspected by the dealer. I have also documented prior repairs to the vehicle, including a timing chain replacement two years ago. The water pump issue has not yet been inspected by Ford corporate. 5. Warning Lamps/Symptoms: Prior to the failure, there were no warning lamps on the dashboard. I noticed coolant leaking from the water pump area, and the temperature gauge began to rise. The leak was first observed AUG 15
Structure, Sep 16, 2025
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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Electrical system, Sep 12, 2025
Back up camera stopped working due to loss of connection with apim, checked camera module works and wiring in rear gate is good. Issue is in chassis wiring.
Other or unspecified, Sep 12, 2025
The backup camera only works intermittently. Sometimes there will be a black screen that says somethings wrong and to contact the dealer but this has been an issue for the past couple years or so. I saw there was a recall for many other for vehicles of this age for the backup camera but not for the Explorer. I was shocked when I didn’t see it was included.
Other or unspecified, Sep 11, 2025
My back up camera doesn't work all the time. It is very intermittent.
Structure, Back over prevention, Sep 11, 2025
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 the top of the passenger’s side A-pillar trim had fractured, and the driver’s side A-pillar trim was frequently popping out of place while driving. The contact stated that the rear-view camera intermittently displayed a blank or distorted image while shifted into reverse(R). The contact stated that the message "Contact the Dealer" was displayed on the instrument panel. The manufacturer was notified of the failures, and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the VIN related to the rear-view camera. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 112,000
Back over prevention, Sep 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing, the back over prevention camera system screen displayed a black screen. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure; however, the VIN was not included. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
Other or unspecified, Sep 11, 2025
REAR BACK UP CAMERA IMAGE IS REVERSED NOT ALWAYS IN COLOR CAMERA STAYS ON ONCE VEHICLE IS IN DRIVE FOR SOMETIMES UP TO 20 SECONDS IMAGE IS NOT DISPLAYED AT ALL TIMES WHEN IN REVERSE AND WHEN THIS HAPPENS, WITHIN 24 HOURS THERE IS A 'SYSTEM UPDATE' THAT AFFECTS INFOTAINMENT SCREEN INCLUDING BLUETOOTH