2015 Ford Explorer Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2015 Ford Explorer, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Body & structure39521.9%
- Steering34519.1%
- Engine28816.0%
- Driver assistance1639.0%
- Fuel system945.2%
- Electrical894.9%
- Airbags844.7%
- Powertrain (other)834.6%
- Suspension824.5%
- Visibility442.4%
- Seat belts372.1%
- Brakes331.8%
- Interior & seats261.4%
- Other / unspecified181.0%
- Exterior lighting170.9%
- Tires & wheels30.2%
- Heating & air conditioning10.1%
- Transmission10.1%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 an undisclosed speed, the driver's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim detached. Two dealers, including Bozard Ford (540 Outlet Mall Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32084), were contacted and confirmed that parts were unavailable. 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 notified of the failure and confirmed that parts were unavailable with no anticipated availability date. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
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 windshield exterior A-pillar trims had detached while driving. The contact stated that one of the trims struck and cracked the windshield. The windshield was replaced. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for inspection, and the contact was informed that the A-pillar trims needed to be replaced; however, one of the four required parts was unavailable. 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 notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Power-assisted steering fails repeatedly. No warning lights, codes, or alarms are presented or shown. Steering reverts to manual control only and becomes very difficult to turn. This presents a potentially serious safety issue. Power-assisted steering returns to normal operation but fails again intermittently and repeatedly. Ford has not issued a recall and the price is exorbitantly expensive for consumer. additionally , only a dealer can replace or program the failing parts, consumer cannot replace them on their own using standard automotive repair tools. this is a serious safety risk and a known issue from Ford, and a clear violation of consumer protection acts. Ford's corporate behavior in this matter is inconscionable. I would not have purchased the vehicle had I known that Ford does not support warranty for this very common issue. it is a design flaw and a serious safety risk. consumers will soon be dying due to this problem, if they have not already.
I was driving at 65 mph on the highway when the light for the steering came up and the power steering shut down. I had a hard time to turn the steering wheel until I was able to exit the road. I shut the car down and restarted and everything was ok, but there is a problem because the light came up again. More cars with same problem.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there were exhaust fumes inside the vehicle, causing the contact headaches and nausea, and the two grandkids were complaining about headaches as well. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was determined to have a catalytic converter failure, which was repaired, but the fumes persisted. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic, who determined that the exhaust fumes were coming from the rear liftgate seals. No further information was available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Exhaust fumes leak into the cabin while increasing speed.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The rear view camera is distorted/and or blank, and can potentially cause an accident. It is available for inspection upon request. By not being able to see correctly with the rear view camera, I am unable to tell which direction a car is coming from, if there are cars passing behind me, or at times I see no image at all, just a blank screen, which can severely impact one’s ability to drive safe and responsibly. The issue has been confirmed by the manufacturer. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by anyone. There was no warning prior to failure, and it seemed to first appear the day I purchased the used vehicle in November of 2025.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera was inoperable or intermittently displayed a blank image. The dealer was contacted. 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 notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed fuel leaking from near the fuel tank. The contact was unsure which warning light was illuminated, but stated that a yellow warning light was illuminated, and there was a strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe to drive and that the failure could potentially result in a fire. The vehicle was then towed to the residence, where the failure continued. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 152,000.
While driving with the ac on you can smell exhaust fumes in the cabin and it's worse towards the rear carbin of the vehicle. I've gotten nauseated and sleepy from the fumes and have had several headaches in addition to the other symptoms. Ford needs to recall this issue. Also I have an active recall for the window pillars and the dealership says they still dont have the parts to fix it, and it's been over a year, what's the hold up Ford??!!
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
My camera failed and I backed into a very pole causing over $5,000 worth of damage and time I didn’t have to have it fixed. I had this fixed at the dealership I purchased the vehicle from. My exhaust always had a nasty smell to it which I addressed when I received the customer satisfaction program 17N03 notice about it and I have had it addressed many times throughout the years when I go to the dealership (where I purchased the vehicle) for maintenance and repairs. My son will not ride in my vehicle because the smell gives him a headache and makes him feel nauseous. I purchased a carbon monoxide detector to test the levels myself after I recently saw a family passed away in the same vehicle I have due to that. I will be doing this soon! It’s frustrating I had to pay for repairs on my vehicle because my camera malfunction and I backed into a pole. To this day it is still malfunctioning so when the parts are in, I will have it repaired. My main concern is the carbon monoxide levels and health risks. My vehicle only has 67,000 miles on it, it shouldn’t have so many recalls and problems that cause major safety risks like it has.
Recall for faulty rearview camera. Still has no remedy. Mine is giving issues. Glitches, freezes, and displays error message to contact dealership. Has almost caused multiple accidents. Have spoken to dealership. With no remedy from ford they want to charge me a fortune to replace and reprogram the camera system.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the wiring underneath the second-row seats had failed. The dealer spliced new pigtail connectors underneath the second-row seats and rerouted the harness underneath the seats, as per TSB Number: 16-0001. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 80,159.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the rubber around the front windshield had disintegrated. There was water entering the vehicle from the front windshield. The contact added a caulk to the vehicle to stop the water leaking in on the dashboard. The engine and air bag warning lights were illuminated. 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 an unknown 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 failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Vehicle transmission develops shutter overtime, which causes speeds to fluctuate and can be a safety hazard to the driver or other drivers. As you accelerate from a stop or low speeds the vehicle shutters causing it not to get up to speed as normal causing a safety risk along with extra wear and tear on the motor!
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
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
Backup camera does not work properly. Sometimes it’s showing objects behind me backwards (safety concern) like it’s showing I’m on the opposite side of where I’m trying to park/back up and sometimes it doesn’t work at all (flickering screen/black/gives notification to contact dealer). I have taken it to our local dealer for an approved inspection that it does not work & was told there’s no fix for it yet. No warning sign that this was coming- I had to look up the recall myself.
Recall for faulty rearview camera. Still has no remedy. Mine is giving issues. Glitches, freezes, and displays error message to contact dealership. Has almost caused multiple accidents. Have spoken to dealership. With no remedy from ford they want to charge me a fortune to replace and reprogram the camera system.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Both of the inflatable seat belts in the back seat fail to latch. Have been checked for debris.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
ABS module has failed. Causing a number of other safety systems to be deactivated. Power steering, traction control, drive mode selection, and braking. All these lights are illuminated on dash. Independent auto repair shop verified this ABS module has failed and there is no replacement parts from Ford.
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
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the rear driver's side door failed to latch as intended. In addition, the contact stated that the rear driver's side door failed to latch or unlatch while using the door switch. The contact stated that the failure was a safety hazard. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.
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.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
We have a onefit. Our seat cover will not cover part of the head rest and he is able to pick and scratch at the Styrofoam. Even caught him trying to eat it. This has happened on several occasions. We have had to stop using the seat.
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.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlights became inoperable. The contact stated that the fuses were in good condition. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that a diagnostic test was needed; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 166,000.
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.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
2015 FORD EXPLORER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SAFETY RECALL 19V-435. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED 12 DAYS AFTER HAVING A RECALL COMPLETED, IT WAS DISCOVERED THE REAR TOE LINKS AND JAM NUTS WERE VERY LOOSE. THE TIRES CUPPED FROM BEING SO LOOSE. *JS *JS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT FLASHED INTERMITTENTLY. THE TIRES WERE ADDED AIR BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL ODOR IN THE VEHICLE WHILE THE AIR CONDITION WAS IN OPERATION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, AFTER SEVERAL MONTHS THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WOULD BE OFFERED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly shuddered before losing motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to restart. The engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the torque converter. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 20N07. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 127,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .