2015 Ford Explorer Problems

1,768 owner complaints filed with the United States safety regulator · top issue: Structure · verdict AVOID 25/100

Source NHTSA public complaint and recall record · methodology

What breaks, by owner reports

Structure403
Unknown Or Other397
Steering345
Engine226
Back Over Prevention124
Electrical System90

In the owners’ words

“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. ”NHTSA complaint, 2015 Ford Explorer owner
“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 confi”NHTSA complaint, 2015 Ford Explorer owner
“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 ”NHTSA complaint, 2015 Ford Explorer owner

Recall campaigns

ReportedComponentSummary
10/06/2019Suspension:RearFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
28/08/2017Wheels:HubFord 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 bearing
24/07/2015Parking Brake SAFETYFord 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, a
26/04/2016Suspension:RearFord 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 m
10/11/2020Power Train:Axle Assembly:Axle ShaftFord 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
15/07/2021Suspension:RearFord 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, Minne
12/03/2021Suspension:RearFord 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,
19/01/2024Structure:Body:Roof And PillarsFord 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.
13/10/2025Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: CameraFord 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

Questions owners ask

Is the 2015 Ford Explorer reliable?

On the federal record it scores 25/100: 1,768 owner complaints (160.73 per year on the road) and 9 recall campaigns, 1 touching safety-critical systems.

What is the most common problem with the 2015 Ford Explorer?

The most-reported component in NHTSA complaints is Structure, with 403 of 1585 categorised reports.

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The 2015 Ford Explorer scored 25/100 on the federal record.

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