Worst 2015 Ford Explorer Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Steering Defects
Structural Problems
Engine Problems
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2015 Ford Explorer.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 329 | 4 | — | 67,655 mi | |
| Structural Problems | 247 | — | — | 101,853 mi | |
| Engine Problems | 225 | 1 | 1 | 39,768 mi | |
| Body Structure | 128 | 4 | — | 52,336 mi | |
| Fuel System | 86 | 1 | — | 32,718 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 85 | — | — | 53,588 mi | |
| Airbags | 83 | 7 | — | 64,768 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 81 | 4 | — | 50,898 mi | |
| Suspension Failures | 81 | 10 | — | 241,283 mi | |
| Backup Camera | 69 | — | — | 97,899 mi | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 37 | 3 | — | 70,929 mi | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System | 34 | 1 | — | 40,708 mi | |
| Engine & Cooling | 26 | — | — | 104,436 mi | |
| Brakes | 25 | 4 | — | 42,671 mi | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 23 | — | — | 58,447 mi | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 17 | — | — | 54,609 mi | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 16 | 1 | — | 54,460 mi | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 16 | 1 | — | 62,169 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 16 | 2 | — | 75,174 mi | |
| Wheel Issues | 15 | 2 | — | 78,683 mi | |
| Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Structure:Interior Panels:Door | 8 | — | — | 68,625 mi | |
| Visibility:Windshield:Critical Fasteners | 7 | — | — | 47,500 mi | |
| Back Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline Fuel System | 6 | — | — | 59,867 mi | |
| Back Over Prevention: Warnings | 5 | — | — | 192,260 mi | |
| Steering:Electric Power Assist System | 5 | — | — | 60,000 mi | |
| Sunroof/Moonroof | 5 | — | — | 68,899 mi | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 4 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2015 Ford Explorer. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2015 Ford Explorer
8 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~5,716,171 vehicles.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
Other Ford Explorer Years
2015 Ford Explorer — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2015 Ford Explorer reliable?
What are common problems with the 2015 Ford Explorer?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2015 Ford Explorer?
How safe is the 2015 Ford Explorer?
Does the 2015 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2015 Ford Explorer?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Ford Explorer reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2015 Ford Explorer
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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