repaired · 2026 Q3
Sensing system: camera
Risk. 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.
2015 Ford ExplorerProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 1,820 owner complaints about the 2015 Ford Explorer, most often about the structure. It is covered by 8 safety recalls, and for recall 25V-695 the manufacturer reports only 1% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 6, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2015 Ford Explorer has problems
1,820 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
412Structure5 crash/fire/injury
348Steering6 crash/fire/injury
227Engine8 crash/fire/injury
152Back over prevention2 crash/fire/injury
93Electrical system
86Fuel/propulsion system
86Power train
84Air bags
83Suspension
29022 other systems27 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 412 | 5 |
| Steering | 348 | 6 |
| Engine | 227 | 8 |
| Back over prevention | 152 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 93 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 86 | 6 |
| Power train | 86 | 6 |
| Air bags | 84 | 7 |
| Suspension | 83 | 10 |
| 22 other systems | 290 | 27 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
8 recalls
2015 Ford Explorer recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2026 Q2
Body: roof and pillars
Risk. A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q4
Suspension: rear
Risk. A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2022 Q3
Suspension: rear
Risk. A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Show 4 more recalls
repaired · 2022 Q4
Axle assembly: axle shaft
Risk. 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…
repaired · 2020 Q3
Suspension: rear
Risk. A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2018 Q1
Suspension: rear
Risk. A fracture of the rear suspension toe link may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2016 Q4
Parking brake
Risk. 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…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Ford.
Mileage at failure
When do structure problems start?
90kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 227 structure complaints. 60% were reported before 100,000 miles.
18under 30k miles136under 100k miles91100k miles or more
Owner-reported costs
What owners say repairs cost
Dollar amounts owners wrote in their complaints when describing a repair or a quote. These are not price estimates; a system is shown only when at least 8 owners mentioned a cost.
Steering
48 owners mentioned a cost$2,300median
Middle half: $2,100 – $2,647
Air bags
18 owners mentioned a cost$937median
Middle half: $798 – $1,000
Engine
11 owners mentioned a cost$2,500median
Middle half: $2,150 – $3,250
Unknown or other
9 owners mentioned a cost$818median
Middle half: $513 – $1,000
If a problem is covered by a recall, the dealer fixes it for free. Some manufacturers also reimburse owners who paid for a repair before a recall was announced.
Best & worst years
2015 vs. every other Explorer year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Explorer median. How we score
6096339391,2078431,4501,7311,9591,3489523753,2951,1311,304497630208148331151,1988312,2391,6841,8202,4671,7067363031,25345627611321111440
'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26'27
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
5 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2015 Ford Explorer, and the recalls they led to.
- Front Brake Hose FailureNo recall
- Exhaust Odor in Passenger CabNo recall
- Front brake hose failureNo recall
- Ford Explorer Exhaust OdorNo recall
- Windshield trim molding Item detachmentLed to recall 24V-031
In owners' words
What Explorer owners report
Recent structure complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact's son owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the A-pillar trim had become loose and unsecured. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000…
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the front passenger's side A-pillar trim detached and flew off the vehicle. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a distorted image with lines. The contact stated that…
The contact owned a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving, the front windshield trim detached from the vehicle. Additionally, the ABS warning light illuminated on the instrument panel, and the "Service Advancetrac" message was displayed. Additionally, the message “Transmission…
Own a 2015 Explorer?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.