Owner complaint record
2015 Ford Explorer Problems and Recalls: What Owners Report
This page shows the problems 2015 Ford Explorer owners reported to NHTSA, the federal agency that tracks car safety: 1,770 complaints sorted by system, the mileage they started at, and the recalls to check before you buy.
NHTSA owner complaintsChecked Oct 3, 20261,770 complaintsFederal file of Aug 25, 2026
+6% vs 2014
336 complaints, 19% of the total
half of the steering reports that give a mileage came before this
57 mention an injury, 1 a fire
The steering leads the 2015 Ford Explorer record at 19%, with body structure close behind. Of the steering reports that give a mileage, half came before 60,000 miles. The costliest part on our cost list is the electric power steering rack, $589 to $1,584 for the part alone.
It's a count of reports, not a failure rate. Use it to decide what to inspect before buying, not to grade the car.
The steering leads the complaints, most of them a warning light and a loss of power assist, followed by body and trim complaints. Ford recalled 2011 to 2019 Explorers for A-pillar trim clips that may not hold, and a 2015 recall covers the backup camera.
2015 Ford Explorer overview
The 2015 Explorer came with a 3.5-liter V6, a turbo 3.5-liter V6 and a turbo 2.0-liter four, all with a six-speed automatic, in front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
For 2015, 18-inch aluminum wheels became standard on the base Explorer and the Sport got a standard Class III trailer tow package. The XLT gained a new appearance package, and three new paint colors arrived.
Owners filed 6% more complaints about the 2015 than the 2014 (1,673), and the steering leads both years. The 2016 drew 2,441, with steering named most.
- Power
- 290 hp at 6,500 rpm
- Torque
- 255 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm
- Gearbox
- 6-speed automatic
- Fuel
- Regular gasoline
- Injection
- Not direct
city / highway / combined mpg, EPA
- Power
- 365 hp at 5,500 rpm
- Torque
- 350 lb-ft at 3,500 rpm
- Gearbox
- 6-speed automatic
- Fuel
- Regular gasoline
- Injection
- Direct injection
city / highway / combined mpg, EPA
- Power
- 240 hp at 5,500 rpm
- Torque
- 270 lb-ft at 3,000 rpm
- Gearbox
- 6-speed automatic
- Fuel
- Regular gasoline
- Injection
- Direct injection
city / highway / combined mpg, EPA
Fuel economy from EPA fueleconomy.gov; power and torque from Ford media technical spec sheets and ford.com engine pages (Wayback copies), read 3 Oct 2026.
Is the 2015 Ford Explorer reliable?
The 2015 Ford Explorer ranks 3rd of 16 Explorer model years for owner complaints, and the steering draws the largest share. The four checks below are what the federal record can say; none of them is a reliability score.
- 3rdCompared with other Explorer years1,770 complaints, the 3rd most of 16 model years (2016 has 2,441).By model year
- 19%The system named mostSteering, in 336 complaints. Half of the steering reports that give a mileage came before 60,000 miles.Problems by system
- 9Recalls9 recall campaigns cover the 2015 Ford Explorer.Recalls
- 37Crashes, injuries, fires37 complaints mention a crash, 57 an injury and 1 a fire.
A complaint count is not a failure rate: the record doesn't say how many were sold, so a popular year draws more reports.
2015 Ford Explorer problems by system
Every complaint to NHTSA names the part of the car that gave the owner trouble, such as the engine or the steering. The cards below sort the 1,770 complaints about the 2015 Ford Explorer that way, largest first: open one to read what owners wrote, when it usually starts, and what to check.
Steering19%336 complaintsLoss of power assist, steering warnings
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What owners describe
On 08-12-17 I pulled into my driveway an turn my steering wheel locked up and I could not turn it.. I shut down the car and restartd it .it had reset if this had happened on the highway someone could have been killed. I will take the car to Ford on 8-14-17 to see if they will help and fix it.
The vehicle has approx 42,000 miles and has started exhibiting the clunking noise and difficult turning at low speed, specifically in turning right, as reported in many other complaints. Looking at a $2k fix at such a low mileage with with so many other similar complaints is disturbing and amazing why Ford is not fixing this.
MOMSSCTNRead 4 more owner reports+4
Steering started making a grinding noise at 55k miles. Sound is most pronounced when turning at slow speeds. Dealership and local shop confirm steering rack and pinion need to be replaced. They advised this is a common problem with Ford explorers. Dealership advised the warranty expired 1 month ago.
Clicking and popping noise when turning left. No lights or codes showing in the dash, but steering has a lot of play. Dealership seems not to see a problem. Just had an o2 sensor replaced and the accessory drive belt tensioner. This vehicle is more trouble than its worth....
Since around 40000 miles, power steering will have a loud click and pop with all turns. Since 50000 miles, during the turn, the power steering will lock and the driver will have to pull hard to change turn radius. Took it to Ford - entire epas (electronic power assisted steering) needed to be replaced. This is unsafe and unacceptable at 50000 miles.
The rack and pinion locked up as we were pulling out of my driveway. I was 9m pregnant and my 4yr old was in the back. Cant help but think about what would have happened had it locked up going around a curve. The repair shop I took it to said this was really common in the Ford explorers and they have 146 service records on this one issue.
When it starts
Usually starts around 60,000 miles. Half of owners reported it between 42,000 and 90,000.
What to do
With the engine running, steer slowly to each lock and watch for a warning.
Body structure15%257 complaintsBody and trim recalls
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What owners describe
When driving at higher speeds posted at 60, 65 mph, etc on open highways there is a very loud noise across front windshield. Cannot operate the radio unless volume is so high that cannot talk or hear. Concern that windshield may not be sealed properly.
During the use of the ventilation system the cabin of the vehicle will fill with exhaust odor while sitting still or during movement down all roads. This smell grows the more the vehicle speeds up. The vehicle has 30k miles. This vehicle is a quick response vehicle for an emergency services organization.
KSNCFLVARead 4 more owner reports+4
The suv is only 3 years old we bought it new from the lot then. I noticed today the hood is bubbling up and the paint is chipping off. This drivers door is cracking at the seem. Very poor quality from Ford.
I discovered 5 inches of standing water in the interior of the vehicle where the spare tire is stored. There is no clear source of the leak on my inspection but the carpets are soaked and there is a smell of mold and mildew in the interior. The vehicle has not been in a flood zone or driven through standing water.
Car hood paint is bubbling and painting. There have been no accidents and the car only has 33,000 miles on it. Ford will not cover it under the mfgr warranty since the in service date is over 3 years.
On jan 20, 2021 my 2015 Ford explorer left driver side lower windshield moulding panel flew off into traffic. I was travelling at 45 mph on a windy day. I circled around and someone had run over it and so it was not repairable. I had 96k miles on the car. I got the car in 2017 and have not had windshield replaced. I saw a few cars swerve around it before another car hit it. This could cause an accident.
When it starts
Usually starts around 90,000 miles. Half of owners reported it between 58,073 and 120,000.
What to do
Run the VIN for the pillar trim recall.
Engine13%226 complaintsHeat and A/C complaints, leaks
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What owners describe
I've been dealing with exhaust fumes entering my vehicle upon a hard acceleration. I'v taken my 2015 explorer to the dealership 5 times to get this correct, with no positive resolution. I'm also experiencing a knocking noise when making a hard left hand turn. I've brought to the dealership twice to fix it, with no resolution.
Every time I am getting on the interstate and have to give it gas, I can smell exhaust in the cabin. And then while trying to pass another vehicle I can also smell the exhaust in the cabin. I reported this to the local dealer back in september of 2016 and they said that there was no recall or reported issues with my complaint.
TXCAFLILRead 4 more owner reports+4
Have had 2015 explorer in local Ford dealer 6 times to have exhaust fumes in cabin resolved. They have perform repairs to current tsb's. Still having exhaust fumes in cabin after normal acceleration. Starting to smell fumes when entering cabin after remote start. Currently vechile in shop again!
Purchased a brand new 2015 Ford explorer. Almost immediately began smelling exhaust fumes. Concerned that this wasn't "new car break-in", I purchased a carbon monoxide detector with memory. Over a couple of weeks of driving the detector registered 97 ppm at peak. After checking on the internet, I found others that have had a similar problem.
Have taken this vehicle to Ford 4 times without resolution. Exhaust smell overpowering during acceleration and now afraid to take long trips over inclined ed grades, essentially limiting to no towing, no visits to family, essentially a big white elephant in my garage
Water pump started leaking at 54000 miles right out of warranty. Was told needed replacement or else engine would seize. Paid over $2,100 to get it replaced. Stupid design and hard labor to get to it. Car has vibration now ever since we had it repaired but thought it was normal leaving dealer. I don't know why this hasn't been recalled. Now, the parking aid went out. These cars are horrendous
When it starts
Usually starts around 30,156 miles. Half of owners reported it between 6,000 and 60,000.
What to do
Run the heat and the A/C on the test drive and look under the engine for leaks.
Body7%130 complaintsDoors, latches, trim
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What owners describe
When driving at higher speeds posted at 60, 65 mph, etc on open highways there is a very loud noise across front windshield. Cannot operate the radio unless volume is so high that cannot talk or hear. Concern that windshield may not be sealed properly.
During the use of the ventilation system the cabin of the vehicle will fill with exhaust odor while sitting still or during movement down all roads. This smell grows the more the vehicle speeds up. The vehicle has 30k miles. This vehicle is a quick response vehicle for an emergency services organization.
KSNCRead 2 more owner reports+2
The suv is only 3 years old we bought it new from the lot then. I noticed today the hood is bubbling up and the paint is chipping off. This drivers door is cracking at the seem. Very poor quality from Ford.
I discovered 5 inches of standing water in the interior of the vehicle where the spare tire is stored. There is no clear source of the leak on my inspection but the carpets are soaked and there is a smell of mold and mildew in the interior. The vehicle has not been in a flood zone or driven through standing water.
When it starts
Usually starts around 90,000 miles. Half of owners reported it between 58,073 and 120,000.
What to do
Open and close every door and the liftgate.
Backup camera6%100 complaintsBackup camera
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What owners describe
Defroster broke at 92000 miles mid driving leaving me to drive with foggy windows. Blend door actuator broke for passenger side leaving hit air blowing in one side cold air on the other turbo blew at 87k miles back up camera does not work engine misfires air bag light on steering wheel shakes
The backup camera goes black then comes back on backwards. Its very unsafe when trying to use it. There is a recall for the 2020 models, not sure if mine can be remedied, as well.
TXMIRead 2 more owner reports+2
My back up camera and sensor will not work all the time. Sometimes the picture will show up on my screen, sometimes it will not with the notification to contact the dealership, and other times nothing the touch screen with not show anything and the sensor will not beep. There is no reason for these items to not be working
When I put my car in reverse and start backing up my backup camera screen flickers and then goes completeley blank. My 2015 Ford explorer only has 31,000 miles on it.
When it starts
Usually starts around 100,000 miles. Half of owners reported it between 81,000 and 130,000.
What to do
Shift into reverse and check the camera picture.
What repairs cost on the 2015 Ford Explorer
Part prices for the problems 2015 Explorer owners report most. They are shelf and mail-order prices for the part alone, so a shop bill adds labor and its own markup.
For the 3.5L, a remanufactured Terrepower rack up to a new Motorcraft one; the 2.0L runs $602 to $625; the Sport's rack is Motorcraft only, $602 to $1,584; plus a core deposit of up to $750.
Check steering racksPrices on this page are our own research, not the store’s, and store prices change daily.
Prices read on RockAuto on Oct 2, 2026, for the parts listed as fitting this car; regular stock only, closeouts left out.
When problems show up on the odometer
Engine complaints start earliest, typically around 30,200 miles. Backup camera complaints start latest, around 100,000 miles.
Dot: typical mileage. Bar: the middle half of reports. From the mileage owners wrote on the form.
Ford Explorer complaints by model year
2015 is shown in dark. The steering is named most in 5 other Explorer years.
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2015 is shown in dark. The steering is named most in 5 other Explorer years.
When owners filed
Complaints about the 2015 Ford Explorer have kept arriving since 2014, with peaks in 2017 and 2025. A peak often follows a recall or a news story, not a new fault.
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2015 Ford Explorer recalls
9 recall campaigns cover the 2015 Ford Explorer. A recall list is by model year; whether one car had the work done is in its VIN record.
2015 Ford Explorer crash tests and investigations
NHTSA crash tests rate the 2015 Ford Explorer five stars overall, the same for all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive. Its defect office has opened five investigations into four problems that cover this model year.
Ratings run from 1 to 5 stars: 5 is the safest result, 1 the least safe.
Frontal stars compare cars of about the same weight; side stars compare every vehicle. Rollover stars show how top-heavy the car is: NHTSA puts the 2015 Ford Explorer’s chance of rolling over in a single-car crash at 17%.
Safety equipment NHTSA recommends
Optional means some trims have it and some don’t. Check the car you are looking at.
Federal investigations
Before you buy a used 2015 Ford Explorer
Owners of the 2015 Explorer most often report a steering warning with a heavy wheel, then trim, climate and backup camera faults. The VIN shows the trim and camera campaigns.
- 1Steer slowly from lock to lock
A heavy wheel with a warning leads the complaints.
- 2Reverse and watch the camera
A 2015 recall covers the backup camera.
- 3Check the VIN for open campaigns
Pillar trim and camera recalls apply.
- 4Run the heater and A/C on full
Climate complaints lead the engine section.
- 5Check under the engine for drips
Leaks appear in the engine complaints.
Common questions
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Ford Explorer?
Owners name the steering most (336 complaints), then body structure (257) and engine (226).
Is 2015 a good year for the Ford Explorer?
The complaint record can't grade a car, but it shows what to check: the steering complaints that lead this year, the mileage they start at, and whether the recall repairs were done.
Was there a recall on the 2015 Ford Explorer?
Yes. NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the 2015 Ford Explorer: suspension (4), wheels, parking brake, power train, structure, back over prevention. A dealer can tell from the VIN whether one car got the repairs.
At what mileage do 2015 Ford Explorer problems start?
Engine complaints start earliest, around 30,200 miles. Backup camera complaints come later, around 100,000 miles.
Which Explorer years have the most and fewest complaints?
The 2016 and 2013 model years have the most in the file, and the 2024 and 2025 the fewest, though newer cars have had less time to collect complaints.
What the complaint record can't tell you
Sources
Show all 7 sources
Owner quotes are changed from all capitals to normal case only. Counts by system and year cover vehicles with at least 10 complaints.