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2015
New 2026
Used 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Ford Explorer

EPA MPG: 19 mpg
RECALL ALERT:
There are 9 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
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Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2015 Explorer is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

The 2015 Ford Explorer has been recalled 9 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
See all 2015 Potential Trouble Spots

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2015 Ford Explorer owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

"Not sure. In the shop now"

Anonymous, CA (2015 Ford Explorer Unsure Unsure)
Heater system

"No heat comes out of passenger side."

Anonymous A., VA (2015 Ford Explorer Base 3.5-L V6)
Other climate system problem

""Unable to change the climate control off of defrost for a long time and the cost of repairing it was well over $1,000.""

Anonymous, KY (2015 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)

"Abrupt failure about 6 months ago. Had to tear apart the dash on under the steering wheel to get to it and fix it"

Anonymous, UT (2015 Ford Explorer Base 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Refrigerant leaks

"Low pressure service valve leakage. Noticed in April, 2025. Repaired by replacing both the high and low pressure valves in April, 2025. Local Ford dealership evacuated refrigerant, put on vacuum. Parts replaced and refrigerant added."

Anonymous, NC (2015 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)
Load more

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Catalytic converter

"Replaced one 12 months ago only to have to replace the second now at over twice the cost."

Anonymous, CA (2015 Ford Explorer Limited Unsure)
Other/unsure

"Problems with alternator and serpentine belt for third time"

Anonymous, NY (2015 Ford Explorer Sport Unsure)

"With no warning we were not able to put car into gear."

Anonymous, CA (2015 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6 turbo)

"The Bank1 Sensor 1 H02S had to be replaced"

Anonymous, AB (2015 Ford Explorer Sport 3.5-L V6 turbo)
Load more

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Power steering

"Intermittent Power steering failure"

Anonymous, UT (2015 Ford Explorer Base 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Steering linkage (includes rack and pinion)

"Electric steering rack failed and was replaced for $4800"

Anonymous A., NE (2015 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)

"Noise in the steering when I turned the wheel. It took a week for them to fix it."

Anonymous, CA (2015 Ford Explorer Unsure Unsure)

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

What Owners Say

Doors or sliding doors

"Drivers interior door panel is cracked"

Anonymous A., (2015 Ford Explorer Limited 3.5-L V6)
Sunroof

"Water gets clogged and drips onto the circuit board and shorts it out. Sunroof motor replaced twice."

Anonymous A., NC (2015 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Loose interior trim or moldings

"Trim on front and back doors becomes detached at the top and buckles up"

Anonymous A., NC (2015 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)
Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"Paint bubbling up on the hood in the front for a couple years now. Way too much money to have it repaired."

Anonymous, KY (2015 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

What Owners Say

Other driveline problem

"Ford issued a recall, but has no fix for a "linkage problem"... they continue to NOT have a fix, even though the car could disassemble w/o notice."

Anonymous A., OH (2015 Ford Explorer Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

""The check engine light would come on and off as I was driving the car. Some times the check engine light would stay on for days or sometimes the check engine light would go off for days. It also would light up and off while I was driving. The car seems to drive fine, just the pick up was off. I took the car the my mechanic and also to the Ford dealer who said it was a timing chain and probably some sensors.""

Anonymous, NY (2015 Ford Explorer Sport 3.5-L V6 turbo)

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

What Owners Say

Water pump

"Engine had to be removed to replace water pump. Very expensive."

Anonymous, NC (2015 Ford Explorer Sport 3.5-L V6 turbo)

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

What Owners Say

Other in-car electronics problem

"SiriusXM radio system failure... Sirius says they can not help as the problem is with the hardware & must be resolved by the manufacturer... Ford."

Anonymous A., OH (2015 Ford Explorer Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

What Owners Say

Antilock braking system (ABS)

"The ABS module is bad. The instrument panel is full of warning lights that the ABS system is not working and to check brakes. I can not get it fixed at Ford or elsewhere because Ford no longer makes the part and there are no parts available aftermarket."

Anonymous, TX (2015 Ford Explorer Limited 3.5-L V6)

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

2015 SUVs Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Ford vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

See How Other Brands Stack up
Reliability History
* Redesign year
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03
04
05
06*
07
08
09
10
11*
12
13
14
15
16
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20*
21
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23
24
25
Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.

Learn more about car Reliability.

Recalls
PROVIDED BY
BACK OVER PREVENTION
Oct 13, 2025
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.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA9. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 14, 2025.
For more information:
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 25V695000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 1448655
Hide Recall Details
STRUCTURE
Jan 19, 2024
A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 18, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 24V031000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 1889110
Hide Recall Details
SUSPENSION
Jul 15, 2021
A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle, and replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall numbers 16V-245, 19V-435, and 20V-675. Certain vehicles previously repaired will need to return for the new remedy. An interim notification letter notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on September 10, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2022. Owners may contact Ford's customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S32.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V537000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 631176
Hide Recall Details
SUSPENSION
Mar 12, 2021
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle attached to the rear suspension toe link and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S62.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 20V675000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 454941
Hide Recall Details
POWER TRAIN
Nov 10, 2020
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 the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the link shaft bracket, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners received an interim notification detailing safety risk December 8, 2020. A second letter will be mailed when parts become available in January 2021. The recall began February 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S63.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 20V692000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 15587
Hide Recall Details
SUSPENSION
Jun 10, 2019
A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, and inspect both rear toe link ball joints, replacing the rear wheel knuckle(s), if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S17.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V435000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 1194173
Hide Recall Details
SUSPENSION, WHEELS
Aug 28, 2017
A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Ford 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 bearings assemblies were manufactured without a self retention feature, possibly resulting in the separation of the wheel or wheel end.
What should you do:
Ford will notify the distributors of the hubs specifying that they are to only be used on drive axles. It is believed that none of the hubs were purchased from Ford dealers for the incorrect application. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17E048000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 630
Hide Recall Details
SUSPENSION
Apr 26, 2016
A fracture of the rear suspension toe link may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. The recall began on November 18, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S18.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V245000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 75364
Hide Recall Details
PARKING BRAKE
Jul 24, 2015
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 risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
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."
What should you do:
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will test the operation of the parking brake system, and if necessary, replace the parking brake control assembly, free of charge. The recall began on September 4, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15C07.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 15V464000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 7165
Hide Recall Details
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