2015 Ford Explorer problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 1,791 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Ford Explorer, filed between 2014-10-27 and 2026-09-23. The most common problem areas are the structure (409, 23%), steering (345, 19%) and engine (226, 13%). Owners reported 37 crashes, 1 fire and 98 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 9 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2015 Ford Explorer complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | 409 | 23% | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| Unknown or other | 402 | 22% | 7 | 0 | 41 |
| Steering | 345 | 19% | 4 | 0 | 10 |
| Engine | 226 | 13% | 1 | 1 | 7 |
| Back over prevention | 133 | 7% | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 92 | 5% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 86 | 5% | 1 | 0 | 11 |
| Power train | 86 | 5% | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| Air bags | 84 | 5% | 7 | 0 | 15 |
| Suspension | 83 | 5% | 10 | 0 | 3 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 66 | 4% | 1 | 0 | 12 |
| Seat belts | 38 | 2% | 3 | 0 | 8 |
| Service brakes | 26 | 1% | 4 | 0 | 13 |
| Visibility/wiper | 25 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 20 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Structure: 409 complaints
- 409 complaints of 1,791 (23%) name the structure — the body and frame structure.
- 41 of them also name the back over prevention; owners reported 4 crashes and 4 injuries in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2015 Ford Explorer; the recall, campaign 24V031000, says: “The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.”
Steering: 345 complaints
- 345 complaints of 1,791 (19%) name the steering — the steering wheel, column, gear and power-steering assist.
- 19 of them also name the suspension; owners reported 4 crashes and 10 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2015 Ford Explorer covers this system.
Engine: 226 complaints
- 226 complaints of 1,791 (13%) name the engine.
- 37 of them also name the unknown or other; owners reported 1 crash, 1 fire and 7 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2015 Ford Explorer covers this system.
Back over prevention: 133 complaints
- 133 complaints of 1,791 (7%) name the back over prevention — the rear-view camera and rear back-over warning systems.
- 41 of them also name the structure; owners reported 2 crashes in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2015 Ford Explorer; the recall, campaign 25V695000, says: “The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.”
Electrical system: 92 complaints
- 92 complaints of 1,791 (5%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 15 of them also name the unknown or other; owners reported 1 crash in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2015 Ford Explorer covers this system.
Fuel/propulsion system: 86 complaints
- 86 complaints of 1,791 (5%) name the fuel/propulsion system — the fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors and fuel-system controls.
- 23 of them also name the unknown or other; owners reported 1 crash and 11 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2015 Ford Explorer covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 3 |
| 2015 | 51 |
| 2016 | 119 |
| 2017 | 270 |
| 2018 | 139 |
| 2019 | 183 |
| 2020 | 123 |
| 2021 | 89 |
| 2022 | 91 |
| 2023 | 152 |
| 2024 | 181 |
| 2025 | 250 |
| 2026 | 140 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names EXPLORER, model year 2015. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2015 Ford Explorer recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Ford Explorer?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2015 Ford Explorer's most common problem areas are the structure (409 of 1,791 complaints), steering (345 of 1,791 complaints) and engine (226 of 1,791 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2015 Ford Explorer have?
NHTSA has 1,791 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Ford Explorer, including 37 reported crashes and 1 reported fire.
Is there a recall for the 2015 Ford Explorer's problems?
NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2015 Ford Explorer; 2 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.