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    Ford Explorer

    EPA MPG: 19 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 9 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    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

    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)

    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)

    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

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
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    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA
    NA
    NA

    NA

    NA

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    Engine Major
    NA
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    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
    NA
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    NA
    NA
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    NA
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    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.
    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.
    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. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed October 29, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated June 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
    STRUCTURE
    Jan 19, 2024
    A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
    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 April 2, 2025. 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
    SUSPENSION
    Jul 15, 2021
    A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
    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
    SUSPENSION
    Mar 12, 2021
    A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
    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
    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.
    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
    SUSPENSION
    Jun 10, 2019
    A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
    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
    SUSPENSION, WHEELS
    Aug 28, 2017
    A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.
    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
    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.
    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
    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.
    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
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