2015 Ford Explorer Complaint Log

The A-Pillar Windscreen TRIM on each side of the vehicle are a failed Ford design and require pending replacement to prevent them flying off whilst traveling and endangering other road users or pedestrians.

Backup camera either shows black screen, or a warming box appears stating to see dealership. Will work intermittently.

While driving the temp started to fluctuate, causing the car the shut down in traffic. I had no clue what was happening. The only warning I got from the vehicle was a check engine light. This should not be possible. I understand the design is meant to protect the engine, but what about the driver. This was horrible and I've seen hundreds of others with this same issue. This needs to be recalled. In addition, it will cost me 4000 to fix this...while the pump itself only costs 200. The labor is the other 3800. This is a horrible thing to do to drivers.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) approximately two years ago; however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving on two occasions at 55 MPH, the A-pillar trims detached and flew off the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where the recall repair could not be performed due to parts not being available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 212,000.

The air bag system light came on. Dealer says repair requires splicing into passive restraint system wiring to repair. To me seems unacceptable as a method of repair as the passive restraint system saves lives. As a former highway patrolman for California I see what airbags do to save lives and the fact that ford refuses to help with a passive restraint system on a vehicle I just purchased seems as if they want my family endanger. And they want me to pay for a splice wire job which puts my family at a higher risk of injury or death. Ford has had vehicle for two weeks and their rectification to the issue is splice the wires se attached email from dealership

Air bag light comes on intermittently. Current mileage 62,094. Noted 21 prior complaints on your site. Brought to dealer who told me the problem was with a wire harness failure. None of the safety air bags will operate/deploy when this light is on. A faulty harness that had failed will put me and my passengers in serious jeopardy of injury or death in the event of an accident. This diagnosis cost me $149 only to find out it would cost hundreds of dollars more to have the problem fixed. Internet research reveals this problem was addressed in a 2016 technical bulletin 16-0001; Code B141B. We purchased this vehicle as a certified pre-owned vehicle after Ford issued the technical bulletin. No mention of Ford's internal bulletin was made by the dealer at the time of my purchase. Ford has been aware of this problem for years. According to the dealership technician there is no formal recall to have this manufacturing defect corrected by Ford at no cost to the purchaser of the vehicle. Didn't fully functional air bags come as part of my certified pre-owned purchase? I expect the manufacturer's safety equipment to be fully functional. Please review 2015 Explorer Owner's Manual as follows: Child Safety (pages 18-37), Safety Belts (pages 38-48) Personal Safety System (page 49) and Supplementary Restraints System (pages 50-61) with particular attention to page 49 bearing in mind that NONE of these safety features work when the air bag light is on. What good are safety features that are disabled by a manufacturing defect in the wiring harness? Ford has not only disappointed its customers, it has put them in serious jeopardy when using their product. Your rating system notes Crash, Fire, Injuries and Deaths. Do not wait for a positive notation in any of these categories before you act on safety recommendations, including a mandated recall, which is your primary tool for preventing future civil transportation accidents.

Front Window Trim fell off while traveling on highway, the noise startled me and I was going 70 mph, did not see the part fall off and this is the second incident. The shop I took vehicle to the first time said it was a poor design and this happens often. Trim replacement part is 67.00. I bought a used vehicle, had 126,000 miles on it at purchase. I feel the poor design needs to be remedied at the manufacturers expense. please make a decisive recommendation for consumers. this is unacceptable.

Rear camera stopped working

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal, before accelerating as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact called the dealer and was informed that the vehicle was not under recall or covered under warranty; and was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The manufacturer had not been notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 37,500.

The passenger side window trim flew off on the expressway. Barely missing the vehicle behind. The drivers side trim looks as if it's becoming detached also.

Airbag light on. Caused by fraying wires/bad connector under 2nd row passenger seat. Ford is aware of the incident and has made a solution at the owner’s expense.

Last year I had to have the electric power steering pump replaced as it completely locked up almost causing an accident while trying to turn, this year now the steering shaft froze up while driving in traffic. Totaling $3,100.00 to fix when I was told this is something that should never need to be replaced and I drive my vehicle very carefully with my children in it .

While driving around 45 mph I was startled by something black flapping against the passenger side of the windshield. I thought I must have hit a large bird and it was caught somehow. I immediately pulled off the road to see what happened. I found a large strip of rubber sealer had come loose from around my windshield and was causing the flapping, also the windshield trim was gone. I drove back the way I came and found the missing part in the road. Yes I feel this is a hazard to traffic. I was very startled with the commotion and if there was a car behind me they could have been startled by flying pieces of my car. I haven't had the repairs done yet.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the retention clips were not flush with the rest of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed and determined that the A-pillar and retention clips were not properly engaged. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the A-pillar and retention clips were replaced again. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) as a possible solution; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that rainwater was entering the vehicle. There is water on the front floorboard. The contact stated that the sunroof motor became inoperable, and the sunroof could no longer be opened. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and provided the contact with a claim number, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 127,021.

Backup camera - the backup camera stopped working at approximately 86k miles.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. Additionally, the contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, the vehicle was shuddering. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the crankshaft pulley needed to be replaced; however, the part was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 65,417.

The steering wheel was no longer operable(loss control of vehicle) We were turning into a gas station to purchase gas and the steering wheel failed I was able to miss the car at the pump next to the one I was attempting to park at. I purchased this vehicle 3/10/2023 I was not aware of any recalls or anything until tonight. I did not have any lights on indicating an issue but I had been reaching out to the dealer because I sensed something was wrong with the vehicle. My attempts to get it diagnosed went ignored until 4/25/23 when this incident occurred.

The windshield trim piece on the passenger side flew off while driving and could have hit another vehicle /property or a person causing damage or injury. Online research indicates there is a known issue with these parts. However, I was unable to locate a recall.

Was driving on the freeway going about 60mph when passenger side windshield moulding flew off the vehicle and hit my windshield & mirror. I have no idea where the part landed. My concern is - the part should not just fly off even on an older vehicle. I have no idea if the part hit anyone else’s vehicle. I had no warning that this part could just fly off.

Waterpump

A-Pillar molding suddenly detached and flew off while driving down interstate. The driver's side flew off in October of 2020. Caused me to swerve as I thought I hit something. Thankfully, no one was beside me. I didn't realize what it was until I was able to pull over at rest stop. Passenger side flew off while on highway in April of 2023. This time, the seal/gasket remained attached and was slapping the side of the vehicle until I could get somewhere to top and yank it off. The pillar molding caused several vehicles behind me to swerve, but no accidents were caused. Both times this happened, several of the plastic clips appear to have been broken. Both times this happened, there was no warning. No sounds or minor lifting to indicate that something might be loose. After the driver's side one happened, I took the vehicle in to the dealership and was told by Barton Ford that "this is a common problem with this style of Explorer." I could not afford the amount that I was quoted to replace. Also, after the first incident, I started noticing how many other Explorers are driving around with the same issue. This is ridiculous that Ford is allowing this issue to remain unresolved. I live in the country, where highway speeds are common on back roads and the sound alone that this makes is terrifying. I thought that I blew a tire and there was rubber on my windshield the first time. The second time, I had people slowing down and trying to get away from me probably in fear that more parts were going to suddenly start falling off. Also caused cosmetic damage to my passenger side door and windows due to the "flapping" of the rubber.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension) and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly became extremely difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be inspected. The mechanic determined that the rear suspension had a negative toe angle. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 83,000.

Rear cross traffic alert stopped working . No warning signs. Out of warranty 2015 Ford Explorer. When backing up and someone walks behind vehicle audible alert does not work. Only 35,000 miles on vehicle, original owner. Dashboard screen still works. First time occurance. Screen menu shows alert is turned on.

Rear camera is faulty. Screen will “roll” like bad movie film. Sometimes it’s a black screen. Sometimes the screen doesn’t change at all and says to contact dealer.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the driver’s side A pillar windshield trim panel detached and flew off the vehicle. The contact was able to continue driving. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE23001 (Structure). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the air bag warning light intermittently appeared on the instrument panel while starting the vehicle. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 161,645.

The driver side windshield trim separated from the vehicle while driving on the freeway. Upon inspection at our destination, it was evident that 4 of the plastic clips had broken causing the failure. The driver behind us was able to avoid the flying debris from this incident. We have not taken it in for repairs yet. There was no warning or early indication of this problem prior to it occurring. Concerned the passenger side will do the same.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH and turning the vehicle to the left, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the steering wheel was also jerking while attempting to steer through the turn. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but recurring. The contact stated that the failure occurred mostly at slower speeds while turning. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the intermediate shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.

I am unable to take this matter to the dealer, as they have shut down thier business.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with a thumping sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that when the ignition was turned to the on position, the vehicle failed to start with the lights illuminated inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 128,000.

EPS unit started clunking loudly when turning right in a parking lot. Replaced by a mechanic and clunking no longer present.

Vehicle use an electrical power assist. Vehicle became hard to steer leading to unsafe condition.

I was driving on the highway on my way to work and the windshield trim panel on the passenger side flew off of my vehicle. This is definitely a safety hazard as this flying part could have hit another vehicle and/or caused an accident.

Component failure- Water Pump , causing extensive repairs. Car shut down while driving . I have estimate from independent service center. No inspection by manufacture on my particular vehicle, but a class action lawsuit was filed in February 2022 for another individual. Warnings didn’t appear until vehicle started to shut down.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the exterior A-pillar trim was detaching from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed by an independent mechanic or the local dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The window trim on the passenger side flew off while I was driving on the freeway. Also, my backup camera has been malfunctioning, the camera works off and on. It will work, then black out. At times is does not work at all.

Without any warning, the engine and power system failed while on the highway. There was no system warning lights preceding the event, and the vehicle had be well maintained. We were lucky to have been able to get off the road by safely coasting. Once towed to the mechanics, we were told that a rod had failed and entire would need to be replaced.

Windshield panels pulling away from the window.

My rear camera intermittently goes off in the middle of backing up.

3/23 I noticed my coolant reservoir was empty. The vehicle was involved in a minor accident in 12/22 and so I thought coolant slowly leaked out due to the accident. The vehicle was repaired at a collision center so I was concerned they didn't repair or totally missed the leak. I filled it up and took the Explorer for an oil change and that is when the mechanic informed me that I had a small coolant leak. I contacted the collision center and my insurance and both were stating that was from wear and tear. They also proceeded to tell me that is a big issue with the Explorers and certain other vehicles. They mentioned a lawsuit was filed in MA because of this issue. The leak start to get worse, causing me to constantly refill the reservoir with coolant. Always had to have coolant in the vehicle because you just never know. I take the EXPLORER to Ford for a diagnostic and they confirmed it was the internal water pump. This seems to be an issue and recalled because of a defective part or the way the vehicle was built. The leak can happen at any time and mine had 114,000 miles. My other 2010 Ford F150 has 180,000 miles and I have never had this issue. Needless to say, I had to for over $2,300 for the dealership to repair.

Driver's side windshield molding flew off while traveling on the PA turnpike at approximately 70mph. This not only startled myself (the driver) but caused the vehicle behind me to swerve. No accident was caused as there were no vehicles in the left lane of traffic at that time.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 55-60 MPH, the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that the vehicle had lost steering gear functionality. The contact was able to pull the steering wheel and regain control. There was an unknown steering message displayed. The contact stated that the traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering gear, connecting rod, and rear toe link needed to be replaced, but the parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was unknown.

We have had power steering loss upon starting our 2015 Ford Explorer front wheel drive with park assist. This evening 2/13/2023 my wife called me to tell me the steering has stopped working again and she could not turn the wheels. The power rack has totally failed and I AS A STRONG MAN COULD HARDLY turn the wheels. I limped it home and it was all I could do to turn the wheels even going down the road. I am upset that Ford would of made this type of self sealed power rack that can fail and one will lose all control of the steering. Because it is so hard to turn the wheels. No woman can turn when in this situation and can wreak their Explorer because of this failure. Ford need to fix this issue and not just put the same part back into the Explorer. So anyone that owns a 2015 Explorer be aware of this issue!!

Windshield Trim: My windshield trim began stripping off of my windshield as I was traveling on highway speeds on I-10 back in August 2022. I managed to "glue" the trim back into place until getting to the dealership. They informed me that it would be cheaper to replace the whole windshield since I had existing chips and a crack (through my insurance) than it would be to replace the trim. Therefore, I filed a claim through my insurance and paid my $500 deductible to have the windshield and trim replaced. Check Engine Light: Throughout the life of my vehicle, I have had multiple episodes of Check Engine Light errors and "running lean codes." More recently in October 2022 at 102,000 miles, I experienced check engine errors with running lean codes. After $8k and 4 separate trips to the Ford Dealership from October 2022 to January 2023 to "fix" the problem by overhauling my engine and replacing sensors etc, the check engine light is gone (for now). There is obviously a widespread problem with Ford Explorers and their check engine lights. Ford Consumer Affairs will not provide financial support since they indicated that even though my vehicle is less than 150,000 miles, it is over their 7 year mark (mine just turned 8 years old). I have copies of all receipts and are available upon request. Rear Backup Camera: My camera has been glitching in and out (while in reverse) for the last year and is a safety concern.

Right "A pillar" cap broke off while driving on the freeway

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the HVAC system was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the water pump was faulty, causing coolant intrusion into the engine, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

I was driving on the interstate at 60 mph and the passenger side windshield panel flew off. As far as I know, it did not hit any vehicles that were traveling behind me.

While driving down the interstate, the driver’s side windshield trim panel flew off my vehicle.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal noise was heard coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that the noise occurred for several days however while driving 55 MPH, there was an abnormal clunking sound heard as the vehicle jolted forward. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed, and a grinding noise was heard as the vehicle was parked. The grinding noise stopped after the vehicle was placed in the park. The contact inspected the vehicle and found no objects. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the failure as a rear axle bolt fracture. The contact was informed that the driveshaft and bolt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The independent mechanic advised the contact to call the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V255000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The contact called a Ford dealer and was awaiting an appointment for a diagnostic test. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.