2015 Ford Explorer Complaint Log

Driving down the road and making a right turn into a gas station, I heard a popping noise coming from the front, passenger, tire area. I let it go for a couple days but the noise didn't go away. A day earlier, I picked up the vehicle from Ford (had the recalls addressed). Never was informed of a problem with the front end what so ever...I decided to take the vehicle to Firestone. They checked and found the "rack and pinon" needed to be replaced because the popping noise was coming from inside the system. The repair was estimated to cost $2600.00. Firestone informed me that they called Ford for replacement cost and Ford said they didn't have any to sell. I've read various chat rooms for 2015 Ford Explorer issues and found NHTSA was aware of the problem but no recalls had been issued by Ford. NHTSA, I urge you to push the manufacturer, Ford, to issue a recall on 2015 Ford Explorers and have the rack and pinon issue fixed. This must happen before unsuspecting drivers and their passengers (let alone other drivers and maybe even pedestrians if the car's steering wheel was to lock up as has been reported by other drivers in chat rooms) are hurt or killed. I hope this complaint will be the one that compels NHTSA to act on a recall. After 20+ years working for DOT, I have hope that NHTSA will push Ford to act. Thank you.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that he received notification of Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP): 21B11 (Second Row Inflatable Seat Belt); however, the part to do the repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The local dealer and two unknown dealers were contacted several times and informed the contact the part was not yet available for Customer Satisfaction Program. The dealer later informed the contact that the Customer Satisfaction Program had expired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist because the Customer Satisfaction Program had expired. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled and then lost motive power. The engine temperature warning light was illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and the contact was advised to tow the vehicle to the local dealer for diagnostic test and repair. The vehicle was then towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

The contact owns a 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue 3.8. The contact stated that he smelled a fuel odor throughout the vehicle. The oil warning light intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the front valve cover and the front valve cover gasket needed to be replaced. The contact refenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V116000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000. Th VIN was unavailable

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 mph in the rain when the vehicle began to fish tale. The contact had to use excessive force in order to control the vehicle until they were unable to safely pull over. The hazards had to be used due to them needing to reduce speed to approximately 40 mph. The contact had taken the vehicle to a certified mechanic who aligned the wheels. The contact was informed that due to the repair for recall NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension) that they received there was no adjuster to correctly align the front and rear wheels. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred them to the dealer. The approximate failure mileage was 94,000.

The toe-link on the rear-passenger side wheel broke and caused the vehicle to fish-tail uncontrollably before going into the ditch and rolling. My wife was driving with our two sons, 3 & 1 at the time, luckily no one was physically injured apart from some minor bumps and bruises. After the fact, we found out there was a recall on this specific part and it was repaired but, again, there was a recall on the replacement part. We were never notified, we have friends with the same vehicle that were never notified and are still trying to get the part repaired. Since this part failed and subsequently our vehicle totaled we were forced to buy an older, higher mileage vehicle at an inflated cost. Does Ford bear any responsibility to make this right or does it not matter until there are fatalities?

Water pump damaged the engine and water pump replacement cost is high and I cannot afford that kind of service because a stupid designed engine. The part is really cheap compared with the cost of the labor and hours to replace. Suggested from the mechanic replace the engine and the cost is high . I do not have a car anymore and they don’t want to do it.

The vertical black plastic trim piece along the side of the windshield on the drivers side of the car detached and flew away while driving on the highway.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that she noticed that the front passenger’s side door panel had started to detach. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the trim panel needed to be repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that she heard noise in the rear driver's and passenger side wheels. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the rear wheel knuckle was previously replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number and advised to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

Vehicle stopped suddenly as I was driving on the highway. When I was able to resume driving the vehicle began to drag as if there was no power. The check engine light came on. I was eventually able to reach a auto supplier who checked the engine light that reported that the blower fan motor was not working. This was a very dangerous situation as the posted speed limit is 55mph and my vehicle suddenly stopped on the highway.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds, the steering wheel seized in a certain position with the "Steering Assist Fault Service Required" warning message on the instrument panel. Upon restarting the vehicle, the power steering failed to operate as needed and excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle. The contact was able to reset the vehicle and drove to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective electric steering rack. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure and was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

The power steering went out while I was driving. I had to hold the steering wheel all the way to the left just to go straight. Had the car towed to the dealership where I was informed the repair would cost $3000 and Ford will not cover any of it. Was told that Ford does not even make the part any more because they had so many problems so they would have to order a refurbished part in order to fix.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the driver's and passenger side door trim panel started to detach from the window’s edge. The vehicle was initially taken to the dealer for a recall repair however, the contact stated that the dealer checked the door trim panel and stated that there were no issues found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided the number to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 114,000.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated the passenger’s side roof rail covering had detached. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000. The VIN was not available.

My 2015 Explorer power steering failed while I was driving and resulted in no control of my vehicle. The Ford dealer has indicated that the Rack And Pinion Assembly, Part Number: E5BZ3504AM needs to be replaced. This is a serious safety concern. I had replaced this part a few years ago but fortunately that time I only experienced creaking noise while turning. Now Ford is telling the dealer there are no parts nationwide and my car is sitting at a dealership and has since August. This needs to investigated as Ford Motor Company will likely supply the service department with another one of these dangerous parts.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while pulling into the driveway at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized with the Service Advance Trac and Steering Loss Stop Safely messages displayed. The contact related the failure to a faulty rack and pinion and steering column; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

2015 FORD EXPLORER ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING ASSIST MODULE RACK AND PINION MY WIFE STARTED THE VEHICLE AND A POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME UP ON THE DASH.WE HAD NO POWER STEERING,THANK GOODNESS IT HAPPENED IN OUR DRIVEWAY AND NOT ON THE ROAD SOMEWHERE. WE WERE ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO THE NEAREST FORD DEALER AND THEY TOLD US THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING ASSIST MODULE RACK AND PINION WAS BAD. WE HAD TO PAY $2500 UP FRONT TO ORDER THE PARTS AND WERE TOLD THE PARTS WERE ON BACK ORDER AND MAY TAKE 2 WEEKS TO A MONTH OR MORE TO COME IN.THEY TOLD US IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE UNTIL FIXED.I STARTED LOOKING UP THIS PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND OUT THIS WAS HAPPENING TO MANY OTHER VEHICLES,FORD EXPLORERS THANKS FOR LOOKING INTO THE PROBLEM AND SAVING LIVES

IT IS REGARDING THE RECALL- THIS PART ACTUALLY CAME OFF A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AGO AND I HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET TO HAVE IT FIXED. SINCE THE REPAIR SHOP STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT REPLACE THE TRIM ALONE AS IT WOULD COMPROMISE HOW THE WINSHIELDS WAS HELD IN THE WHOLE THING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE THE BILL FROM THAT AS WELL AS PICTURES FROM THE TRIM BEING GONE SO IS THERE ANYAY TO GET REIMBURSED FOR THAT SINCE THAT HAS BEEN LABLED A RECALL/DEFECT OF THE VEHICLE?

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle overheated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the water pump was leaking coolant. The mechanic informed the contact that the water pump and timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became inoperable. The power steering assist and advance track warning indicator lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 69,053.

Sitting in my car one day and the engine coolant light came on, so I checked and noticed that it was low but I just had an oil change the prior week that included fluid checks. I purchased coolant and put it in no problem and the following week I'm picking up school supplies and notice fluid leaking from my car, checked coolant and it is all gone on the ground. Luckily I was somewhere to purchase more coolant in order to get it home. Local mechanic says that water pump is gone and it's gonna run about $2k-3k to fix.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while her daughter was driving at an unknown speed, the contact stated that the vehicle was performing abnormally when the coolant temperature warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the coolant leaks while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the water pump cracked and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000

At approximately 101,000 miles noticed a drip of coolant on garage floor . Inspected car , noticed empty coolant expansion tank and leak from water pump weep hole. Took to dealer and confirmed leaking water pump . Vehicle is not equipped with coolant monitor , most people would not of noticed this leak . This has lead to catastrophic engine failure on other Explorers leading to loss of power while driving.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. During the failure the message "Terrain Management Fault" was displayed along with the wrench icon. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated normally, and the message and the wrench icon were no longer displayed. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions and at various speeds. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.

I have been having issues with my vehicle's backup camera for about 3-4 years. Initially, the backup camera rarely went black when I reversed so I was not very concerned Over the years, it has worsened that now every time I drive the camera goes black at least once when I drive my car. There has been no incident due to the camera issue; however, I have had some close calls due to the backup camera not working. The warning beep does work when the backup camera does not. A couple years ago I did inquire about a recall which there was none so instead I asked dealership for a quote on the cost of replacing the camera which was very expensive. I did not not replace it at the time due to the cost and do not foresee doing so in the future for that reason. I learned about the recent backup camera recall but it does not include my vehicle. Thank you for your time.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized. The steering fault message was displayed while the advanced traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

I was driving up north to spend the weekend camping with family and 2 hours into our trip two light went off one being the steering wheel check light a d the other being the advance trac light. I had to pull over completely because i was unable to drive the vehicle.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormally strong burning odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the turbocharging of the cooling lines was weakening. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact became aware of an unknown recall. The contact contacted the local dealer for the recall repair. However, the dealer informed her that the vehicle could not be repaired under the unknown recall as the VIN was not included. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Coolant leaked because of failed water pumps which is a known problem by many Ford Explorer owners.

Every since I bought this vehicle I have intermittent power steering failure while driving. I was assured in the past that the toe link recall took care of this problem but I still continue to have this problem, although not as frequent as was before. While drive when it goes out I get the following errors flash: Service Advan Trac, Steering Assit Fault, and Hill start assist not available. These are the warnings that flashes. As of now, if I can get pulled over and turn off the vehicle and let it sit. Everything runs normal. But what is strange this last time I also got a Power Steering Low error flash up. This is dangerous and I can not believe FORD has not recalled my vehicle for the module when all the years and some of my years have been recalled for it. This is a $$$$ repair.

This has been an intermittent issue for approximately a year. The vehicle experiences binding popping when turning. The steering sticks and takes a second to return to function. I have almost missed curves because of the malfunction. It has not been examined by a dealership, but by a few independent mechanics. Sometimes it cannot be duplicated and in other instances it happens so quickly the tech cannot assess the issue properly. I have not had any warning lights or alerts other than the activity. I am scared to drive my vehicle especially with my kids inside. I have read several forums and this is clearly an issue that Ford is aware of, but has chosen to do nothing about. Please help.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, there was an excessive amount of coolant fluid leaking from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed with a defective water pump. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 83,000.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated she noticed that the front driver’s side door trim was raised nearby the window. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the front driver’s side door panel to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who was able to glue the front driver-side trim back in place. The vehicle was repaired; however, the front passenger’s side door trim experienced the same failure. A dealer was not contacted regarding the second failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH and making a right turn, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and had the rack and pinion replaced on two separate occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The contact continued to experience the failure. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.

Last year the water pump needed to be replaced at 99,500 miles. It cost upwards of $2,000 to be replaced. Fast forward now, a year later the check engine light is on, the car is not accelerating properly and it is back in the shop. The shop called and said it is not as simple as fixing the sensors. They have to look further and thinks it may be the timing chain which would be another $2,000. When it was in the shop a year ago fixing the water pump they said the timing chain at that time looked good. I am so frustrated that the water pump is not a part of a recall since our shop said they are seeing this all the time with Explorers with about 100,000 miles.

Backup Camera failed and only works intermittenly. Mostly doesn't work. Because of the design of the car, it is very hard to see when backing up.

Trim moulding right passenger front window. The piece is not available as it flew off while driving down Highway on 25 June 2022. We don't know what happened to the piece and if it struck anything/one traveling behind us. No warning. We replaced piece.

The transmission went out in the car, because the Transfer Case was bad. I could have been stuck somewhere because of this problem. Ford needs to be more proactive on this. My daughter also had her transmission go out also. NOT OK!!!

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that he previously received a recall notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension) however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. They stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the contact heard a squealing sound when the rear driver’s side wheel started to wobble. As a result, the vehicle steered to the left then swerved and crashed into a guardrail. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was required. No police report was filed. The contact stated that he was able to drive the vehicle at approximately 5 MPH to the nearest dealer where it was diagnosed that the toe link had fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact opened a case however, the case was dismissed and no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 127,644. UPDATE 06/05/2023: Consumer contacted NHTSA to inquire whether a federal agency had precedence over sate statutes. Consumer was told that NHTSA doesn't offer legal advice, but may be interested in the file information. Notes to flash drive content and flash drive included.

When accelerating, an odor becomes prominent throughout the cabin of the vehicle. I can only describe the smell as exhaust. This smell usually goes away, or is too faint to notice after a few minutes. If this is exhaust, isn't there a possibility of Carbon Monoxide poisoning? At first, I thought the smell came from some kind of cleaner that the dealer had used when cleaning, but now over a year later, the smell still happens. Only after investigating this smell on the internet, I found that this appears to be a prominent issue with this vehicle.

I purchased this vehicle in May 2021. Within a week after purchasing, the power steering went out completely. When this happened, an indicator came on the dash that said "Steering Assist Fault-Service required". Another indicator came on as well that said "Service Advancetrac". Not only did the power steering go completely out, but the selector that allows me to change modes from grass, snow, sand, normal conditions was not working either. It was no longer lit up and would not respond when I tried to change it. This exact same scenario has actually HAPPENED 6 TIMES NOW in the past year, with the most recent happening on June 21, 2022. Each time, it happens when I am going to a relatively slow speed (under 25 mph) and it is VERY difficult to get it off the road due to the power steering being out. I am only reporting now because I didnt' know how to report it, or that it would do any good at all to do so. When this happened that very first time a week after I purchased it, the dealership said that I would need to have something with the steering replaced. I complained that I had only had the vehicle for 1 week, so they took it back to repair it. The repair apparently didn't fix it becuase it keeps happening. I transport my children in this vehicle daily. If the power steering fails again at a higher speed, a collision is very likely. I do not know why the Advancetrac selector goes out as well when this happens, but it happens every time. Each time this happens, I have to get it to the side of the road, turn off the vehicle, let it sit for a few minutes, and it is usually back to normal when I start it back up. When this happens, there are no indications prior to it that something might be wrong. It is completely random when it happens.

Driving 65-70 mph on highway headed home steering seemed a little stiff going into a curve then cleared up. 10 miles further down the road the steering seems a little hard to keep in my lane and then felt normal again. Coming into town slowing down to about 35-40 mph Service Advancetrac soon light came on. I slowed down as there was no where safe to pull over safely and turned on hazard lights until I could look for a spot to pull over and call my husband. Drove a couple more miles and pulled into a parking lot just as the steering loss light came on and all steering capability was lost. I’ve seen many complaints from owners of same make and model with this problem. Makes me curious why there is no recall on this year model when there are calls for this on previous year models

I took my explorer on June 7, 2022 and had toe link replaced due to recall. We were heading on vacation in it on June 11 and almost wrecked. We took to a garage and we’re told the wrong toe link was put on it because there are no adjustments on it to line it up. On a wet road and when you hit a bump the back end of the explorer wants to slide around. We ruined our tires driving it. It ate the tires on the outside almost down to the wires. The wheels are tiled wrong. It can not be lined up due to toe link being to short and no adjustments on them. It is very dangerous to drive now. We called [XXX] in Morehead Kentucky where they were replaced. They said if it is the parts you sent they couldn’t do anything. Something needs to be done because it deadly to drive right now. My husband is taking off work to take it to Tim Shorts tomorrow to let them look at it. We need the proper toe links put on it and we need a new set of tires due to the damage these have caused. These toe links put myself, my husband and our son’s life in danger. My husband told them if they would have lined it up as they should have they would have known they were the wrong toe links. If I have to I will get a lawyer but I hope I do not have to. We just want the proper toe links and a new set of tires. I will need something to drive while waiting for the repairs. Thank you Sincerely [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Vehicle lost power steering while driving on highway. My self along with 4 other passengers was in danger of running into other vehicles . I was able to get vehicle to repair and the dealership service department has t replace the Electronic Steering gear and program. There were no prior warning before we lost control.

Passenger side front windshield trim flew off the car while driving on the freeway.

Water pump went out and had to have my vehicle towed and I was out of my vehicle for a month and half... Faulty water pump and Ford knows this that is why they have a law suit against them. Then where they put this water put makes the cost even more!!! $1500 labor and $500 water pump then from the water pump going out it mixed oil and water through my engine and leaked all over my compressor so that went out so I had to change that also and that was another $1000.. FORD SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL THES FAULTY WATER PUMPS BECAUSE THEY KNOW THEIR IS A PROBLEM WITH THEM!@!@!@!@

The windshield trim on the passenger side flew off the vehicle unexpectedly while driving 70 mph on the freeway. The piece hit the windshield and then flew off and could have struck a vehicle behind me or caused someone to swerve unexpectedly. This is extremely dangerous. There was no warning lights or indicator light. While searching for recalls online numerous people have complained of this happening to them unexpectedly.

Left side windshield trim molding flew off hitting car behind me. Causing car to then chase me down and run me off the road. Two months later the right side flew off while driving luckily not hitting another car on the road. Something needs done about this. Every Ford Explorer I see on the road is missing one or both of these trim pieces! Do better FORD!

The a pillar trim is defective and there is a currently recall. However the last updated said parts will be available in 2024. We are currently halfway through 2025 with no resolution. This is unacceptable and the manufacture needs to address this ASAP.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the engine temperature gauge indicated the engine temperature was high and overheating. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the water pump had failed. No further information was available. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were contacted but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 123,000.