2015 Ford Explorer: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2015 Ford Explorer? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 1,718 complaints, with Structural Problems as the top reported area.
2015 Ford Explorer Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2015 Ford Explorer trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 6 trims analysed.
2015 Ford Explorer Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2015 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
17.4% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
17.4% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2015 Ford Explorer has 1,718 owner complaints, 35 crash-related complaints, and 9 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Structural Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Ford
- Model
- Explorer
- Model year
- 2015
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 1,718
- Crash-related complaints
- 35
- Safety recall campaigns
- 9
- Top reported component
- Structural Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 20
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 17 / 24
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2015 Ford Explorer Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Structural Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Steering Defects
Complaint patterns center on Structural Problems, Uncategorized Issues, Steering Defects. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2015 Ford Explorer?
The 2015 Ford Explorer shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2015 Ford Explorer
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the vehicle's structural integrity, including frame and body panels.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for steering and engine components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the vehicle's structural integrity, including frame and body panels.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for steering and engine components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2015 Ford Explorer, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2015 Ford Explorer are concentrated in structural problems, uncategorized issues, and steering defects. Crash-related complaints are relatively low compared to total complaints. The data suggests potential concerns with vehicle structure and steering components.
- Structural problems account for the highest number of complaints among specified components.
- Steering defects are the third most reported component, with 338 complaints.
- Engine problems and electrical faults also appear frequently in the data.
- Structural Problems
- Steering Defects
- Engine Problems
All 2015 Ford Explorer Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2015 Ford Explorer. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structural Problems | 395 | 4 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 392 | 6 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 338 | 4 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 290 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 95 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 87 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 86 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 84 | 7 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 83 | 4 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 82 | 10 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 37 | 3 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 29 | 4 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 23 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 19 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 17 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 17 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 16 | 2 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 16 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 15 | 2 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2015 Ford Explorer. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera displayed a blurry or…
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rearview camera image failed to function properly, and the rearview camera image was blank. The contact received notifica…
my B pillars started coming off on the highway going 60 mph. driver side was hanging by electrical piece for the keypad for door opening. my son looked and passenger side coming off as well. had to pull over and duct tape it on. already had A pillars replaced which left side …
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the exterior A-pillar trims…
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera became inoperable. The rearview camera intermittently operated and turned on and off. Occasionally, the screen was blank. The contact received notification of NHTSA Cam…
I've tried for over 3 years get this fix it's the A-pillar trem. Gone to auto nation in corpus christi tx 4 times now. They keep saying they have been trying to get the item. But it on back order still 3 years on back order. Mine came off 4 years ago and almost hit another car. I…
My vehicle has been shaking and clunking for years now, and my dealership has denied me service for two years on account of them not being able to recieve parts
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recalls repairs were not yet available. An unknown dealer was contacted, and the contact w…
My backup camera stoped working out of no where. They have a recall for it that was put out in october and it is now April. That is 6 months ago. I called ford for a update and they refuse to help me. They said they are only servicing mustangs right now. That’s ridiculous.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the rear-view camera was inoperable. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was …
Insignias on motor vehicle labeled as "POLICE" facilitates false impersonation of a police officer and/ perception of false pretenses. Seller has actual knowledge and can be punished under color of law upon a purchase agreement.
Passenger's side A-pillar molding flew off while driving.
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger’s side A-pillar trim fractured. The contact stated that the A-Pillar trim was loosely swinging across the windshield. In addition, the contact stated that because o…
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer wa…
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, one of the windshield exterior A-pillar trims detached and was flapping against the driver's side window before separating from the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Nu…
Rear view camera and A-Pillar clips that were promised in the recalls are still not available, increasing the amount of time that it is unsafe to backup my 2015 Ford Explorer. As well as the A-Pillar clip the endangers other drivers if the trim were to come off.
The specific component or system has not fully failed. However, my vehicle is currently experiencing an intermittent check engine light condition, turning off and on, which was diagnosed at a Retailer producing code P0018 then at the dealership and produced code P0017. The codes …
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front driver’s side A-pillar tri…
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal, roaring sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the contact's husband discovered that …
Since 2024 I have been trying to fix recall 24S02/ 24V031 - EXTERIOR A-PILLAR TRIM but the dealer always has the same answer. We don't have the parts available, we will call you, but they never call back and show no signs of progress. Explorer 2015 [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED P…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2015 Ford Explorer.
2015 Ford Explorer Recalls
9 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2015 Ford Explorer. 9 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2015 Ford Explorer Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2015 Ford Explorer reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 1,718 owner complaints, 35 crash-related complaints, and 9 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2015 Ford Explorer shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Ford Explorer?▾
#1: Structural Problems (395 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (392 complaints). #3: Steering Defects (338 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2015 Ford Explorer?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2015 Ford Explorer?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2015 Ford Explorer, NHTSA complaints include 35 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 1,718 total complaints. 95 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2015 Ford Explorer have any recalls?▾
Yes. 9 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2015 Ford Explorer. A major recall area is SUSPENSION:REAR. 9 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2015 Ford Explorer?▾
The 2015 Ford Explorer shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Structural Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Ford Explorer reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2015 Ford Explorer based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.