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2015 Ford Explorer reliability record

Every consumer complaint and recall the U.S. government (NHTSA) has on file for the 2015 Ford Explorer — the repair risk behind the ownership cost.

Source-verified · 2026NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Official source ↗
NHTSA complaints
2,179
990 in the last 5 years
Top problem area
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
393 complaints
Recalls on record
8
see below
Reported harm
52 reported crashes · 140 injuries · 1 fire

What owners report fails — 2015 Ford Explorer

  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER 393
  • STEERING 331
  • STRUCTURE 253
  • ENGINE 225
  • STRUCTURE:BODY 130

8 recalls on record for the 2015 Ford Explorer

  • NHTSA 25V695000 · 2026 · BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CA A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing th
  • NHTSA 24V031000 · 2024 · STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
  • NHTSA 21V537000 · 2022 · SUSPENSION:REAR A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • NHTSA 20V692000 · 2021 · POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT The failed bracket could result in a loss of park function which can cause unintended vehicle movement, and loss of moti
  • NHTSA 20V675000 · 2020 · SUSPENSION:REAR A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Look up these campaign numbers at NHTSA.gov →

Estimate the 5-year cost to own a 2015 Ford Explorer

A vehicle's complaint record hints at the repair and maintenance budget you'll need. Add your state, purchase price, and mileage to the TCO calculator for the full picture.

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These are unverified consumer reports and manufacturer recalls filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — not validated defect rates, and not adjusted for how many 2015 Ford Explorer units were produced or sold. High-volume and older vehicles naturally accumulate more complaints. Use this as one research signal, not a verdict on any individual vehicle. Data as of 2026. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (public domain).

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2015 Ford Explorer reliable?

NHTSA has 2,179 consumer complaints on record for the 2015 Ford Explorer and 8 recalls. The most-reported problem area is unknown or other (393 reports). These are unverified consumer reports filed with the government, not validated failure rates, and are not adjusted for how many 2015 Ford Explorer units were produced — popular vehicles naturally accumulate more reports.

What are the most common problems with the 2015 Ford Explorer?

Owners most often report problems with: unknown or other (393), steering (331), structure (253), engine (225). Each figure is the number of complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

How much does it cost to own a 2015 Ford Explorer?

Ownership cost depends on your state taxes, insurance, fuel, and the maintenance the vehicle's reliability record implies. Use the CarOutlay 5-year TCO calculator to estimate the full cost including the repair risk this complaint record suggests.

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