The Lemon Index2015 Ford Explorer.
The 2015 Ford Explorer is one of the worst years by owner complaints: 582 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 267, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 9 recalls, and it gets 18 to 23 mpg combined. The best Ford Explorer year is 2008.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
Fixes owners look up most.
From 100 YouTube videos about the 2011–2019 Ford Explorer, 25.8M views. The 2015 is the same generation.
- Cooling system1.2M views
How to change a water pump in Ford V6 3.5 & 3.7-liter engines 2012-19 Explorer, Taurus, Edge & moreC.L.S. ALL-IN-ONE · 1.2M views - Windows, doors & mirrors669K views
2011 - 2019 Ford Explorer Water In The Floors and Here is Why - Sunroof Drain CleaningFord Boss Me - Auto / Politics / Family · 148K views · 6 videos - Intake, EGR & engine sensors668K views
2019 ford explorer tire pressure sensor reset procedureGearhead slick · 277K views · 5 videos - Steering & suspension485K views
How to Replace Front Lower Control Arm Bushing 2011-2019 Ford ExplorerTRQ · 168K views · 4 videos
Show 4 more
- Infotainment, battery & electrical416K views
Ford Explorer - A/C COMPRESSOR FUSE & RELAY LOCATION (2011 - 2015)QuiteAlright · 131K views · 4 videos - Heat, A/C & blend door390K views
2011 - 2019 Ford Explorer Cabin Air filter - How To Change Remove Replace - A/C AC Filter LocationPYR Automotive · 390K views - Death wobble & steering371K views
2013-2015 Ford Explorer. Hard electronic power steering/Electronic failure module/motorKilmar Grease Monkey · 259K views · 2 videos - Gauges, lights & wiring361K views
2011-2015 Ford Explorer Headlight Bulb Replacement & How to Replace Head Light Bulbs XLT XLS LimitedWorkingWithWimberley · 240K views · 2 videos
Before you buy, watch
Top 5 Problems Ford Explorer SUV 5th Generation 2011-20191A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics Know · 1.3M views
Common problems with the Ford Explorer from 2011 to 2015.El papá de los autos · 304K views
Top 5 Problems with the FORD EXPLORER | 5th Generation 2011 - 2019Alex The Car Doctor · 288K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them.
How serious. Out of 1,808 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Ford Explorer year. 2015 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 30K to 92K miles on the car (1,158 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- body structure complaints mostly came at 58K–120K miles
- steering complaints mostly came at 42K–90K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 6K–60K miles
Recalls 9
- back over prevention 2025
The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
- body structure 2024
The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
- suspension 2021
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.
Show all 9 recalls
- suspension 2021
The outboard section of a rear suspension toe link may fracture.
- transmission & drivetrain 2020
The support bracket for the front drive axle halfshaft may fail.
- suspension 2019
The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
- wheels 2017
These bearings assemblies were manufactured without a self retention feature, possibly resulting in the separation of the wheel or wheel end.
- suspension 2016
The affected vehicles may have improperly welded rear suspension toe links that may fracture.
- parking brake 2015
The affected vehicles have a parking brake that may not fully engage when applied.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Ford told dealers about
Ford sent dealers 124 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Some vehicles transmission will experience, after a cold soak or an extended period with…
- Some vehicles and trucks are experiencing a malfunction with the heated steering wheel becoming
- Some 2015-2016 f-150, c-max, edge, mks, taurus, and flex and 2016 expedition, explorer,…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedWindshield trim molding item detachment2023–2024
- ClosedExhaust odor in passenger cab2017–2023
- ClosedFord explorer exhaust odor2016–2017
- ClosedFront brake hose failure2015–2018
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2800–3550 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
I was driving and while turning I lost steering assist controls. No power steering at all. I all most crashed in mid turn.
2015 Ford Explorer owner · NHTSA complaint 11058290
More owner reports
During harder than normal acceleration, there is a very powerful sulfur (rotten egg smell) that fills the cabin. The smell id so powerful that you cannot stay more than 10 mins in the car without being sick
NHTSA complaint 10758923
Lost all power steering and vehicle was almost impossible to steer. Ford dealer replaced electronic power steering rack.
NHTSA complaint 10731777
Quick answers
Is the 2015 Ford Explorer reliable?
No, it is one of the worst by government complaints. It drew 2.7× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 267; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Ford Explorer year by this measure since 2010 is 2024.
What are the most common 2015 Ford Explorer problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (20%), steering (16%) and fuel or ev drive system (10%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2015 Ford Explorer have?
9 safety recalls (latest: back over prevention). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2015 Ford Explorer get?
18 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2015 Ford Explorer safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2015 Ford Explorer problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 30,000 and 92,100 miles. The middle report was at 57,000 miles, from 1,158 complaints.
Does the 2015 Ford Explorer have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 5% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2015 Ford Explorer cost in fuel a year?
About $2800 to $3550 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2015 Ford Explorer have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
What Ford Explorer year is better than the 2015?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2019, 2018 and 2010.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works