2015 Ford Explorer Complaint Log

I was driving on the interstate at 65mph and the driverside windshield panel flew off. As far as I know, it did not hit any vehicles that were traveling behind me.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle steering wheel had become firm. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a faulty sensor that was integrated into the steering column. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and filed a case. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

Halogen headlights (9005) are extremely dim which is a known safety issue. Customers are upgrading from halogen to led and xenon. I believe newer explorers upgraded headlights to led. I want Ford to recommend Led headlight alternative at my cost or fix this problem with recall. Drivers are flashing their headlights at nighttime because they think my lights are not on? Many hits on the internet concerning Ford Suva/truck halogen headlight issues.

“CO” Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, Re: Ford Motor Company (No.0:14-cv-61344-WPD 2015 Ford Explorer Sport, “CO” Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, 2015 Ford Explorer Sport, A grate Mechanic has no idea on Vapor Collection or Chemical Analysis To; Ford Motor Company Customer Relations [XXX] Attention; [XXX] 07/06/2021 03/04/2021 Case Number [XXX] and Other CAS Numbers Since Initial and Continual, Complaint Filed 08/20/2015 and Continuing Even Today From; [XXX] Military USAF Retired TSgt [XXX] Subject; This was my 17th Ford Purchased, and MY LAST… I Purchased My 2015 Ford Explorer Vin [XXX] and Filed a Complaint 08/20/2015 Requesting Help from Rich Ford Albuquerque New Mexico with the Carbon Monoxide in my 2015 Ford Explorer Sport Vin [XXX] that is Continuing Today see notes attached, 08/20/2015 I Bought My NEW, 2015 Ford Explorer Sport, Vin [XXX] For $59,000 Dollars At Rich Ford Auto Dealership, (505) 292-0000 8601 Lomas Blvd NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico. 87111 (505) Service Righter [XXX] in 08/20/2015 Now Service Manager [XXX] Rich Ford Service Manager [XXX], confirmed they have done this and all notices from Ford, TBS16-0165 became Ford recall program 17N03 and supplement #1 dated October 26/2017 expires December 31/2019 Service Manager [XXX] Informed me that I would be charged for any further Service I filed complaints 08/20/2015 up Until Today with, Rich Ford, Ford Motor Co, Ford Motor co.com, with NO response. Co2 Carbon Monoxide Exhaust Complaint, I have become; Red Skin, Sleepy, Sick, Nauseous, Vomiting, 08/20/2015 The Rich Ford Auto Dealership Salesman Informed me that this was that new car smell, I filed complaints 08/28/2015 Until Today with, The Rich Ford Auto Dealership Salesman Infor INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the steering became very difficult to turn. The contact was able to steer the vehicle; however, extra effort was needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven back to his residence and the vehicle regained power steering functionality after turning off and then restarting the vehicle. The contact stated that he recently started hearing a grinding noise coming from the transfer case. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the PTU transfer case needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

I was pulling out on busy road and once i entered the road the car started to shutter. The vehicles power train management. System error flashed on the dash and I lost all power to the engine. I put my foot to the floor and nothing happened. Lucky I was nearly able to get over to the side of the road. I then put the vehicle into park and the engine started to shake violently. I then shut the car off to make sure the engine did not get any further damage. Once turned back on everything seemed normal. This was ver scary. Ford needs to address this issue as it seems to be more common after doing research.

The steering on my 2015 Explorer, the rack and pinion, is broken. My SUV has only 55K miles and has never been driven off-road. For repairing this issue, the cost is $3300. I called Sheehy of Gaithersburg, from whom I purchased the SUV, and told them the problem after finding out that this was a known issue. According to them, they are aware of it, but there is no remedy at this time. I was a bit bewildered because there was a remedy, i.e., fix the rack and pinion. Nevertheless, I was told that it was okay to drive with faulty steering despite the safety issue; furthermore, I won't be reimbursed if I decide to fix it. I am just so disappointed that Ford is okay with taking such a position, especially since it is a known safety issue.

My child was trying to buckle her seatbelt (right seat, middle row) and the part that you insert the metal into snapped apart. HUGE safety issue. What if it broke during an accident. We were sitting still (car in park) in our driveway thankfully.

Vehicle placed in park, driver exited vehicle, vehicle disengaged from park and advanced forward. Vehicle stopped by crash. Ford customer relations was notified and documented concern. Driver injured attempting re-enter vehicle to apply brake. Powertrain assembly or shift linkage possible result of issue.

See attached document for complaint

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon shifting the vehicle into reverse, the rearview camera displayed an inverted image. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the rearview camera. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V368000 (Back Over Prevention); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 87,000.

Water pump and leaking

My SRS air bag light came on intermittently and is now on all the time. A internet search showed many years of explorer also have this problem. It appears MANY owners are having this same safety problem and Ford is charging full price for repair. CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE WHEN AIR BAGS ARE NOT WORKING. A RECALL IS NEEDED!

Explorer has approximately 69k miles. Rack and pinion has to be replaced. Rubbing sound when wheel is turned and steering wheel 'sticks' when turned. Power steering power is also affected. Not under warranty. Checked by independent repair shop.

When driving the vehicle, my check engine light will come on, the car will shake, start to slow on its own, the steering wheel locks up. If I am on the highway, I better be able to steer the wheel quickly to pull over or else I will be in the middle of the highway. All of this happpens within a minute. The car forces you to turn it off or it will shake uncontrollably. Once you turn it off you have to remove the key, open a door and then start the car again and it drives like nothing is wrong with it. It is like there is a default in the computer system that is powering the vehicle. This has happened to be four times. It’s very scary and extremely unsafe

The reverse camera randomly cuts out while I am reversing. I have almost hit cars and can't rely on it to back up safely.

Was driving at a speed of 45 mph. Suddenly my power steering went out. Could barely steer it. A steering assist fault service required and advance trac system lights came on. My 4 wheel drive did not work. I have had this vehicle for 3 years and only put 20,000 miles on it. It has a little over 100.000 miles on it. It is gonna cost me 2400.00 to have this issue fixed. I noticed a lot of 2015 Ford Explorer Sport vehicles are having this concern! Please help us!! Thank you so much!

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V675000 (Suspension) and 21V537000 (Suspension) however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool showed no open recalls.

This is the 4th time this has happened. When driving on the highway all of a sudden warning bells go off dashboard lights up indicating Terrain Fault. Power steering goes out almost causing me not to make my turn. I pull over and look and I have error about Power assist, terrain fault and one other I don’t remember. At this point I am under able to steer the vehicle. So I turn it off for a few minutes and restart it and what do you know…. Everything is just fine. This is very sporadic and by the time I take it in to read codes none are there. When I speak to the dealership they act like they have never heard of this happening.

I was stopped on the highway behind two other cars that were also stopped at a lane merger. A car hit my vehicle from behind and the impact caused my vehicle to hit the car in front of me, and that car to hit the car in front of them. When I unbuckled my seatbelt and got out of my vehicle, I noticed that my seat (driver's seat) had reclined backwards. I have lower & mid back pain as a result of the crash. My vehicle is currently at a tow lot where it has been labeled a total loss.

Power steering assist light came on and I lost my power steering all of a sudden. Stopped car turned it off started again and it worked for a minute then came back on.

I drove to a soccer tournament with my wife and 3 small kids over 2 hours away from my home. about 5 mins away I received an alert that my advance trac system was disabled. When I was pulling in the hotel parking lot I received a warning that I had a steering system failure and to stop the vehicle. At this point it the power steering was totally disable and I barely missed hitting a parked car due to lack of steering control. I was able to guide the Explorer to an open space in the hotel parking lot. I was totally frustrated and terrified because if the failure had happened just two minutes earlier I would have likely crashed at highway speeds! So I was stranded in a new town 2 hours away from home with no idea how I was going to get home or how to get my Explorer diagnosed. I had the Explorer towed to a nearby dealership. (Midland Ford in Midland Michigan) to get it diagnosed. In the meantime I had to find away to get my kids and my wife back home 2 hours away before Monday morning (School & Work) without a car and on a Sunday. I was able to to find a way home but we arrived very early Monday morning. I am now facing a repair job of $2600. I surely do not think that I should pay for what is apparently a common and known defect for my Explorer. A clear safety issue that put me and my family at risk while leaving me stranded 2 hours from home.

The rack and pinion is bad and grinds when turning. Yes vehicle is available for inspection if needed. no warning lamped have shown up to date other than major grinding when turning.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH and turning into a parking lot, the steering wheel inadvertently seized. The warning message "Steering Malfunction, Serviced Needed" appeared on the instrument panel. The contact stated that she turned off and restarted the vehicle however, the failure persisted. The contact was able to pull into a parking space with assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced, and that the failure was a manufacturer’s defect. The contact stated that the vehicle was not repaired and was towed back to her residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that they could not assist because there was no open recall related to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.

My son-in-law was driving our car with his family and the power steering went out while on the highway. The error message on the car was “Steering Assist Fault Service Required’. He could barely control the car to get it off the highway and back home. My husband took it to the dealership the next day but the error message had disappeared. The dealer was unable to diagnose the problem because they couldn’t get the diagnosis code for the issue. Then I was out with my step daughter driving the car and the power steering went out, same error message along with a new error message that read “Steering Fault Service Now”. This has happened several times so we took the car back up to the dealership and they have told us that they can’t replicate the problem and can’t get the diagnosis code so they can’t fix anything. The car has been with them for five days. I explained to the service writer that this issue keeps happening and the car keeps giving us the error message. Are we supposed to just wait until it goes out again and we end up in a horrific car accident? I have read incidents on this site with the same year, make and model all talking about the same issue yet Ford hasn’t recalled the 2015 Explorer to fix this problem. We have photos of the error messages and showed the service writer yet as it stands now they can’t do anything.

Pulled on driver side door handle to open and handle came apart. Smaller piece fell off and larger handle part pulled out from the door.

While my son was driving our 2015 Explorer on the highway @60 mph a month ago, the black mounding trim piece on the driver’s side windshield went flying off, along with a rubber strip that caused him to swerve lanes, almost creating an accident. Then, last week I was driving on the highway through a construction zone late at night when a large black plastic piece(the trim molding on the other side of the windshield) flew off the passenger side and a two foot piece of thick gooey rubber was flapping on my windshield. Fortunately, there were no cars behind me as it occurred, because it startled me and I swerved a little bit & had to quickly pull off the road and ended up have to pull off the flapping/dangling rubber piece because it would not be go back on and was slapping tar on my windshield and body of the vehicle. Ford has advised they want nearly $1,100 to fix the issue which I see from numerous other posts, and from 3 other Explorers I’ve noticed this last week alone in my neighborhood with the same exact defect problem. This is obviously a well known issue as per the numerous posts here, the comments from the two Ford dealerships I’ve been to and a Safelite Auto Glass Repair shop who advised they’ve seen many of these same exact instances on Explorers. It’s unbelievable that the NHTSA hasn’t required Ford to do a recall on these, and it’s despicable that Ford hasn’t proactively offered to replace or repair these for owners, - but instead seems to have no problem gouging consumers on repairs that they tell them they need to pay for themselves!

Body: windshield Trim detached last year and flew off at highway speeds. Didn’t cause damage to my own vehicle but could have bounced off someone else’s. Drivetrain: non serviceable (unable to do a fluid change) on my power train unit. Due to this it started leaking at the front seal and others reported failure during driving. The fix would be to add a drain plug and make it a serviceable unit.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his son-in-law was driving, the power steering assists error message was displayed however, the vehicle was still drivable. The contact stated that the turn signal failed to stay in place while signaling left or right turn. The turn signal switch failed to operate. The contact stated that several days later while driving the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to the dealer a month later where the failure was diagnosed as the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was currently at the dealer for repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

The rear backup camera continually fails due to what appears to be a faulty electrical connection. It stops working while in the middle of a backup almost causing a collision. sometimes it does not work at all.

When I put my car in reverse and start backing up my backup camera screen flickers and then goes completeley blank. My 2015 Ford Explorer only has 31,000 miles on it.

Electronic steering assist gear failed and complete loss of steering was experienced. Driver was traveling at 45 MPH at the time of failure which could have resulted in serious injury or death. Ford was contacted 72 hours ago and has failed to make contact.

Driver side air bag light on.

Multiple times I have started vehicle and the “steering assist fault service required” light has come on. Never stays on for long and still able to drive car. Spoke with Ford dealership and they said I need to bring it in when the light is on. Well the light has come on as well as “service advance Trac” light and now I can not drive my car. Have lost all power steering. I have looked up recalls and see that this has been a problem for 2011-2013 and a lawsuit in process for 2016-2018. Not sure why 2015 is not also a recall because I have seen multiple complaints for the same problem. I believe this is a Ford problem and should not have to pay to have this fixed. I am lucky I was still in my driveway when this happened. I now have to pay a towing company to get my car to dealership to have serviced, when it could have been taken care of multiple times if it was included in recall.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering assist fault and service advanced track warning lights were illuminated, and the vehicle became difficult to steer. The contact continued driving for two miles from where the failure occurred to her residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V675000 (Suspension) however, the vehicle was not yet taken to be repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximate 102,000

Driving on highway at 65 MPH. All the sudden a "Terrain Management" fault error with a wrench icon appeared, and car lost speed and was vibrating. Turned the car off and then on and the fault cleared. The error message is not explained in the user manual and no suggestions how to fix it.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle lost power on several occasions. The vehicle was restarted and operated as designed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed with a faulty throttle body. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.

Front rack and pinion while driving experiencing loss of steering control could be fatal if not strong enough to control vehicle inspected and confirmed that it is the rack and pinion

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the driver's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim had separated and flown off while driving the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to Safelite Auto Glass, where the driver's side and passenger's side windshield exterior A-pillar trims were replaced; however, the contact stated that the replacement trims were detaching. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. 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 failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while reversing out of a parking lot, the steering wheel locked not allowing the contact to steer the vehicle. The contact stated the power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with the power steering assist module needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not under any recall. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

EXHAUST FUMES INSIDE INTERIOR-This seems to only occur on road trips where fast and hard acceleration is needed for highway driving which is not something we normally due. Since we have owned the vehicle, on every occasion of strong hard acceleration there is a strong exhaust / spent fuel smell being brought into the cars interior. We have reached out to the local Ford Dealer several times but without satisfactory results. The exhaust fumes continue to exist in the cars interior upon hard and fast acceleration. My wife just returned from a interstate road trip with signs of exhaust fume poisoning with an extreme headache and very lethargic.What is it going to take for Ford to fix this problem or for a recall to be issued. Will it take fatalities or long term respiratory issues before anything is done to solace this issue. Besides the huge concern about the car owners safety and health; what about the potential diminished resale value of the vehicle due to Ford’s negligence to truly fix this exhaust issue.

Rear backup screen failed to appear on screen. (Rapid flashing on and off)

Steer gear column going out

merging northbound 280 on the freeway, lost all power to vehicle.

2015 Ford Explorer. Consumer writes in regards to NHTSA safety recall 20V-675. Consumer would like to know when parts will be available to perform safety recall. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED.

Driving at interstate speeds I lost total ABS, Traction Control, and Stability Control systems. Putting the lives of my entire family at risk. Also catylatic converts have gone bad

While driving my vehicle my power steering went out. This was while making a left turn. Luckily there were not other vehicles in close proximity and I was able to safely pull into a parking lot. The Ford dealership said that it is the steering rack and after some online research this seems to be a common issue that isn’t being recalled by Ford.

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 need this fixed. It looks like the windshield is going to come off. And the B-pillar seal are now missing so there's now seal around my windshield.

Rack & Pinion failed on 09MAY21; I did not keep the old one, so unfortunately it is not available for inspection. My safety or the safety of others was put at risk; I was turning onto an active roadway from a local store parking lot, when the steering inexplicably locked up on me in the middle of the turn. It freed enough momentarily, by wrenching with all my strength back and forth on the wheel, to get back off of the road onto the shoulder. I narrowly avoided being hit by oncoming traffic in the southbound lane coming down the hill. Yes, the problem was reproduced & confirmed at an independent service center. He placed it on the lift, we both took turns turning the wheel slowly to the right and left; you could both hear and feel the distinct sound of gears clicking & popping after being turned approximately 2/3rds of the way to the right, then back to the left. We took turns standing under the rack and pinion electric steering box, if you placed your hand on the bottom/base, you could feel the hard thump when the wheel was turned as described above. The wheel would intermittently lock up, requiring us to yank hard on it both ways to free it up. No, it was not inspected by anyone aside from myself and the mechanic. No, there weren't any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. It failed suddenly at approximately 93,000 miles.