Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 1,777 complaints with NHTSA about the 2015 Ford Explorer, and it carries 9 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 313 | 18% |
| Unknown or other | 290 | 16% |
| Steering | 282 | 16% |
| Engine | 134 | 8% |
| Back over prevention | 70 | 4% |
| Air bags | 57 | 3% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 51 | 3% |
| Suspension | 43 | 2% |
| Power train | 38 | 2% |
| Structure | 38 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
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 unavailable. The contact stated that the
NHTSA complaint: Back over prevention
While driving, the traction control failed, which caused the vehicle to no longer accelerate. Had to safely pull over and restart the vehicle, which reset the traction control warnings. But it happened again the next day
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
The analog rearview backup camera module failed. The physical component is still installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. The driver is left completely blind to pedestrians, small children,
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact's brother became aware that the driver's side exterior B-pillar trim was loose. The contact was concerned that the front
NHTSA complaint: Structure
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact stated that while parked, the windshield molding trim next to the pillar and windshiel
NHTSA complaint: Structure
Manufacturer Safety recall: # 24S02 2011-19 Explorer A-Pillar Trim Detachment Safety NHTSA: #24V031 [XXX] came a loose on FL interstate and reported to Riverside Ford 8-17-26 And dropped car off 8-18-26 They kept car t
NHTSA complaint: Structure
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not available. The contact stated
NHTSA complaint: Back over prevention
NHTSA Safety Complaint — Ford Recall 25V695 / 25SA9 Rearview backup camera has stopped working, limiting rear visibility. Camera is still installed and available for inspection. I cannot clearly see behind my SUV when
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the 2015 Ford Explorer. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
Risk: A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, and inspect both rear toe link ball joints, replacing the rear wheel knuckle(s), if necessary, free of charge. The rec
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain Wheel Hub Bearing assemblies, part number HB5Z-1104-C, incorrectly listed as being for installation on the rear axles of 2011-2017 Ford Explorer 4X2 vehicles. These bearings assemblies were manufactured without a self retention feature, possibly result
Risk: A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify the distributors of the hubs specifying that they are to only be used on drive axles. It is believed that none of the hubs were purchased from Ford dealers for the incorrect applicat
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 23, 2015, Lincoln MKT vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 21, 2015, and 2015-2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 23, 2015. T
Risk: If the parking brake does not fully engage and the transmission is left in a gear other than 'Park' while on a slope, the vehicle may roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will test the operation of the parking brake system, and if necessary, replace the parking brake control assembly, free of charge. The recall began on September 4,
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured January 17, 2014 to May 31, 2014. The affected vehicles may have improperly welded rear suspension toe links that may fracture.
Risk: A fracture of the rear suspension toe link may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. The recall began on November 18, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. F
| Reliability | 48 | below average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 64 | average |
| Maintenance | 69 | good |
| Depreciation | 63 | average |
| Performance | 67 | good |
| Efficiency | 36 | below average |
| Safety | 93 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 1,777 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and structure is the most reported area with 313 of them (18%). There are 9 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 48/100 (below average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density, adjusted for how many were sold so a popular model is not penalised for having more owners.
AVOIR scores its longevity 64/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2015 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 62/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.