general problems of the 2015 Ford Explorer - part 1

84 problems related to electrical system have been reported for the 2015 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2015 Ford Explorer based on all problems reported for the 2015 Explorer.

1 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 01/15/2026

Power lift gate working sporadically.

2 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 11/30/2025

The backup camera is not working which is already a known defect. The sensors in the back of the vehicle also intermittently sound an alert when nothing is behind the vehicle.

3 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 10/15/2025

Recall id 25v695 rear camera. Camera does not work. Please issue a remedy!.

4 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 10/01/2025

The recall campaign from Jan 19,2024 manufacturer recall number24s02 NHTSA recall number24v031 has been open since 2024 and has not had a remedy become available. In the meantime, my passenger side pillar has become detached, as warned in the recall. Rain leaks into my car and causes visibility issues. This is worrisome because I do have three young children, one in a car seat right behind the passenger side. In addition, the second recall,oct 13,2025 manufacturer recall number25sa9 NHTSA recall number25v695 is also an extreme issue with my vehicle. The backup camera has malfunctioned several times, almost daily at this point. It also will not notify me of something behind me as it's intended to at times. Ford has yet to remedy either of these.

5 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 09/01/2025

My backup camera keeps going out and now it’s gone completely out. If it does come up it’s backwards with no assist line and constantly beeping. There are recalls for this same situation with almost all other Fords 2015-2019 I think and immune is doing the same exact thing and no recalls???.

6 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 08/11/2025

Back up camera stopped working due to loss of connection with apim, checked camera module works and wiring in rear gate is good. Issue is in chassis wiring.

7 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 07/08/2025

My back up camera tends to go blank when I reverse. It’ll take some time for it to come back on or sometimes it says to contact Ford.

8 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 06/17/2025

Backup camera went black with words to contact dealership for latest software. The dealership is charging me for a repair that is currently a recall for the exact same issue for new models not 2015 models. There’s been quite a few customers having same issue as I did my research online. I’ve got my elderly parents to care , I can’t afford the repairs. ??.

9 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 06/11/2025

Backup camera doesn’t come on when in reverse. Works maybe 20% of the time. Other maybe 80%, the screen doesn’t do anything or says error.

10 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 05/08/2025

Own a 2015 Explorer having problems with the rear back up system. The display does not always work, which is a real problem when backing up. The safety of persons and vehicles is greatly put at a higher risk. There are other reports of this happing to other year models, only with recalls for the newer models.

11 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 04/06/2025

The current recall of Ford backup cameras including this year but not this vehicle type almost exactly matches what happens with this rear view camera. Either is blacks out completely or when it is on it shows the lines curving when in fact you are going straight and the picture can be extremely blurry as well.

12 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 02/12/2025

Vehicle shuts off at random various speeds. Takes about 3 minutes to get it to restart.

13 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 02/04/2025

The rear backup camera is either a blank black screen, or has distorted display. The directional guides do not display combined with a reverse presentation. Sometimes displays, system is malfunctioning, contact your manufacturer.

14 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 01/11/2025

Parking lights are illuminated and not head lamps for daytime running lights. Was sold by Ford certified dealership. Also has no interior lighting for security. Bcm replaced, and still has same issue, along with the 3rd row seats not functioning, interior overhead lights not functioning, trailer socket not functioning.

15 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2025

Recall number 25s42 should include 2015 Ford Explorers. The rearview camera goes blank or is distorted. It causes the driver the inability to see anything behind the vehicle if the object cannot be seen using the mirrors.

16 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 07/01/2024

This has happened multiple dates. I can't enter that on the next screen. Probably started 9+ months ago. My backup camera goes blank and then back on sporadically. Sometimes, when I put in reverse and sometimes when I'm in the middle of reversing. Sometimes for a couple of seconds (or more) and sometimes until I change gears and go back to reverse. I see there is a recall for some Ford Explorer years and was wondering why the 2015 wasn't included. My issues sound similar to the recalled years. Putting in notice in case there are more 2015s like me experiencing likewise issues. Thank you for taking the time to review my issue. [xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

17 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 05/20/2024

For a few weeks, I thought I had developed an air bubble in my power steering system, as occasionally, steering would have a very slight resistance that I could pull through with minimal effort. I went to check my power steering fluid and upon inspection and research, discovered that my vehicle (a police intercepter utility, equal to a base model Explorer) has electric power steering, not hydraulic. I figured the issue was just a minor quirk of the electrical power steering motor kicking in. A few days ago, my power steering failed completely failed while driving at about 35mph. Only once did the dashboard light up with a warning about servicing advanced stabili-trac and something else closely related. The alert lights went out on their own after about 5 seconds and steering returned to normal. Later the same day, steering became very difficult again with no alert lights and it has remained very difficult to steer the vehicle at any speed since then, identical to the failure of a hydraulic power steering pump. I have not yet talked with Ford or any mechanics about the issue, but I plan to do so swiftly. Upon research, there are at least 280 identical complaints about identical make, model, and year vehicles. It may be time for a formal recall on the affected parts.

18 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 05/15/2024

The reverse backup camera gives a mirror view so the left side of the car appears on the right side of the screen. Making it unsafe to backup because you turn the wrong way if you go by what the camera shows you.

19 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 05/08/2024

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that there was water leaking into the interior of the vehicle through the windshield exterior a-pillar trims. The contact then became aware that both a-pillar trims had detached. The contact stated that the water entry had caused extensive damage to the vehicle. The contact stated that the sunroof and the infotainment system were no longer operable. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who did not provide the contact with a diagnosis. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 24v031000 (structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact also stated that he had received medical treatment for symptoms related to mold exposure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 118,000.

20 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 04/06/2024

Rear back up camera does not always engage, and when it does, it sometimes shows inverted image. (objects that are actually on the right appear on the left side of the screen. ).

21 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 02/11/2024

Extensive leaking from the windshield area that is causing a significant amount of water to flood the passenger floorboard and the middle console where the screen for the radio, ac/heating control, and navigation system is. The lights on the middle console screen have become wet and are now blinking. The radio and the ac/heating screen is not allowing for any adjustments. The airbag light is now on the driver's console screen. The safety concerns due to the leaking of the windshield or the seals around the windshield would be an sudden loss of vehicle power while driving. Another safety concern is the windshield or the parts of the seals will come lose while operating the vehicle. There is also water leakage coming from the interior lights right above the middle console control panel.

22 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 01/19/2024

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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the controls on the infotainment center failed to operate as intended. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

23 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2024

The moonroof/sunroof’s motor always breaks down in winter due to snow freezing and water entering the roof and engine, I've had it repaired twice at the dealership, but every winter the problem returns, I talked to owners of the same model of vehicle and the same thing happens to them.

24 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 10/25/2023

The backup camera does not come up all the time. Sometimes it shows a blank screen or if it does show the camera picture is on the opposite side then what it show(backwards). Thank you.

25 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 10/04/2023

The car would not accelerate after leaving a light. I had just exited the freeway and the gas pedal would not respond and I was stuck in the middle of a 4 lane highway. A yellow warning wrench appeared on the dash and then a check engine light. The error code is p2111 stating the throttle body stuck open.

26 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 10/01/2023

The power steering was not working and a low voltage warning came on saying power consumption was being reduced. I took the car to a mechanic and he tested the battery and alternator output. They both checked good. After driving for 10-15 minutes, the power consumption reduction turns off and things go back to normal. This happens on almost every drive.

27 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 10/01/2023

Warning lights that the abs system was not functioning. Said to see dealer. Dealer said abs module bad and had to be replaced. Told me could affect my ability to stop without new module could be a safety concern. Told me there is a back log of orders for module and could not give me a date when parts could come in. Said it could be months which leads me to believe many vehicles have this issue. Big concern to me. In addition, the rear back up camera does not always work which I believe is a real safety concern and know many year Explorer cameras have malfunctioned and have been recalled. This year Explorer should be recalled also. They have many fixes listed on youtube that identify various fixes various engineering issues, for safety of people (especially children) sake, this should be recalled in my opinion.

28 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 07/13/2023

When driving vehicle at any speed on the dashboard the terrain system failure light appears with a wrench light and the terrain system dial light shuts off when this occurs vehicle losses speed immediately stopping abruptly in traffic have taken to dealership but unable to recreate and I haven't been able to drive with the light one due to loosing ability to continue driving as I must turn off vehicle and reset to be able to drive very unsafe have contacted Ford also say they can't help without the light reminding on.

29 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 07/10/2023

I have a 2015 Ford Explorer. I have had it inspected by a mechanic at the dealership where I purchased said vehicle. I also have taken it to Ford dealership in my town. My car runs perfectly fine then it doesn’t. I have been stranded numerous times and I have replaced the battery in the Smart key as they said that would be the problem. I have had the computer reset to my car. When it happened last my camera to help me back up stopped and I was almost in a very bad wreck with my children and grandchildren in my car. It just died!!! I am now sitting in a parking lot at 93 degrees and it again won’t start and know one knows why. I have done everything I can and have been told. I don’t hot rod in my vehicle. Someone for the love of god please help me. I don’t have the money to keep doing this not to buy another vehicle.

30 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 06/14/2023

The back up camera works sometimes. If we move the shifter from reverse to n or p back to reverse the camera mostly came back on & stayed on until neutral or drive was chosen. It occasionally has the image upside down which is very dangerous. My wife kay peca & tom peca have problems turning our head to view mirrors with difficulty & pain. That’s why we chose the Explorer. It is dangerous as we can’t see traffic traveling either way behind the car, almost causing accidents as we are blind to see vehicles behind & beside the cars moving from the right or left. Our friends also having Ford cars are experiencing the same problems as the 2020 & newer reported camera problems that seem to be under recall soon. The problem exists from earlier models beside the Explorer. We asked our local Ford dealer on a recall but we were told no. They offered to fix the problem by replacing the camera assembly for a cost of $800 to $2000!! no chance or any repair or switch adjustment offered. I feel we & other owners Ford this is a serious safety problem that needs to be fixed by the manufacturer for faulty parts or connectors? I’m hoping you have other frustrated consumers with the same problems.

31 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 05/23/2023

Air bag light comes on intermittently. Current mileage 62,094. Noted 21 prior complaints on your site. Brought to dealer who told me the problem was with a wire harness failure. None of the safety air bags will operate/deploy when this light is on. A faulty harness that had failed will put me and my passengers in serious jeopardy of injury or death in the event of an accident. This diagnosis cost me $149 only to find out it would cost hundreds of dollars more to have the problem fixed. Internet research reveals this problem was addressed in a 2016 technical bulletin 16-0001; code b141b. We purchased this vehicle as a certified pre-owned vehicle after Ford issued the technical bulletin. No mention of Ford's internal bulletin was made by the dealer at the time of my purchase. Ford has been aware of this problem for years. According to the dealership technician there is no formal recall to have this manufacturing defect corrected by Ford at no cost to the purchaser of the vehicle. Didn't fully functional air bags come as part of my certified pre-owned purchase? I expect the manufacturer's safety equipment to be fully functional. Please review 2015 Explorer owner's manual as follows: child safety (pages 18-37), safety belts (pages 38-48) personal safety system (page 49) and supplementary restraints system (pages 50-61) with particular attention to page 49 bearing in mind that none of these safety features work when the air bag light is on. What good are safety features that are disabled by a manufacturing defect in the wiring harness? Ford has not only disappointed its customers, it has put them in serious jeopardy when using their product. Your rating system notes crash, fire, injuries and deaths. Do not wait for a positive notation in any of these categories before you act on safety recommendations, including a mandated recall, which is your primary tool for preventing future civil transportation accidents.

32 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 01/13/2023

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the second-row rear inflatable seat belt connector caused the air bag warning light to illuminate. The contact related the failure to TSB-21b11 (2nd row inflatable seat belt). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the cable was re-routed under the seat and re-enforced with electrical tape; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

33 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 10/04/2022

Rear view camera displays a blank or distorted images when vehicle is in reverse. Rear view camera will display a message that the rear view camera is unavailable. A faulty rear view camera can increase the risk of a crash.

34 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 05/01/2022

The backup camera and dashboard screen are malfunctioning. The dashboard screen is completely black/blank when car is put in reverse. There are no warning lamps on dash or any other messages showing any errors/failures, etc. This is a safety issue, due to blind spots on vehicle. I took car to mechanic and they said this is an "on going issue with Ford, multiple people are having issues. The backup up camera needs to be replaced but that also means the dash board screen and everything else needs to replaced also since all tied together, this is very costly, keep looking for the recall". No need to involve insurance or police as there has not been an accident. I saw the most recent recalls but it did not include the 2015 Explorer it included other 2015 models. This has been happening for a while now probably started happening at 70,000 miles and now I have 115,000 miles. Bought the car when it had 35,000 miles on it.

35 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 01/03/2022

The brake light goes on for a couple of minutes then goes off also the engine oil comes on when I had already change it but then comes off as well . Both light randomly come on and off might be a electrical problem . Suspension is really bad my car goes like if it’s going on bumps then it stops then again, does it randomly . Also car shakes.


Other Electrical System related problems of the 2015 Ford Explorer


Explorer Service Bulletins
Explorer Safety Recalls
Explorer Defect Investigations