general problems of the 2015 Ford Explorer - part 1

Engine light activation code: p0430 catalyst system efficiency below threshold bank 2.

The specific component or system has not fully failed. However, my vehicle is currently experiencing an intermittent check engine light condition, turning off and on, which was diagnosed at a retailer producing code p0018 then at the dealership and produced code p0017. The codes relate to the engine control module (ecm) detects that the camshaft on is out of sync with the crankshaft resulting in misaligned engine timing. I have requested that the dealership further review and escalate the diagnosis to determine whether the issue aligns with any known concerns, technical service bulletins, or manufacturer-supported programs. The vehicle and any related components are available for inspection upon request. At this time, the vehicle experiences reduced engine performance, including stalling, and inability to accelerator as needed, which pose a safety risk while driving, particularly in traffic or at highway speeds. The vehicle has been inspected and confirmed by the dealership. I have also contacted the manufacturer, who advised me to work directly with the dealership to have the issue reviewed and potentially escalated. I have since requested that they further evaluate the condition and determine whether it corresponds to any known issues or manufacturer-supported repair programs. At this time, the vehicle has not been inspected by police, insurance representatives, or other third parties. This check engine light and fluctuating rpm directly impacting the vehicles acceleration was the primary indicator of the issue. The manufacturer previously issued two customer satisfaction program notices to address this issue for other model year vehicles. I have attached both notices to this complaint. This demonstrates a manufacturer defect which is a safety hazard for drivers.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that on several occasions, while starting the vehicle and while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the long block assembly had failed, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

When accelerating and braking, motor rocks forward and backwards. Rpms jump erratically when this happens and when sitting stationary at a light or stop sign. Which causes the entire vehicle to vibrate. Oddly enough, fuel injector cleaner seems to help with the vehicle shaking somewhat.

1. Component/system failure: the water pump on my 2016 Ford Explorer failed, causing a significant antifreeze leak. The component is available for inspection upon request. 2. Safety risk: the failure creates a risk of engine seizure while driving. Loss of engine coolant can cause the engine to overheat suddenly, potentially leading to a dangerous situation on the road that could harm myself or other drivers. 3. Confirmation of problem: the problem has been confirmed by the dealer service department during inspection. The water pump leak was observed and diagnosed by a certified Ford service technician. 4. Inspections: the vehicle has been inspected by the dealer. I have also documented prior repairs to the vehicle, including a timing chain replacement two years ago. The water pump issue has not yet been inspected by Ford corporate. 5. Warning lamps/symptoms: prior to the failure, there were no warning lamps on the dashboard. I noticed coolant leaking from the water pump area, and the temperature gauge began to rise. The leak was first observed Aug 15.

The contact, who owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact reported an issue with the power steering becoming inoperable. The incident occurred when the owner's husband stopped for fuel, and upon returning, the steering wheel locked up. The maintenance engine warning light was also illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion and steering needed replacement. However, the vehicle was not repaired at the dealership. Subsequently, an independent mechanic confirmed the need for steering and rack and pinion replacement, but the parts were backordered. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was opened. The owner was referred to the NHTSA hotline. The failure occurred at approximately 102,000 miles.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost automotive power, with the abs, traction control, and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the abs control module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 158,443.

When vehicle is on and either in park or at a stop, rpms will idle at about 800-1000 rpm then randomly shoot up between 2000-2500 rpms then drop to below 500 rpms before returning to idle. It’ll do this randomly.

The factory installed headlight screw punctured the coolant line of my 2015 Ford Explorer causing my transmission to stop working properly. This resulted in a $725 tow bill and $1,067. 56 in repairs. The certified mechanic verified that the screw was an original part and it punctured the line, likely after some time rubbing against it. The transmission did not appear to be damaged however my safety was at risk trying to pull over to when the vehicle would no longer shift gears. I have a video of the leak that lines up with the screw placement but was not able to upload it. . . I am happy to email it to you.

Took vehicle in to see local mechanic due to small drops of antifreeze on ground. Mechanic concluded water pump would need to be replaced. Since water pump is built into the engine for this Ford model, the engine would need to be dismantled to fix. Repairs are going to cost around 3500-4000 to fix just a water pump. . . . . (poor design by Ford) 2015 Ford Explorer sport has 110,000 miles.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly shuddered before losing motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to restart. The engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the torque converter. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to customer satisfaction program: 20n07. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 127,000.

Had the car for about a year. After the last service I brought in car was fine for a few months, but just recently had a coolant leak start, very slow but not good. Took it to the service department and they said the water pump is bad. I’ve heard several case of this being a known issue but am learning that it has not been issued as a recall. Now expected to drop $5k on replacing the water pump on a known issue.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the water pump was leaking. The contact added coolant. There was cool air being distributed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined there was a water pump leak and that the water pump needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 35-40 mph, the rear turbo failed. There were no warning lights. There was smoke emerging from the rear exhaust. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, while test driving the vehicle determined that the front turbo blew out and an engine replacement was needed. Additionally, the fan was moved by the turbo failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.  the manufacturer was contacted, who referred to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.

I dont understand Ford Explorer has same recall I have a lot of recall on these and I cant take it off everytime its a recall. I work 7 days a week. Thats the reason I try to trade it in . But I still own a lot for it. I dont know to much about the Explorer I brought from the carlot.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 55 mph, the engine overheated with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with water pump failure. The contact was informed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 136,000.

Car kept overheating and I checked the antifreeze. Several times during the week it was empty. Took it to pepboys and found out the water pump was faulty.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the rpm increased to 6,000 and the vehicle lost motive power. In addition, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics where it was diagnosed with a failed leaking turbo charger. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

Sudden unintended acceleration of the vehicle when slowing to park vehicle. This has happened on 2 occasions- both scenarios the same: slowing and turning left into a parking space, foot on the brake, almost to a complete stop and the vehicle suddenly accelerates out of control. The 1st time into a tree, the 2nd time into a parked/unoccupied vehicle. The brake was applied w/o response, the vehicle would not stop. I am certain my foot was not on the gas. Fortunate no one was injured.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was condensation underneath the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the water pump, timing chain and belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 49,000.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was overheating while driving. The message "engine coolant overtemperature" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the water pump had failed and was leaking. The mechanic informed the contact that the water pump was built into the engine, which required the engine to be disassembled for the water pump replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer the contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, she noticed the coolant fluid was low and the engine overheating warning light was illuminated, but there were no visible coolant leaks. The contact was able to drive a short distance to the residence. The contact refilled the coolant reservoir, but the coolant level was low the following day. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,418.

Water pump inside the engine went out and was leaking coolant all over the engine and transmission. Caused the engine to over heat and the cabin heat to fail. Risk of fire with fluids on engine. Problem so common there is a class action lawsuit but no recall.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65 mph, the engine overheated. The contact stated that the coolant had leaked from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The driver pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the water pump was leaking. The engine had to be removed before accessing the water pump. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 86,500.

Water pump and timing belt failure, causing overheating and leaving driver stranded and posing threat for engine failure.

Premature water pump failure on 2015 Ford Explorer limited with 51,000 miles. Noticed coolant leak while changing oil. Took it to a mechanic that pressure tested cooling system to discover water pump is leaking.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 mph, there was a strong abnormal odor intermittently coming from the inside of the vehicle. The failure occurred on several different occasions. The contact stated that it became difficult to breathe; there was no medical attention sought. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the place of residence. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.

While driving at 40 mph the car suddenly lost power. The accelerator would not respond. We were luckily able to coast downhill and get on the shoulder. This has happened four times in six months. The car is not safe for highway driving.

Leaking water pump.

My 2015 Ford Explorer water pump has failed sending coolant all over. The water pump in an internal component of the engine. I am lucky that I caught the water pump failure when I did and it didn’t completely catastrophically fail. There are numerous reports that the water pumps catastrophically fail and send coolant and metal particles into the motor causing it to also catastrophically fail. If my engine failed while driving on the highway I could have been seriously injured or killed or worse I could have seriously hurt or killed somebody else. I brought my car to Ford 7/21/23 where they did general diagnostic tests everything was negative and nothing was found and I was sent on my way. On 7/29/23 I noticed I had a puddle in my driveway and there was definitely a leak I brought my car back to Ford where they spent an entire day diagnosing. I was quoted $2500 and my car will take a week to fix. Ford has not offered to pay for any of the repairs even though these poorly manufactured water pumps continue to go bad on thousands of vehicles. There are multiple class action lawsuits against Ford for this reason!.

Turbocharger oil supply tubes leaking onto exhaust manifold same engine as the recalled 2016-2017 models.

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.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon placing the gear shifter in park(p) and turning off the vehicle, the message "transmission not in park" was flashing on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up after several attempts. The contact called an independent mechanic, and the vehicle was towed to the shop. The mechanic discovered that the water pump inside the engine was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the warning message "engine overheating" had displayed. Upon inspection it was discovered that the engine coolant reservoir was low and coolant had leaked from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the engine water pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 130,000.

I have a recall on rear suspension I have called to have the repairs done several times I was given response of they didn't have the parts needed and would take several weeks . Rear suspension is very unsafe and now the engine cooling component is causing issues with over heating and not giving any warning lights on dash and am afraid found cause fire or some unsafe issue.