2015 Ford Explorer parts and specs

What changed for the 2015 Ford Explorer

• 2015Essentially unchanged: Limited trim adds an available adaptive cruise control option, with second-row heated seats offered as an option lineup-wide

Known problems with the 2015 Ford Explorer

6 of the 6 issues we track for the 2012–2019 generation are documented against the 2015 model year, and 4 carry a recall or service bulletin.

• Exhaust odor / carbon monoxide in cabin (the 'CO saga')

  majorNHTSA PE16-008 / EA17-002 (closed Jan 2023, no recall); Ford TSB 19-2346; CSP 17N03 (Police Interceptor)

  Thousands of owners, and police departments running the Police Interceptor Utility, reported exhaust smell and carbon monoxide readings in the cabin, typically during full-throttle climbs with the A/C on recirculate. NHTSA opened investigation PE16-008 in July 2016 and upgraded it to engineering analysis EA17-002 in 2017 covering 2011–2017 Explorers (1.3M+ vehicles); it closed the probe in January 2023 without ordering a recall, citing CO levels below harmful thresholds in testing. Ford issued free 'complimentary service' repairs (reprogram A/C, replace rear drain valves, reseal the rear of the body, TSBs incl. 19-2346, CSP 17N03 for Police units) for concerned owners. If you smell exhaust, get the campaign repairs done and check for cracked exhaust manifolds and unsealed body seams.

  Typical cost: Free under Ford's complimentary service program; $500–$1,500 if paying for manifold or sealing work independently

• 3.5L water pump failure, internal, chain-driven (also 3.5L EcoBoost)

  majorNo recall; Roe v. Ford class action dismissed Jan 2024 after settlement

  The Cyclone 3.5L V6's water pump is inside the engine, driven by the timing chain. When its seal fails, coolant can leak into the crankcase and mix with oil, wrecking bearings before the driver notices; even a caught-early failure requires timing-cover-off surgery. Dealer repairs commonly run $2,000–$4,500, and a pump that dumps coolant into the oil can total the engine ($6,000–$9,500). A class action (Roe v. Ford) covering 2007–2020 Duratec/Cyclone vehicles was dismissed in January 2024 after a confidential settlement. There is no recall. Watch for coolant loss with no visible leak, sweet smell, or a weep hole drip at the front of the engine; failures cluster around 80k–150k miles.

  Typical cost: $2,000–$4,500 (pump, done proactively); $6,000+ if the engine ingests coolant

• Rear suspension toe link fracture (recalls)

  majorNHTSA 21V-537 (Ford 21S32); expanded to 2017–2019 in late 2025 (412,774 vehicles)

  A cross-axis ball joint in the rear suspension can seize, stressing the rear toe link until it fractures, which causes sudden loss of steering control. Ford recalled 2013–2017 Explorers in July 2021 (NHTSA 21V-537, Ford 21S32, ~775k vehicles) to inspect and replace the cross-axis ball joint and toe link, and expanded the campaign to 412,774 2017–2019 Explorers in a follow-up recall announced in late 2025. Clunks or knocking from the rear over bumps are the warning sign. Check your VIN. This is a free fix and a genuine safety issue.

  Typical cost: Free under recall; $400–$900 per side if paying out of pocket

• Power transfer unit (PTU) leaks and failure (AWD models)

  moderate

  The PTU that sends power to the rear axle on AWD Explorers runs less than a quart of fluid next to a hot exhaust, the fluid cooks, seals leak (commonly the rear output shaft seal), and the unit eventually whines, grinds, or seizes. Ford lists no service interval, which owners and independent techs widely blame for the failures. Changing the 75W-140 fluid every 30k–60k dramatically extends life. Replacement PTUs run $800–$1,400 for the part plus $800–$1,500 labor.

  Typical cost: $100–$200 fluid service (preventive); $1,500–$3,000 for PTU replacement

• A-pillar trim can fly off (recall)

  minorNHTSA 24V-031 (Ford 24S02)

  The A-pillar exterior trim pieces flanking the windshield can detach at speed if their retention clips were not fully engaged at assembly, creating a road hazard. Ford recalled 1.89 million 2011–2019 Explorers in January 2024 (NHTSA 24V-031, Ford 24S02). Dealers inspect and replace the trim free. Cosmetic-level severity for the driver, but do the free fix.

  Typical cost: Free under recall

• MyFord Touch / SYNC infotainment freezes

  minor

  2012–2015 cars with MyFord Touch are notorious for frozen screens, reboot loops, and lost Bluetooth pairings; the system was a lawsuit magnet industry-wide. Software updates (up to SYNC 3.10) help, and 2016+ models with SYNC 3 are far better. A master reset (or pulling the battery cable for a few minutes) clears most one-off freezes.

  Typical cost: $0 (updates/reset) – $500+ for an APIM module out of warranty

Full detail, costs and sources on the Ford Explorer problems and years to avoid guide.