Ask the seller for proof the repair was completed, or run the free VIN check. Recall repairs are done at no cost by a dealer.
Before you buy
- Exhaust fumes entering cabin: about 24% of complaints.
- Power steering loss and lockup: about 1 in 5 complaints. Ask whether the steering rack or power steering assembly has been replaced, and listen for clicking, popping or grinding when turning at low speed on a test drive.
- Windshield pillar trim flying off: about 1 in 7 complaints.
- Safety: Water pump leaks and failure (can affect control: 3 of 12 reports), about 4% of complaints.
- Run the free VIN recall check for the 9 recalls to confirm on this model, starting with the safety recall (25V695000).
Based on a random sample of 300 of the 1,782 complaints filed with NHTSA for this model, read and summarized with AI. 285 of them describe a failure the owner experienced; the rest (recall notices, parts delays, worries) are left out of these counts. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Known problems
What owners report most often, grouped into named problems. Summaries are written by AI from the complaints; open a problem to read the owners' own words.
Exhaust fumes entering cabin
Owners report exhaust or rotten-egg smells filling the cabin, especially when accelerating hard or at highway speed, with some describing carbon monoxide exposure. Several say dealer fixes and the Ford no-charge service did not stop the fumes.
- How common
- 72 of the 300 complaints we read (24%), roughly 428 of all 1,782 on file
- Safety
- Injury risk: 72 of 72 reports; 1 report mentions a crash; 6 reports mention an injury
- Exhaust fumes entered the cabin, causing the driver and passenger nausea and dizziness; owner fears a carbon monoxide hazard and the cause is undetermined. · filed Feb 2026
Read the owner's complaint
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the odor of exhaust fumes was present inside the cabin of the vehicle, causing the driver and the passenger to experience nausea and dizziness. No medical assistance was required. The contact was concerned that there was possibly carbon monoxide hazard inside the vehicle while driving. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were contacted regarding ethe failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed of NHTSA Action Number: EA17002 (STRUCTURE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the investigation. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11719301
- Exhaust-like odor fills the cabin during acceleration and fades after a few minutes; owner worries about possible carbon monoxide exposure. · filed Jul 2022
Read the owner's complaint
When accelerating, an odor becomes prominent throughout the cabin of the vehicle. I can only describe the smell as exhaust. This smell usually goes away, or is too faint to notice after a few minutes. If this is exhaust, isn't there a possibility of Carbon Monoxide poisoning? At first, I thought the smell came from some kind of cleaner that the dealer had used when cleaning, but now over a year later, the smell still happens. Only after investigating this smell on the internet, I found that this appears to be a prominent issue with this vehicle.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11472000
- Owner reports ongoing carbon monoxide exposure since purchase, with symptoms including nausea and vomiting, despite a related recall repair. · filed Nov 2021
Read the owner's complaint
“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).
NHTSA complaint ODI #11440647
Power steering loss and lockup
Owners report the power steering suddenly cutting out or locking up while driving, making the wheel very hard to turn, often with steering fault warnings. Some hear clicking, popping or grinding from the steering first, and many had the steering rack or power steering unit replaced.
- How common
- 55 of the 300 complaints we read (18%), roughly 327 of all 1,782 on file
- Safety
- Can affect control: 47 of 55 reports; 1 report mentions a crash; 8 reports mention an injury
- Related recalls
- Owners mention 19V435000. Check the VIN for it.
Before you buy: Ask whether the steering rack or power steering assembly has been replaced, and listen for clicking, popping or grinding when turning at low speed on a test drive.
- Power steering became intermittently and then fully inoperable with no warning light; a technician found no codes and could not duplicate the problem. · filed Jun 2026
Read the owner's complaint
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the power steering feature was intermittently inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. A technician attempted to diagnose the vehicle, but no diagnostic trouble codes were retrieved. The contact was informed that the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the failure had progressively worsened, causing the power steering to become inoperable. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11746204
- The steering assist warning came on and steering locked up at 60 mph; the rack and pinion was replaced twice after repeat failures. · filed Dec 2025
Read the owner's complaint
on 8/1/25 service steering assist light came on, vehicle was driven to the auto repair shop with no hard codes to diagnose. Vehicle was driven towards home on 8/6/25 and lost all steering within a matter of seconds while on the highway at 60 mph. Steering assist light came on and stabilitrac light flashed. Vehicle had to be towed and rack and pinion needed replacing. Once fixed the vehicle was driven until 9/23/25 infrequently when the steering assist fault came back on and vehicle would not move as steering locked up and the rack and pinion needed to be replaced again. 12/13/25 steering assist light came on while backing up and steering locked up. This is terrifying to say the least.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11706769
- Power steering instantly failed at 55 mph with AdvanceTrac and Terrain Assist warnings, making the car hard to steer; dealers say no recall covers it. · filed Sep 2025
Read the owner's complaint
Power steering service required message Power steering instantly failed at 55 mph Warning messages for AdvanceTrac and Terrain Assist Blinkers only work if held after all this Every other motorist in the road at the time (this morning) was put at risk as the vehicle was nearly impossible for my wife to steer. Multiple dealers claimed there is no recall for this. After online investigation, it appears there are quite a lot of instances of this happening. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. It has not been inspected by any dealer, police, insurance or any others.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11688077
Windshield pillar trim flying off
Owners report the exterior trim along the windshield and front pillars loosening, disintegrating or detaching and flying off at highway speed. Some taped the trim on while waiting for recall parts.
- How common
- 46 of the 300 complaints we read (15%), roughly 273 of all 1,782 on file
- Safety
- Injury risk: 39 of 46 reports
- Related recalls
- Owners mention 24V031000, 25V695000. Check the VIN for it.
- The A-pillar trim came loose; the dealer kept the car two nights but only ordered parts, leaving it unrepaired and undrivable. · filed Aug 2026
Read the owner's complaint
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 two nights Call to pickup car but it was not fixed just ordered parts. My husband has to get [XXX] We have no transportation The car sits in our garage not drivable. Macon,GA [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint ODI #11759277
- The windshield A-pillar trim detached while driving and cracked the windshield, which was replaced; one of four recall trim parts is still unavailable. · filed Aug 2026
Read the owner's complaint
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 not yet available. The contact stated that the windshield exterior A-pillar trims had detached while driving. The contact stated that one of the trims struck and cracked the windshield. The windshield was replaced. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for inspection, and the contact was informed that the A-pillar trims needed to be replaced; however, one of the four required parts was unavailable. 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 notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11755220
- The passenger-side A-pillar trim fractured and swings loosely across the windshield, letting outside air and moisture into the cabin; the recall part was unavailable. · filed Mar 2026
Read the owner's complaint
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger’s side A-pillar trim fractured. The contact stated that the A-Pillar trim was loosely swinging across the windshield. In addition, the contact stated that because of the failure and the unrepaired recall, the exterior air and moisture came into the interior of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or a dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, parts for the recall repair were unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11727021
Rearview camera failure
Owners report the backup camera screen going black, blank or distorted while reversing.
- How common
- 15 of the 300 complaints we read (5%), roughly 89 of all 1,782 on file
- Safety
- Reduced safety margin: 15 of 15 reports
- Related recalls
- Owners mention 25V695000, 24V031000. Check the VIN for it.
- The rearview camera went black with a 'Camera Unavailable' message; no recall part was available, but a paid repair with reimbursement was offered. · filed Aug 2026
Read the owner's complaint
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 that while reversing, the rearview camera image was black, and the message "Camera Unavailable" was displayed. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the recall remedy was not available, but the vehicle could be repaired at the owner's expense with reimbursement provided later. 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 notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11759115
- The rearview camera was inoperable or showed an inverted image while reversing; the related recall repair part was still unavailable. · filed Aug 2026
Read the owner's complaint
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 not yet available. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera was inoperable or displayed an inverted image. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11755307
- The rearview camera went blank periodically then completely, at times with people or children behind the car; the dealer replaced the camera. · filed Jul 2026
Read the owner's complaint
The contact’s daughter owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The owner received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the rear-view camera went blank periodically, and after two weeks, the image went completely blank. The contact stated that on several occasions, there were children and people standing in the rear of the vehicle and it could have caused an accident. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the rear-view camera needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. 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 failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11749987
Water pump leaks and failure
Owners report the water pump leaking or breaking, with some saying coolant got into the engine, causing overheating, stalling or complete engine failure.
- How common
- 12 of the 300 complaints we read (4%), roughly 71 of all 1,782 on file
- Safety
- Can affect control: 3 of 12 reports
- The vehicle kept overheating with the coolant repeatedly running low, and a shop found the water pump was faulty. · filed Jul 2024
Read the owner's complaint
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.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11603592
- Coolant was found leaking under the parked vehicle; both an independent mechanic and the dealer said the water pump needs to be replaced. · filed Jun 2024
Read the owner's complaint
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.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11592993
- Engine temperature fluctuated and the vehicle shut down while driving in traffic, with only a check engine light warning; repair quoted at $4,000. · filed Jun 2023
Read the owner's complaint
While driving the temp started to fluctuate, causing the car the shut down in traffic. I had no clue what was happening. The only warning I got from the vehicle was a check engine light. This should not be possible. I understand the design is meant to protect the engine, but what about the driver. This was horrible and I've seen hundreds of others with this same issue. This needs to be recalled. In addition, it will cost me 4000 to fix this...while the pump itself only costs 200. The labor is the other 3800. This is a horrible thing to do to drivers.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11525499
Interior door panel separation
Owners report the interior door trim panels coming loose, bowing, splitting at the seams or cracking, and in one case a panel came off at highway speed. One owner says the loose panel kept the window from working properly.
- How common
- 10 of the 300 complaints we read (3%), roughly 59 of all 1,782 on file
- Safety
- Not a safety issue
- The inside door panel around the window came loose and separated from the door frame; the dealer said the glue had loosened. · filed Jun 2025
Read the owner's complaint
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the driver’s side inside door panel was detaching around the window and separated from the door frame. The vehicle was taken to a dealer several times, and the contact was informed that the glue on the door panel was loosening. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11665092
- Front interior door panels are separating from the doors, blocking the driver's view through the windows and affecting the power windows. · filed Feb 2024
Read the owner's complaint
The driver and passenger front interior door panels are separating from the door and blocking the vision from the driver on the driver’s window and passenger window. They are also effecting the operation of the power windows from going up and down. This can definitely cause an accident which is not safe to drive. This was recalled in November 7, 2017 under 17N04 from Ford Motor Company. I am looking for these unsafe door panels to be replaced by Ford with your help.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11572823
- Front driver's side door and window trim panels are detaching and deteriorating; owner says Ford declined to fix it because a related program had expired. · filed Aug 2023
Read the owner's complaint
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the front driver's side door and window trim panels were detaching and deteriorating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the failure was related to Customer Satisfaction Program: 17N01 (Crankshaft Position System Variation Not Learned), however, the campaign had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but declined to assist because the campaign had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11538711
Sudden power loss while driving
Owners report the vehicle suddenly losing power or stalling while driving, often with the wrench light or a terrain management or powertrain fault showing, and returning to normal after a restart.
- How common
- 8 of the 300 complaints we read (3%), roughly 48 of all 1,782 on file
- Safety
- Can affect control: 8 of 8 reports; 1 report mentions a crash
- Vehicle shuddered and lost all engine power after a powertrain management system error while entering traffic, then ran normally after being restarted. · filed Nov 2021
Read the owner's complaint
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.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11440353
- Vehicle won't accelerate and vibrates, showing an 'all terrain management fault' wrench light; owner must pull over and restart the engine. · filed Jul 2020
Read the owner's complaint
TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE WILL NOT EXCELERATE, VIBRATES, AND AN YELLOW WRENCH APPEARS ON THE DASH WITH MESSAGE "ALL TERRAIN MANAGEMENT FAULT". IT HAS HAPPENED TWICE IN THE LAST TWO DAYS. YOU HAVE TO COAST TO A SAFE PLACE OFF THE ROAD, TURN YOUR ENGINE OFF, AND RESTART. IT HAS A LAG WHEN TRYING TO RESTART, BUT WILL START. THIS IS EXTRAORDINARILY DANGEROUS WHILE TRAVELING ON ANY ROADWAY. I AM TAKING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TOMORROW, BUT WHAT RESEARCH I HAVE DONE STATES THIS IS A VERY COMMON OCCURRENCE. AN ISSUE WITH THE THROTTLE BODY (ETB).
NHTSA complaint ODI #11341205
- Wrench warning light comes on, then the vehicle suddenly loses power, steering control, and braking, forcing a rolling stop until restarted. · filed Jul 2020
Read the owner's complaint
WHILE DRIVING, FORD EXPLORER DASH WRENCH LIGHT INDICATOR TURNS ON THEN SUDDENLY YOU LOOSE POWER AND CONTROL AND BRAKING, TECHNICAL DISABLED. YOU HAVE TO COME TO A ROLLING STOP. THEN TURN ON CAR AGAIN TO REMOVE WRENCH LIGHT.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11337493
Airbag warning light and wiring
Owners report the airbag warning light coming on, with dealers tracing it to faulty airbag wiring or the wiring harness, including the second-row side airbag wiring.
- How common
- 7 of the 300 complaints we read (2%), roughly 42 of all 1,782 on file
- Safety
- Reduced safety margin: 7 of 7 reports
- The airbag warning light came on, and the dealer found faulty wiring for the second-row side airbags; owner says Ford would not help. · filed Aug 2024
Read the owner's complaint
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with faulty wiring for the second-row seat air bags. The contact was informed that the wiring needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a manufacturing design flaw. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,489.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11608598
- Driver's side airbag warning light is on. · filed Jul 2021
Read the owner's complaint
Driver side air bag light on.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11427073
- Airbag warning light stayed on due to faulty wiring; owner says the airbags are now inoperable and they were billed for diagnosis and repair. · filed Apr 2021
Read the owner's complaint
OUR INSTRUMENT PANEL AIRBAG LIGHT TURNED ON INTERMITTENTLY SINCE 2026. FORD WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE AN ISSUE UNTIL MARCH 27, 2021. THE WARNING LIGHT HAS REMAINED ILLUMINATED WHILE IN THE REPAIR SHOP. THEY FOUND A FAULT CODE AND IT IS ATTRIBUTED TO TSB 16-0001. WE ARE NOW RESPONSIBLE FOR AN ALMOST $1,000 REPAIR BILL ($150 DIAGNOSIS CHARGE AND $800+ REPAIR). THE REPAIR IS DUE TO FAULTY WIRING CONNECTIONS. OUR AIRBAGS ARE NOW SUPPOSEDLY INOPERABLE.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11406767
False transmission not-in-park warning
Owners report the dashboard warning that the transmission is not in park when it is, which can stop the car from starting, the doors from locking, or set off the alarm. One dealer replaced the shift lever.
- How common
- 4 of the 300 complaints we read (1%), roughly 24 of all 1,782 on file
- Safety
- Not a safety issue
- Dashboard falsely warns the transmission is not in park and sets off the alarm, even though it is actually in park. · filed Jan 2019
Read the owner's complaint
WHEN I PUT MY 2015 FORD EXPLORER IN PARK, I GET A MESSAGE STATING THAT THE TRANSMISSION ISN'T IN PARK WHEN INFACT IT IS. I NEED TO PLAY WITH THE GEAR SHIFT BUTTON OR RESTART THE VEHICLE AND KEEP SHIFTING IT FROM PARK TO DRIVE UNTIL THE MESSAGE GOES AWAY. THE ALARM IN THE VEHICLE GOES OFF WHEN I GET THE MESSAGE THAT THE TRANSMISSION ISN'T IN PARK. IT STARTED OUT DOING IT OCCASIONALLY, BUT NOW IT IS CONSISTENT. THIS SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY OR BE PUT ON A RECALL.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11172292
- Owner has trouble shifting into park when stopped, sometimes needing several attempts before the indicator light confirms park. · filed Jul 2018
Read the owner's complaint
TAKATA RECALL WHEN STOPPED, HAVING TROUBLE PUTTING THE SHIFT IN PARK. SOMETIMES IT TAKES SEVERAL TRYS OF MOVING THE SHIFT INTO PARK BEFORE THE RED LIGHT GOES ON SO I CAN TURN IT OFF.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11110284
- The vehicle intermittently shows it is not in park after being parked, and the electronics stay on even with the engine off; the dealer replaced the shift lever to fix it. · filed Apr 2018
Read the owner's complaint
WHEN VEHICLE PLACE IN PARK POSITION IT INTERMITTENTLY INDICATES THAT IT IS NOT IN PARK IN THE VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM AND WHILE THE ENGINE TURNS OFF, THE REST OF THE VEHICLE ELECTRONICS STAYS ON AND WILL NOT TURN OFF. DEALER INDICATES THIS IS A PROBLEM THEY DO KNOW ABOUT AND IT HAPPENS OFTEN BUT THERE IS NO RECALL OR TSB. REPLACED SHIFT LEVER TO REPAIR
NHTSA complaint ODI #11083649
Fuel smell in cabin
Owners report a gasoline smell inside the cabin, sometimes coming from the vents, that has made them sick and returned after a dealer repair.
- How common
- 4 of the 300 complaints we read (1%), roughly 24 of all 1,782 on file
- Safety
- Injury risk: 4 of 4 reports
- Owner smells gas fumes inside and outside the car, worsening with driving; a dealer repair did not stop it from recurring. · filed Nov 2018
Read the owner's complaint
I'VE BEEN EXPERIENCE A NATURAL GAS SMELL FOR THE PAST MONTH. IT GROWS STRONGER THE LONGER I DRIVE. THE SMELL IS INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR. PASSENGERS INCLUDING MY KIDS HAVE COMPLAINED OF NAUSEA AND HEADACHES. I HAD IT REPAIRED AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP ON 11/20/18. AFTER DRIVING FOR 5 MINUTES AFTER THE 'REPAIRS' WERE MADE, IT HAPPENED AGAIN. THE PROBLEM CONTINUES TO PERSIST. I'M NOT SURE WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT AT THIS POINT...
NHTSA complaint ODI #11152972
- A strong gas smell in the cabin has caused dizziness and severe headaches while driving; owner plans to see a doctor and contact the dealer. · filed Jun 2018
Read the owner's complaint
MY WIFE AND I ARE GETTING DIZZY AND MY WIFE IS GETTING SEVERE HEADACHES. WE BOTH NOTICE A STRONG NATURAL GAS SMELL IN THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING TODAY (06-02-18) I SMELLED IT FIRST AND DIDN'T SAY ANYTHING TO HER. ABOUT 30 MILES LATER SHE TOLD ME THAT SHE SMELLS GAS. IF THIS CONTINUES WE WILL GO TO THE ER AT OUR HOSPITAL TO GET CHECKED FOR CARBON MONOXIDE. WE WILL ALSO CONTACT THE DEALER ON MONDAY. WE JUST GOT BACK FROM FLORIDA IN WHICH WE DROVE A TOTAL OF 2700 MILES. THE VACATION WAS FROM 05-19 THRU 05-28-2018. IT HEADACHES/DIZZINESS STARTED ABOUT 2 DAYS BEFORE OUR TRIP.
NHTSA complaint ODI #11099359
- Gasoline smell inside the cabin has made the owner sick on several occasions. · filed Aug 2016
Read the owner's complaint
I SMELL GASOLINE INSIDE THE CABIN OF MY VEHICLE AND IT HAS MADE ME SICK ON SEVERAL OCCASSIONS.
NHTSA complaint ODI #10897827
Less common problems (complaints in the sample)
- Rear toe link breakage (4)
- Sunroof water leaks (3)
- Door and window seal deterioration (2)
- Power transfer unit leak (2)
- Seat belt buckle breakage (2)
- Sunroof stops working (2)
- Throttle body failure (2)
- Timing chain failure (2)
- Turbocharger failure (2)
- Unexplained strong cabin odor (2)
- Airbags not deploying (1)
- Body control module failure (1)
- Brake failure on ice (1)
- Brake pedal sticking (1)
- Burning oil smell from vents (1)
- Cracked exhaust manifold (1)
- Front axle coming off (1)
- Fuel pump failure (1)
- Headlights too bright (1)
- Hood paint peeling (1)
- Inaccurate fuel gauge (1)
- Liftgate struts losing pressure (1)
- No key detected stall (1)
- Power window reversing (1)
- Premature frame rust (1)
- Random brake warning light (1)
- Rear axle bolt fracture (1)
- Rear seat belt jamming (1)
- Rollaway after shifting to park (1)
- Seat belt buckle sensor fault (1)
- Steering pulls on acceleration (1)
- Steering shaft seizure (1)
- Sun visor wiring smoke (1)
- Third-row seats folding unexpectedly (1)
- Tire pressure warning fault (1)
- Turbo wastegate power loss (1)
- Weak low beam headlights (1)
- Wheels locking while turning (1)
- Wipers turning on unexpectedly (1)
Recalls
Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.
Safety recall
A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on October 25, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Mustang owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA9. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 14, 2025.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Structure recall
A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024 and December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Suspension recall
A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle, and replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall numbers 16V-245, 19V-435, and 20V-675. Certain vehicles previously repaired will need to return for the new remedy. An interim notification letter notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on September 10, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2022. Owners may contact Ford's customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S32.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Suspension recall
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle attached to the rear suspension toe link and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S62.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Transmission recall
The failed bracket could result in a loss of park function which can cause unintended vehicle movement, and loss of motive power while driving which increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the link shaft bracket, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners received an interim notification detailing safety risk December 8, 2020. A second letter will be mailed when parts become available in January 2021. The recall began February 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S63.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Suspension recall
A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- 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 recall began June 26, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S17.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Safety recall
A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- 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 application. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Suspension recall
A fracture of the rear suspension toe link may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- 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. Ford's number for this recall is 16S18.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Safety recall
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.
- Remedy
- 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, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15C07.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
How does it compare with other years? The 2015 has 1,782 complaints on file, more than the 2014 (1,676) and fewer than the 2016 (2,448). Of the 17 model years of the Ford Explorer we cover, the 2016 has the most (2,448). Older model years have had longer to collect complaints.