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Fuel systemPart report

2015 Ford Explorer Fuel system Problems

Complaints
94about this part
Share
5%of 1,813 total for the year
Median mileage
29,000miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 94 complaints about the fuel system of the 2015 Ford Explorer, 5% of the 1,813 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 29,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“This particular car was in recall for carbon monoxide, about two months after possibly fixed from a dealer, strong smell coming from cabin left me with a head ache, stiff noise, I'm really worried this might cost me a fortune, I called dealer they asked to bring it they informed me they will charge me $138 for diagnosing and who knows how much from there.”

NHTSA complaint #11084227, filed 2018-04, 25 miles

“Upon driving, my vehicle just started randomly cutting out. I was told that it had to do with the throttle body. I did further research, and I noticed that I haven't been the only Explorer owner that has had this issue, so I'm not sure why there isn't a recall already established. Not only does it put me and my kids at risk, but it also puts drivers around me at risk. My car shuts down, which could cause the drivers behind me to rear end my vehicle. …”

NHTSA complaint #11529873, filed 2023-07, 130,334 miles

“During acceleration into interstate there is a burnt match type smell in the interior of the vehicle. Once speed levels out the smell disappears. I first noticed this about a month ago but I purchased the vehicle used and this was only the second or third time to have it on the interstate since I purchased it.”

NHTSA complaint #11105291, filed 2018-07, 59,000 miles

“We would get extreme headaches and nausea while driving this vehicle. As soon as we would get out for a period of time all symptoms would go away. We took it back to the dealer several times and it was in the shop longer then we actually had the car and the Ford dealership never believed us about the problem.”

NHTSA complaint #11012554, filed 2017-08, 1,859 miles

“There is a terrible exhaust smell that comes into the interior cabin. The smell is even worse upon extended hard acceleration. In addition, there is bubbling in my hood due to faulty hoods being produced on Ford explorers. Ford has acknowledged both issues - as there is a TSB. Ford's fix TSB-16016 is not a fix at all. It merely is a bandage for the problem as my family still smells exhaust in the vehicle. My 3 year old son is inhaling this toxic smell.”

NHTSA complaint #11279283, filed 2019-11, 50,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Fuel system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202637%
202533%
202333%
20223714%
2021286%
2020423%
2019176%
2018233%
2017493%
20161125%
2015945%
2014724%
20131537%
2012344%
2011403%
201098%
200926%
200821%
200742%
2006274%
20056613%
2004333%
2003111%
2002722%
2001113%
2000192%
1999343%
1998633%
1997563%
1996232%
1995162%
1994333%
1993121%
1992183%
1991264%
1990217%

Other parts of the 2015 Ford Explorer

Body and structure
411 complaints
Other or unknown
407 complaints
Steering
348 complaints
Engine
227 complaints
Back-over prevention (rear camera)
147 complaints
Electrical system
93 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
86 complaints
Air bags
84 complaints
Suspension
83 complaints
Engine cooling
66 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
45 complaints
Seat belts
38 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2015 Ford Explorer

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology