2015 Ford Explorer Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 83about this part
- Share
- 5%of 1,813 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 76,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 83 complaints about the suspension of the 2015 Ford Explorer, 5% of the 1,813 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 76,000 miles. 10 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 4 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My steering failed as I was traveling with my grandkids on a local suburban road. It took all my effort to steer the truck back to my home. This was very dangerous as the steering would also freeze and lock in one position. I had it repaired at my Ford dealer. Total cost: $2,107.00! This is a serious safety issue that the manufacturer should cover! I have 85,000 miles on my Explorer.”
NHTSA complaint #11386515, filed 2021-01, 85,000 miles“When steering left or right at a standstill, steering makes a popping or clicking noise. My guess is it is either rack and pinion assembly or suspension parts. In addition, rear end has a bad rattle even on smooth roads. There is about 59,500 miles on the SUV and it was just state inspected. We are afraid to drive it. Checked complaint boards and there are many similar problems.”
NHTSA complaint #11243086, filed 2019-08, 59,500 miles“In less than a month time the control arms and back tie rod ends snapped completely while just driving on normal flat roads. Costing $1,000's in damage repairs . The whole back end gave out swerving my whole vehicle while I had children in it.”
NHTSA complaint #11359937, filed 2020-09, 128,000 miles“When we turn the wheel to the right it has a loud popping noise during driving or stationary its progressing from a popping and something the steering wheel gets stuck. Told by two different mechanics that the popping noise has to do with strut and cv joint and electric steering gear and rack and pinion going bad. Our Explorer only has 91000 miles. Both mechanics say this is odd that this is going on for a 2015. That we should check for recalls.”
NHTSA complaint #11266544, filed 2019-10, 81,518 miles“While driving on a local suburban street, my power steering went out. It felt like it was in a manual mode and it was extremely difficult to get back home.. My two grandchildren were in the car, and this situation put us all in a dangerous situation. I managed to get the car to my Ford dealership and after assessing the situation, they determined that the power steering rack failed. This resulted in, not only my losing the use of the vehicle over the weekend, but an extreme bill, of $2107.00!”
NHTSA complaint #11386508, filed 2021-01, 85,455 milesRelated recalls
- 21V537000Jul 15, 2021Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana…Covers: Ford Explorer 2013–2017
- 20V675000Mar 12, 2021Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of…Covers: Ford Explorer 2013–2017
- 19V435000Jun 10, 2019Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.Covers: Ford Explorer 2011–2017
- 16V245000Apr 26, 2016Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured January 17, 2014 to May 31, 2014. The affected…Covers: Ford Explorer 2014–2015
Related service bulletins
- 10232579Feb 7, 2023Certain 2011-2017 Model Year Explorer Vehicles Rear Wheel Knuckle Replacement REASON FOR THIS SUPPLEMENT Program Terms: added 21R01 and 21R02 REASON FOR PROVIDING A NO-COST…
- 10226951Nov 4, 2022Certain 2011-2017 Model Year Explorer Vehicles Rear Toe Link Replacement Under Safety Recall 21S32, some of the affected vehicles exposed to a highly corrosive environment where…
- 10208271Feb 18, 2022This program provides a no-cost, one-time repair (if needed) to the rear wheel knuckles for six (6) months from the Repair Order (RO) opening date for field service actions 21S32…
- 10189755Mar 19, 2021Certain 2013 through 2017 Model Year Explorer and Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles that are Registered or Sold in Certain States/Provinces; Rear Toe Link Ball Joint Inspection…
- 10189760Mar 8, 2021Certain 2013 through 2017 Model Year Explorer and Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles that are Registered or Sold in Certain States/Provinces Rear Toe Link Ball Joint Inspection…
- 10176938Jun 5, 2020For 2013-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles that require rear wheel knuckle and bushing assembly repairs, dealers are advised to follow Workshop Manual (WSM) Procedures and use service…
- 10166446Sep 12, 2019This SKU is a Suspension Lateral Link. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to revise the design similar to the OEM supercession associated with…
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 3% |
| 2024 | 3 | 14% |
| 2023 | 14 | 12% |
| 2022 | 13 | 5% |
| 2021 | 15 | 3% |
| 2020 | 36 | 3% |
| 2019 | 11 | 4% |
| 2018 | 23 | 3% |
| 2017 | 58 | 3% |
| 2016 | 73 | 3% |
| 2015 | 83 | 5% |
| 2014 | 103 | 6% |
| 2013 | 79 | 4% |
| 2012 | 22 | 3% |
| 2011 | 24 | 2% |
| 2010 | 4 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 3 | 2% |
| 2007 | 6 | 3% |
| 2006 | 5 | 1% |
| 2005 | 15 | 3% |
| 2004 | 37 | 3% |
| 2003 | 63 | 6% |
| 2002 | 422 | 13% |
| 2001 | 43 | 11% |
| 2000 | 62 | 7% |
| 1999 | 65 | 5% |
| 1998 | 111 | 6% |
| 1997 | 105 | 6% |
| 1996 | 97 | 7% |
| 1995 | 93 | 11% |
| 1994 | 65 | 5% |
| 1993 | 59 | 6% |
| 1992 | 60 | 9% |
| 1991 | 33 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2015 Ford Explorer
411 complaintsOther or unknown
407 complaintsSteering
348 complaintsEngine
227 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
147 complaintsFuel system
94 complaintsElectrical system
93 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
86 complaintsAir bags
84 complaintsEngine cooling
66 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
45 complaintsSeat 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 30, 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