2015 Ford Explorer body & structure problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

367 owners have reported body & structure problems with the 2015 Ford Explorer, 35% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 98,000 mi.

Body & Structure complaints
367
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
2
Related recalls
1
Median mileage
98,000 mi

Specific components reported

Body & Structure covers: Frame, body panels, doors, latches, locks, hood and trailer hitches.

ComponentComplaints
Structure260
Structure:body92
Structure:interior panels:door8
Structure:body:roof and pillars2
Structure:critical fasteners1
Latches/locks/linkages1
Structure:interior panels:sun visor1
Structure:body:door1
Structure:body:door:handle:exterior1
Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate1

Body & Structure complaints across Ford Explorer years

12005721082012281234201436755620166352812018150502020251320221112024822026
Body & Structure complaints by model year. The 2015 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k310k–30k2830k–60k6960k–100k66100k–150k25150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 24V031000Jan 19, 20241,889,110 vehicles
    STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.

    Risk: 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.

What owners say

  1. Filed Sep 28, 2026140,000 miMIBody & StructureDriver Assistance & Safety Tech
    The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the front passenger's side A-pillar trim detached and flew off the vehicle. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a distorted image with lines. The contact stated that intermittently the rear-view camera failed to activate as intended. Several dealers were contacted by phone and made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the parts were…
    NHTSA complaint #11767374 · source
  2. Filed Sep 21, 2026TXBody & StructureTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owned a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving, the front windshield trim detached from the vehicle. Additionally, the ABS warning light illuminated on the instrument panel, and the "Service Advancetrac" message was displayed. Additionally, the message “Transmission not in Park” was displayed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with gear shifter failure and an obsolete…
    NHTSA complaint #11765973 · source
  3. Filed Sep 20, 2026ILBody & Structure
    Driving down road and A pillar trim started to vibrate. Eventually while driving within 2 hour the lower part of the pillar raised up and flopped in wind. It was inspected and rejected for recall replacement in April 2025. Visual inspection by dealer service writer states the a pillar trims definitely meets the requirement for replacement but recall has expired
    NHTSA complaint #11765710 · source
  4. Filed Sep 2, 202665,000 miILBody & Structure
    The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact's brother became aware that the driver's side exterior B-pillar trim was loose. The contact was concerned that the front driver's side exterior B-pillar would detach and fall off while the vehicle was being driven. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the manufacturer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic…
    NHTSA complaint #11761536 · source
  5. Filed Aug 25, 2026100,000 miWABody & Structure
    The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact stated that while parked, the windshield molding trim next to the pillar and windshield became raised. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the driver’s and passenger’s side windshield trim was flopping and was loose, and there was wind entering the vehicle through the windshield trim. The vehicle was…
    NHTSA complaint #11759445 · source
  6. Filed Aug 24, 2026GABody & Structure
    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.…
    NHTSA complaint #11759277 · source
  7. Filed Aug 19, 2026137,000 miVABody & Structure
    The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the exterior A-pillar trim panel separated from the vehicle, exposing the weathering strip. The failure allowed air and liquid to seep through the structure and enter the cabin of the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available even though the recall information…
    NHTSA complaint #11757977 · source
  8. Filed Aug 10, 2026150,000 miFLBody & Structure
    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 while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim detached. Two dealers, including Bozard Ford (540 Outlet Mall Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32084), were contacted and confirmed that parts were unavailable. The vehicle was not…
    NHTSA complaint #11755870 · source
  9. Filed Aug 6, 202689,000 miILBody & Structure
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11755220 · source
  10. Filed Jul 6, 202690,061 miMDBody & Structure
    The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the exterior A-pillar and B-pillar trim appliques loosened and detached from the vehicle on multiple occasions. Due to the recurring failure, the contact applied duct tape to secure both trims. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was…
    NHTSA complaint #11748580 · source
  11. Filed Jun 17, 2026IABody & Structure
    The Trim piece that has the keyless entry pad on it that was attached to the drivers door came off while driving down the interstate.
    NHTSA complaint #11744901 · source
  12. Filed Jun 8, 2026150,000 miTXBody & Structure
    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 unavailable. The contact had stated while driving 70 MPH, an unknown windshield exterior A- pillar trim separated from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a…
    NHTSA complaint #11742693 · source

Other 2015 Ford Explorer problem areas

Back to all 2015 Ford Explorer problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology