2015 Ford Explorer fuel, hybrid & EV propulsion problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Nov 18, 2025152,000 miARTowedFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed fuel leaking from near the fuel tank. The contact was unsure which warning light was illuminated, but stated that a yellow warning light was illuminated, and there was a strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe to drive…

   NHTSA complaint #11700156 · source
2. Filed Aug 26, 2025VAFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown

   While driving with the ac on you can smell exhaust fumes in the cabin and it's worse towards the rear carbin of the vehicle. I've gotten nauseated and sleepy from the fumes and have had several headaches in addition to the other symptoms. Ford needs to recall this issue. Also I have an active recall for the window pillars and the dealership says they still dont have the parts to fix it, and it's been over a year, what's the hold up Ford??!!

   NHTSA complaint #11683301 · source
3. Filed Jun 11, 2025NVEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   When vehicle is on and either in park or at a stop, RPMs will idle at about 800-1000 RPM then randomly shoot up between 2000-2500 RPMs then drop to below 500 RPMs before returning to idle. It’ll do this randomly.

   NHTSA complaint #11666213 · source
4. Filed Nov 22, 2024ALFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown

   On [XXX] while driving to work my car just shut off and the brakes locked up. This scenario happened again several other times even after being worked on at a Ford dealership. Please see attachment for specific dates & details. Fuel pump driver module was replaced first time then the fuel pump the last time. Explorer was inspected by the Sandy Sansing Ford Dealership in Daphne, Alabama. Only time warnings/codes appeared was when it shut off. I attached a screen shot of what…

   NHTSA complaint #11626916 · source
5. Filed Oct 5, 2023CAFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Throttle Body --- I have ask the dealer to provide the defective part for my inspection. Driving on the 15 Freeway in Southern California. My wife was driving and had just picked up speed and merged into the fast land. There was a sudden pop or clunk and the SUV immediately lost power and would not accelerate. She had to exit to the right of the freeway while losing power and no acceleration. She was traveling at less than 5 miles an hour in 60 plus traffic. There was only a…

   NHTSA complaint #11548535 · source
6. Filed Oct 5, 2023CAElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The car would not accelerate after leaving a light. I had just exited the freeway and the gas pedal would not respond and I was stuck in the middle of a 4 lane highway. A yellow warning wrench appeared on the dash and then a check engine light. The error code is P2111 stating the throttle body stuck open.

   NHTSA complaint #11548348 · source
7. Filed Jul 1, 2023130,334 miMODriver Assistance & Safety TechFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   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. There has been some sort…

   NHTSA complaint #11529873 · source
8. Filed Apr 4, 2023110,492 miNVBody & StructureEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   When driving the vehicle, I can smell gas fumes which caused nausea. I didn’t know it was worse in the back of the cabin where my children sit until I sat back there for a 3 hour trip. The smell was stronger there which led to headache, nausea and fatigue. It doesn’t seem to come from the vent, it seems from the entire body of the vehicle. This puts my children’s health at risk. And all of our lives because if we travel far enough breathing this in, it can lead to exhaustion…

   NHTSA complaint #11515383 · source
9. Filed Feb 16, 2023FLEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Upon excellerated take off the exhaust fumes fill the cabin. There has been a prior recall for such issues. This has happened multiple times over the entire time that I have owned it. It is getting increasingly worse and I worry for myself, my family and others. My local Ford dealership dismissed me every time I brought it up.

   NHTSA complaint #11507712 · source
10. Filed Jan 12, 2023PAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown

    My 2015 Ford Explorer is having fumes in the car. The dealership has charged me for an oil leak, cracked exhaust and now wants me to pay for a muffler. There is still exhaust fumes coming into the car making it hard to drive in the cold.

    NHTSA complaint #11501411 · source
11. Filed Apr 15, 2022MAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    Vehicle has apx 78000 miles with a broken water pump. They are supposed to be good for 100k miles. Many people have gotten them replaced to have them break again with in a year.

    NHTSA complaint #11460885 · source
12. Filed Aug 17, 202196,000 miFLFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle lost power on several occasions. The vehicle was restarted and operated as designed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed with a faulty throttle body. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.

    NHTSA complaint #11429462 · source

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