2015 Ford Explorer transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

• Recall 20V692000Nov 10, 202015,587 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

  Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Explorer, 2014-2015 Taurus and 2014 Edge vehicles equipped with 2.0L or 2.3L engines and front wheel drive. The support bracket for the front drive axle halfshaft may fail.

  Risk: 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.

What owners say

1. 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
2. Filed Jul 16, 2026INTransmission & Drivetrain

   Vehicle transmission develops shutter overtime, which causes speeds to fluctuate and can be a safety hazard to the driver or other drivers. As you accelerate from a stop or low speeds the vehicle shutters causing it not to get up to speed as normal causing a safety risk along with extra wear and tear on the motor!

   NHTSA complaint #11750724 · source
3. Filed Mar 20, 2026MDEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   The specific component or system has not fully failed. However, my vehicle is currently experiencing an intermittent check engine light condition, turning off and on, which was diagnosed at a Retailer producing code P0018 then at the dealership and produced code P0017. The codes relate to the engine control module (ECM) detects that the camshaft on is out of sync with the crankshaft resulting in misaligned engine timing. I have requested that the dealership further review…

   NHTSA complaint #11725963 · source
4. Filed Mar 10, 2026TNTransmission & Drivetrain

   I have always maintained the vehicle and drive the vehicle well. The car just started stuttering when driving and the torque converter for the transmission failed. It doesn’t even have many miles. I’m sure this is a common complaint that needs addressed and recalled because there wasn’t anything done to contribute to this problem. It has been parked since this first occurred in 2024.

   NHTSA complaint #11723308 · source
5. Filed Dec 12, 2025OHOther / UnknownSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

   I am filing an official safety complaint regarding my 2015 Ford Explorer Sport 3.5L due to a dangerous and sudden power-steering failure that occurred while I was driving with my children in the vehicle. There were no warning lights, alerts, or symptoms leading up to the failure. The power steering went out instantly and without any indication that something was wrong. The moment it failed, the steering wheel locked up and became extremely difficult to turn, nearly causing…

   NHTSA complaint #11704766 · source
6. Filed Oct 17, 202572,000 miTXTowedEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon placing the gear shifter in park(P) and turning off the vehicle, the message "Transmission Not in Park" was flashing on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up after several attempts. The contact called an independent mechanic, and the vehicle was towed to the shop. The mechanic discovered that the water pump inside the engine was defective and needed to be replaced. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11694118 · source
7. Filed Oct 16, 2025OHEngineOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   When accelerating and braking, motor rocks forward and backwards. Rpms jump erratically when this happens and when sitting stationary at a light or stop sign. Which causes the entire vehicle to vibrate. Oddly enough, fuel injector cleaner seems to help with the vehicle shaking somewhat.

   NHTSA complaint #11693819 · source
8. 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
9. Filed Oct 10, 2024127,000 miMSEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly shuddered before losing motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to restart. The engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the torque converter. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the…

   NHTSA complaint #11619212 · source
10. Filed Aug 14, 2024TXOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

    The vehicle stopped while I was driving and wouldn’t accelerate when trying to push the gas pedal. The warning wrench light then appeared and said power train. Once I pulled over and cut the car off and back on it drove normal for a few miles and broke down again. My safety was impacted because the vehicle literally stopped while I was driving on a busy road.

    NHTSA complaint #11608397 · source
11. Filed Jun 8, 2024131,953 miTXTransmission & Drivetrain

    When driving the vehicle, my check engine light will come on, the car will shake, start to slow on its own, the steering wheel locks up. If I am on the highway, I better be able to steer the wheel quickly to pull over or else I will be in the middle of the highway. All of this happpens within a minute. The car forces you to turn it off or it will shake uncontrollably. Once you turn it off you have to remove the key, open a door and then start the car again and it drives like…

    NHTSA complaint #11593238 · source
12. Filed Aug 9, 2023CAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    Last year the water pump needed to be replaced at 99,500 miles. It cost upwards of $2,000 to be replaced. Fast forward now, a year later the check engine light is on, the car is not accelerating properly and it is back in the shop. The shop called and said it is not as simple as fixing the sensors. They have to look further and thinks it may be the timing chain which would be another $2,000. When it was in the shop a year ago fixing the water pump they said the timing chain…

    NHTSA complaint #11537463 · 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