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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
6 / 0
Average Mileage:
28,293 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2015 Ford Explorer engine problems

engine problem

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2015 Ford Explorer Owner Comments (Page 5 of 11)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #127

Jun 062019

Explorer

  • 68,700 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

On 6/6/19 vehicle lost engine throttle power when "wrench" light indicator appeared on dashboard while driving on interstate (at least 65mph). Wrench noted terrain management system error. Engine did not shut off. Vibrated very badly when coming to stop. Happened again on 6/12 on city street driving approx 35mph. Both times stopped vehicle, turned off, and restarted and operated normally. Ford dealerships cannot determine problem because there computer systems cannot see error code(s) in diagnostics.. additionally, Ford Motor Company will not respond until "error code" identified by Ford service dealership. Read online and youtube exact issues but not discussion on resolution(s). See url address for example of issue that occurred with our vehicle: Https://www.youtube.com/watch?V=asrdplp4_qe&T=1S. Very dangerous to lose power on highway and little control of vehicle. Believe this is a systemic issue with Ford Explorer

- Burlington, NC, USA

problem #126

May 102019

Explorer

  • 60,000 miles
The side panel popped out in the front passenger side of the vehicle for no apparent reason. The Ford dealership I took it to was aware of it. The second issue we had at 66,000 miles was an error called 'terrain management fault'. both times this error occurred, we were moving. The first time it happened it fixed itself. The second time, we had to have it towed. This is so dangerous and someone is going to get hurt or killed. They had to replace the throttle body. Please get Ford to a dress these safety issues.

- Nashville, TN, USA

problem #125

May 312019

Explorer

  • 72,000 miles
While driving recently my car would 'sputter' while at a light etc. Well today it completely dies while driving (about 20mpg). It eventually restarted and I was able to drive to my mechanic. The vehicle completely died while pulling into the drive of the mechanic who will take a look on Monday. Also, had problems with steering unit that Ford said needed to be replaced. Said that would cost us about $1100 for a new module. At that time the car had 40,000 miles on it. Currently has 72,000. My husband was going to by a F150 now seriously considering going with Toyota. He's heartbroken as we both thought the Explorer would be a reliable car.

- Waynesville, OH, USA

problem #124

Apr 122019

Explorer

  • 83,102 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Check engine light came on. Took the car to conrad's. scanned code and the result is engine timing chain needs to be replaced and possibly the engine. Have quotes from multiple service stations and each one said this engine has lots of problems.

- Twinsburg, OH, USA

problem #123

Apr 132019

Explorer

  • 40,000 miles
When accelerating in my vehicle from a stopped position and when driving on the expressway, there is a carbon monoxide odor and I get light headed and have headaches afterward. This has continued after my vehicle was repaired by a Ford dealership due to the recall. This has happened several times before and after the repair.

- Memphis, TN, USA

problem #122

Feb 132019

Explorer

  • 54,600 miles
Water pump started leaking at 54000 miles right out of warranty. Was told needed replacement or else engine would seize. Paid over $2,100 to get it replaced. Stupid design and hard labor to get to it. Car has vibration now ever since we had it repaired but thought it was normal leaving dealer. I don't know why this hasn't been recalled. Now, the parking aid went out. These cars are horrendous

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #121

Mar 132019

Explorer

  • 80,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

2015 Ford Explorer limited approximately 80000 miles. While in motion loses engine all engine power and begins to shudder. The vehicle will not accelerate at all. After stopping the vehicle, shifting into park, shutting the engine off and restarting, the problem goes away as if it never happened. When this occurs the dashboard indicates 'service terrain system management' with the wrench icon. It has happened several times, all without warning and all while on the highway and having to maneuver a stalling vehicle out of traffic. Very dangerous!! have taken it to the dealership twice with no answers to why it happens. No codes show up in the system. Something needs to be done before a serious or fatal accident occurs.

- Lebanon, KY, USA

problem #120

Jan 012019

Explorer

  • 50,000 miles
Exhaust smell coming through cabin when idling and in motion. With ac/heat on and off. Most significantly when accelerating. It has caused me to have major headaches and nausea. It has went to the dealership to be 'fixed' but problem is still occurring.

- Lusby, MD, USA

problem #119

Jan 032019

Explorer

  • 54,000 miles
Exhaust leaking into cabin. Filling cabin of vehicle with a sulfer or cat pee smell.

- Ceresco, MI, USA

problem #118

Dec 172018

Explorer

  • 32,000 miles
When accelerating, smell fumes and onset of dizziness and blurred vision while driving. Immediately slowed down (almost to a stop) in mid traffic and opened windows, allowing fresh air to blow in. Dizziness went away after a minute or two. Happened twice...very scary experience. Carbon monoxide poisoning? never experience this before nor outside of vehicle. Already had exhaust problem fix by dealer...still having issues. This is getting dangerous.

- Burke, VA, USA

problem #117

Sep 182018

Explorer

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

This complain is for Ford Explorer Sport 2015 that I own and has 26,000miles. I bought this car brand new from the dealer and I've been having a problem with steering wheel. Every time when I get out from the parking or trying to park the car, I turn the steering wheel left and right and I get this squeezing noise. Beside this problem, the engine makes a whistle noise when is parked. I had this whistle noise 4months after I got the car from the dealer. I did send it to the dealer service for this whistle, they didn't find any issue, which it really upset me.I'm very disappointed with Ford service and brand itself, and the fact that I'm find in more complains about the steering wheel noise and not being recalled as a problem to be solved. I would never ever recommand to anyone to buy Ford. This is bad business!

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

problem #116

Nov 102018

Explorer

  • miles
After just 63,000 miles both turbos on my 2015 Ford Explorer Sport failed. One was confirmed as leaking oil which could result in an engine fire. Additionally, it was confirmed that the vehicle's timing cover was leaking, also at risk for engine fire. Vehicle has been immaculately maintained with all scheduled service and timely synthetic oil changes.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #115

Oct 022017

Explorer

  • 26,000 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. While driving unknown speeds in the rain, the contact heard an abnormal squealing noise coming from the serpentine belt. The vehicle stalled. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to NHTSA. The failure mileage was 26,000.

- Danbury, NH, USA

problem #114

Oct 042018

Explorer

  • 44,000 miles
Loss of power: While driving my 2015 Ford Explorer XLT with 3.5L V-6 engine on the highway (10/04/18), the wrench light came on and the car started to shudder and lose speed. Pushing down on the accelerator had no affect and the car rapidly decelerated. The engine was running very rough with heavy vibration. This was a terrifying and nearly fatal experience as faster moving traffic started passing me on both sides as I tried to move off the highway. I was able to move the car to the side of the highway and limped off the nearest exit. Once off the exit I shut the car off and sat for 20 minutes while I re-gained my composure and called my husband. When he arrived he started the Explorer and the wrench light was cleared. My husband drive the car home using only back roads while I followed in his car. We called our local Ford dealer and scheduled an appointment. We started researching this issue and found this to be a well known problem with the throttle body on Ford's V6 engines which are used on multiple SUV's, crossovers and sedans. The research I've seen shows this issue has affected more than 10,000 owners. However, it's not clear if the throttle body is faulty due to a manufacturing or design defect. It's also not clear if replacing the throttle body is a permanent fix. I'm terrified to drive the car on the highway and since this happened we've only used it for shorter trips around town. The Ford dealer checked the car today (10/08/18) but since the wrench light was cleared they found nothing wrong. I pleaded with the service advisor to no avail. We've been a Ford family for more than 15 years but this fault and even worse the Ford service advisor's response is completely unacceptable. This is a serious and dangerous problem and only a matter of time before someone and their family are killed. Please investigate and force Ford to issue a recall.

- Cary, NC, USA

problem #113

Sep 032018

Explorer

  • 57,209 miles
I was driving on the interstate at 70 mph and I heard a loud clunk and my engine lost acceleration. I could not increase my speed and the car would not go. I had to pull off the road and the car was running rough and when I pushed on the accelerator pedal the car barely moved. I was almost rear end by a truck but luckily I was able to pull over safely. The wrench icon came on my dash and said to take to dealer. When I got home I took it to the Ford dealer and they did a diagnostic test and it showed a P2111 fault code. The throttle body was faulty and had to be replaced. This malfunction put me in a very dangerous position.

- Saint Cloud, FL, USA

problem #112

May 252015

Explorer

  • 100 miles
The exhaust leaking into the car it terrible, it's giving me headaches and making me feel sick. It has been going on since I purchased the car in 2015 but I can't take it anymore. The problem occurs when excelerating at any speed. Taking off from a stop light or entering a highway.

- Kingsville, MO, USA

problem #111

Apr 102017

Explorer

  • 34,000 miles
Have had 2015 Explorer in local Ford dealer 6 times to have exhaust fumes in cabin resolved. They have perform repairs to current tsb's. still having exhaust fumes in cabin after normal acceleration. Starting to smell fumes when entering cabin after remote start. Currently vechile in shop again!

- Burton, TX, USA

problem #110

Jun 152018

Explorer

  • 48,000 miles
Car loses power. This happened on my 2011 Ford mustang V6 that had the throttle body replaced. Car loses power several times a day now.

- Valdosta, GA, USA

problem #109

Jun 072018

Explorer

  • 49,000 miles
2015 Ford Explorer Sport exhaust in the cabin I began smelling raw exhaust when I would first start my car, the air blowing though my vents. I would roll my windows down because it made me immediately nauseous, as I drove the smell would go away and roll my windows back up. The smell only went away for a few minutes as the cabin resaturated with exhaust smell. I started troubleshooting and found when I turned on recirculation while driving the smell subsided. This only worked while driving and using less than half throttle. I would smell a rotten egg smell when I would use part to full throttle anywhere I was traveling. I contacted my dealer and they performed the exhaust complaint repair. After driving the car the last few days from getting it back there has been no difference. As the weather heats up I am using air conditioning more and have been starting to get headaches, nauseous and lose of energy. My coworker rode with me today and complained within the first minute of driving that exhaust smell was present in the car and was getting a headache. I rolled down the windows and have not used the climate control. I will not be using the climate control until this is fixed, I do not want to be another victim of a serious injury accident or death.

- Elk, WA, USA

problem #108

Mar 242018

Explorer

  • 69,000 miles
Cabin is filling with extremely intense smell of carbon monoxide. It is impossible to drive as you can not stay in it for more than a few minutes. It doesn't matter if your just driving around town (5-10 miles per hour) or if you try to go on a highway (40-60 mph). It just gets worse. After a brief time you get lightheaded and nauseated. I had the vehicle to a Ford dealer a few months ago to supposedly fix the problem. Whatever they did certainly didn't work as it has now gotten to this point.

- Frackville, PA, USA

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