2015 Ford Explorer
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2015 models.

- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD Base/Xlt/Limited/Sport, 4dr SUV FWD Base/Xlt
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.5L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 290–365 hp
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, FFV
- MPG (best)
- 23 combined · 20 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 197.2 in
- Curb weight
- 4,557–4,731 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 8 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 23 MPG combined — 23% better than the average 2015 standard SUV (18.7 MPG).
- Strong performanceUp to 365 hp, versus about 270 hp for similar 2015 models.
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints1,815 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 195 for similar models — most often about the steering.
- 8 recallsMore than similar models (about 4). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2015 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2015 Ford Explorer is a standard SUV offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.5L 6-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 197 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,731 lb (4dr SUV AWD Base/Xlt/Limited/Sport).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 27 highway), 23% better than the 2015 standard SUV average of 18.7 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 8 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1815 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2015
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2014 Explorer — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2014; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2014 Explorer →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Chicago, Illinois
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2015 Explorer configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD Base/Xlt/Limited/Sport | 197.2 in | 78.7 in | 69.7 in | 113 in | 66.9 / 66.9 in | 4,731 lb | 54/46 |
| 4dr SUV FWD Base/Xlt | 197.2 in | 78.7 in | 69.7 in | 113 in | 66.9 / 66.9 in | 4,557 lb | 54/46 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | +23% | $2,900 | 394 |
| Explorer 2WD FFV FFV | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 20 | +7% | $3,350 | 450 |
| Explorer FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 20 | +7% | $3,350 | 450 |
| Explorer AWD FFV FFV | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | +4% | $3,550 | 471 |
| Explorer AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | +4% | $3,550 | 471 |
| Explorer AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | -1% | $3,700 | 490 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2015 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2015 Ford Explorer.
Similar 2015 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Ford Explorer (this car) | 23 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2015 Toyota Land Cruiser | 15 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2015 Toyota 4Runner | 19 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2015 Toyota Highlander | 28 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 25 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2015 GMC Yukon | 18 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
| 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe | 18 MPG | Not rated | 16 |
Recalls (8)
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Oct 13, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V695000 · 1,448,655 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
- Risk
- A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driverâs view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on October 25, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Mustang owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA9. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 14, 2025.
Structure › Body › Roof And Pillars · Jan 19, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V031000 · 1,889,110 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Suspension › Rear · Jul 15, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V537000 · 631,176 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Exposure to road salt can cause the cross-axis ball joint to corrode and seize, resulting in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.
- Risk
- A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle, and replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall numbers 16V-245, 19V-435, and 20V-675. Certain vehicles previously repaired will need to return for the new remedy. An interim notification letter notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on September 10, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2022. Owners may contact Ford's customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S32.
Suspension › Rear · Mar 12, 2021
NHTSA campaign 20V675000 · 454,941 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin that were previously repaired under a prior recall numbers 16V-245 or 19V-435. The outboard section of a rear suspension toe link may fracture.
- Risk
- A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle attached to the rear suspension toe link and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S62.
Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft · Nov 10, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V692000 · 15,587 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Suspension › Rear · Jun 10, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V435000 · 1,194,173 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
- Risk
- A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, and inspect both rear toe link ball joints, replacing the rear wheel knuckle(s), if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S17.
Suspension › Rear · Apr 26, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V245000 · 75,364 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured January 17, 2014 to May 31, 2014. The affected vehicles may have improperly welded rear suspension toe links that may fracture.
- Risk
- A fracture of the rear suspension toe link may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. The recall began on November 18, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S18.
Parking Brake · Jul 24, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V464000 · 7,165 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 23, 2015, Lincoln MKT vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 21, 2015, and 2015-2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 23, 2015. The affected vehicles have a parking brake that may not fully engage when applied. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
- Risk
- If the parking brake does not fully engage and the transmission is left in a gear other than 'Park' while on a slope, the vehicle may roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will test the operation of the parking brake system, and if necessary, replace the parking brake control assembly, free of charge. The recall began on September 4, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15C07.
Not every 2015 Ford Explorer is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2015 Ford Explorer buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 8 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Steering — 339 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Structure — 262 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Engine — 230 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 23,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2015 Ford Explorer. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Explorer years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Explorer | 23 | – | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2026 Explorer | 24 | 198.8 in | Not rated | 15 | 42 |
| 2025 Explorer | 24 | 198.8 in | ★★★★★ | 22 | 109 |
| 2024 Explorer | 24 | 198.8 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 21 |
| 2023 Explorer | 27 | 198.8 in | ★★★★★ | 15 | 113 |
| 2022 Explorer | 27 | 198.8 in | Not rated | 25 | 273 |
| 2021 Explorer | 27 | 198.8 in | ★★★★★ | 27 | 456 |
| 2020 Explorer | 28 | 198.8 in | ★★★★★ | 35 | 1,249 |
| 2019 Explorer | 22 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 300 |
| 2018 Explorer | 22 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 737 |
| 2017 Explorer | 22 | 198.4 in | ★★★★★ | 14 | 1,713 |
| 2016 Explorer | 22 | 198.4 in | Not rated | 14 | 2,484 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →