Problems · by component

2015 Ford Explorer structure problems

411 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2015 Ford Explorer cite structure, 23% of all 1,814 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
411
23% of all complaints
Crashes
4
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
4
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the structure

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The contact's son owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the A-pillar trim had become loose and unsecured. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE).”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 20, 2026StructureODI 11772469
“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 unavailable. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 28, 2026Structure, Back over preventionODI 11767374
“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 instrument panel.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 21, 2026Power train, StructureODI 11765973
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 20, 2026StructureODI 11765710
“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 or dealer. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); as a possible cause for the failure; however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 2, 2026StructureODI 11761536
“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 taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the exterior A-pillar trim needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 25, 2026StructureODI 11759445

Showing 6 of 411 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 4, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Structure: roof and pillars

Free remedy

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.

StructureReported Jan 19, 2024NHTSA 24V031000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 4, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.