Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Ford Expedition electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2015 Ford Expedition have filed 43 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 116,000 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
43
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Expedition | 6 |
| 2012 Expedition | 10 |
| 2013 Expedition | 7 |
| 2014 Expedition | 11 |
| 2015 Expedition (this page) | 43 |
| 2016 Expedition | 29 |
| 2017 Expedition | 80 |
| 2018 Expedition | 23 |
| 2019 Expedition | 10 |
3fires
When does it fail?
Of the 43 electrical complaints filed for the 2015 Ford Expedition, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 43 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 21 model years of Ford Expedition in our records for electrical problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. This may be due to small debris causing the VCT solenoid to stick. Before attempting any component diagnosis or replacement of the VCT solenoid, refer to Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) pinpoint test HK12 to cycle the affected VCT solenoid 10 times to attempt to clear the debris. For claiming, use causal part 6M280 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2003-2020 Expedition/Navigator and 2006-2020 F-150 vehicles equipped with TOD transfer cases may exhibit grinding/clicking/ratcheting noise from the front wheel area. This may be due to partial engagement of the integrated wheel ends (IWE). To correct this condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to remove and cap the vacuum supply line.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SSM 48619 - Various Vehicles - Perimeter Alarm Armed And Original Vehicle Keys Cannot Be Accessed to Enter Vehicle - CAN Protection Strategy Some 2013-2016 Model Year Vehicles may exhibit a concern in which the Perimeter Alarm is active and the original keys cannot be accessed to disable the perimeter alarm. This concern would most often occur when a customer loses keys and the dealership is attempting to program new keys to the vehicle. The Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 419-01A Perimeter Anti-Theft Alarm - System Operation and Component Description has been updated to inform of the Controller Area Network (CAN) Protection Strategy. Follow the procedure outlined to prevent replacement of th
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The overwhelming majority of complaints center on the front blower motor and its associated electrical system. Owners report the blower motor drawing excessive amperage, causing the resistor and wiring harness connectors underneath the dashboard to overheat, melt, and create burning plastic odors—sometimes followed by smoke and actual fires. These failures occur across the vehicle's lifespan, from 70,000 to 244,000 miles.
Ford issued recall 22V648000 (Visibility, Electrical System) and campaign 22S56 covering blower motor replacement, but owners report the resistor, pigtails, and damaged wiring harness are often not included in the recall scope. Some owners paid out of pocket to repair the melted connectors after dealer-performed recall work. One owner reported a new blower motor was installed alongside already-burnt original harnesses, leaving the fire risk unresolved.
Beyond blower failures, owners describe a Sync infotainment and climate control system that randomly shuts down in summer, then cycles the heat and AC uncontrollably on restart. The fuel gauge reads incorrectly during these events. Engine power loss occurs in heavy rain at highway speeds, causing check engine lights with dealers unable to diagnose. AC engagement sometimes causes the engine to labor and hesitate at idle.
Two owners reported catastrophic engine compartment fires—one while parked with AC running, another while driving. The rear liftgate locks without manual override. Rearview camera failures are noted as part of recall 25V572000, but some owners report VIN exclusions. Heated seat wiring overheats due to single-ground-wire design, melting plastic. Parts availability delays extended for months across multiple recall campaigns.
Same Ford Expedition electrical reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2014 · 2016 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Blower motor overheating and resistor/connector melt
Front blower motor experiences electrical overload, causing the resistor and wiring harness connectors to overheat, melt, and create burning odors. This is the core failure driving most other climate control symptoms. The issue stems from the motor drawing excessive amperage without proper fuse protection.
When: 70,000–244,000 miles; failures reported across all seasons
Symptoms owners cite: Burning plastic or tire-like odor from heater/AC vents; Visible melted or burnt wires and connectors under dashboard; Gray smoke from AC vents; Blower motor intermittently inoperable or completely non-functional; Red-hot pigtail connectors
Repairs/costs cited: Blower motor replaced under recall 22V648000; resistor and wiring harness pigtails/connectors melted and often not covered under recall. Owners report costs of $1,200 for full repair. Some replaced harnesses themselves or had temporary fixes installed. One owner noted new blower installed with already-burnt original harness.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 22V648000 (Visibility, Electrical System) and Campaign 22S56 issued. Recall covers blower motor replacement only; resistor, pigtails, and wiring harness damage caused by the motor are often excluded. Multiple dealerships confirmed parts unavailable for extended periods (months). One recall notice noted parts distribution disconnect. Some owners report VINs excluded from recall despite manufacturing dates matching recall window (9/2014 manufacture within 1/2014–6/2017 window).
Sync and climate control system intermittent shutdown
Touchscreen infotainment (Sync) and climate control system shut down randomly and simultaneously, with no warning lights. When restarted, temperature display fails to show, indicating ongoing system malfunction. Blower then cycles uncontrollably between defrost/high heat and AC mode regardless of user input.
When: Summer months (seasonal pattern); intermittent, unpredictable timing
Symptoms owners cite: Sync screen turns black and goes completely dark; System power cycles as if button pushed; Temperature display absent after restart; AC compressor shuts off automatically; Blower mode switches to high-heat defrost mode uncontrollably; Cannot manually adjust heat/AC settings; Uncontrolled heating lasts 2 seconds to 20+ minutes; Fuel gauge reads incorrectly (e.g., 20 miles remaining when full)
Repairs/costs cited: Owner replaced blower motor resistor and wiring harness; replaced climate control relay #3; attempted intake manifold temperature sensor replacement (wrong sensor sent twice, poor fit). Now experiences loud fan noise during idle and no heat in winter.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific recall identified for this failure pattern. Dealer could not duplicate issue. Owner notes VIN excluded from recall 22S56 despite matching manufacture date and recall window.
Engine power loss and stalling in rain/moisture
Engine loses power or nearly stalls when driving through heavy rain or being sprayed by passing trucks. Power returns after a few hundred yards, but check engine light illuminates. Failures are intermittent and reproducible only in wet conditions.
When: 3,000 and 12,826 miles; occurs during heavy rain or moisture exposure
Symptoms owners cite: Engine power loss while driving at highway speeds; Check engine light illuminates; Engine hesitation and near-stall; Power returns after several hundred yards; Issue repeats 4–5 times during extended rain exposure
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed. Dealer unable to duplicate issue in shop, so no diagnosis available.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall identified. Dealer stated no problem found because failure could not be reproduced.
Engine laboring and hesitation when AC is on
Engine loses idle stability and hesitates when AC is engaged, with reduced RPM and reduced fan speed. Issue resolves when AC is shut off but returns when AC is reactivated. Occurs at idle and while driving at various speeds.
When: Occurs intermittently during AC operation; traffic light idle conditions reported
Symptoms owners cite: Engine laboring with low, hesitating RPM at idle; Reduced fan speed when AC activated; Engine nearly stalls when AC turned on; Loss of on-demand power and acceleration response; Issue occurs at 0–55 MPH and while stationary
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed. Owner suspects computer/vehicle control module issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No active recall identified for this issue on 2015 Expedition.
Rear liftgate latch failure with no manual override
Rear liftgate fails to open electrically and intermittently. Manual override does not function, trapping passengers in the third-row seat. Electric key fob also non-functional for liftgate.
When: August 2015; intermittent, unpredictable
Symptoms owners cite: Inability to open rear liftgate electrically; Liftgate window functions normally; No emergency manual override available; Key fob does not operate liftgate
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced liftgate latch.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific recall mentioned.
Rearview camera intermittent or non-functional
Backup camera fails to activate or display image when vehicle is in reverse, obstructing visibility. Owner states this is part of recall 25V572000, but VIN is excluded from recall despite same year, model, and manufacture details matching recall parameters.
When: At 124,000 miles; intermittent failure
Symptoms owners cite: Rearview camera does not activate in reverse; Camera image not displayed; Obstructed driver visibility during reverse operation
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired. No dealer or mechanic diagnosis performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention) issued; however, contact states parts not yet available and VIN is excluded despite matching vehicle specifications. Manufacturer told owner to wait for parts availability.
Running board spontaneous movement
Power running boards open and close independently without user input. Board opens halfway when exiting vehicle. No warning lights illuminated.
When: Occasional, unpredictable
Symptoms owners cite: Running boards move independently; Boards open halfway during vehicle exit; No user input or warning
Repairs/costs cited: No repair performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall mentioned.
Engine compartment fire
Two catastrophic engine compartment fires reported. One occurred while vehicle was parked with engine running and AC on; second occurred while driving with AC running. Both resulted in total vehicle loss and danger to occupants and bystanders.
When: One at 30,000 miles (parked, AC on); one unspecified (driving)
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke and flames under hood near engine compartment; Fire spreads to windshield area; Dark smoke from AC vents prior to ignition; Rapid fire spread, vehicle nearly completely engulfed
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles destroyed. One owner called 911; fire department and police responded. Bystander used fire extinguisher before professional response. Insurance company and fire department investigated but no definitive cause determined in first case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer (Landers Ford) notified in one case but did not assist. Manufacturer promised response within 15 business days but outcome not reported. These fires are consistent with blower resistor/wiring harness overheating described in recalled systems.
Heated seat wiring harness overheating
Heated seat electrical connector carrying single ground wire overheats after extended use, causing shorts and melting plastic harness. Owner research indicates design flaw: single ground wire forces all current through one path, causing excessive heat and fire risk.
When: After prolonged use; seasonal (winter)
Symptoms owners cite: Burning plastic odor when heater activated; Melted plastic connectors on heated seat module; Wiring harness overheats
Repairs/costs cited: Owner notes consumers are rewiring connector to include 2 ground wires to dissipate heat. Some connectors require prying apart after melting.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific recall mentioned for heated seat wiring.
Horn non-functional
Horn does not operate whether vehicle is in motion or parked, creating a safety hazard for driver and other road users.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Horn does not sound in any condition
Loud grinding/humming from dashboard during heater operation
Loud abnormal sound from behind glove box when heater is running. Owner reports this issue was recalled in 2023 but has returned.
When: During heater operation; recurrence after recall repair
Symptoms owners cite: Loud grinding or humming sound from behind glove box; Sound present only when heater is on
Repairs/costs cited: Recall repair completed in 2023; issue returned afterward.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued in 2023 but issue recurred post-repair.
Engine power loss (wrench light/limp mode)
Engine suddenly loses power and acceleration on highway with wrench warning light illuminating dashboard. Vehicle enters apparent limp mode, unable to accelerate, forcing driver to exit immediately.
When: <UNKNOWN>; highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of acceleration; Wrench symbol illuminates on dashboard; Engine cannot produce normal power; Vehicle slowed to dangerous speeds on freeway
Repairs/costs cited: No repair details provided.
Synthesized from 43 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 9 most recent
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V648000 (Visibility, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the climate control fan failed to cause the windows to become foggy…
The contact called on behalf of his wife who owns a 2015 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the heat intermittently operated, and his wife started to smell a burning odor throughout the vehicle. The contact also stated that on a separate occasion while driving, he started to smell a burning odor. The contact then stated that he pulled the…
When the heater is operated for 15-20 minutes a burning tire or skunk smell issues from the heater. The heater blower is currently of recall concern. No immediate safety issues, but we are concerned and the smell is bad. None of the components have been inspected by anyone. We are waiting on recall notification. No warning lamps or vehicle messages have occurred. The problem was first noticed…
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the doors rocker panels were corroded. Additionally, the contact stated that the front blower motor was intermittently inoperable. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V648000 (Visibility, Electrical System). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the recall repair was performed; however, the failure…
Smelled smoke, then a small amount of dark smoke was noted to be coming from A/C vents I pulled over & turned off car The smoke stopped. I exited the car & called my husband. I opened the car hood to inspect. There was nothing suspicious. No source of the smell or smoke was identified. I re-entered the car, turned on the engine, and lots of dark smoke exuded from of A/C Vents & the engine. I…
The backup camera intermittently won't turn on when shifting into reverse and instead says to contact the dealer for service.
Tl* the contact owned a 2015 Ford expedition. After parking and exiting the vehicle, a fire started under the hood near the engine compartment. The fire spread to the front windshield. The vehicle was destroyed. The fire department extinguished the flames, but had not determined what had caused the fire. The police department towed the vehicle to a yard and then the insurance company towed the…
Blower motor assembly system problems. Have had multiple times replaced/fixed. Issue is ongoing and per dealer is no longer covered my recall. Blower motor does not work. Burnt control box. And per dealer not covered by previous recall
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera failed to activate while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver…
Had electrical trouble with your 2015 Ford Expedition?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2015 Ford Expedition?
It's a meaningful issue. 43 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 23 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 71,500 and 138,000 miles, with the median around 116,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 71,500; a quarter make it past 138,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2015/Ford/Expedition.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.