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2015 Ford Explorer body problems
moderate
Owners of the 2015 Ford Explorer have filed 371 NHTSA complaints about the body, typically surfacing around 90,000 miles at roughly $1,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.See body across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Q1 60kmed 90kQ3 120kn=202
Complaints
371
Recalls
1
Avg fix
$1,500
body complaints on the Ford Explorer, by model year
Of the 371 body complaints filed for the 2015 Ford Explorer,
here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 150,000+ mi.
0-25k
0 (0%)
25-50k
1 (20%)
50-75k
0 (0%)
75-100k
0 (0%)
100-125k
1 (20%)
125-150k
1 (20%)
150k+
2 (40%)
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
Body accounts for 21% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 12 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 371 body complaints against 1 active recall — roughly 371 complaints per campaign.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles
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.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering body 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.
Service BulletinSSM 54601Feb 2026
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
For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification number (VIN) from a different vehicle. Most modules on these affected vehicles are VIN/vehicle specific and hardware variations between modules do exist. Swapping a module from a vehicle or ordering a module using a different vehicle/VIN can cause ineffective repairs and additional vehicle down time. Make sure all appropriate Workshop Manual (WSM) procedures are followed when diagnosing the condition prior to all module replacements and only order modules using
This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended.
Some 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles equipped with a factory keyless entry keypad may exhibit a loose driver side B-pillar front door upper moulding. This may be caused by a lack of adhesion of the front door upper moulding to the door. To resolve the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to reapply adhesive tape to the front door upper moulding. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition on vehicles that meet all of the following criteria: * 2011-2019 Explorer * Equipped with factory keyless entry keypad * Left side front door upper moulding is loose
Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2015 Explorer's exterior A-pillar trim—the molding around the windshield edges—is detaching and flying off at highway speeds without warning. Owners report the trim starting to lift or make flapping sounds, then separating completely while driving 35–80 mph. Once loose, the rubber gasket slaps against the window and door, and the hard plastic trim panel becomes a projectile. In multiple narratives, the flying trim has struck other vehicles or could have hit motorcyclists.
Ford issued Safety Recall 24S02 (NHTSA 24V031) in January 2024 to address this, but owners across multiple dealerships confirm parts remain on backorder nearly two years later. Some dealerships have applied temporary duct tape repairs at roadside, a band-aid that does not prevent eventual re-failure. One owner reports the trim was replaced three separate times by Safelite and an independent mechanic, yet kept detaching.
Water intrusion through the cracked and separating trim is causing mold inside cabins. One owner had to use silicone caulk to try sealing gaps but water still entered. A handful of narratives also cite rearview camera failures showing distorted or blank images while reversing, though these appear connected to a separate recall (25V695000) rather than the pillar trim itself. The core issue remains: owners cannot get the recall parts, cannot drive safely with exposed windows and broken plastic clips, and Ford has not supplied replacement trim nationwide.
Same Ford Explorer body reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2014 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Exterior A-Pillar Trim Detachment
The molded plastic trim and rubber gasket around the windshield A-pillars (both driver and passenger side) separate from the vehicle without warning while driving at highway speeds. The trim then flaps against the window and door before detaching completely, becoming a projectile hazard.
When: Occurs repeatedly at highway speeds; many failures reported between 35,000 and 156,000 miles; recall issued January 2024 but failures continuing through 2026
Symptoms owners cite: Trim lifts or pops out of position while driving; Flapping noise and vibration at the A-pillar; Abnormal sound like something hitting the windshield; Trim flies off at highway speeds (35–80 mph); Rubber gasket flaps and slaps against window and door; Broken plastic retention clips visible after failure; Water entering cabin through cracked or separated trim; Distorted or cracked trim visible before detachment
Repairs/costs cited: Recall parts (replacement A-pillar trim and retention clips) on backorder since recall initiation (nearly 2 years); temporary duct tape or silicone caulk applied by some dealerships as stopgap; trim replaced multiple times by Safelite Auto Glass and independent mechanics but failures recur; one owner had trim replaced 3 separate times before giving up
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Safety Recall 24S02 (NHTSA Campaign 24V031000 / Structure) issued January 2024; parts unavailable nationwide; dealerships placing emergency part requests but Ford Corporate states no estimated delivery date; recall letter sent but some owners claim receipt issues; Ford initially advised waiting for remedy to be identified; some owners told by dealerships that other repair shops (Safelite, non-Ford suppliers) carry parts but no reimbursement offered if owner repairs out of pocket
Water Intrusion Through A-Pillar Trim Gaps
Once the A-pillar trim begins to separate or crack, water enters the vehicle cabin through the gaps between the trim and windshield, soaking floor mats and causing mold formation inside the vehicle.
When: Occurs during rain or after trim begins to separate; mileage varies
Symptoms owners cite: Rainwater leaking into cabin when parked; Passenger or driver side floor mats soaked after rain; Mold formation on interior surfaces; Cracked or separated windshield trim molding
Repairs/costs cited: Temporary silicone caulk applied to seal gaps but owner reports water still entered vehicle; permanent repair requires trim replacement (parts unavailable)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Covered under Safety Recall 24V031000 but parts not available
Rearview Camera Failure – Distorted or Blank Image
The rearview camera displays a distorted, inverted, blank, or intermittent image while the vehicle is in reverse. The failure obstructs driver visibility and prevents safe backup operation.
When: Intermittent failures beginning after vehicle purchase and continuing for approximately one year; occurs regardless of mileage (35,500 to 150,000 miles reported)
Symptoms owners cite: Camera image distorted or inverted while reversing; Camera image goes blank or black intermittently; Camera image fails to turn on; Camera moves independently while in reverse; Blurry rearview image; Message 'Rear-view Camera Inoperable' or 'Check Rear-view Camera' displayed on instrument panel; Failure occurs at low speeds (2 mph) and higher speeds
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs performed; parts unavailable for recall repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Safety Recall 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention) issued; parts not yet available; manufacturer told at least one owner that no recall exists for the rearview camera on that VIN; referred owners to NHTSA Hotline
Hood Paint Bubbling and Corrosion
Paint on the front of the hood begins to bubble and peel, indicating corrosion or manufacturing defect. Owners report this is a known issue across Ford Explorers.
When: After 2 years of use on well-maintained, garage-kept vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Paint bubbling on front hood after 2 years of use; Paint peeling on hood; White dust visible under peeling paint
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership indicated this is not uncommon; one owner researched and found TSB 19-2026 addressing aluminum body panel corrosion; panel replacement recommended
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford Customer Service refused warranty coverage citing mileage limit exceeding 7-year mark (one owner at 8 years old); dealership advised customer to contact Ford Customer Service; no financial support offered
Synthesized from 371 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting
7 most recent
body · 185,000 mi
· filed 12/30/2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving in rainy weather conditions, water was leaking into the interior through the front driver’s side and front passenger’s side window. The contact stated upon further inspection, the…
body · 130,000 mi
· filed 12/29/2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a distorted and inverted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure had…
body · 103,000 mi
· filed 12/27/2020
The passenger cabin both front and rear has the pungent smell of exhaust whenever the vehicle is: - engine running and - either in park or drive and - either moving or stationary and - either highway or city driving and - going 0 MPH, or 10 MPH or 20 MPH or 50 MPH and - either turning or straight and - with the heat on or off and - with the air conditioning on or off and - with all…
body · 235,000 mi
· filed 12/26/2024
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on the passenger side of the windshield started to detach. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.…
body
· filed 12/26/2023
Passenger side front window trim (column). The rubber seal started flapping on the expressway (60-70mph), followed by the entire trim piece ripping off. Created a significant distraction for driver and passenger. Trim piece flew off vehicle onto a 6 lane highway creating a safety issues for other drivers. There was no previous history of damage/accident involving this trim piece.
body · 47,000 mi
· filed 12/26/2019
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 Ford explorer. The contact stated that the armrest on the front driver's side door panel had fractured. The contact took the vehicle to greenway motors (located at 310 bedford rd, morris, il 60450, 815-768-1813) and was informed that the repair was covered per a customer satisfaction campaign. The dealer restapled the door panel, but the failure recurred. The…
body
· filed 12/22/2025
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the back over prevention camera was inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention). The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that parts…
Had body trouble with your 2015 Ford Explorer?
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 body problem on the 2015 Ford Explorer?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 371 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $1,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the body typically fail?
Across the 202 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most body failures cluster between 60,000 and 120,000 miles, with the median around 90,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 60,000; a quarter make it past 120,000. 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 $1,500 for body 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 body?
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover body issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.
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/Explorer.
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.