SOME 2008-2017 FORD/MERCURY/LINCOLN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SYNC MAY GENERATE A VHR THAT IDENTIFIES A CONCERN WITH THE BRAKES AND SUSPENSION CATEGORY INDICATING SERVICE IS REQUIRED DUE TO A BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LAMP BEING ILLUMINATED. IF THE PARK BRAKE WAS APPLIED WHEN THE VHR WAS GATHERING DATA FROM THE MAJOR VEHICLE SYSTEMS, THE BRAKES AND SUSPENSION MESSAGE WILL BE REPORTED AS THE VHR LOOKS FOR ANY WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. RERUN THE VHR WITH THE ENGINE ON AND VEHICLE IN PARK, AND ENSURE THE PARK BRAKE IS DISENGAGED. IF THE SYNC VHR IS STILL REPORTING A CONCERN TO THE CUSTOMERS SYNC OWNERS ACCOUNT, REFER TO THE APPROPRIATE WORKSHOP MANUAL SECTION FOR DIAGNOSIS BY
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Ford Explorer brakes problems
severe 16 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
16
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
1crash
1injury
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes 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 2008-2017 FORD/MERCURY/LINCOLN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SYNC MAY GENERATE A VHR THAT IDENTIFIES A CONCERN WITH THE BRAKES AND SUSPENSION CATEGORY INDICATING SERVICE IS REQUIRED DUE TO A BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LAMP BEING ILLUMINATED. IF THE PARK BRAKE WAS APPLIED WHEN THE VHR WAS GATHERING DATA FROM THE MAJOR VEHICLE SYSTEMS, THE BRAKES AND SUSPENSION MESSAGE WILL BE REPORTED AS THE VHR LOOKS FOR ANY WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. RERUN THE VHR WITH THE ENGINE ON AND VEHICLE IN PARK, AND ENSURE THE PARK BRAKE IS DISENGAGED. IF THE SYNC VHR IS STILL REPORTING A CONCERN TO THE CUSTOMERS SYNC OWNERS ACCOUNT, REFER TO THE APPROPRIATE WORKSHOP MANUAL SECTION FOR DIAGNOSIS BY
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Sixteen complaints paint a picture of brake system failures across multiple subsystems. The ABS module emerges as a problem: it fails, generates fault codes, and sometimes won't reprogram after dealer service. Owners report the module corrupted or improperly configured, with loose brake lines and multiple warning lights that persist even after shutdown.
Brake pedal behavior is unpredictable. One owner's pedal stiffened during 4WD snow mode, locked up completely on a highway during heavy traffic, then required ABS module replacement at the dealer. Another owner's brake pedal stuck until the vehicle ran off-road; a third experienced complete loss of stopping power and had to deploy the parking brake.
Parking brake failures are frequent and maddening. Handles pop up without engaging, alarms sound continuously while driving, and owners can't lock the brake in place—one paid over $700 for a replacement kit on a model reportedly not covered by related recalls.
Additional findings: a rear brake assembly overheated to glowing-red after 45 minutes of driving with a burning smell; two front brake lines fractured; and at least one steering column failure triggered a "steering malfunction" message, though that overlaps with power steering rather than friction brakes.
No consistent warning about failures before they occur. Multiple owners report no check-engine light or ABS warning until the moment of failure.
Same Ford Explorer brakes reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2014 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
ABS Module Failure
The ABS control module malfunctions or fails, sometimes after dealer service. Modules may be internally corrupted, improperly programmed, or corrupted by loose brake lines. Results in multiple fault codes and warning light illumination.
When: 73,400 to 158,443 miles; also reported at 105,000 and 125,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: ABS, traction control, and stability control warning lights illuminate; Check brakes message appears; AWD warning lights and terrain management system faults appear; Vehicle loses automotive power; Multiple fault codes present
Codes mentioned: ABS fault codes, Communication fault codes, Check engine codes
Repairs/costs cited: ABS module replacement required; costs not specified. One case involved dealer error—module never programmed with required vehicle configuration data and required independent replacement. One module on back order.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall open for ABS module failures. Manufacturer advised they could not assist in one steering-related case. Some owners notified manufacturer; responses not detailed.
Brake Pedal and Hydraulic Pressure Issues
Brake pedal becomes stiff or unresponsive. In one case, brakes locked up after 4WD mode use; in another, pedal stuck and failed to respond until vehicle ran off road. One case involved loss of braking ability requiring parking brake deployment.
When: During operation; one lockup occurred after 4WD snow mode use followed by return to regular drive
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal becomes abnormally stiff or hard; Brakes lock up; Brake pedal becomes stuck; Complete brake failure—vehicle does not stop; Awkward sound when brakes finally work; Rear brake glows red and smells like burning
Repairs/costs cited: Ford dealership replaced ABS module and flushed brake fluid (confirmed not compromised). Rear brake rotors and calipers replaced due to damage from lockup. One independent shop tightened loose brake line near ABS unit.
Parking/Emergency Brake Failure
Parking brake handle fails to engage, pops up without engagement, or no longer locks in place. Alert continues to sound while driving even though brake does not function. Occurs on basic model Explorer not included in related recalls.
When: Approximately 57,000 miles and later
Symptoms owners cite: Brake handle pops up without engaging; Unable to engage or lock parking brake; Continuous alarm sounds while driving; Brake handle has tension but will not lock in place
Repairs/costs cited: Parking brake replacement kit required; one dealer quoted cost over $700.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner reported recalls exist for parking brakes on some 2015 Explorer models but their specific basic model was not included.
Brake Line Fracture
Front brake lines on driver and passenger sides fracture, requiring replacement.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Front brake line fracture on driver side; Front brake line fracture on passenger side
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced both front driver and passenger side brake lines.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified of failure.
Brake Overheating
Rear brake assembly overheats to dangerous levels, glowing red and emitting burning smell after extended highway driving.
When: After approximately 45 minutes of highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Rear brake glows red; Burning smell from brake; Fire hazard if driving continues
Synthesized from 16 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had brakes 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 brakes problem on the 2015 Ford Explorer?
It's a meaningful issue. 16 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 23,000 and 105,000 miles, with the median around 71,570. A quarter of owners report trouble before 23,000; a quarter make it past 105,000. 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 $450 for brakes 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 brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes 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/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.