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 Explorer electrical problems
moderate Owners of the 2015 Ford Explorer have filed 71 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 54,600 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
71
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Explorer | 37 |
| 2012 Explorer | 34 |
| 2013 Explorer | 111 |
| 2014 Explorer | 68 |
| 2015 Explorer (this page) | 71 |
| 2016 Explorer | 93 |
| 2017 Explorer | 81 |
| 2018 Explorer | 45 |
| 2019 Explorer | 17 |
What stands out
Owners have filed 71 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.
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 2013-2023 Ford or Lincoln vehicles with modems activated through FordPass or LincolnWay may experience 12 volt battery drain symptoms when the customer uses non-Ford/Lincoln phone applications as an alternate channel to access vehicle commands such as door lock/unlock, remote start, vehicle location, etc. The battery drain may be caused by excessive calls for data through the vehicle network keeping it in an activated state. Recommend that the customer uninstall the app to ensure this is not contributing to battery symptoms experienced. Advise the customer that unaffiliated third-party app developers do not work directly with Ford to adhere to security, vehicle communication, and privac
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Customer Satisfaction Program 21B11 Certain 2014-2016 Model Year Explorer Vehicles 2nd Row Inflatable Seat Belt: In all of the affected vehicles, the air bag light may illuminate as a result of a worn or damaged connection to the rear inflatable seat belt connector.
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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe a vehicle plagued by electrical faults that dealers struggle to diagnose or fix. The airbag warning light comes on frequently, disabling all airbag deployment—a safety-critical failure that costs $1,200 to repair and happens so often one dealer reports replacing wiring harnesses routinely. The electrical system misfires entirely without warning: dashboards go black while driving, air conditioning shuts off, all warning lights flash at once, and engines suddenly lose power on highways, forcing owners to coast to the roadside. Dealers cannot replicate these problems or retrieve fault codes after restart, so no permanent fix gets made.
Water intrusion is endemic. Windshield seals and A-pillar trims leak during rain or car washes, flooding the cabin floor and destroying infotainment systems, sunroofs, and climate controls. Moonroofs get stuck open or refuse to close. Owners report mold exposure from the water damage.
Backup cameras fail regularly—screens go black in reverse, image distorts or flips upside down, or the system works only intermittently. Replacement requires replacing the entire integrated dashboard assembly at $800–$2,000. Exhaust smells enter the cabin from day one in some vehicles despite multiple dealer visits replacing mufflers, air extractors, and HVAC modules. Fuel gauges read wrong, power windows reverse direction, door locks die on all four doors, and the terrain management system error light disables acceleration without warning. Owners report needing frequent restarts just to restore basic functions like radio or climate control.
Same Ford Explorer electrical reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2014 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Airbag warning light / restraint control module failure
Airbag light illuminates, disabling all airbag deployment. Owners report it as intermittent or constant. Root cause cited by dealers is wire harness failure in connectors, often affecting the restraint control module or second-row inflatable seat belt connectors. When the light is on, no airbags will deploy, creating a critical safety gap.
When: Occurs at various mileages; as early as a few months of ownership through 100,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light on dashboard illuminates intermittently or constantly; All airbag systems disabled when light is on; Light sometimes clears after car restart or wiggling wiring harness; Light recurs after temporary fix
Codes mentioned: B141B, TSB 16-0001
Repairs/costs cited: Wire harness replacement reported at $1,200 by dealers; some owners cite TSB splice repairs; inflatable seat belt cable re-routing under seat with electrical tape attempted but failed to hold; diagnostic cost $149 at one dealer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Technical Service Bulletin 16-0001 issued for 2016 model year; no formal recall issued; some owners reference TSB-21B11 for inflatable seat belt issue
Electrical system intermittent failure / dashboard shutdown
Vehicle experiences sudden loss of electrical function while driving, causing multiple dashboard systems to fail simultaneously. Symptoms include dashboard going black, all warning lights illuminating, loss of power steering/braking feel, and inability to diagnose the issue because fault codes clear after restart. Dealer is unable to replicate or retrieve codes, making diagnosis difficult.
When: Occurs during highway driving, at red lights, or during acceleration; intermittent over months
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard lights flicker on and off or go completely black; Speedometer spins erratically or goes to zero; Air conditioning shuts off; Radio and climate controls stop responding; Wrench warning light or terrain management error appears; All warning lights illuminate at once (brake, stability control, ABS, airbag); Chiming noises from vehicle; Loss of acceleration or power
Codes mentioned: Terrain Management System Error, Service Advance Trac, Wrench indicator light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to replicate; no fault codes stored after restart; diagnostic charges $175 without resolution; communication module replacement attempted at one dealer; body control module replacement attempted at another but failures persisted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or TSBs cited; dealers state unable to fix without ability to replicate
Sudden loss of engine power while driving
Vehicle loses all motive power without warning while driving at highway speeds, forcing driver to coast to roadside. Engine dies completely but restarts normally after a few seconds to a few minutes. Occurs multiple times for some owners. Creates extreme safety hazard as driver loses power steering and effective braking.
When: At 50–70 mph on highways and expressways; occurs intermittently over time
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of engine power while driving; Wrench warning light illuminates; Engine stalls with no warning; Difficulty steering and braking without power assist; Engine restarts normally after brief shutdown and restart
Codes mentioned: Wrench indicator light
Repairs/costs cited: Owner notes feels like electrical or software system requires a 'reset'; one owner speculates throttle body issue (P2111); no permanent repair documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or service bulletins cited; some dealers suggest restarting vehicle
Terrain Management System fault with loss of acceleration
Vehicle displays 'Terrain Management System Error' on dashboard and wrench light, then loses ability to accelerate. Vehicle may slow or stop abruptly in traffic. Turning off and restarting the vehicle temporarily clears the error. Occurs repeatedly for some owners.
When: During normal driving, including stop-and-go traffic; intermittent reoccurrence
Symptoms owners cite: Terrain Management System Error message appears on dashboard; Wrench indicator light illuminates; Terrain Management control knob light goes out; Vehicle stops accelerating or slows abruptly; Error clears after restart but recurs
Codes mentioned: Terrain Management System Error, Wrench indicator light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to replicate; no codes stored; diagnostic charges $175 with no resolution; owner reports having pictures and video of error messages
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers unable to assist without ability to replicate; no TSBs or recalls cited
Exhaust odor entering cabin
Strong exhaust smell or burning odor enters vehicle cabin, especially during heavy acceleration or in stop-and-go traffic. Owner reports other passengers became sick and vomited. Multiple repair attempts by dealer (10+ visits) have not resolved the issue despite replacing numerous components including muffler, air extractors, grille, valve assemblies, and HVAC module reprogramming.
When: Since day 1 or first few hundred miles; persists throughout ownership despite repairs
Symptoms owners cite: Exhaust smell in cabin during acceleration; Burning smell on startup; Passengers becoming nauseous and vomiting; Smell persists despite multiple repair attempts
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple visits; components replaced include: trans roll restrictor rubber, muffler assembly, left rear air extractor (replaced twice as dual-rate), grille and valve assembly (replaced multiple times), HVAC module reprogrammed multiple times, seam sealer applied; wheel lip molding replaced; dealer states unable to smell the fumes despite owner reports
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB referenced for roll restrictor and HVAC reprogramming; no formal recall; technicians report inability to detect smell
Water intrusion from windshield / A-pillar seals
Water leaks into cabin through windshield area, A-pillar trims, sunroof seals, and roof rack area during rain or car wash. Water enters floorboard, center console, and ceiling, damaging electrical components including infotainment system, radio, and climate controls. Some owners report water damage to sunroof and mold exposure.
When: During rain or after car wash; observed at mileages ranging from 29,900 to 118,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Water dripping from ceiling lights near console; Standing water on passenger floorboard; Water saturating ceiling and dripping on radio; Lights on center console blinking or filled with water; Radio, AC/heating, and navigation system controls not functioning; Sunroof stuck open or non-functional; A-pillar trim detaches; Visibility issues from water on windows; Mold odor in vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Roof rack replacement suggested at $800–$2,000 by one dealer; parts not available for recall repair; independent mechanic diagnosis of roof rack issue; seals around windshield suspected; owner received medical treatment for mold exposure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 24V031000 (Structure) issued but parts unavailable; no other manufacturer response documented; dealer did not provide diagnosis or repair
Backup camera failure / display malfunction
Rear-view camera stops functioning or displays intermittently, either going black entirely or showing distorted/upside-down image. Some cameras work intermittently based on shifter position. Replacement cost quoted at $800–$2,000 because dashboard screen and all integrated systems must be replaced together.
When: Occurs at mileages ranging from 70,000 to 115,000 miles; problem ongoing for months in some cases
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard screen goes black/blank when vehicle put in reverse; Camera flickering on and off; Image distorted, upside down, or blurry; Camera only works when shifting between reverse and neutral repeatedly; Camera fails sporadically or daily; No error codes or warning messages displayed
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic states backup camera replacement requires full dashboard screen and infotainment system replacement due to integrated design; quoted cost $800–$2,000; no parts available for some owners; owners cite ongoing issues with Ford cameras across multiple model years
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention) issued for some years but not 2015 Explorer model; no manufacturer assistance; parts unavailable for recall
HVAC blower motor / climate control intermittent shutoff
Blower motor and dashboard cluster lights turn off unexpectedly for 10–15 seconds then turn back on. In one case, maximum heat poured from vents uncontrollably after dashboard shutdown. Climate system becomes unresponsive during electrical events.
When: Occurs sporadically; observed early in ownership and during electrical failure events
Symptoms owners cite: Blower motor shuts off intermittently; Dashboard cluster lights turn off and back on; Maximum heat pouring from all vents uncontrollably; AC stops responding; 10–15 second dropout cycles
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer stated issue is common and will dissipate after few thousand miles; HVAC module reprogramming attempted in some cases; no permanent fix documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer states this is a known issue that resolves itself
Fuel gauge inaccuracy
Fuel gauge reads incorrectly, showing tank as almost full even when low-fuel warning sensor activates. Vehicle nearly runs out of fuel despite gauge showing significant fuel remaining. Gauge only drops slightly from full even after driving 300+ miles.
When: Occurred around 50,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel gauge displays almost full when tank is actually low; Low-fuel warning comes on while gauge shows almost full; Gauge fails to drop below 3/4 full even after extended driving; Gauge resets to full after refueling
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented; owner now manually calculates fuel consumption using trip odometer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented
Power window failure
Driver-side power window motor malfunction, especially in cold weather. Window moves opposite to button input (goes down when commanded up) or drops back down mid-raise. Issue occurs only in cold temperatures.
When: Occurs in cold weather conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Window goes down when button pressed to go up; Window raises halfway then automatically drops; Soft-touch button control not responding correctly; Issue temperature-dependent
Repairs/costs cited: Motor likely failing; owner questioned if linked to prior door-panel recall repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford Customer Service unable to confirm warranty coverage; owner advised to visit dealership for diagnosis
Body Control Module (BCM) failure
Body control module fails, causing various electrical systems to malfunction or preventing vehicle from starting. Replacement attempted but failures recur in some cases.
When: At 100,000+ miles; also early in ownership for some vehicles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to start; Vehicle starts on third attempt but failure recurs; Multiple electrical systems malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: BCM replaced but persistent failures reported in at least one case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific manufacturer response documented
ABS system malfunction / ABS light constant illumination
ABS warning light illuminates constantly. Dealer diagnoses bad ABS module requiring replacement. Dealer notes significant backlog for parts, suggesting widespread issue. ABS module affects braking capability.
When: Occurs at various mileages
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light on dashboard; AWD OFF light also illuminating (in some cases with other electrical issues)
Repairs/costs cited: ABS module replacement required; one owner paid $582 for dealer to check terminal pin fit at all locations; after terminal inspection, codes disappeared; backlog for replacement parts reported
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or TSBs cited; parts backlog for module replacement
APIM (Infotainment module) failure
APIM fails, preventing infotainment functions from operating. Software update attempts from Ford website and dealership unsuccessful. Module requires replacement at significant cost. One dealer reports performing 2–3 APIM replacements per week, suggesting systemic issue.
When: Early in ownership or during use; vehicle stationary when diagnosed
Symptoms owners cite: Infotainment system non-functional; Software update fails to complete; System unresponsive
Repairs/costs cited: Update attempts cost $109; module replacement cost $915.46; dealer reports 2–3 replacements per week in small town, suggesting recall-level frequency
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford aware of update issues; no recall mentioned
Random electrical system activation / key-in-ignition issues
Electrical systems activate or remain on without ignition or with key removed. Key stuck in ignition. Vehicle beeping continuously with electrical systems on despite key being out. Persisting electrical gremlins across multiple systems.
When: Occurs intermittently
Symptoms owners cite: Electrical systems remain on after key is removed; Continuous beeping with key out; Key stuck in ignition; Various electrical systems cycling on/off unexpectedly
Repairs/costs cited: No specific repair documented; ongoing electrical problems persist
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented
Rear running light failure
Rear running lights fail to operate, requiring repair at dealership on multiple occasions.
When: Occurs at various times during ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Rear running lights non-functional
Repairs/costs cited: Rear lights repaired at dealership twice
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or TSBs cited
Door handle breakage
Driver-side outside door handle breaks off when attempting to open door.
When: Occurs during normal use
Symptoms owners cite: Door handle breaks off
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement cost $149
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented
Shift module failure / Vehicle Not in Park message
When vehicle placed in Park, error message displays 'Vehicle Not in Park.' Shift module requires replacement.
When: Occurs when shifting to park
Symptoms owners cite: Error message 'Vehicle Not in Park' displays on dashboard when in park
Repairs/costs cited: Shift module replacement cost $395 plus tax and fees
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented
Wiper system failure
Windshield wipers malfunction, refusing to operate properly. Problematic especially during heavy rain and unsafe to drive in such conditions.
When: Occurs intermittently, especially in wet conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Wipers fail to operate; Wipers not responsive to controls
Repairs/costs cited: No specific repair documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented
Moonroof / sunroof leak and mechanical failure
Moonroof leaks water after car wash or during rain. Moonroof becomes stuck open in winter conditions or fails to close properly. Water drips from ceiling lights near moonroof switches.
When: Early in ownership (29,900 miles); occurs after car wash or during rain
Symptoms owners cite: Water dripping from lights above center console near moonroof; Moonroof stuck open and will not close; Moonroof leaks during rain; Infotainment system damaged by water intrusion
Repairs/costs cited: Covered under initial factory warranty when repair attempted; no repair completed in one case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented
Battery terminal corrosion and fracture
Battery terminal corrodes and battery fractures, requiring terminal replacement.
When: Occurs at unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Battery terminal corroded; Battery fractured
Repairs/costs cited: Terminal replacement needed; independent mechanic repair attempted; repair not completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware but did not assist
Radio and infotainment system malfunction
Radio turns on and off by itself; entire infotainment system (radio, navigation, phone, climate controls) stops responding together. System requires full restart to function temporarily.
When: Occurs intermittently during ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Radio turns on and off without user input; Navigation system malfunction; Infotainment display goes black; System unresponsive to controls; Multiple system outages at once
Repairs/costs cited: No specific repair documented; owner reports pulling over to restart vehicle multiple times to restore function
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented
Vehicle visibility design flaw / BLIS malfunction
Large C-pillars create severe blind spots limiting driver visibility to rear sides of vehicle. BLIS system fails to warn of approaching vehicles. Nearly caused multiple collisions. Design flaw that dealer cannot remedy; requires factory redesign.
When: Present from early ownership (2,100 miles on lease)
Symptoms owners cite: Severe blind spots from C-pillar design; Cannot see right side rear or left side rear; BLIS failed to warn of tractor trailer in left lane; Difficulty navigating tight spaces due to front pillar width; Cannot judge distance from front end
Repairs/costs cited: Factory design flaw; dealer cannot remedy; no parts replacement available
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented; design flaw acknowledged as unremediable by dealer
Daytime running light configuration malfunction
Parking lights illuminate for daytime running instead of headlamps, illegal in most states. BCM replacement attempted but issue persists. Ford engineers state unable to reconfigure after 6 months of attempts.
When: Observed upon purchase from Ford Certified Dealership
Symptoms owners cite: Parking lights illuminate instead of headlamps for daytime running; No interior lighting for security; Very dangerous in low-light conditions
Repairs/costs cited: BCM replaced but issue persists; Ford engineers unable to reconfigure software
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford engineers state unable to reconfigure after 6 months of attempts; no resolution offered
Throttle body / acceleration control failure
Vehicle fails to accelerate when gas pedal pressed, leaving driver stranded in traffic. Yellow wrench warning light appears. Diagnostic suggests throttle body stuck open (P2111 code).
When: Occurs during normal driving at traffic lights and highway merges
Symptoms owners cite: Gas pedal unresponsive; Vehicle will not accelerate; Yellow wrench warning light; Check engine light
Codes mentioned: P2111
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body may be stuck; no repair completion documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented
Door lock electrical failure
Power door locks fail on multiple doors (all four doors affected in some cases). Locks stop functioning and require replacement. Problem cascades across all doors.
When: Occurs at various times during ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Door locks fail to operate on multiple doors; Locks require replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Rear driver-side lock replaced; other three doors subsequently failed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented
Power seat unintended movement
Driver power seat moves without any button input, particularly during car wash when water may contact controls.
When: Occurs during car wash or when stationary
Symptoms owners cite: Seat moves without button activation; Movement occurs during car wash
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented
Interior trim panel adhesive failure
Driver-side door panel glue/adhesive fails, allowing vinyl trim to detach from door.
When: Occurs during ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Door panel vinyl separates from panel; Adhesive failure allowing trim to come off
Repairs/costs cited: No repair cost documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented
Brake warning light and oil pressure warning light false activation
Brake system warning light and engine oil pressure warning light cycle on and off randomly without any actual system issues.
When: Occurs intermittently during driving
Symptoms owners cite: Brake warning light comes on for couple of minutes then goes off; Oil pressure warning light comes on after recent oil change; Both lights cycle randomly; Lights come on despite no actual brake or oil issues
Repairs/costs cited: Likely electrical sensor malfunction; no repair documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented
Vehicle vibration and suspension noise
Vehicle exhibits excessive vibration and suspension noise, causing roughness over normal road surfaces. Vibration present during acceleration.
When: Occurs during driving; some vibration noted after water pump repair
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive vehicle vibration; Suspension noise; Rough ride over normal road surfaces; Shaking during acceleration; Rumbling sensation as if driving over bumps; Vibration stops then resumes randomly
Repairs/costs cited: No specific repair documented; owner questioned if linked to water pump replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented
Second-row seat folding button failure
Captain seat push button for folding second-row seat stops working, preventing seat reconfiguration.
When: Occurs at unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Push button for seat folding non-functional
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented
No-Key-Detected warning / vehicle stall
Vehicle displays 'No Key Detected' warning and stalls while driving. Fault code cannot be retrieved, making diagnosis difficult.
When: At 18,400 miles; intermittent occurrence
Symptoms owners cite: No Key Detected warning illuminates; Vehicle stalls at highway speed (60 mph); Vehicle able to restart
Repairs/costs cited: No fault code retrievable; no repair completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but no response documented
Coolant / water pump leak
Water pump leaks coolant onto driveway. Pump located in difficult-to-access location requiring expensive labor. Pump failure leads to engine seizure risk if not addressed.
When: At 54,000 miles, right out of warranty; also observed at 126,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant leaking onto driveway; Water pump visible leak; Risk of engine seizure if not repaired
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement cost $2,100+ due to labor-intensive location and part cost; poor design cited
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented
Low battery / starting failure
Vehicle fails to start or loses all power while driving, losing steering and brake assist. Battery light illuminates when backing up. Power loss occurs after vehicle sits for full day without driving.
When: When vehicle has been stationary for extended period; also at 126,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to start; Complete power loss while driving; Loss of steering assist; Loss of brake assist; Battery warning light illuminates in reverse; Vehicle requires jump start; Power only returns after hitting gas pedal or pressing OK on warning
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement performed at Pep Boys; parasitic drain suspected; charging system may be failing
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented
Instrument cluster failure / gauge malfunction
Instrument cluster fails intermittently, displaying only one or two gauges at a time instead of full display. Cluster appears to fail after backup camera malfunction.
When: At 115,000 miles; intermittent failure
Symptoms owners cite: Gauge display intermittent; Only one or two gauges display at a time; Cluster failure follows camera malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed; parts availability unclear
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented
Communication module failure
Communication module fails, causing complete vehicle shutdown including all warning lights and engine stall. Replacement attempted but failure recurs repeatedly.
When: Early in ownership (at 3,000 miles) and recurring multiple times
Symptoms owners cite: All warning lights illuminate while driving; Warning alarm chimes; Vehicle stalls and will not restart at roadside; Failure recurs several times after repair
Repairs/costs cited: Communication module replaced but failures recurred
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified of recurring failure but no response documented
Synthesized from 71 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
The recall campaign from Jan 19,2024 Manufacturer Recall Number24S02 NHTSA Recall Number24V031 has been open since 2024 and has not had a remedy become available. In the meantime, my passenger side pillar has become detached, as warned in the recall. Rain leaks into my car and causes visibility issues. This is worrisome because I do have three young children, one in a car seat right behind the…
Had electrical 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 electrical problem on the 2015 Ford Explorer?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 71 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 29 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 29,900 and 92,000 miles, with the median around 54,600. A quarter of owners report trouble before 29,900; a quarter make it past 92,000. 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/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.