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 ↗2015 Ford Explorer powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2015 Ford Explorer have filed 65 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 51,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
65
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Explorer | 45 |
| 2012 Explorer | 42 |
| 2013 Explorer | 95 |
| 2014 Explorer | 69 |
| 2015 Explorer (this page) | 65 |
| 2016 Explorer | 198 |
| 2017 Explorer | 112 |
| 2018 Explorer | 43 |
| 2019 Explorer | 32 |
4crashes
4injuries
What stands out
Owners have filed 65 powertrain 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 powertrain 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.
During service and repair requiring removal and replacement of a crankshaft bolt and/or crankshaft damper, achieving proper torque of the crankshaft pulley bolt is critical. Incorrect torque may allow the bolt to loosen resulting in the timing gear breaking and engine damage. Replacement of the bolt is critical to the repair and accurately following the installation procedure in the Workshop Manual (WSM) Section, 303-01 is extremely important. The bolt torque procedure can be found in the crankshaft front seal removal and installation procedure or in the engine assembly procedure.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2015-2016 vehicles equipped with 6F50/6F55 transmission and built on 2-Nov-2015 and through 1-Feb-2016 may exhibit no reverse, 3rd and 5th gear with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0715,P0717,P0756 and/or P2701. This may be caused by the direct clutch cylinder/tone wheel (7F283) inadvertently forcing the snap ring out of position resulting in damage to the direct clutch hub (7G384). Service part (7J250) complete rotating 3-5-R clutch module is now available. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 307-01. For claiming, use causal part 7F283 and applicable labor operations in Section 7 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) manual.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2015-2020 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. 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 HK11 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 ↗2015-2016 Edge/MKX/Flex/MKT/MKZ/MKS/Taurus/Taurus Police/Explorer/Explorer Police vehicles built on or before 10-Jun-2016 and equipped with a 3.5L or 3.7L engine, all wheel drive (AWD) and a power transfer unit (PTU) may exhibit a PTU venting, an odor originating from the PTU, or noise originating from the PTU. These vehicles may be a candidate for rebuild using PTU Idler Gear/Shaft/Bearing Kit (GB5Z-7P258-A). Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 308-07.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2015 Explorers describe a range of powertrain breakdowns that appear across the model year. Brake failure is the most alarming: multiple owners report the brake pedal becoming unresponsive, emergency brakes not engaging, and vehicles rolling backward even when the shifter is in park—in some cases injuring occupants. Transmission issues include hard shifting, hopping, false "not in park" warnings (even when parked), and complete transmission failure requiring $4,500+ replacement around 100,000 miles.
Engine power loss happens repeatedly. Owners report sudden loss of acceleration on highways, rough running, shuddering, and wrench light warnings. The problem often clears after restart but recurs, leaving drivers unable to merge or maintain speed. Some identify the throttle body as the culprit; one owner learned the issue affects 10,000+ vehicles with no recall.
Timing chains stretch early (60,000–100,000 miles), requiring expensive repairs. Exhaust fumes pour into the cabin under hard acceleration—a sulfurous, rotten-egg smell that causes headaches and nausea. All-wheel-drive models suffer PTU (power takeoff unit) leaks and failures around 64,000–108,000 miles; the sealed, non-serviceable design means complete replacement at $2,500+. Owners note Ford is aware of many issues but hasn't issued recalls, citing TSBs instead, leaving repair costs on owners past warranty.
Same Ford Explorer powertrain reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2016 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Loss of braking and unintended reverse motion
Vehicle fails to respond to brake pedal, emergency brake, or park engagement, causing uncontrolled rearward motion. Incidents include collision with other vehicles and dragging of occupants.
When: Low mileage (12,000–65,000 miles reported)
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes do not respond when applied; Emergency brake ineffective; Park engagement does not stop vehicle; Uncontrolled rearward motion while parked or after stopping; Vehicle rolls backward despite shifter in park
Repairs/costs cited: Incidents reported to dealers; some owners paid for shifter replacement (no costs cited for brake-related repairs)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer declined replacement in one case; vehicles not included in relevant recalls (15V464000)
Loss of engine power and acceleration
Engine loses power during driving, enters limp mode, shudders, or refuses to accelerate despite depressed throttle. Wrench light often illuminates. Restarting clears issue temporarily.
When: Throughout ownership, mileage 12,000–127,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of engine power while driving; Severe shuddering and rough running; Engine enters limp mode (5 mph max); Wrench warning light illuminates; Acceleration unresponsive to pedal input; Engine stalls while in gear
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to replicate; no repairs made in most cases. One case involved throttle body replacement (no cost cited)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSBs and Customer Satisfaction Program 20N07 referenced; no recall issued
Throttle body failure
Throttle body malfunction causes sudden power loss, rough idle, and transmission into limp mode. Issue identified as well-known defect affecting 10,000+ owners but not recalled.
When: Various mileages, 23,000–over 100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Wrench light illuminates; Loss of power on highway; Rough running with heavy vibration; Inability to accelerate; Vehicle shudders and decelerates rapidly
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports throttle body identified as probable cause; replacement discussed but vehicle not yet repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite widespread consumer awareness of defect
Camshaft/crankshaft timing misalignment (P0017/P0018)
Engine control module detects camshaft out of sync with crankshaft, causing intermittent check engine light, stalling, and reduced performance.
When: Various mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent check engine light (on and off); Stalling; Reduced acceleration; Fluctuating RPM
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer directed owner to work with dealership; referenced prior CSP notices for other model years
Transmission not in park warning / shifter failure
Transmission control system fails to register park engagement even when shifter is in park position, preventing engine shutoff and door locking. Intermittent condition requires multiple shift cycles to clear.
When: Mileage 47,000–68,000 miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: "Transmission Not in Park" warning message on display; Unable to start vehicle or lock doors; Steering wheel and seat position locks; Engine does not turn off despite park engagement; Vehicle electronics remain on, draining battery; Requires multiple park/neutral cycles to register
Repairs/costs cited: Shifter assembly replacement: at 68,033 miles. Costs cited in claims around $500–$1,500 for parts but not always covered
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB #17-2219 issued covering five Ford models and three Lincoln models (2011–2017) but not treated as recall; owners responsible for repair costs
Transmission hard shift and hopping
Transmission shifts harshly and causes vehicle to 'hop' or jerk during acceleration. Issue persists and worsens over time, eventually diagnosed as transmission failure.
When: 96,000–105,000 miles in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Hard shifting; Vehicle 'hops' or jerks during acceleration; Shifts from drive to neutral without driver input
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement cost: $4,500–$5,500; dealer initially unable to diagnose at 96,000 miles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No TSB or recall cited
Timing chain stretch and failure
Timing chain stretches prematurely, causing check engine light and requiring replacement of chain, guides, tensioners, solenoids, and water pump at relatively low mileage.
When: 60,000–100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Poor acceleration; Engine knocking or timing issues
Repairs/costs cited: Timing chain replacement cost: $2,000–$3,500+; water pump replacement: $2,000+. One owner reported timing chain looked good at water pump service but failed shortly after
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite known failure pattern; some F-150 models covered under different recall
Exhaust fumes entering cabin
Strong sulfurous or exhaust odors (smelling like rotten eggs, converter fumes, or carbon monoxide) enter cabin during acceleration, particularly under load. Issue persists after exhaust repairs.
When: Low mileage (4,400–under 21,000 miles in some cases)
Symptoms owners cite: Strong sulfur or rotten egg smell in cabin; Odor worse during hard acceleration, passing, or towing; Odor enters even with AC in recirculation mode; Smell worse with fresh air vent open; Occupant headaches and nausea from fumes; Requires window opening to clear odor; Smell persists or worsens after dealership exhaust repairs
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership exhaust repairs performed with no resolution; no proven fix identified by dealers or manufacturer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No known TSB or recall; dealers report no prior complaints and lack of solution
Terrain management system fault / power loss
All-wheel-drive terrain management system fails, disengaging powertrain and causing sudden loss of forward motion while driving. Requires park and engine restart to reset.
When: During ownership; one case at relatively low mileage
Symptoms owners cite: "Terrain Management Fault" message on display; Complete loss of forward propulsion; Engine running erratically; Sudden deceleration similar to heavy braking
Repairs/costs cited: One case: throttle body assembly found faulty; repair not covered under warranty
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No TSB or recall identified; dealers lack knowledge to address
Rear axle bolt fracture
Rear axle carrier bearing bracket bolt fractures, allowing axle to separate from transmission and causing total loss of drive power.
When: 80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal clunking noise from rear of vehicle; Vehicle jolts forward; Grinding noise when accelerating; Complete loss of drive power
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic diagnosed rear axle bolt fracture requiring driveshaft and bolt replacement; no cost cited
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated vehicle not included in recall 22V255000; vehicle awaiting dealer diagnostic appointment
Power takeoff unit (PTU) failure and leakage
Power takeoff unit (all-wheel-drive component) fails catastrophically or leaks fluid. Unit is not serviceable, preventing fluid changes and leading to seal failures and complete unit failure.
When: 64,000–108,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Fluid leak from PTU; Grinding noise in drive (not in reverse or neutral); Jerking during forward driving; Smell of gas or hot motor from leaking fluid; Complete internal failure requiring replacement
Repairs/costs cited: PTU replacement cost: $2,500+; fluid leak repairs require full unit replacement due to sealed design
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or TSB cited; manufacturer aware of failure in one case; owners report this is common issue in all Ford AWD vehicles
Torque converter failure
Transmission torque converter fails, causing loss of motive power and shuddering before stalling.
When: 127,000 miles in one reported case
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shudders then loses power; Engine stalls; Engine warning light illuminates
Repairs/costs cited: Failure diagnosed as torque converter issue; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Customer Satisfaction Program 20N07 referenced; manufacturer referred contact to NHTSA
Engine stalling and powertrain shutdown during driving
Engine shuts off completely while vehicle is in motion, with dashboard powertrain fault warning. Vehicle becomes uncontrollable, with no throttle response.
When: Various mileages (33,400–82,600 miles reported)
Symptoms owners cite: Powertrain fault indicator illuminates; Complete engine shutdown while driving; No throttle response; Jerking before stall; Dashboard signals powertrain issue
Repairs/costs cited: One case involved dealer diagnosis of timing chain issue; vehicle towed; no repairs completed in most cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall cited; one dealer advised to work with service manager
Engine hesitation and misfire on EcoBoost V6
EcoBoost V6 engine hesitates, misfires, shudders, and struggles to maintain highway speeds with light throttle input. Vehicle enters limp mode limiting speed to 20 mph.
When: Various mileages; ongoing for 1+ year in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shudders at highway speeds; Hesitation during acceleration; Engine misfires; Vehicle enters limp mode (20 mph max); RPM maxed out in limp mode
Repairs/costs cited: One case: loose hose clamp found and corrected; ongoing issues despite multiple dealer visits and extended warranty claim
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers say issues are "normal"; Ford declines to address despite multiple service visits and lawsuits over EcoBoost performance
Park engagement failure / unintended forward motion from park
Vehicle disengages from park and rolls forward or reverses while parked, despite shifter in park position. Can occur in driveway or on inclines.
When: Various mileages (29,000–67,000 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls forward from park position; Vehicle rolls backward from park position; No warning indicators; Occurs while driver is exiting or parked on incline
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs made in most cases; one case involved shifter assembly replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: VIN not included in recalls 15V464000 or other relevant campaigns
Synthesized from 65 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2015 Ford Explorer?
It's a meaningful issue. 65 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 46 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 32,000 and 68,033 miles, with the median around 51,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 32,000; a quarter make it past 68,033. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.