2015 Ford Explorer · symptom sheet
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails
- 196owner reports
- 95,000median miles
- $818median quote
- 4involved a crash
Newest report Sep 28, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
633 of the 1,791 complaints on this car are about the backup camera. 196 of those describe infotainment.
Narrower sheets: Backup camera goes black or freezes (115 reports) · Infotainment screen freezes or goes black (29 reports)
Tick what matches of 196 reports
Infotainment on other Explorer years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2019, 2023, 2025, 2026.
What this problem usually is
Screen complaints read like a list of small betrayals. The display goes black or freezes, the backup camera shows nothing when you shift into reverse, CarPlay or Android Auto keeps dropping, or the radio changes volume on its own. Many owners had a software update that didn't fix it. A narrower sheet covers backup camera failures on their own, and another covers screens that freeze.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the camera (173 reports), the head unit or screen (60 reports), the software (5 reports) and the module (4 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the backup camera covers the 2015 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
All 9 recalls on the 2015 Ford Explorer, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the backup camera on the Explorer
Rearview camera fmvss 111 noncompliance. Open.
Fleet vehicle recall completion audit. Closed dec 28, 2015.
Engine compartment fires. Closed aug 2, 2006, led to recall 05V-388.
Windshield wiper malfunction. Closed apr 24, 2000, led to recall 00V-072.
Blower assembly fires. Closed apr 18, 2000.
Heater blower assembly fire. Closed sep 11, 1998.
Blower assembly fires. Closed jan 15, 1999.
Electrical fire in center console. Closed sep 4, 1997.
Driver door electrical fire. Closed may 15, 1997, led to recall 97V-083.
None of these investigations covers the 2015 model year.
What owners paid
8 of the 196 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $700 to $2,000.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 70,000 and 130,000 miles, from the 97 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 5 service bulletins or notices for the 2015 Ford Explorer that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Some 2015-2019 vehicles may experience a no crank concern due to a security access key table error. When attempting to program keys or perform a parameter reset, the procedure may fail and the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool may display an error 232: ...
Some 2015-2017 vehicles may experience a no crank concern due to a security access key table error. When attempting to program keys or perform a parameter reset, the procedure may fail and the Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) scan tool may display an error ...
Touchscreen navigation system - arabic language - blank screen
Some 2012-2016 vehicles equipped with a touchscreen navigation system and the language set to Arabic may exhibit a blank screen.
1 more on the 2015 Ford Explorer page.
What owners wrote
“The A-Pillar Windscreen TRIM on each side of the vehicle are a failed Ford design and require pending replacement to prevent them flying off whilst traveling and endangering other road users or pedestrians.”
Filed Jun 6, 2023
“Rear cross traffic alert stopped working . No warning signs. Out of warranty 2015 Ford Explorer. When backing up and someone walks behind vehicle audible alert does not work. Only 35,000 miles on vehicle, original owner. Dashboard screen still works. First time occurance. Screen menu shows alert is turned on.”
Filed Apr 17, 2023 · 35,000 miles
“The window trim on the passenger side flew off while I was driving on the freeway. Also, my backup camera has been malfunctioning, the camera works off and on. It will work, then black out. At times is does not work at all.”
Filed Mar 9, 2023
“Backup Camera failed and only works intermittenly. Mostly doesn't work. Because of the design of the car, it is very hard to see when backing up.”
Filed Jun 30, 2022
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 4 of 196 reports involved a crash and 1 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Trim or a body panel comes off while driving 210 reports
- Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 204 reports
- Windshield cracks or distorts 146 reports
- A/C blows warm or the compressor fails 109 reports
- Airbag warning light or recall 84 reports
- Suspension noise, struts or alignment 83 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 59 reports
- Steering wheel clicks, clunks or grinds when I turn 54 reports
- Seat belt or seat problems 53 reports
- Engine overheats or leaks coolant 49 reports
- Water leaks into the cabin 35 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 30 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 26 reports