2015 Ford Explorer · symptom sheet
Suspension noise, struts or alignment
- 82owner reports
- 80,000median miles
- $2,107median quote
- 10involved a crash
Newest report Apr 15, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026
82 of the 1,773 complaints on this car describe suspension.
Tick what matches of 82 reports
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the control arm (7 reports), the bushing (5 reports), the struts or shocks (4 reports) and the ball joint (3 reports).
Recalls and investigations
4 recalls on the suspension system cover the 2015 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Exposure to road salt can cause the cross-axis ball joint to corrode and seize, resulting in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle, and replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall numbers 16V-245, 19V-435, and 20V-675. Certain vehicles previously repaired will need to return for the new remedy. An interim notification letter notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on September 10, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2022. Owners may contact Ford's customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S32.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin that were previously repaired under a prior recall numbers 16V-245 or 19V-435. The outboard section of a rear suspension toe link may fracture.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle attached to the rear suspension toe link and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S62.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, and inspect both rear toe link ball joints, replacing the rear wheel knuckle(s), if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S17.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured January 17, 2014 to May 31, 2014. The affected vehicles may have improperly welded rear suspension toe links that may fracture.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. The recall began on November 18, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S18.
NHTSA investigations into the suspension system on the Explorer
Front suspension stabilizer bar link. Closed nov 30, 2000, led to recall 00V-402.
NHTSA summary
Whl separation/torque loss. Closed aug 31, 1992.
NHTSA summary
None of these investigations covers the 2015 model year.
What owners paid
5 of the 82 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $2,107 to $2,411.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 41,000 and 98,000 miles, from the 52 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“My vehicle has been shaking and clunking for years now, and my dealership has denied me service for two years on account of them not being able to recieve parts”
Filed Apr 15, 2026
“I have a recall on rear suspension I have called to have the repairs done several times I was given response of they didn't have the parts needed and would take several weeks . Rear suspension is very unsafe and now the engine cooling component is causing issues with over heating and not giving any warning lights on dash and am afraid found cause fire or some unsafe issue”
Filed Jun 14, 2023
“I am unable to take this matter to the dealer, as they have shut down thier business.”
Filed Mar 24, 2023
“October 30, 2020, Ford issued a recall, 20S62, NHTSA recall 20V675. I have had the recommended inspection completed. However, as of March 7, 2022 (17 months later) Ford says the replacement parts are not available and they don't know when they will be available.”
Filed Mar 7, 2022
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 10 of 82 reports involved a crash and 3 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.
Other problems on this car
- Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 203 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 185 reports
- Windshield cracks or distorts 145 reports
- A/C blows warm or the compressor fails 109 reports
- Airbag warning light or recall 84 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 58 reports
- Seat belt or seat problems 52 reports
- Water leaks into the cabin 35 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 29 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 26 reports