2015 Ford Explorer · symptom sheet
Water leaks into the cabin
- 35owner reports
- 80,000median miles
- $500median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Aug 25, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
527 of the 1,791 complaints on this car are about the structure. 35 of those describe water leak.
Tick what matches of 35 reports
Water leak 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: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025, 2026.
What this problem usually is
These owners find water where it shouldn't be: a soaked carpet, a wet footwell, water pooling in the cargo area, and often a musty smell before they find the source. The smell is the most common thread, mentioned in more than four in ten of these complaints.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the seal or weatherstrip (7 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the structure covers the 2015 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
All 9 recalls on the 2015 Ford Explorer, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the structure on the Explorer
Underbody shields detachment. Closed apr 9, 2026.
Windshield trim molding item detachment. Closed feb 8, 2024, led to recall 24V-031.
Rear liftgate glass hatch failure. Closed oct 24, 2008.
Engine compartment fires. Closed aug 2, 2006, led to recall 05V-388.
Rear liftgate glass assembly. Closed sep 28, 2004, led to recall 04V-442.
Spare tire winch cable. Closed oct 20, 2000.
Spare tire winch cable. Closed apr 14, 2000.
Liftgate support bracket failure. Open, led to recall 99V-310.
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.
Heavy lateral vibration. Closed feb 4, 1998.
Sunroof shattering and separation. Closed jan 20, 1998, led to recall 97V-235.
Electrical fire in center console. Closed sep 4, 1997.
Sunroof (air roof) shatter. Closed may 23, 1997.
Driver door electrical fire. Closed may 15, 1997, led to recall 97V-083.
What owners paid
5 of the 35 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $395 to $582.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 58,000 and 118,000 miles, from the 21 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 1 service bulletin or notice 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 2011-2022 Explorer and 2020-2022 Aviator vehicles may experience an inoperative roof opening panel motor. If diagnostics lead to a motor replacement, visually inspect the original motor for signs of water intrusion.
What owners wrote
“Driving high speed across Alligator Alley FL molding on both sides of front window loosed and began "flapping" loudly. On checking later learned that problem related to recall 24V031, loose A pillar applique trim. Over a year now and repair is unavailable so has not been done. Fear problem will reoccur, perhaps more serious.”
Filed Feb 5, 2025
“Left side windshield trim molding flew off hitting car behind me. Causing car to then chase me down and run me off the road. Two months later the right side flew off while driving luckily not hitting another car on the road. Something needs done about this. Every Ford Explorer I see on the road is missing one or both of these trim pieces! Do better FORD!”
Filed Aug 27, 2023
“The molding on the front passenger side windshield flew off while driving at highway speeds.”
Filed Feb 1, 2023
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 35 reports involved a crash. 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
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 196 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
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 30 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 26 reports