2015 Ford Explorer Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA logged 86 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2015 Ford Explorer, about 5% of all complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 50,000 miles. A related recall (20V692000) covers a front drive axle halfshaft bracket on some 2014-2016 Explorers.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 86
- 5% of 1,791
- Crashes reported
- 4
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 4
- Median mileage
- 50,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Owners report the vehicle rolling away or disengaging from park after the driver stepped out, in some cases leading to injury.
- Some drivers describe sudden shuddering and loss of engine power while accelerating onto a road, with a powertrain warning appearing on the dash before the vehicle stalled.
- Several owners report a strong sulfur or exhaust smell entering the cabin during hard acceleration or highway passing, requiring windows to be opened to clear the fumes.
- Owners describe hesitation, surging, or a temporary loss of power during acceleration, with the vehicle sometimes entering limp mode.
When 2015 Ford Explorer transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Jun 15, 2015, latest Sep 21, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2015 Ford Explorer
- NHTSA 20V692000Nov 10, 2020Transmission & Powertrain15,587 vehicles
Power train:axle assembly:axle shaft
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Explorer, 2014-2015 Taurus and 2014 Edge vehicles equipped with 2.0L or 2.3L engines and front wheel drive. The support bracket for the front drive axle halfshaft may fail.
Risk: The failed bracket could result in a loss of park function which can cause unintended vehicle movement, and loss of motive power while driving which increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the link shaft bracket, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners received an interim notification detailing safety risk December 8, 2020. A second letter will be mailed when parts become available in January 2021. The recall began February 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S63.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Explorer model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are transmission problems on the 2015 Ford Explorer?
- NHTSA lists 86 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2015 Explorer, which is about 5% of all complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a transmission recall for the 2015 Ford Explorer?
- Yes. Recall 20V692000 covers a front drive axle halfshaft support bracket on certain 2014-2016 Explorer, 2014-2015 Taurus, and 2014 Edge vehicles equipped with 2.0L or 2.3L engines and front wheel drive.
- At what mileage do transmission issues tend to show up on the 2015 Explorer?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 50,000 miles.
- Do 2015 Explorer transmission complaints involve crashes?
- NHTSA data tied to this problem area for the 2015 Explorer includes 4 crashes and 4 injuries, with no fires reported.