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2015 Ford Explorer

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By Research the Car 5 min read

The 2015 Ford Explorer is a popular SUV known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and available all-wheel drive. It’s often praised for its family-friendly features and ample cargo space, while some criticisms include its fuel economy and potential reliability issues. Engine options for the 2015 Explorer include a 3.5L Ti-VCT V6 (290 hp and 255 lb-ft of torque), a 2.0L EcoBoost I4 (240 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque), and a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (365 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque). All engines are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Engine

3.5L Ti-VCT V6

  • Water Pump Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Internal water pump failure can cause coolant to leak into the engine oil. This can lead to overheating and potentially catastrophic engine damage. Symptoms include coolant loss, overheating, white smoke from the exhaust, and a milky appearance in the engine oil.
    • Solution: Replace the internal water pump, flush the cooling system, and perform an oil change. In severe cases, engine damage may necessitate a complete engine replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Timing Chain Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The timing chain can stretch or fail, leading to rough running, engine misfires, and potential engine damage if not addressed. Symptoms include a rattling noise from the engine, especially on startup, and the check engine light illuminating.
    • Solution: Replace the timing chain, tensioners, and guides. Inspect the engine for any damage caused by the timing chain failure.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,800+
    • Recalls: None Found

2.0L EcoBoost I4

  • Coolant Intrusion into Cylinders
    • Description/Symptoms: Cracks in the cylinder head can allow coolant to leak into the cylinders. This can cause white smoke from the exhaust, engine misfires, and eventual engine failure.
    • Solution: Replace the cylinder head. In severe cases, the engine may need to be replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Turbocharger Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The turbocharger can fail due to oil starvation or wear. Symptoms include a loss of power, a whistling noise from the turbocharger, and the check engine light illuminating.
    • Solution: Replace the turbocharger and inspect the oil supply lines for any blockage.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,500+
    • Recalls: None Found

3.5L EcoBoost V6

  • Turbocharger Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The turbocharger can fail due to oil starvation or wear. Symptoms include a loss of power, a whistling noise from the turbocharger, and the check engine light illuminating.
    • Solution: Replace the turbocharger and inspect the oil supply lines for any blockage.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (All Engines)

  • Torque Converter Shudder
    • Description/Symptoms: A shudder or vibration, particularly at lower speeds or during light acceleration. Often felt in the seat.
    • Solution: In some cases, a transmission fluid flush and replacement may resolve the issue. However, if the shudder persists, the torque converter may need to be replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 (fluid flush) - $1,500+ (torque converter replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Harsh or Delayed Shifting
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough or delayed shifts between gears, sometimes accompanied by a clunking noise.
    • Solution: Start with a transmission fluid flush and filter replacement. If the problem persists, valve body issues or internal transmission damage may require a more extensive repair or replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 (fluid flush) - $1,500 - $4,000+ (transmission repair/replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Rear Toe Link Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Premature wear on rear tires, clunking noises from the rear suspension, and unstable handling, especially during cornering. A recall was issued for this issue.
    • Solution: Replace the rear toe links with updated parts.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
    • Recalls: 16S07

Electrical

  • Door Latch Failures
    • Description/Symptoms: Doors not latching properly, doors opening while driving, and difficulty opening or closing doors. A recall was issued for this issue.
    • Solution: Replace the door latches with updated parts.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per door
    • Recalls: 16V361000, 17V210000
  • HVAC Blend Door Actuator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Inconsistent temperature from the vents, inability to control the temperature, or clicking noises from behind the dashboard.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty blend door actuator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Liftgate Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The power liftgate may not open or close properly, or may make unusual noises. The motor or latch mechanism may be faulty.
    • Solution: Replace the liftgate motor, latch, or struts as needed.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • MyFord Touch/Sync Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, lagging, unresponsive touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity problems, and navigation system errors.
    • Solution: Updating the software may resolve some issues. In severe cases, the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) may need to be replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $500 - $1,200+ (APIM replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Sunroof Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Water leaks into the cabin from the sunroof, often staining the headliner and potentially damaging electrical components.
    • Solution: Clean and inspect the sunroof drains for clogs. If the drains are clear, the sunroof seal may need to be replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2015 Ford Explorer can be a good vehicle, but potential buyers should be aware of the common issues reported by owners. Engine problems, especially with the 3.5L V6 (water pump, timing chain) and 2.0L EcoBoost (coolant intrusion, turbo failure), can be costly to repair. Transmission issues, while not always catastrophic, can also be a source of frustration and expense. Electrical glitches, particularly with the door latches and MyFord Touch/Sync system, are also prevalent. The rear toe link recall should be verified as completed on any potential purchase. Overall, while some issues are relatively minor, others can be quite severe and costly, making a thorough inspection and maintenance history check crucial before buying a used 2015 Ford Explorer.

Ford, Explorer
Ford Explorer 2015
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