2015 Ford Explorer acceleration problems

Filed Mar 20, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · MD

The specific component or system has not fully failed. However, my vehicle is currently experiencing an intermittent check engine light condition, turning off and on, which was diagnosed at a Retailer producing code P0018 then at the dealership and produced code P0017. The codes relate to the engine control module (ECM) detects that the camshaft on is out of sync with the crankshaft resulting in misaligned engine timing. I have requested that the dealership further review and escalate the diagnosis to determine whether the issue aligns with any known concerns, Technical Service Bulletins, or manufacturer-supported programs. The vehicle and any related components are available for inspection upon request. At this time, the vehicle experiences reduced engine performance, including stalling, and inability to accelerator as needed, which pose a safety risk while driving, particularly in traffic or at highway speeds. The vehicle has been inspected and confirmed by the dealership. I have also contacted the manufacturer, who advised me to work directly with the dealership to have the issue reviewed and potentially escalated. I have since requested that they further evaluate the condition and determine whether it corresponds to any known issues or manufacturer-supported repair programs. At this time, the vehicle has not been inspected by police, insurance representatives, or other third parties. This check engine light and fluctuating RPM directly impacting the vehicles acceleration was the primary indicator of the issue. The manufacturer previously issued two Customer Satisfaction Program notices to address this issue for other model year vehicles. I have attached both notices to this complaint. This demonstrates a manufacturer defect which is a safety hazard for drivers.

Filed Aug 11, 2025 · Acceleration, Engine · MI

The factory installed headlight screw punctured the coolant line of my 2015 Ford Explorer causing my transmission to stop working properly. This resulted in a $725 tow bill and $1,067.56 in repairs. The certified mechanic verified that the screw was an original part and it punctured the line, likely after some time rubbing against it. The transmission did not appear to be damaged however my safety was at risk trying to pull over to when the vehicle would no longer shift gears. I have a video of the leak that lines up with the screw placement but was not able to upload it...I am happy to email it to you.

Filed May 27, 2025 · Acceleration · 89,000 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that occasionally while at a complete stop or while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle lurched forward or experienced unintended acceleration. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer and was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.

Filed Jun 14, 2024 · Acceleration, Brakes · CA · crash

Sudden Unintended Acceleration of the vehicle when slowing to park vehicle. This has happened on 2 occasions- both scenarios the same: slowing and turning left into a parking space, foot on the brake, almost to a complete stop and the vehicle suddenly accelerates out of control. the 1st time into a tree, the 2nd time into a parked/unoccupied vehicle. The brake was applied w/o response, the vehicle would not stop. I am certain my foot was not on the gas. Fortunate no one was injured.

Filed Jul 19, 2023 · Acceleration · 37,500 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal, before accelerating as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact called the dealer and was informed that the vehicle was not under recall or covered under warranty; and was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The manufacturer had not been notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 37,500.

Filed Jul 23, 2020 · Acceleration · 89,000 miles · AR

Traveling at any speed, the vehicle will not excelerate, vibrates, and an yellow wrench appears on the dash with message "all terrain management fault". It has happened twice in the last two days. You have to coast to a safe place off the road, turn your engine off, and restart. It has a lag when trying to restart, but will start. This is extraordinarily dangerous while traveling on any roadway. I am taking it to the dealership tomorrow, but what research I have done states this is a very common occurrence. An issue with the throttle body (etb).

Filed Jun 3, 2020 · Acceleration · 122,000 miles · MS

While driving car suddenly started to sputter and I could no longer accelerate.. Had roll to a complete stop.. Once stopped I let it sit for a moment and it restarted and I was able to make it home.. It has happened on at least 3 occasions.. And on the dashboard it display a yellow wrench and says see manual.. This is very dangerous because I was in traffic on all 3 occasions.

Filed Feb 20, 2020 · Acceleration, Fuel system · 150,000 miles · TN

While driving at any speed, the car will suddenly stop accelerating. Once you are able to get completely stopped and turn the car off and restart it, it will do ok until the same thing happens again with no warning. When in traffic or with no place to pull off or coast to, this is extremely dangerous. Has happened to me about 10-20 in the past 2 -3 years. After researching online, I read many of the same situations. Took to local dealer and they diagnosed it as the throttle body and said there were numerous explorers with the same problem.

Filed Dec 4, 2019 · Acceleration · 56,391 miles · MD · crash

I was driving on a 4 lane road with a median (not highway). I was in the left lane passing 2 other vehicles when my explorer began to accelerate and would not stop. The road was wet and as I began stomping on and off the gas pedal to try and release the accelerator, the vehicle began to hydro plane. I went across the right lane and hit the curb, which pretty much ripped out the front undercarriage of the vehicle. Once I left the roadway and could not regain control of the vehicle I put the transmission in neutral until I could get the car stopped. Once the vehicle came to the rest I tried again to stomp on the accelerator to get it to stop accelerating but had no response. The vehicle did not stop accelerating until I turned off the key.

Filed Nov 30, 2019 · Acceleration · 102,000 miles · ND

Stepped on the gas pedal to accelerate and vehicle kept accelerating after removing foot from pedal. Had foot on brake with tires locking up and engine was still revving up. The floor mats were not in the way and cruise control was not activated.