2015 Ford Explorer: harsh or hard shifting

Filed Apr 15, 2026 · Body, Brakes · NE

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 Jul 24, 2024 · Steering · NM

I had just pulled out of my driveway when I heard a "clunk" and the power steering seized up. Dash lights indicated "Steering Asist Fault Service Required" and "Service Advance Trac". I had to drive around the block (pulling very hard on steering wheel) to get it back in my driveway. It was frightening not having full control of the car. There is a Recall for Ford Explorer Steering Issues (the federal safety agency CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000 and the federal safety agency CAMPAIGN# 21V537000) "Cross axis ball joint to seize" but my VIN is not in the recall but should be. This is a SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE that needs to be addressed by Ford Manufacturing.

Filed Jan 24, 2024 · Steering · CA

The electric power steering shuts off at random times. The power steering goes out and the steering may lock according to the Sonora Ford Dealership. The dealership said that the car is not safe to drive without the steering rack replaced. The dealership also noticed a clunk in the steering rack when turned lock to lock. When the steering turns off a red warning signal appears on the dash with a Battery symbol and a message to check charging system.

Filed Oct 5, 2023 · Fuel system · CA

Throttle Body --- I have ask the dealer to provide the defective part for my inspection. Driving on the 15 Freeway in Southern California. My wife was driving and had just picked up speed and merged into the fast land. There was a sudden pop or clunk and the SUV immediately lost power and would not accelerate. She had to exit to the right of the freeway while losing power and no acceleration. She was traveling at less than 5 miles an hour in 60 plus traffic. There was only a narrow strip of shoulder with a "K" rail that was on the shoulder above a deep drop off on the side of the freeway. She was able to avoid getting hit and make it to the exit with enough of a shoulder for her to pullover safely. The SUV was taken to the Ford dealer where the Throttle Body was diagnosed as being defective. There was no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms before the issue on the freeway.

Filed Mar 23, 2023 · Steering · MI

EPS unit started clunking loudly when turning right in a parking lot. Replaced by a mechanic and clunking no longer present.

Filed Feb 7, 2023 · Transmission · 80,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal noise was heard coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that the noise occurred for several days however while driving 55 MPH, there was an abnormal clunking sound heard as the vehicle jolted forward. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed, and a grinding noise was heard as the vehicle was parked. The grinding noise stopped after the vehicle was placed in the park. The contact inspected the vehicle and found no objects. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the failure as a rear axle bolt fracture. The contact was informed that the driveshaft and bolt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The independent mechanic advised the contact to call the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V255000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The contact called a Ford dealer and was awaiting an appointment for a diagnostic test. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

Filed Mar 31, 2021 · Steering · 58,500 miles · MI

On 03/31/2021 I took my 2015 explorer in for an alignment after I replaced the two front struts due to a loud intermittent popping noise when steering the vehicle left and right at low speed. The popping noise has existed since I purchased the car a month ago. The car was aligned at bill brown ford, and I had them inspect the vehicle to find the sound. The young technician was not able to identify the sound, and said to bring the vehicle back if it continues. Well, I just got home and the steering still clunks. After doing extensive research and the dealership confirming that it isn't the front struts, I am concerned that the steering rack is going bad in my car. At 58k miles I should not have this problem and I am concerned for my safety. What happens if it goes out on the freeway??? I could get killed and cause an accident. Wake up ford!!! This is your responsibility and you people are putting loyal customers in harm's way. Unreal.

Filed Jan 27, 2021 · Steering · 71,500 miles · IN

Loud popping, clunking noise coming from passenger front wheel. Steering becomes difficult to control. More dominant noise at low speed. I took the vehicle to a local ase certified mechanic. They inform me that the rack and pinion needs replaced. I only have 71,500 miles on the vehicle. Within further research, I have found hundreds of complaints with this same issue.

Filed Jun 12, 2019 · Steering · 61,000 miles · WI

Making slow right handed turns, clunking sound was detected in the front of the vehicle. The ford dealer investigation revealed that the power steering rack needs replacement. The vehicle has only 61000 miles on it and the cost will be $1950.

Filed Jun 10, 2019 · Steering · 50,000 miles · SD

When I drive at slow speeds to pull into a parking spot, garage, turn into a drive way and reversing out of these spots, there is a loud clunk noise. When turning the steering wheel to the right.

Filed May 27, 2019 · Steering · 41,339 miles · VA

On 4/14/19 we left for vacation and drove1,100 miles from arlington, va to key largo, fl and when we got to fl, the steering started making a clunking noise and got stuck when we were making a u-turn. After some research, I could tell it was the steering, could give out when driving and was a serious repair that could not wait until returning home in a week to get it repaired. We drove to lorenzo ford in homestead, fl. On 4/16/19. Lorenzo ford knew right away that the problem was the steering. Our explorer had 41,339 miles on it and the mechanic said it was not unusual for the steering to give out. He actually said it was a problem but not a recall. The repair totaled $2,335.91. I thought we were driving a dependable and safe car on our vacation, but we got to spend a lot of time getting our car repaired on our vacation. I've had numerous fords, and have always called myself a ford person. Sadly, I don't like the direction ford is going and this may be my last one. Thanks ford for not making quality job #1 and wrecking my vacation. You need to recall this before someone gets hurt.

Filed May 7, 2019 · Steering · 42,000 miles · CO

The vehicle has approx 42,000 miles and has started exhibiting the clunking noise and difficult turning at low speed, specifically in turning right, as reported in many other complaints. Looking at a $2k fix at such a low mileage with with so many other similar complaints is disturbing and amazing why ford is not fixing this.