2015 Ford Explorer: hesitation when accelerating

Filed Dec 12, 2025 · Steering, Transmission · OH

I am filing an official safety complaint regarding my 2015 Ford Explorer Sport 3.5L due to a dangerous and sudden power-steering failure that occurred while I was driving with my children in the vehicle. There were no warning lights, alerts, or symptoms leading up to the failure. The power steering went out instantly and without any indication that something was wrong. The moment it failed, the steering wheel locked up and became extremely difficult to turn, nearly causing multiple accidents. I had children in the car at the time, and this situation created an immediate and severe safety hazard for everyone in my vehicle and on the road. After this happened, I contacted (by phone) Ford directly. Without any inspection, hesitation, or further explanation, I was immediately told that the vehicle “needs a new steering rack and pinion.” The quoted repair cost exceeds $3,000, on a vehicle I am still paying $500 a month for. I have since discovered that there are thousands of other Ford Explorer owners reporting the exact same issue, with the same model years, same sudden failure, and the same required repair. This is clearly not an isolated incident. This pattern strongly indicates a widespread manufacturing or component defect that poses a significant risk of injury or death. I am deeply concerned that Ford has not issued a formal recall for a problem that can cause an immediate loss of steering control at highway speeds and in everyday driving conditions. The number of publicly documented complaints online demonstrates that this is a systemic and dangerous failure that should not be ignored. I am requesting that the federal safety agency fully investigate this issue and require Ford Motor Company to issue a recall for the defective steering rack/power steering system in the 2015 Ford Explorer Sport 3.5L ecoboost w/o park assist, as well as any related model years or trims using the same components. Vehicle is available for inspection.

Filed Oct 3, 2024 · Driver assistance, Lights · 192,260 miles · NY

The vehicle was sold to me by “Buffalo Auto Sales 2 at 3012 Spencer Hwy Pasadena, TX 77504 on [XXX]. They violated the DTPA and all employees failed to disclose the vehicle had dozens of major safety issues with two open safety recalls. These safety issues include Major ABS issues and failures, Power Steering/drivetrain, front end passenger wheel & both rear end wheel failures within the mechanisms such as control arms, tie rods inner and outer & even one within the wheel component that was dangerously bent. The headlight pigtails are torched. These couldn’t even be fixed with even replacement OEM parts/Ford Dealership parts and Ford Dealership expertise. My safety, my children’s safety, family and passengers were all at risk multiple times over the past three weeks. Every time on the highway or local roads not being able to sustain maximum speeds over 20- 40 mph because touching the gas even after a red light would cause the engine to hesitate to turn or stutter. This caused me multiple trips back to Buffalo Auto Sales 2 and multiple mechanics even multiple Ford Dealerships. On September 12th 2024, I discussed these severe safety issues with Buffalo Auto Sales 2, my salesman originally offered to place me into another vehicle, give me back my large cash deposit, or “attempt to fix the vehicle”. The manager immediately refused to do the right thing and claim to “fix the vehicle himself”.. however when I asked if the manager Jeff has experience as a mechanic he replied he does not have mechanic experience. That day they claim to have “fixed” the ABS problem, and in turn the vehicle was still shaking while in motion at any speed. Even after I thought Ford Service could fix the tie rod recall, that still did not work because the rear was still shaking. I had Tire experts and mechanics even change front tires, and do an alignment on September 30th 2024.. The vehicle is still shaking dangerously while in motion. Warnings on are ABS, Chk Engine & Tire Pressure lights. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF IN

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 Apr 4, 2021 · Steering · CA

7 months ago started hearing a grinding sound whenever I turn the car and reported it to the service department of the ford dealer when I had my oil change. They reported that they found nothing wrong. However the issue continues and is occurring more frequently. Yesterday I brought to the dealer for an oil change and reported the the same problem. This time they said that my rack and pinion steering needs to be changed a the cost of $2500. This is unexpected as I've never owned a car that had a this problem. Although I have 100k miles in it, all of it is from freeway driving. Now when I researched this issue and it is a common problem with this vehicle. The dealer that I go to must know this iand reassured me that there was nothing wrong with my vehicle when I first let them know a few months ago, I thinks they were negligent in letting me know and at the very least warned me of what could happen. Now I hesitate to drive this vehicle for safety reasons. Good thing I have not had any steering issues while on the road. But for some unknowing driver, a frozen steering wheel could spell disaster.

Filed Jan 13, 2017 · Engine, Transmission · 17,727 miles · GA

2015 explorer sport 3.5l v6 ecoboost, car shudders while trying to maintain highway speeds while barely touch the gas. Engine misfires, hesitates when trying to accelerate quickly. Ford nor dealer will do anything about it saying its "normal". Purchased the extended warranty but still no resolution. Has been on going for about a year. At one point the car went into "limp mode" and would only allow me to drive 20 MPH on the highway while the rpms' where maxed out. Thankfully I was close to a dealership to have it looked at. Said "pipe hose clamp came lose". Something is wrong with this ecoboost engine. There have been lawsuites over it. I have taken it to the dealer several times, had several techs, supervisors drive it and nothing.