Automakers do their best to deliver safe and reliable vehicles for their customers to feel secure in. Despite their rigorous testing, problems still occur, sometimes after they’ve already been sold. In this case, the manufacturer may end up issuing a recall.
Have any recalls been issued for the 2015 Ford Explorer door panel?
As of August 2020, no recalls exist relating to the door panels. However, customers have reported problems with them, stating premature trim wear by the windows.
In this article, we’ll review this door panel complaint in more detail. We’ll also mention a few important recalls that any 2015 Explorer owner should know about.
Customer Satisfaction Program for Front Door Trim
Customer Satisfaction Program ID: 17N04
Ford responded to customer complaints regarding the front door trim panel through this customer satisfaction program. It extended the warranty coverage for this trim panel to five years of service or for 100,000 miles from the start date of the warranty of the vehicle (whichever of these occurred first).
This program is for a one-time repair of the front door trim panel.
In some cars, the front door trim panel cover material can separate along the top of it near the window. If this happens, it can cause damage to the interior electrical components or create an injury risk to the driver.
To fix this problem, Ford issued the extended warranty to cover the repairs one time should they occur. Dealerships can repair the affected vehicles to minimize material separation. Owners were notified of the problem.
Rear Suspension Toe Links May Fracture
NHTSA Recall ID: 19V435000
In this recall, which impacts the rear suspension, vehicles may be at risk of the vehicle suddenly jolting in its handling. This can create an increased risk of a crash occurring. This can happen due to the stress that is put on the rear suspension system.
If this fracture occurs, it may cause a sudden change in a driver’s ability to handle the car. To fix this problem, Ford issued a recall in June of 2019. They had dealerships inspect the vehicle and, when necessary, replace the rear suspension toe links. This was done at no charge to the owner.
Hub Unit Bearing May Allow the Wheel to Detach
NHTSA Recall ID: 17E048000
The Ford 2015 Ford Explorer also had a recall issued for its wheels and suspension system in August of 2017. This recall relates to the hub unit bearing that holds the wheel in place.
It was found that the wheel hub bearing assemblies were not correctly installed on the rear axles (the wrong parts were used in this recall). The assemblies were manufactured without a self-retention feature.
This can lead to bearing failure. If that happens, it can cause the wheel or the wheel end to separate. That puts the driver at risk of suddenly being unable to handle the car and for a crash to occur.
To fix the problem, Ford issued a recall, contacted owners, and made repairs as necessary. The company also alerted distributors that the wrong components had been issued, so they would not use any of the parts. Ford believes none of the mistaken hubs were purchased from Ford dealers directly.
Rear Suspension Toe Link May Be Improperly Welded
NHTSA Recall ID: 16V245000
In this recall, issued in April of 2016, only the 2015 Ford Explorer vehicles that were made between January 17, 2014 through May 31, 2015 are affected. In these vehicles, there may be an improper weld on the rear suspension toe links. This can cause the links to fracture.
If a fracture were to occur on the rear suspension toe links, it can cause a loss of the driver’s ability to steer the car. As a result, the driver can be involved in a dangerous crash.
Ford issued this recall to notify owners of the problem. It had dealerships bring the vehicles in and replace all of the rear suspension toe links at no cost to the vehicle owner. This ensures the suspension system remains in good condition.
Parking Brake May Not Fully Engage
NHTSA Recall ID: 15V464000
This recall impacts only the 2015 Ford Explorer vehicles that were manufactured between May 4, 2015 and May 23, 2015.
These vehicles may have a parking brake that does not fully engage in all cases. When this happens, the vehicle can move unexpectedly. This vehicle recall is related to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, “Light Vehicle Brake System” rules.
If the parking brake fails to engage, and the transmission is in any position other than “Park,” it can lead to the vehicle rolling, especially if parked on a slope. That increases the risk of a crash.
To fix this problem, Ford tested the operation of the braking system and then replaced the parking brake control assembly free of charge.
How Do You Handle an Open Recall on a 2015 Ford Explorer?
To check for any potential open or pending recalls on the 2015 Ford Explorer, owners can visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). At the site, enter the VIN into the system or the make, model, and year, and it will display any open and pending recalls.
If a recall is found, you should call Ford at 1-800-392-3673 to inquire where to take the vehicle to have the necessary services completed.
