2015 Ford Expedition El Safety Report
2015 Ford Expedition EL: Strong Crash Ratings, Persistent Powertrain and Electrical System Complaints
AI Safety Analysis for the 2015 Ford Expedition El
Reliability Score
The 2015 Ford Expedition El receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2015 Ford Expedition El
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2015 Ford Expedition El:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rearview Camera Failure Owners report the rearview camera displaying a black screen, fuzzy green image, or failing to activate, impacting back-over prevention. This issue is frequently mentioned in complaints related to 'BACK OVER PREVENTION' and 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY'. |
Medium | Common | variable miles |
| Transmission Shifting Issues/Slipping The vehicle randomly shifts in and out of gears, hesitates, stalls, or experiences slipping, particularly at speed, posing a significant safety risk. This is a key concern within 'POWER TRAIN' complaints. |
High | Occasional | variable miles |
| Engine Stalling/Loss Of Power Owners report the engine stalling, losing motive power, or experiencing a lack of power and excessive noise during acceleration. Some instances required engine replacement. This is a major issue under 'ENGINE' complaints. |
High | Occasional | variable miles |
| Blower Motor/Ac System Failure And Fire Risk The A/C blower motor fails, often with reports of melted wiring, burning smells, and smoke from vents, indicating an overheating electrical component. This aligns with 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM' and 'VISIBILITY' complaints, and some owners reference related recalls for other models. |
High | Common | variable miles |
| Unintended Vehicle Rollaway Despite being placed in 'PARK', the vehicle has rolled away, leading to property damage and near-misses. This is a critical safety issue reported under 'POWER TRAIN' and 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' complaints. |
High | Rare | variable miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2015 Ford Expedition El:
Frequent complaints about transmission shifting issues, slipping, hesitation, and unintended rollaway while in park.
Common issues with rearview camera failure (black screen, distorted image) and A/C blower motor malfunctions, including melting wires and smoke.
Reports of engine stalling, loss of power, excessive noise, and catalytic converter or engine replacement needs.
Issues related to the vehicle's propulsion, often overlapping with engine and power train problems like stalling or hesitation.
General electrical problems, including blower motor issues, dashboard going blank, and other intermittent electrical failures.
Complaints about brake calipers locking up, leading to premature wear, overheating, and brake fade.
Issues where the vehicle loses ability to accelerate or experiences a 'wrench symbol' warning, indicating a problem with speed control.
Primarily related to the rearview camera system failing to display an image or displaying a distorted image.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2015 Ford Expedition El
Is the 2015 Ford Expedition EL safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2015 Ford Expedition EL received excellent crash test ratings, scoring 5 stars overall, 5 for frontal and side, and 4 for rollover. However, it has accumulated 143 owner complaints, including 8 crashes, 6 fires, and 6 injuries, indicating potential safety concerns related to component failures, particularly with the powertrain, electrical system, and engine, despite its strong crash performance.
What are common problems with the 2015 Ford Expedition EL?
The most reported issues for the 2015 Ford Expedition EL involve the POWER TRAIN (16 complaints) with transmission shifting problems and unintended rollaway, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM/VISIBILITY (15 complaints) primarily due to rearview camera failures and A/C blower motor issues, and ENGINE (13 complaints) with reports of stalling and loss of power. Other notable problems include fuel/propulsion system issues and service brake malfunctions.
Are there any recalls for the 2015 Ford Expedition EL?
According to the provided data, there are no recalls specifically listed for the 2015 Ford Expedition EL. However, some owner complaints reference issues (like blower motor problems and rearview camera failures) that have been subject to recalls for other Ford models or model years, suggesting potential underlying design or manufacturing similarities.
How does the 2015 Ford Expedition EL perform in crash tests?
The 2015 Ford Expedition EL performed very well in NHTSA crash tests, achieving an Overall 5-star safety rating. It received 5 stars for Frontal crash, 5 stars for Side crash, and 4 stars for Rollover resistance.
What should I look out for when buying a used 2015 Ford Expedition EL?
When considering a used 2015 Ford Expedition EL, pay close attention to the transmission for any signs of erratic shifting or slipping, check the rearview camera's functionality, and test the A/C system thoroughly for proper operation and any unusual smells. Also, listen for any unusual engine noises or hesitation during acceleration, as these are common complaint areas.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: While offering excellent crash protection, prospective buyers should be aware of the 2015 Ford Expedition EL's recurring powertrain, electrical, and engine issues reported by owners; a thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on these areas is highly recommended.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2015 Ford Expedition El
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2015 Ford Expedition El. The data includes 143 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 8 reported crashes, 6 fire incidents, 6 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2015 Ford Expedition El an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.