2014 Ford Explorer
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 1,678 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 6th highest complaint count among 26 Explorer model years with reports.
Of the 2014 reports, 32 involved a crash and 6 involved a fire. 38 people were injured and 2 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Structure, body, roof and pillarsJan 19, 2024
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024 and December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
Campaign 24V031000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearJul 15, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Exposure to road salt can cause the cross-axis ball joint to corrode and seize, resulting in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.
A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle, and replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall numbers 16V-245, 19V-435, and 20V-675. Certain vehicles previously repaired will need to return for the new remedy. An interim notification letter notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on September 10, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2022. Owners may contact Ford's customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S32.
Campaign 21V537000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearMar 12, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin that were previously repaired under a prior recall numbers 16V-245 or 19V-435. The outboard section of a rear suspension toe link may fracture.
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle attached to the rear suspension toe link and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S62.
Campaign 20V675000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, axle assembly, axle shaftNov 10, 2020
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Explorer, 2014-2015 Taurus and 2014 Edge vehicles equipped with 2.0L or 2.3L engines and front wheel drive. The support bracket for the front drive axle halfshaft may fail.
The failed bracket could result in a loss of park function which can cause unintended vehicle movement, and loss of motive power while driving which increases the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the link shaft bracket, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners received an interim notification detailing safety risk December 8, 2020. A second letter will be mailed when parts become available in January 2021. The recall began February 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S63.
Campaign 20V692000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearJun 10, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, and inspect both rear toe link ball joints, replacing the rear wheel knuckle(s), if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S17.
Campaign 19V435000 on NHTSA.gov
Wheels, hubAug 28, 2017
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain Wheel Hub Bearing assemblies, part number HB5Z-1104-C, incorrectly listed as being for installation on the rear axles of 2011-2017 Ford Explorer 4X2 vehicles. These bearings assemblies were manufactured without a self retention feature, possibly resulting in the separation of the wheel or wheel end.
A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify the distributors of the hubs specifying that they are to only be used on drive axles. It is believed that none of the hubs were purchased from Ford dealers for the incorrect application. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 17E048000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearApr 26, 2016
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured January 17, 2014 to May 31, 2014. The affected vehicles may have improperly welded rear suspension toe links that may fracture.
A fracture of the rear suspension toe link may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. The recall began on November 18, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S18.
Campaign 16V245000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
100 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Structure, Jul 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the driver's side front key less entry keypad detached. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the keyless entry pad needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 136,146.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Firerelated, Jun 12, 2024, fire
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while the vehicle was idle, the contact noticed smoke coming out from underneath the passenger's side of the hood. The contact stated upon exiting and inspecting the vehicle, she noticed burning plastic falling from underneath the passenger's side of the vehicle onto the ground, and there was fire. The contact poured water underneath the vehicle and opened the hood and poured water at the fire location. The contact was able to extinguish the fire. There were no injuries sustained. No police report or fire department report was filed. The contact added water to the coolant reservoir and drove to the residence. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics, where it was diagnosed that the A/C fan had caught on fire due to a stuck clutch bearing. The mechanics informed the contact that the radiator was damaged and was leaking due to the fire. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Steering, Electrical system, May 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH in a parking lot, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. An unknown warning light was illuminated, and the Wheel Drive indicator light was turned off. The contact was able to pull into the parking space. The vehicle was towed to Pep Boys, where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion had failed and needed to be replaced. The part was purchased from the Ford dealer and the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred while driving 6 months later. The vehicle was towed to Pep Boys, where the rack and pinion was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact was able to drive to the residence using added force. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Electrical system, Apr 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver monitoring camera system was inoperable. The contact stated that the driver monitoring camera system did not display, and the sensor was inoperable. In addition, the camera sensor warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed driver camera monitoring system and that the driver camera monitoring system needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the camera system was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.
Electrical system, Jan 10, 2024
Started the car up and all lights and warning lights were going off when I put the car in drive. Shut the car off waited and the same thing occurred. On the 3rd crank the car stated as normal
Steering, Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 27, 2023
Hello, yes my vehicle is available upon inspection request. Bell Ford(recall performed) and another shop has inspected the vehicle for the power steering issue. *I had a toe link recall completed at Bell Ford in May, 2022. Since then my vehicle has not been driving as smoothly. Please add this recall back to my vehicle. *The radio/ climate control screen updates and sometimes just goes black when I start the vehicle. Sometimes can take up to 5 mins to turn back on. Please add this to the recall list for my vehicle. *Forward collision warning never worked. ***The power steering went out while myself and my daughter were driving on a busy state highway. I was not going over 60 mph per speed limit. 3 alarms went off while driving. My SUV instantly became very hard to handle. There is no power steering. I went to an auto shop and they told me it was electrical, they couldn’t fix it and gave me a print out of the diagnosis. I’ve researched the problem and see this is a common issue and usually happens where it’s not safe to just stop as the vehicle suggests. I have pictures was trying to add but it won’t let me select that option. Please add this to the recall list for my vehicle.
Electrical system, Structure, Dec 17, 2023
APIM unit and plastic body components 2014 Explorer, Sync2 v3.10 Symptoms: Malfunction of power window controls, radio controls, rear camera and vent controls. The APIM also controls many other safety functions, such as safety lanes, park assist, backup guides, gps, cruise control, trailer/tow information, and other warnings/features. It is notable that Ford has issued recalls for the APIM due to safety issues in different year Explorer, as well as F150, F250, F350, Escape, Expedition, Fusion and Lincoln models Navigator and MK2 models, to name a few. This has been reported once, I spoke with a Ford representative and he setup an appointment at the dealership that was to setup an appoint for diagnosis before they setup a repair/replacement appointment. An appointment to setup an appointment to setup a diagnosis appointment to setup a repair appointment. Seriously, what is up with that? Finally, plastic window components had to be replaced. Ford issued a recall on these items but it was after we had the repairs completed. They refused reimbursement.
Steering, Electrical system, Nov 9, 2023
1.Failed Electric Power Assist System 2.Safety risk wild backing up from parking slot at Lowel's 3.Problem confirm at Truck City Ford service department technician 4.Failed components inspected and confirmed at actual road test by Ford Service Technician 5.Warning lite message on dash at time of Failure Only, no advance warning notification Truck City Ford :512-312-0800 15301 South IH35 Buda, TX 78610
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 14, 2023
UNKNOWN
Steering, Electrical system, Nov 30, 2022
My 2014 Ford Explorer was manufactured 07/13 and is showing signs of a power steering issue. This started in October 2022 and is ongoing. The power steering seems to go in and out while driving but seems to be fine after the car has sat or not been running. This is happening daily. No warning lights have ever come on during the power steering lose. The car intermittently will get harder to steer and at times the wheel dramatically pulls to the right and then left while it is trying to return to a straight line. This has caused me to go left of center because it is so erratic. Turning from a stop is extremely difficult. I have contacted the dealer and have been told my vehicle does not have a recall for such issue. Through research I see this is a known problem with same vehicles of newer and later years. This is a job that will likely cost 1800 to 2000 and that is not acceptable when FORD has known of this problem. A simple google search reflects many 2014 Ford vehicles with steering issues. If my car does not fit into the original recall - I would like to know what Ford changed as it pertains to EPAS system from 2/28/2012 to the date my vehicle was manufactured in 2013. Thank you In May 2014, Ford Motor Company issued a recall for the 2011-2013 Ford Explorers for a defect in the power steering system. The affected vehicles may experience an intermittent connection in the electric power steering gear, which can cause a loss of the motor position sensor signal resulting in a shut-down of the power steering assist.
Steering, Electrical system, Sep 14, 2022
The power steering went out and it was discovered the steering rack and pinion need replaced. This is available for inspection upon request. It is unknown when this can be fixed so I am without a car until then. Upon research this is a common problem for this year and model of car. There was no warning messages, I just all of a sudden did not have power steering and was not able to steer my vehicle.
Steering, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Sep 14, 2022
Electric Power Steering locked up. Almost killed me my fiance. And my 2 kids.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, May 21, 2022
Electric flickering occasionally smells like something burning. No warnings alerted. Interior lights/radio dim or go off or flash. Transmission problems, jerking, loss of power Cabin fills with exhaust fumes especially when stopped Unknown occurrence dates has been happening for at least 2yrs
Steering, Electrical system, May 14, 2022
While operating my vehicle at approximately 40 mph, I experienced partial loss of steering (hard steering) making the vehicle difficult to control. The partial loss of steering experienced put myself and the safety of others in my vehicle at the and on the roadway at risk for a crash. I immediately took the vehicle into a repair shop to have it inspected to ascertain what the issue was. Upon completion of the inspection, it was determined that the rack and pinion failed and needed to replaced. Prior to the loss of steering, I DID NOT receive any warning indications on my dash about steering issues or steering failures.
Electrical system, Jan 5, 2022
Re: 2014 Ford Explorer VIN: [XXX] I am writing to you with a problem with the Ford vehicle described above.. The two problems I am having seem to have been programmed into the onboard computer to fail after a certain time or mileage. I will address each problem individually starting with the most hazardous one first. The onboard navigation system utilizes a SD card program that becomes outdated as time passes. I have received numerous mailing from Ford notifying me that the original navigation system is outdated and that I should update to a current one at a cost to me of $149.00. The original system works fine for me and I felt no need to upgrade until the system began getting interrupted by prompts to update (see FIGURE 1 below). When the prompt appears the navigation system is no longer operational. The most recent of these interruptions became a serious and hazardous situation. I was driving on the interstate nearing an interchange to switch to a different highway. I was relying on the navigation system to direct me to the correct exit and this is when the prompt appeared. The navigation system was now useless and will only resume normal operation if the vehicle is shut off and restarted. You don’t do this at 70+ mph! My only option was to use my phone which meant I had to program it and while driving this is dangerous. I feel Ford was being irresponsible by programming the prompts into the onboard computer that disable the navigation system in return for the sale of an updated SD card. Ford was profit motivated in this programmed failure. FIGURE 1 IMG_1978.JPG 75.5kB INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Electrical system, Jun 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that whenever rained, water would leak into the vehicle through the moon roof. The water then leaked into the moon roof motor causing it to become inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that the moon roof front drains were clogged. The moon roof motor was replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 49,000.
Electrical system, Air bags, Seat belts, Apr 1, 2021
AIRBAG LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON DUE TO FAULTY WIRING , COSTS 600 TO REPAIR . THIS IS SECOND FORD CAR WITH THIS SAME ISSUE. I WAS TOLD PROBLEM WAS IN BACK SEATS. NO ONE EVER USES BACK SEATS.
Steering, Electrical system, Mar 29, 2021
WHY HAS THERE NOT BEEN AN UPDATED RECALL ON THE 2014 EXPLORER ON LOSING ITS POWER STEERING? I JUST TURNED MY VEHICLE ON TO AUTONATION FORD IN BURLESON, TX TO GET THE REAR TOW LINK RECALL REPAIRED AND THE ASSOCIATE TOLD ME THE POWER STEERING WAS NOT A CAUSE IN THE RECALL AND THAT IT WAS SOMETHING WE WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE FIXED. THIS IS NOT HAPPENING DUE TO FAILURE TO MAINTENANCE OR DUE TO LACK OF TAKING CARE OF THE VEHICLE. THIS IS A MANUFACTURING ISSUE AND THE HISTORY PROVES IT! THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE 2011-2013 MODEL FOR THIS BUT NOW THAT IT IS CONTINUING, IT IS NOW THE OWNERS RESPONSIBILITY? THIS EFFECTS THE DRIVING AND IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. YOU HAVE LOW TURNING RADIUS, IT DISENGAGES ALL THE ADVANCED DRIVING MODES, IT ALSO EFFECTS THE BLINKERS. YOU HAVE TO HOLD THE BLINKER DOWN FOR IT TO STAY ON, YOU CANT JUST CLICK THE LEVER AND IT STAYS IN THE BLINKING MODE LIKE IT IS SUPPOSED TOO. IF YOU PUT CRUISE CONTROL ON, THE STEERING CAN LOCK UP AND YOU LITERALLY HAVE TO JERK IT TO GET IT OUT OUT AND BE ABLE TO TURN OR EVEN SWERVE. FORD NEEDS TO TAKE CARE OF THIS BECAUSE YOU CAN SEE BY ALL THE COMPLAINTS AND HISTORY OR REOCCURRENCE, THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND NOT A OWNER ISSUE. IF FORD DOES NOT TAKE CARE OF THIS ISSUE FOR US AND EVEN THE THOUGHT OF IT BEING A CHARGEABLE SERVICE, I WILL HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO THIS TO A HIGHER DEMAND TO GET HELP AND TO BRING THIS TO THE ATTENTION TO THE ONES THAT NEED ACT. THIS IS UNSAFE TO ME AND MY FAMILY AS WELL AS ALL THE OTHER EXPLORER OWNERS. THE MANUFACTURING DEFECT NEEDS TO BE FIXED OR OFFER SOME SORT OF SOLUTION FOR THE SAFETY OF THIS VEHICLE.
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 22, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS FAILED TO LOCK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL DEALER RAY PRICE STROUD FORD (6320 US-209 SUITE B, STROUDSBURG, PA 18360, (570) 402-2222) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT AN UNKNOWN PART NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 94,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 6, 2021
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY MY 2014 EXPLORER ALERTED ME IN THE DRIVER INFORMATION SECTION LOCATED TO THE LEFT OF THE ODOMETER THAT MY 'STEERING LOSS STOP SAFETY' WAS UNAVAILABLE. IN ADDITION TO THIS, IT DISPLAYED, 'SERVICE ADVANCETRAC' AND 'COLLISON WARNING NOT AVAILABLE'. MOMENTS LATER MY STEERING LOCKED UP AND I WAS UNABLE TO TURN OR CONTROL THE WHEEL. WE SAT STRANDED, WITH OUR THREE CHILDREN ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY FOR HOURS UNTIL HELP COULD COME. WHILE OPERATING MY VEHICLE AT 70 MPH, I LOST COMPLETE CONTROL OF MY STEERING MAKING THIS EXTREMELY UNSAFE FOR MY FAMILY AND I, AND THE DRIVERS SURROUNDING US. AFTER SOME DISCUSSION WITH OUR MECHANIC, WE BELIEVE IT COULD BE THE STEERING ANGLE SENSOR, YAW RATE SENSOR OR ANYTHING DIRECTLY RELATED TO STEERING AND/OR TRACTION CONTROL. MY CAR WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AND IS AWAITING A REPAIR QUOTE.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Oct 9, 2020
BACKUP CAMERA NOT WORKING. IT GOES BLACK AND STATES "CAMERA UNAVAILABLE. CONTACT YOUR DEALERSHIP." THIS HAPPENS ANYTIME WHEN IN REVERSE.
Electrical system, Oct 1, 2020
REAR CAMERA GOES BLACK INTERMITTENTLY IN OUR 2014 FORD. WHILE WE ARE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING PLACE OR OUT OF OUR DRIVEWAY IT MAY START AS EXPECTED BUT THEN BEFORE WE ARE FINISHED REVERSING IT JUST GOES TO A BLACK SCREEN. OTHER TIMES WHEN WE PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE, THE REAR CAMERA DOES NOT ENGAGE AT ALL.
Steering, Electrical system, Aug 6, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING ASSIST FAILURE AND SERVICE ADVANCE TRACK WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO HER RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL DEALER RANDY WISE FORD INC. LOCATED AT 968 S. ORTONVILLE RD, ORTONVILLE, MI 48462, (248) 627-3730, TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE STEERING GEAR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000 (STEERING), HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,300.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 16, 2020
THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR DOES NOT 'CLOSE' PROPERLY, THE 'DOOR AJAR' SIGN IS CONSISTENTLY ON EVEN THOUGH THE ACTUAL DOOR IS CLOSED. WHEN YOU GET IN/OUT OF THE CAR, YOU HAVE TO SHUT THE DOOR MULTIPLE TIMES FOR IT TO RECOGNIZE THE DOOR IS CLOSED. MANY TIMES I HAVE TO SLAM IT SO HARD, I'M AFRAID I'LL BREAK THE DOOR. THE CAR DOORS WON'T LOCK, CAUSE IT DOESN'T RECOGNIZE THAT THE DOOR IS 'CLOSED'.THE KEYLESS ENTRY ALARM WILL RANDOMLY GO OFF, WHILE WE'RE IN THE HOUSE, CAUSE THE CAR ALL THE SUDDEN SAYS THE 'DOOR IS AJAR'. THIS CAN BE HAZARDOUS AS I DRIVE AS THE DOORS WON'T LOCK AND WE HAVE YOUNG CHILDREN IN THE CAR. THIS ALSO EATS AWAY AT THE BATTERY LIFE, CAUSE THE CAR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS ON (INTERIOR DOME LIGHTS, ELECTRICAL RADIO PANEL) SINCE THE DOOR IS CONSIDERED OPEN (WITH THE DOOR AJAR SIGN). THIS HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR ABOUT 6-9 MONTHS NOW. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Feb 27, 2020
WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH AND NEGOTIATING A TURN THE POWER STEERING STOPPED WORK AND QUIT ASSISTING IN TURNING THE VEHICLE. THANKFULLY I WAS DRIVING AND WAS STRONG ENOUGH TO RIGHT THE VEHICLE AND AVOID LEAVING THE ROAD. MIGHT HAVE BEEN A DIFFERENT STORY FOR MY WIFE. TOOK IT TO LOCAL FORD DEALER AND THEY CLAIM THE POWER STEERING GEAR NEEDS REPLACED AND THAT THIS MODEL/YEAR DOESN'T QUALIFY FOR ANY STEERING RELATED RECALLS. AFTER SOME RESEARCH I FOUND THAT 2011-2013 EXPLIRERS HAVE A POWER STEERING ASSIST RECALL. MULTIPLE SHOPS CLAIM THAT THIS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE NEWER FORDS. AT THE TUNE OF 2700 BUCKS FOR PARTS AND LABOR I AM HOPING A RECALL CAN HAPPEN BECAUSE THIS IS CLEARLY A MANUFACTURER'S ISSUE WITH THESE GEARS.