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: engine
258 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 11, 2026
When I'm driving on the freeway. I could be on flatland and it will stall, I could be going down a hill and it stalls, I could be on a regular road, turning a corner, hitting a bump. And it stalls when I'm on the freeway, I have to get over very scary happens all the time when It happens I coast, I put it into park, i turn it off, and it restarts immediately every time. This is constantly happening. IHave a video and picture but it will not upload on this.But it says hell descending control fail
Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 6, 2025
Engine over heat warning while driving and I checked there is a coolant leakage.
Engine, Oct 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped, the vehicle jerked, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, the vehicle stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked and then the engine stalled. After several attempts, the vehicle was restarted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, when the contact was able to restart the vehicle, the failure recurred after driving a short distance. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 27, 2025
Engine stopped working I wanna know if there is a warranty
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 6, 2025, fire
The contact owned a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, black smoke started to come from the rear end of the vehicle. The contact pulled to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact noticed the smoke continued and that black smoke was now coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact opened the hood of the vehicle and noticed a fire starting near the engine on the driver's side, closer towards the windshield. The fire department arrived and was able to extinguish the fire. The fire diagnosed a mechanical error was the cause of the fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and deemed totaled. The contact had not sustained any injuries and did not need medical assistance. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and a complaint was made. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a safety complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced hard start-ups, and the engine was revving high while idling, with the check engine warning light remaining illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the timing chain, crankshaft, and cam shaft sensors were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 84,000.
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 18, 2025
Noticing a problem with the steering and wheel suspension that is affecting other Ford explorers between 2018 and 2025. Engine oil blow by. Causing oil to leak and ending up under the carriage and on the back of the vehicle. Rear camera problems.
Wheels, Engine, Mar 11, 2025
Vehicle has code C0063-64ABS. Also has a problem with the restraint control module and ABS module causing the front tires to lock and make the car slide. I was about to get into a car crash on Oct 24,2024 because the cars front tires locked and just slide from one side to other the steering wheel went loose and I wasn't able to control the car I took it to ford dealership where they told me that it has the code that appears at the beginning of this message
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed exhaust Y-pipe. The contact was informed that the exhaust Y-pipe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
Engine, Nov 21, 2024
Making a right turn I was startled by a vehicle running a red light. Front wheel passenger side cleared the curb. Right rear tire jumped the curb jolted back to ground. I looked at tire pressure gauges and no leaks were evident. Being on a single lane road I continued driving looking for a turn in place after traveling about a quarter of a mile an engine rattle developed and there was faint smell of smoke. I traveled another block and turned into a dollar general parking lot. The entrance was on an incline and the car stopped. I had just purchased a new battery a week before and had an oil change about 3 weeks before. The car refused to start. I called triple A and had it towed to dealer. They looked at car and could not come up with a rational reason and doubted car stopped because of violent rear contact with curb at right rear wheel was cause of engine seizing. I called USAA my insurance company their investigating agent agreed. My car is serviced at this dealer and I follow all of the maintenance guidelines I have the records as well as dealer. The car has 125,000 miles and has been well maintained. I am curious if there are any other reports this has happened with 2014 Ford Explorer or any other vehicle. I find it hard to accept such a violent jolt of the running engine did not cause something to fall loose on the running engine. The dealer and appraiser found the car oil full and in pristine condition. There was no frame damage.Turning the crank towards rear they hear metal falling into oil pan. Your thoughts?
Suspension, Engine, Structure, Oct 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side door panel had started to detach from the body of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the VIN and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds, there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the rear wheel bearing needed to be replaced. The dealer repaired the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light later was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the contact was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Electrical system, Visibility, Engine, Aug 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the security light was illuminated, and the battery was drained. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the security panel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving, the lights failed to turn on, and the horn was inoperable. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was determined that the electrical system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that there was no longer a dinging sound when the doors were ajar. The interior lights were dim, and the horn was inoperable. The rubber trim was detaching. The moon roof failed to close. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, who determined that water had entered the vehicle through the sunroof and that the wires were wet. The dealer added plastic and glue to the sunroof. Additionally, the vehicle failed to start. There was an abnormal clicking sound while attempting to start the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the compressor needed to be replaced because the compressor was clogged. The manufacturer was contacted, who opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.
Engine, Aug 2, 2024
VEHICLE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK CAR INTO MECHANIC AND FOUND OUT A CODE POINTS TO A PROBLEM WITH THE TIMING CHAIN/CAM POSITION SENSOR. PRIOR TO THE ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON CAR PREVIOUSLY HAD (2) RANSOM ISSUES THAT NOW AFTER GETTING THE DIAGNOSIS MAKES SENSE WHY THE CAR WAS AT TIMES MAKING A FLUTTER SOUND WHEN STARTING ALONG WITH THE ENGINE RANDOMLY AT TIMES ACTING LIKE TO WAS GOING TO STOP RUNNING WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. I TOLD FORD AND THE MECHANIC ABOUT IT PREVIOUSLY BUT THEY BOTH SAID AS LONG AS THERE'S NO ALARMS KEEP DRIVING IT. THE VEHICLE STILL DRIVES GOOD, BUT I WAS ADVISED NOT TO DRIVE IT UNTIL REPAIRS MADE. THE REPAIR IS $4,000.00 AND PUTTING THAT KIND OF MONEY INTO A VEHICLE THAT IS CURRENTLY VALUED AT $8 TO 10K WITH 136,000 BASED OFF MY RESEARCH IS NOT PRUDENT CONSIDERING OTHER THINGS THAT WILL EVENTUALLY NEED EXPENSIVE REPAIRS. I HAVE TAKEN GOOD CARE OF THE VEHICLE ALONG WITH KEEPING UP ON ALL SERVICES. DISCUSSED WITH A COUPLE EXPERIENCED FORD MECHANICS AND THIS REPAIR IS UNFORTUNATELY VERY COMMON. I BOUGHT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WHEN THE CAR WAS NEW FOR YOUR INFORMATION. I HOPE FORD CAN STAND BEHIND THIS MECHANICAL FAILURE THAT APPARENTLY IS A KNOW ISSUE AND ACCOMMODATE ME FOR MY LOSS OF EQUITY IN A VEHICLE THAT SHOULD NOT BE HAVING THIS KIND OF WELL KNOWN BREAKDOWN. 1. VEHICLE IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION 2. SAFETY AT RISK WHEN ENGINE LOSES POWER AND ALMOST STOPS RUNNING 3. YES, YESTERDAY I WAS AT THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP MET THERE TOP "HEAVY END" MECHANIC WHO WAS VERY FAMILIAR WITH THE PROBLEM ALONG WITH (2) INDEPENDENT EXPERT MECHANICS FAMILIAR WITH THE DIAGNOSIS. 4. THE MANUFACTURER YESTERDAY SAW THE VEHICLE, AFTER TALKING TO THE HEAD MECHANIC, BASED OFF THE CODE AND SYSTEMS I DECIDED IT WAS NOT PRUDENT TO THROW MONEY AWAY ON GETTING AN OFFICIAL DIAGNOSIS BASED OFF MY COMFORT LEVEL FROM THE DISCUSSIONS WITH THE MECHANICS. 5. YES, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I HAD THE CAR PROMPTLY INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC.
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.
Engine, Jun 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while approaching a stop light, the vehicle started to lose motive power and stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted, and the vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was not contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
Suspension, Wheels, Engine, May 9, 2024
N/A
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed failures with the camshaft position sensor and the ABS. The vehicle was not repaired. Later, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge began to indicate that the engine was overheating. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed that the coolant level was abnormally low. The vehicle was taken back to an independent mechanic, who determined that coolant was leaking into the engine, resulting in damages to the engine, and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N12. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 151,000.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Apr 3, 2024
Water is leaking from front of engine and into oil from water pump being told it will cost 1600 to over 2000 dollars to fix
Engine, Jan 31, 2024
Fumes are leaking into the cabin of the car. Possibly issues with an exhaust leak that is causing nausea and headaches when driving vehicle.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Jan 28, 2024
Car was sitting idle when a fan inside the engine compartment starting being very loud. Sound went away when car started moving. Noticed coolant was empty. Filled with coolant and made a 5 mile trip. Checked again and coolant was empty again.
Engine, Jan 20, 2024
My car keeps running out of coolant yet I’m leaving no puddles anywhere
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Nov 6, 2023
I own a 2014 Ford Explorer. When driving home on November 4th the engine coolant light came on and there was white smoke coming from under the hood and the coolant was leaking under the vehicle. I had the vehicle towed to my local mechanic who said that the water pump needs to be replaced. He does not do this type of work so I'm unsure if there is additional damage since he stopped his inspection there. I have to have it towed to another place. I'm seeing this same issue with many vehicles with the same make/model and felt it should be reported. I did contact Ford and made a complaint.
Engine, Oct 3, 2023
Repeated catalytic converter failure. Issue was repaired at least twice. Converter failure caused both turbos to need replacement and has now caused engine damage. This appears to be a common issue with this engine model.
Engine, Sep 16, 2023
Water pump coolant leak. I’m experiencing this problem and have seen that Fire has known about this issue and hasn’t recalled it and it’s causing engine failure and leaving consumers to fort the 2000 bill to fix since it’s internal. Does needs to recall and fix this issue and replace the pump.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35–40 MPH, the engine was overheating. There was fluid leaking from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the water pump was leaking. Additionally, antifreeze was leaking from the vehicle. The contact was informed that the timing chain and water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 113,535.