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
Engine, Jun 26, 2022
Faulty water pump went out on roadtrip, hours away from home. It left me and my children stranded for 4 hours in 100° conditions. No engine light or indicators came on to warn there was a problem. Coolant mixed in with oil and engine started misfiring. I immediately turned vehicle off until a Mechanic could diagnose the problem.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the water pump failed which caused the vehicle to lose motive power. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking coolant. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 159,000.
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
Engine and engine cooling, May 4, 2022
The contact's father owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension) the dealer performed a complete inspection of the vehicle and informed the contact that the mass air flow sensor needed to be serviced and the coolant system needed to be flushed. The contact stated that the dealer completed the service and the recall repair however, upon picking up the vehicle and returning to his residence, the contact's father noticed that there was mechanical fluid leaking from the vehicle onto the ground. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that engine needed to be flushed and the timing chain and water pump needed to be replaced. The dealer also informed the contact that the vehicle was not drivable and he would be responsible for the cost of the repair. The contact's father declined to cover the repair as the failure was due to a technician error. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact's father then took the vehicle back to his residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and contacted the dealer who advised that they would not cover the repair of the vehicle. The manufacturer informed the contact that they could not force the dealer to repair the vehicle and referred the contact to NHTSA. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 56,556.
Engine, May 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 80 MPH, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. The contact pulled over and had the vehicle towed to a dealer. While at the dealer, the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective water pump. The dealer acknowledged that the failure was a known issue; however, there was no recall associated with the vehicle. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was driven to the residence and remained unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
Engine, Mar 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the engine was making loud noises, and then the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled over safely to the side of the road. No warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel; however, a message was displayed to shift the vehicle into park (P). The state patrol arrived on the scene and contacted the towing company. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed with water pump failure. The contact was also informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.
Engine, Mar 16, 2022
Went to start my 2014 Explorer on and it struggled 3 times before turning on. It showed a "Check Brake System" light in the dashboard for a quick second but other than that the car seemed to be ok. I turned on my information panel to check the temperature gauge and it was normal. Kept it on that while driving my kids to school to make sure if I had to pull over I could. I immediately brought it to Hemborg Ford in Norco, CA. When I first brought it in and they popped my hood my coolant tank was below the recommended line and the service advisor immediately said it's most likely my water pump. They had my SUV for over 24 hours for testing and sure enough it's the water pump. Ford decided to install the water pumps INSIDE the engine rather than outside. This is a very dangerous move as the coolant and oil can mix which can cause a vehicle to shut down unexpectedly. Thankfully I trusted my intuition and took it in when I noticed something off and didn't ruin my engine or overall car. I was quoted $2900 to fix this issue. $2500 in LABOR and $400 in PARTS. This is because the job can take up to 14 hours to complete start to finish due to the location of the pump. This is ridiculous. We need something done. Soooooo many people are paying thousands of money out of pocket for something that shouldn't even be a problem. Look at all these complaints: https://www.vehiclehistory.com/articles/all-about-the-ford-explorer-water-pump-recalls
Engine, Feb 1, 2022
It’s a dang shame you spend thousands of dollars for a Ford Explorer and because the people that built it were not very smart the people that own them are having to pay thousands of dollars to replace the water pump. And Ford will not recall this or help with the cost. No warning lights come on and then we are stuck with the cost. I will never own another Fire in my life time.
Engine, Dec 31, 2021
Exhaust smell in passenger compartment while driving; similar to sulfur. Feel safety at risk due to smell causing headaches/nausea; concerned about carbon monoxide or other hazardous materials. Vehicle brought to dealer on 12/13/2021 and issue confirmed. Dealer aware of similar complaints across this vehicle type; TSB is available, so Ford is aware, however not catagorized by Ford as a safety issue. Dealer "reset" HVAC system, installed plugs on tailgate and installed tape on rear body module. Dealer stated additional repairs may be necessary as these "fixes" don't always work. No warning lamps, messages or other notifications. Issue first began November 27, 2021.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 8, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the oil extremely low warning message was illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with a blown head gasket. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000. When the engine failed there was absolutely no warning indication. My car is regularly in for oil changes at the dealership between 5-6K miles and there was no indication that there may be coolant in the oil when it was changed. No warning signs indicated on the console except for right before the engine went which was "Extremely Low Oil". Consumer stated climate control system in the rear of the cabinet turns on by itself. Additionally, in the morning or anytime when car is auto started consumer can smell a pungent order like sulfur in the heating system.
Engine, Oct 25, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle, the vehicle started to overheat. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was sludge in the engine. The contact was informed that there was coolant leaking into the engine oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 133,553.
Engine, Sep 24, 2021
In failure while driving on highway and it was found that the issue was due to a faulty water pump
Engine, Sep 18, 2021
7/20/2020 and before, dashboard light came on with message "check charging system" then steering wheel locked up, turned off engine, waited 2-3 seconds, turned back on and its okay. Kept doing this once in a while, bought new battery, message kept coming on. 07/28/2021 message came on saying "something is draining the juice out of battery". This message came on after we bought a new battery. Told Ford company when getting oil change, they said my battery is charged okay. They don't know whats causing it.
Engine, Aug 31, 2021
Internal water pump failure. coolant mixing with oil. vehicle shut down unexpectedly while in motion.
Engine, Aug 28, 2021
Exhaust Manifold leaking. Causing Exhaust smell in cab.
Engine, May 6, 2021
THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON A GAVE A READING OF P0016, WHICH IS A CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. TOOK MY EXPLORER TO FRED BEANS FORD IN MECHANICSBURG, PA. FOR INSPECTION. THEY TOLD ME THE CAM PHASERS ARE COMPUTER CONTROLLED CAMSHAFT GEARS. THE VARIABLE VALVE TIMING SYSTEM OPERATES WHEN THE ENGINE COMPUTER (PCM) SENDS OIL PRESSURE TO ONE OR THE OTHER CHAMBER OF THE PHASER VIS CAM TIMING SOLENOIDS. WHEN A CAM PHASER GOES BAD, THE VARIABLE CONTROL TIMING (VCT) SOLENOIDS WOULD BE DESTROYED, AND THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT (ECU) WOULD NO LONGER BE ABLE TO CONTROL THE PHASERS, WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE ENGINES TIMING WOULD BE AFFECTED. THE CHECK ENGINE CODE WAS HARD STORED IN THE VEHICLE WHICH RESULTED IN A FAILED EMMISSION TEST. THE RECOMMENDED REPAIRS WILL NEED TO BE DONE IN ORDER TO COMPLETE THE STATE EMMISSION TEST. THE TOTAL FOR ALL REPAIRS PLUS INSPECTION COMES TO A TOTAL OF $3,995,05 BEFORE TAX. TO ME THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL BECAUSE MY EXPLORER IS RUNNING GREAT. THE VEHICLE HAS ON 80,000 MILES ON IT AND OIL HAS BEEN CHANGED EVERY 6-7 THOUSAND MILES. I UNDERSTAND THE F-150 HAS A SIMILAR PROBLEM AND QUALIFIES FOR A RECALL WITH THE SAME BASIC ENGINE. TO ME, THIS IS RIDICULOUS. NOBODY WOULD BUY A FORD KNOWING THEY HAD TO DUMP $4000 INTO AT 80,000 MILES. LIKE I SAID MY VEHICLE IS RUNNING GREAT AND TO BE HIT WITH SUCH A REPAIR PRICE TAG IS VERY CONCERNING!! DON'T WANT TO SAY THIS IS A SCAM, BUT THIS SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO. I COULD DEAL WITH THE PRICE IF MY VEHICLE WAS RUNNING BAD. APPRECIATE ANY HELP ,
Engine, Apr 23, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS GETTING TOPPED OFF WITH COOLANT, SHE NOTICED THAT COOLANT WAS LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DON FRANKLIN FORD LONDON (388 KY-192, LONDON, KY 40741) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE WATER PUMP NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RELATED THE ISSUE TO AN UNKNOWN RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 96,000.
Steering, Engine, Jan 31, 2021
I HAD TOOK MY TRUCK TO A NEARBY FORD DEALERSHIP FOR A RECALL WITH THE TOE LINK TO BE REPAIRED AND YESTERDAY ON 01/30/2021 I WAS DRIVING AND THE ENGINE AND STEERING WHEEL STARTED SHAKING ENGINE SOUNDS LIKE IT'S ABOUT TO DROP THIS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AND ONCE I HIT THE HIGHWAY AND I STARTED TO DRIVE OVER 50 MILES IT MADE IT WORST, MY TRUCK WAS DRIVING PERFECTLY FINE BEFORE I TOOK IT IN TO HAVE THAT RECALL REPAIRED.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 6, 2020
WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR COUPLE HOUR I BEGIN TO FEEL VERY DIZZY AND SICK AND I HAVE TO PUT OVER AND GET SOME AIR I HAVE NOICE EVERY TIME I DRIVE MY VEHICLE I GET THIS WAY I HAD THE VEHICLE FOR FIVE MONTHS NOW ALSO I HAVE FELT THIS WAS WHEN DRIVING AND IDLING TO A COMPLETE STOP I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AND I ALSO STOPPED BY THE FIRE STATION TO GET CHECKED OUT AND I DID HAVE A SPO2 SCALE OF 90.
Engine, Jul 8, 2020
MY WIFE CONTINUES TO GET HEADACHES, DESPITE HAVING THE 'CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM' THAT FORD PROVIDES DONE TO ELIMINATE CARBON MONOXIDE ISSUE IN HER CAR. WE BOUGHT A CARBON MONOXIDE SENSOR THAT READS DOWN TO 1PPM AND SHE IS GETTING 50-60PPM OF CARBON MONOXIDE IN THE CAB WHILE DRIVING HER VEHICLE. THE SAME SENSOR WAS PLACED IN 4 OTHER CARS (2 FORDS, 1 SUBARU; 1 TOYOTA) AND ALL 4 OTHER CARS READ 0 PPM. FORD IS NOT ACKNOWLEDGING THERE IS A PROBLEM AT ALL. WE CALLED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE IT CORRECTED AND THE SERVICE ADVISOR SIMPLY SAYS 'I'VE NEVER HEARD OF CARBON MONOXIDE IN THE CAB.' THOUGHT LESS THAN A YEAR AGO THEY WERE THE SAME DEALERSHIP TO DO THE 'CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM' FOR THE EXACT SAME ISSUE.
Engine, Jun 26, 2020
WHILE DRIVING AT 25-30 MPH VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE HARD, THEN MADE A MISFIRING/POPPING SOUNDS, AND MOTOR SHUT DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. I WAS ABLE TO COAST IT AS CLOSE TO THE EDGE AS POSSIBLE BUT I WAS STILL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD ENOUGH TO BE CONCERN FOR TRAFFIC ON A SEMI-BUSY ROAD. TRIED TO RESTART AND IT WOULD ONLY CLICK AND NOT EVEN ATTEMPT TO TURN OVER ANYMORE. HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED HOME. EXPLORER ONLY HAD JUST OVER 112,000 MILES ON IT WITH NO MECHANICAL CONCERN PRIOR TO THIS HAPPENING. MECHANIC DETERMINED MOTOR WAS SEIZED BUT COULD NOT DETERMINE A DEFINITE REASON AS TO WHY IT HAPPENED. *TR
Engine, Jun 14, 2020
CRACKED EXHAUST MANIFOLD. CAR HAS 75K MILES. $1300 REPAIR BILL FOR NEW MANIFOLD AND ATTACHED SENSORS.
Power train, Engine, Dec 23, 2019
THE WATER PUMP IN MY 2014 FORD EXPLORER 3.5L V6 ENGINE BEGAN LEAKING COOLANT. THE WATER PUMP HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 79,000 MILES. I BECAME AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AFTER GETTING AN OIL CHANGE. THE COOLANT RESERVOIR HAD TO BE FILLED AND I WAS INFORMED OF A POSSIBLE COOLANT LEAK. TWO WEEKS AFTER GETTING THE COOLANT FILLED, MY RADIATOR FAN BEGAN RUNNING FAST AND LOUD. I BROUGHT IT INTO THE SHOP AND WAS TOLD I HAD A LEAKING WATER PUMP. THERE WAS ONLY ONE INCH LEFT OF COOLANT IN THE RESERVOIR AFTER JUST BEING FILLED UP. I WAS THEN TOLD IT WOULD TAKE 14-16 HOURS OF LABOR TO REPLACE THE WATER PUMP WHICH ITSELF COSTS LESS THAN $150. I WAS REFERRED BY THE SHOP TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE THE WORK NEEDED WAS EXTENSIVE AND BECAUSE IT INVOLVED A FORD PART. THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS AND REFERRED ME TO FORD. THE DEALERSHIP CONFIRMED THE WATER PUMP LEAK. BASICALLY, THE ENGINE HAD TO BE TAKEN APART TO REPLACE THE WATER PUMP, BECAUSE THE PUMP IS MADE PART OF THE ENGINE ITSELF. I BELIEVE THE FORD ENGINE AND THE WATER PUMP IS DEFECTIVE. THE GASKETS OR BEARINGS IN THE WATER PUMP FAIL AND THERE ARE WEEP HOLES IN THE WATER PUMP WHICH ALLOW COOLANT TO LEAK INTO THE ENGINE AND MIX WITH THE ENGINE OIL. MY VEHICLE WAS OUT OF THE MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY. I SPENT $1,839.82 TO FIX A SINGLE WATER PUMP! THERE SHOULD BE AN INVESTIGATION INTO THIS MANUFACTURING AND DESIGN DEFECT DUE TO THE BURDEN IT PLACES ON THE PUBLIC. THERE ARE ALSO SAFETY ISSUES CAUSED BY THIS DUE TO VEHICLES BEING SO AFFECTED BY THE COOLANT LEAKS THE ENGINES SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY WHILE IN USE. I UNDERSTAND THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MANY, MANY OTHER FORD 3.5L V6 ENGINES. I HAVE THE MY VEHICLE REPAIR RECORDS IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO REVIEW THEM.