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: power train
79 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Apr 23, 2026
issue with driving between speeds of 25 to 45 mph. Believe that there is a problem with the torque converter as it feels as though it's shuttering during those speeds. speeds of 50 or higher miles per hour feel fine while driving.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Feb 10, 2026
PTU failure, due to no maintenance service recommended for PTU, PTU failure has been a ongoing issue due to the position of the PTU,location of changing fluid and no mileage recommended for regular service or recommended regular service in the owners manual
Power train, Jan 28, 2026
The water pump is having issues with going out after the first cold snap of the year. This car was just purchased by us back in March of 2025. The car was inspected by the dealership prior to purchase as well as our personal mechanic. After further research this is a known issue especially in 2011-2020 models with economists engines. There have been class action lawsuits regarding this as well.
Power train, Sep 30, 2025
PTU (transfer case) failure during a drive when I was making a safe left turn across traffic and the car quit moving forward with oncoming traffic inbound. Mazda has recalled this part but ford has not. There are so many failures the part is out of stock for months. The ptu design was set up for failure as a non serviceable part
Seat belts, Power train, Aug 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after routine maintenance at a local independent mechanic, the second-row seat belt warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact attempted to buckle the rear second-row driver’s side passenger’s seat belt; however, the warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the same independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed and DTC: B141B-13; was retrieved. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to the Customer Satisfaction Program: 21B11; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.
Power train, Aug 1, 2025
When I was going down the highway at 60mph around a small curve and the steering wheel snatched hard, the car reduced the speed I was traveling (as if the brakes were engaged) and I lost ability to control. The Traction control light on the dashboard flashed several times so I pulled over. The light went away and I proceeded to drive at a slow speed (it happened again at 40mph). I was concerned about wrecking the vehicle due to this issue so I had my husband come and pick me and my small child up. The next day he drove it with no issues BUT it has done it several times now. I started reading up on this vehicle and in fact others with the same make and model have had the same issues.
Power train, Jul 10, 2025
Power Transfer Unit Failed while driving on highway. Not a serviceable part as manufacturer claims it is a lifetime fluid. Approximate date
Power train, Jun 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle jerked abnormally. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the torque convertor was starting to fail. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Power train, Apr 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after refueling and had placed the vehicle in park (P) and had turned the vehicle off. The contact stated that she was at the rear of the vehicle on the passenger side by the gasoline port, she had inserted the fueling nozzle into the gas filler tube when the vehicle began to roll backward. The contact stated she pulled the fuel nozzle out of the port and then attempted to enter the vehicle through the front passenger door but was unable to get into the vehicle. The contact said that the vehicle rolled backward down the inclined gas station driveway rolled into the roadway and stopped. The contact stated that she was shaken and was not sure if the front passenger door had struck her. The contact stated that she felt pain on her right side from the right side of her face to her hip, but she had not received medical attention. The contact was asked if she had set the parking brake and she reported that she had not. The vehicle had not been taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.
Power train, Apr 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic signal, the signal changed, and the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle moved forward but failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 10 MPH. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle and was able to drive back to the residence. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 15 MPH. The contact stated that prior to the failure he observed that when the vehicle was shifted into park(P), a warning illuminated that read "Not in Park" several times. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V692000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Power train, Apr 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering assist warning light illuminated. The steering column seized. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a rack and pinion failure. The contact was informed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure reoccurred two weeks later. The vehicle was scheduled to be towed back to the dealer in several days. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
Power train, Mar 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving or pulling off from a stop sign, the vehicle jerked and there was smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic who performed a diagnostic test and stated that the passenger’s side axle seal of the transfer case was leaking and recommended that the transfer case be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 86,000.
Power train, Nov 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle was vibrating with an abnormal rattling sound coming from the front and the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vibration and rattling were a constant failure and happened at various speeds. Additionally, the contact stated that when he stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle was making a grinding sound while depressing the accelerator pedal. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V692000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Power train, Oct 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle hesitated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring for approximately six months. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to duplicate the failure. There was no warning light illuminated and the mechanic was unable to retrieve a fault code. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer. The dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The manufacturer informed the contact that the warranty on the vehicle had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 5, 2023
Under moderate to heavy acceleration exhaust fumes are pouring into the cabin. The harder you accelerate the more you smell. Gives me a headache every time.
Power train, May 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the transmission warning light illuminated and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to restart the vehicle but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.
Steering, Power train, Mar 10, 2023, fire
My 2014 Ford explore Set fire and lost control of steering on the highway the transfer case set fire, which made the driveshaft explode and twist. There were no warning signs of this. And we are very lucky that we were not hurt in this we have lost so much money and time there is no way that this was not due to a recall when I contacted Ford they pretty much told me the car was totaled and I was going to have to pay a lot of money depending on how much damage the fire did.
Power train, Feb 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while accelerating at slower speeds, the vehicle hesitated while shifting gear. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the power transfer unit (PTU) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall related to the failure. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.
Steering, Power train, Jan 26, 2023
Power steering will fail sporadically when at Highway speeds or City speeds and show error code. Advance Trac AWD system disabled, traction control disabled, unsafe.
Power train, Jan 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that on multiple occasions while accelerating at 30-40 MPH, the vehicle started to sputter and the engine misfired. The contact then stated that on other occasions while accelerating approximately 60-65 MPH, the vehicle failed to properly respond. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the torque converter failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V427000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided the contact with Customer Satisfaction Program: 20N07 and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.
Power train, Jan 25, 2023
Check engine light came on at approximately 79000 miles for timing components that will cost over $4000 to repair.
Power train, Jan 15, 2023
2014 Ford Explorer XLT with 102,858 miles. All previous recalls have been repaired. Over a period of past 2 weeks, I noticed a steady increase in an intermittent lurch as I drove. It happened more often, so I took to Mountaineer Ford on Jan. 13, 2023. They determined the transmission was failing, saying a new replacement would cost $7,500. Unable to afford that, I declined for the time being. On the way home, it suddenly got so much worse - grinding and lurching - I was not sure I'd make it before it failed completely. Thankfully, I made it but I consider the car no longer drivable.
Power train, Aug 30, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while at a stop light, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. The contact restarted the vehicle and the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission was slipping. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and a case was filed. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 96,000.
Power train, Aug 19, 2022
The transmission failed without warning while traveling down the highway. The vehicle is currently being diagnosed but cost of repair is unknown at this time.
Power train, Jun 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle in the driveway and shifting to park(P), the gear position indicator failed to indicate that the vehicle was in park(P). The contact turned on and turned off the vehicle several times before the vehicle operated as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was contacted and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall for the failure. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The contact was referred to the NHTSA to file a complaint. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.