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: steering
498 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Nov 5, 2018
NOTICED LOUD GRINDING NOISE WHILE TURNING EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT WHILE TRAVELING AROUND 40MPH. NO LIGHTS HAVE COME ON YET. TOOK IT TO MECHANIC AND HE TOLD ME THAT THE STEERING RACK IS FAILING AND WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. FORD QUOTED ME ROUGHLY $1500 FOR THE RACK AND LABOR, THIS IS CRAZY THAT THE 2011,12,13 RECALL DOESN'T COVER THE SAME PROBLEM THAT 2014'S ARE HAVING.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Nov 2, 2018
THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PERIODICALLY GOES OUT, THE DASH LIGHTS BLINK OFF AND ON, ALRMS GO OFF WITH MESSAGES THAT STATE THERE IS A FAILURE OF TERRAIN, MANAGEMENT, ABS SYSTEM AND POWER STEERING, THEN THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT IMMEDIATELY , DASH IS BLACK. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS , IT SEEMS TO BE A KNOWN ISSUE WITH FORD WHEN RESEARCHING THE ISSUE. SOMEONE CAN WRECK AND DIE WITH THIS ELECTRICAL FAILURE
Steering, Oct 17, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND WAS DRIVING 5 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL JERKED AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. ALSO, THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND "STEERING FAILED" WAS DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER (STUART POWELL FORD, INC., 225 S DANVILLE BYP, DANVILLE, KY 40422, (859) 238-1197) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RACK AND PINION SEIZED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: CAS 15916495. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,940.
Steering, Oct 10, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE STEERING SEIZED WHEN MAKING A TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN HOME AND WAS LATER TAKEN TO NORRIS FORD (901 MERRITT BLVD, BALTIMORE, MD 21222, (410) 285-0200). THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE PARTS REPLACED WERE UNKNOWN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTING THEY COULD DO SINCE THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL NHTSA AND FILE A COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,500.
Steering, Sep 30, 2018
AT 61946 THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING FAILED. WHILE THE WIFE WAS DRIVING SHE NOTICED A DISTINCTIVE NOISE WHEN SHE TURNED AND IT PULLED SUDDENLY TO THE LEFT. FORTUNATELY THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. UPON A INTERNET I FOUND THAT FROM 2008-2013 FORD EXPLORERS HAD HAD RECALLS DEALING WITH THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING. AFTER READING PREVIOUS YEAR COMPLAINTS, I CAN SAY THEY STILL HAVE ISSUES WITH THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING. FORD NEEDS TO KEEP THE RECALLS GOING.
Steering, Sep 23, 2018
WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT HOME I FELT ON THE HIGHWAY I FELT THE STEERING WANTING TO BIND, WHEN I TURNED IT FELT AT AN INTERSECTION LIKE IT WAS STUCK AND COULD NOT GET IT TO TURN. I CAME HOME AND STOPPED THE VEHICLE, WHEN I TURNED IT OFF AND STARTED AGAIN THE STEERING WAS LOCKED. THE DISPLAY SHOWED STEERING PROBLEMS PLACE IN PARK. ALSO TRACK CONTROL WAS DISPLAYED.
Steering, Sep 3, 2018
STEERING BECAME HEAVY AND STIFF WITHOUT WARNING. TRACTION CONTROL AND STABILITY CONTROLS FAILED TO WORK CAUSING TROUBLE LIGHTS TO COME ON. TURN SIGNALS WILL NOT STAY ACTIVATED. STEERING FAULT INDICATOR ALSO ILLUMINATED. VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN AT NORMAL SPEEDS ON A LEVELED CITY ROAD.
Steering, Aug 30, 2018
MY WIFE DROVE OUR EXPLORER TO FT. WAYNE IN.(APRROX.20 MI.) TO GO SHOPPING. WHEN SHE GOT BACK INTO THE VEHICLE TO LEAVE PARKING LOT SHE WAS UNABLE TO STEER IT. SHE SAID THAT THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING NOISES WHEN SHE WOULD TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. MESSAGE CAME UP AS TRACTION CONTROL FAILURE AND TO PULL OF THE ROAD IMMEDIATELY. I HAD TO DRIVE OVER IN ANOTHER VEHICLE TO BRING THE VEHICLE HOME. IT TOOK EVERY EFFORT I HAD TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE HOME TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER. THE FORD DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY FOR A TOTAL COST OF 1603.06$. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 61K MILES
Steering, Aug 30, 2018
2014 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. ON AUGUST 12 AFTER DRIVING @ 1 HOUR, I BRIEFLY TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. RESTARTED THE CAR WITHIN 5 MINUTES TO BACK INTO MY GARAGE AND RECEIVED A "STEERING ASSIST FAULT" WARNING AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AGAIN, LET IT COOL A WHILE, THEN WAS ABLE TO BACK IT INTO THE GARAGE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,022. THIS WAS THE 2ND TIME THE STEERING FAILED WITH THE FIRST INSTANCE ON AUG 2, 2018. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MARIN FORD AUG 28 (6995 REDWOOD BLVD, NOVATO, CA 94945 (415-914-1118) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING (EPAS) UNIT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED WITH @ COST OF $2500. THE MARIN FORD SERVICE ADVISOR, ROGER, INDICATED HE CONTACTED FORD AND WAS TOLD THIS WOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY OR BY ANY RECALL. UPON RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE, IT APPEARS IT IS NOT UNCOMMON, CERTAINLY FOR OLDER MODEL EXPLORERS AND OTHER FORD VEHICLES WITH EPAS STEERING. IT SEEMS THERE MAY BE A KNOWN HEATING PROBLEM AFFECTING THE EPAS THERMAL CONNECTORS THAT FORD HAS TAKING SOME EFFORTS TO MITIGATE, BUT NOT CORRECT (HEAT SHIELDING, AIR CHANNELING, ETC). SEE LINKS FOR OTHER INFO. HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=SZHMXWCP9FO HTTP://WWW.CARPROBLEMZOO.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/LOSE-POWER-STEERING-PROBLEMS.PHP
Steering, Aug 29, 2018
FORD EXPLORER LOOSES POWER STEERING. 2014 FORD EXPLORER LOOSES POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING. SEVERAL CODES ARE GENERATED. THESE CODES MATCH THE CODES AND PROBLEMS WITH THE 2011-2013 FORD STEERING MODULES. I HAD IT HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH SAGNIFICANT LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. I CONTACTED FORD AND THEY SAID THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. IV ATTACHED A PICTURE OF THE DIAGNOSTICS SCREEN FROM FORD.
Steering, Aug 9, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LEO KAYTES FORD (145 NY-94, WARWICK, NY 10990, (845) 986-1131) WHERE IT WAS AWAITING DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,627.
Steering, Aug 3, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (RUXER FORD LINCOLN, INC., 123 PLACE RD, JASPER, IN 47546, (812) 482-1200) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING GEAR FAILED. THE REPAIR WAS COMPLETED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Steering, Jul 13, 2018
STEERING GEAR AND TIE ROD ISSUE. TIE RODS HAVE FAILED AND STEERING GEAR IS GOING OUT. DEALER RECOMMENDS COMPLETE REPLACEMENT. DIAGNOSIS IS THAT STEERING WILL LOCK UP WILL DRIVING ONCE STEERING GEAR COMPLETELY FAILS.
Steering, Jul 12, 2018
THE FIRST TIME, THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE GARAGE AND AS I WAS BACKING OUT, THE TRACTION CONTROL AND POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILURE WARNINGS CAME. I TURNED OFF THE CAR AND EVERYTHING SEEMED TO REBOOT. THE NEXT TIME I WAS JUST PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT, BUT THIS TIME, THE CAR TOOK NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO FINALLY REBOOT. THEN I WAS ON A HIGHWAY AND WAS BARELY ABLE TO MAKE IT TO THE BREAKDOWN LANE TO STOP AND TRY TO REGAIN POWER STEERING. THAT WAS VERY DANGEROUS! SHORTLY THEREAFTER, I TURNED ON THE CAR IN THE GARAGE, AND THE LIGHT CAME ON AND NEVER WENT OUT ALONG WITH THE POWER STEERING. MY QUESTION IS; WHY IS THIS EXACT PROBLEM A RECALL FOR 2011 2012 2013 EXPLORERS BUT NOT 2014? MY ACQUAINTANCE ALSO HAS AN EXPLORER AND IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE. CLEARLY FORD IS AWARE OF THIS DANGEROUS MALFUNCTION.
Steering, Jul 5, 2018
WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH THE LEFT WHEEL FELT LIKE IT WAS GOING LEFT AND THE RIGHT FELT LIKE IT WAS GOING RIGHT WHILE HOLDING WHEEL STRAIGHT. VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. THEN STEERING ASSIST FAULT MESSAGE AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON.
Steering, Traction control system, Engine, Jun 26, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO MOVE. THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND THE OIL PRESSURE, STARTING SYSTEM FAILURE, TRACTION CONTROL, AND ENGINE COOLANT WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (EXPRESSWAY FORD, 3800 HIGHWAY 62 W, MT VERNON, IN 47620, (812) 838-4366) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A WARRANTY OR RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,336.
Steering, Jun 22, 2018
2014 EXPLORER SPORT - ISSUE STARTED AS SMALL CLICK/POP WHEN TURNING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT AT LOW SPEED AROUND 48K MILES. ISSUE HAS ESCALATED AT 51K MILES TO STEERING LOCKING UP MID-TURN, IN-MOTION STILL AT LOW SPEED FOR 3-5 SECONDS UNTIL IT RELEASES ON ITS OWN.
Steering, May 31, 2018
STEERING ASSIST FAULT MESSAGE CAME UP WHEN MY WIFE STARTED DRIVING OFF TO PICK UP OUR KID FROM SCHOOL AND STEERING WAS EXCESSIVELY DIFFICULT FOR HER TO SAFELY MANAGE. VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS 92,350 MILES.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), May 16, 2018
WHILE DRIVING THE TRACTION CONTROL TURNED OFF, WHICH CAUSED THE ELECTRONIC STEERING TO TURN OFF. THE CAR JERKED TO THE LEFT SIDE (ALMOST HITTING A BOX TRUCK). I HAD TO PULL THE STEERING WHEEL WITH ALL MY STRENGTH TO GET THE CAR TO STEER CORRECTLY. TOOK THE CAR TO DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THE ELECTRONIC STEERING GEAR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
Steering, May 14, 2018
STOPPED FOR FUEL ON 5/13/18. WHEN I RESTARTED THE VEHICLE I RECEIVED A WARNING STATING SERVICE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILURE. NO LONGER HAVE POWER STEERING, TRACTION CONTROL, OR TURN SIGNALS. BRINGING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TODAY. VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED 10/2013.
Steering, May 3, 2018
LOST POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING ON A LOCAL STREET. POWER STEERING CAME BACK THE NEXT DAY AND LASTED 3 DAYS BEFORE GOING OUT AGAIN.
Steering, Apr 23, 2018
THE ELECTRONIC STEERING GEAR ABRUPTLY FAILED. PULLING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY. STEERING STOPPED AND RECEIVED LIGHT WARNING. ' STEERING LOSS STOP SAFELY' LOST ALL FUNCTION OF STEERING AND TRACTION. DEALERSHIP SAYS 2234.00 TO REPAIR. THIS WAS A RECALL ON THE 2013 VEHICLES AND OLDER. I COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN ON HIGHWAY THE DAY BEFORE WITH MY KIDS. IT WOULD HAVE CAUSED SEVERE ACCIDENT, TO LOSE STEERING AT 65 MPH.
Steering, Mar 8, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE "POWER STEERING FAILED" WARNING MESSAGE ILLUMINATED. DOAN FORD IN BELMONT, OHIO WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS PENDING REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Steering, Feb 6, 2018
WHILE OPERATING MY 2014 FORD EXPLORER XLT, THE STEERING WAS UNRESPONSIVE AND WOULD SEIZE UP WHILE DRIVING AROUND TURNS. OTHER TIMES THE STEERING WHILE IS EXTREMELY HARD TO TURN WHILE OPERATING AROUND TURNS ON BOTH CITY AND HIGHWAYS. I BELIEVE THE ISSUE IS WITH THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING.
Steering, Feb 1, 2018
A INTERNAL FAULT IN EAPS STEERING RACK, FAULT CODE 58530. FORD HAD RECALL ON 2013 MODELS, MINE WAS SHIPPED TO DEALER JAN. 2014. STILL HAD SAME ISSUE AS 2013. HAS TO MORE OF THEM OUT THERE. DEALER DID NOT INFORM OF 2013 RECALL AT TIME OF REPAIR. STEERING WAS NOT OK WHEN TURNING LEFT MADE NOISE AND VIBRATED.