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, May 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving out of the driveway, the steering wheel became extremely stiff. Additionally, the power steering sensor fault message was displayed. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000.
Steering, Apr 15, 2024
The Steering Assist system or power steering component stopped working causing unsteerable vehicle. This was part of the Ford recall [XXX]. We purchased this explorer used from Colvin Ford in Mcminneville, Oregon when the recall was still open and the dealer never notified us of the recall nor did they fix it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Apr 7, 2024
Steering went out while driving. Mechanic said it’s the rack and pinion. He said it’s common and was recalled in other year Explorers but not 2014. He said it could be the same part that was recalled but it was used in the 2014 instead of other years that were recalled.
Steering, Mar 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the steering wheel seized. A message indicating a power steering failure was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the residence of the contact's parents. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.
Steering, Mar 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the "Loss of Steering Please Stop Safely," message and several other unknown messages were displayed on the instrument panel. The steering wheel seized; however, the contact was able to pull off to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to the home of a relative where a code reader discovered a defect with the rack and pinion. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure, and both informed the contact that there were no recalls on the vehicle associated with the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 207,000.
Steering, Mar 19, 2024
My steering wheel is like using manual steering, it is very hard to turn it seems to get stuck in certain positions, easier in another spot when turning, then gets stuck again. It is very hard to turn, no lights on the dashboard, no error codes. This is a huge safety concern if I am driving and can no longer steer my vehicle safely. I see so many other complaining about this problem with 2014, why is there no recall? This is putting people at risk or crashing which could cause fatality!
Steering, Mar 14, 2024
The electronic power steering is failing. Vehicle steering wheel is tight. Steering wheel hard to turn. I know 775k explorers had a recall for this issue but no recall was issued for my vehicle. Checked steering knuckle and sensors, everything seems to be in working order bit steering is still tight.
Steering, Mar 11, 2024
Steering became jumpy and hard to steer intermittent. Stabilitrak light on and then lost power steering light on. Thank goodness I stopped when I did because now steering wheel is locked and only goes forward and backwards. This could have been extremely dangerous traveling on the toll road!
Steering, Feb 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel was significantly difficult to steer, causing him to use excessive force to steer the vehicle. The contact pulled to the side of the highway. The contact stated that he turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the electric power steering had failed. The contact stated that the dealer cleared the DTC codes; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed. The mechanic determined that the rack and pinion and the steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
Steering, Suspension, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 22, 2024
Control arm on Ford 2014 explorer are prone to failure, causing vehicle to lose steering. Control arms rub excessively against brake components, also causing failure to both brakes, ABS, and sensors related to wheel speed. Failure is due to the manufacture. Strong action is need to prevent further road accidents if not addressed.
Steering, Seat belts, Feb 12, 2024
My steering wheel is like using manual steering, it is very hard to turn it seems to get stuck in certain positions, easier in another spot when turning, then gets stuck again. It is very hard to turn, no lights on the dashboard, no error codes. This is a huge safety concern if I am driving and can no longer steer my vehicle safely. I see so many other complaining about this problem with 2014, why is there no recall? This is putting people at risk or crashing which could cause fatality! Secondly, my back seat belt doesn't work it will not latch any more, and I have seen so many complaints about that as well, but again Ford will not recall it. So I have a seat in my vehicle that cannot be used by anyone as it is a safety concern if there was an accident.
Steering, Feb 7, 2024
Power steering has gone out with Power Steering System Failure, Advance Track Failure alerts appearing upon cranking vehicle. Steering wheel locked up. This is an issue with the 2011-2013 and 2015-2017 and covered under warranty but not the 2014. How can it be an issue, not be an issue for a year, and then be an issue again?
Steering, Feb 2, 2024
Steering has become stiff and not responsive, feels like it catches and then frees up. There are no waring lights or trouble codes to the issue.
Steering, Jan 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while his wife was driving 60 MPH, the power steering intermittently became inoperable and, after five minutes, returned to normal operation. The vehicle veered across the lanes of traffic. The failure occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on three separate occasions, but the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The dealer reset the codes. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.
Steering, Jan 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the "Loss of Power Steering - Pullover Safely" message was displayed. The contact became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly. The traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 154,000.
Steering, Jan 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 20–30 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn and became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power steering control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
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.
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
Steering, Oct 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH and making a right turn, the steering wheel seemed to seize. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the rack and pinion and electric power steering assist needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
Steering, Oct 16, 2023
Loss of steering going down the road. Just like previous models of the explorer. Wheel locks up and steering is almost impossible.
Steering, Oct 12, 2023
Electric power steering failure, cannot drive vehicle steering is hard and stuck. Power steering failure light light on dashboard.
Steering, Oct 4, 2023
My steering went out like the 2011,2012,2013, 2015, 2016 so why does the recall not cover 2014. Went out in May of 2022, and I have heard nothing since then and I reported this in June of 2022. Its been over a year so why haven't I heard anything. The electric racket pinon steering had to be replace and the scary thing is the warning light did not go off till I had no control of the steering.
Steering, Oct 4, 2023
When turning the wheel grinding noise and it jerks steering wheel at time was told it was probably the rack and pinion but have to wait to weeks to take it where I bought it from to look at and not until the end of Oct for Ford to look at it several people have this problem too what can I do why hasn't part be recalled
Steering, Oct 1, 2023
The rack and pinion steering gear is failing, it will loose power steering which makes it hard to steer. This part has been replaced five times in a year, they are defected coming from the factory. The dealer is aware of the problem. I have been in contact with Ford about this ongoing issue asking for the manufacturer information but no one knows who makes this part.
Steering, Sep 26, 2023
While driving my wife’s vehicle it lost power steering and started hearing loud grinding noise coming from passenger side front. Was going at low speed so was able to get the vehicle off the road. Since losing power steering vehicle wants to pull to the right.