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, Aug 26, 2023
critical steering loss during normal driving conditions. Steering Rack & Pinion failed without code, appears to be mechanical failure (gear) breaking in the rack and pinion. Similar to the 2013 model year recall, my vehicle was produced in 2014 Feb. Looking at part number my rack and pinion was produced between 2012 and 2014. Possibly affected by the years when their was a recall for similar issue.
Steering, Aug 21, 2023
The contact's fiancée owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the steering wheel started jerking and the vehicle lost power steering functionality, nearly causing a collision. The traction control warning light was illuminated, and the message "Steering Assist Fault - Service Required" was displayed. The contact was able to drive to the nearby residence at 10-15 MPH by using physical strength to turn the steering wheel. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 110,739.
Steering, Aug 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer for a recall repair and the vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that the next morning when the vehicle was started, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering column became inoperable. The contact stated that he was able to safely drive the vehicle to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with steering gear failure however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
Steering, Aug 10, 2023
The power steering is going out in my vehicle to the point it is now a safety concern and I cannot drive the vehicle. The models made before and after mine are listed as recalled for the same issue, but my vehicle is not.
Steering, Aug 8, 2023
I purchased the vehicle in 2017. The car has 175k miles on it now. A few months ago, the vehicle began making a shuddering noise when turning. Recently, the steering became very hard and heavy. When moving the steering wheel, I began to hear a muffled noise as if something was grinding. The next day, the steering became progressively worse and even harder to turn along with the noise becoming louder. The vehicle was towed to a local shop where the issue was identified as the steering rack and pinion failure as well as the front lower control arms being broken. The shop mentioned that the parts are only available at Ford and the estimate would be more than $4,000 to repair. I was advised that other customers have come in for the same issues recently and to call Ford to see if there were any campaigns (recalls) for this vehicle and issue. I called Ford and they mentioned there were no existing or open recalls for the steering rack and pinion. The call agent mentioned that due to the vehicle no longer under Ford's warranty, all expenses would be the responsibility of the owner.
Steering, Jul 28, 2023
My wife and I purchased a 2014 for dd Explorer roughly 2 years ago with roughly 70,000 miles on it. After driving it and hitting 80,000 miles my wife called and said she was turning on a major road and all of the sudden lost power steering. Indicator lights came on afterwards revealing that the rack and pinion was faulty. My wife and children were in the vehicle and this was rush hour for them. This could have been more serious than it was but thank god there was no incident. Ford has recalls on certain explorers with the same issue bur for some reason feels this is safe. It most certainly is not and we can not afford 3500.00 dollars for a new rack. The car is barely worth that. This is a poor design by ford and it should be covered by ford.
Steering, Jul 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became firm and was difficult to maneuver. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion had failed and 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 included in a recall and then transferred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.
Steering, Jul 19, 2023
Driving on a straight flat road (I95 in North Carolina) the steering locked up and the "advance track" and "traction control" warning lights illuminated as well as "loss of steering control" warning (also noticed that the blinker switch stopped working) . Very difficult to move the steering wheel. Got to the side of the road and called for a tow. The Ford dealer (Liberty Ford, Fayetteville, NC) said the rack and pinion failed and needs to be replaced. It seems this has happened to many other people. Not sure why there is not a recall.
Steering, Jul 18, 2023
Steering has become hard to turn the wheel. I know there is a recall for steering on the 2013 Ford Explorer but there seems to be the same problem with the power assist steering on the 2014 Ford Explorers. Im afraid this will progress to failure.
Steering, Jul 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized. The contact was able to safely stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed as having a fractured steering column rack that needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
Steering, Jul 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, the steering wheel seized and made an abnormal grinding sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
Steering, Jun 7, 2023
The power steering stopped working while driving. My safety was put at risk because I couldn’t control where my car was going. I was unable to pull into a safe spot. It stopped working while traveling at a high rate of speed without any warning
Steering, Jun 6, 2023
I was driving at about 55 mph coming back from Conway N.H. (which is a very curvy road) when I had messages come up stating "power steering assist has failed, service traction control, traction off, and engine on". After this the steering wheel became very hard to steer and I had to keep jerking it to try and slow down. I pulled over and waited about 10 minutes then restarted the vehicle but the messages remained on and the power steering was not working at all still. Attempted a restart 3 separate times and the power steering messages were still there. Losing your power steering while driving is extremely dangerous for people in the car and all others on the road. A recall for this issue was issued for 2011-2013 and 2015-2016 model years for Ford Explorer. This is obviously the same issue for the 2014 model that must also be recalled to keep all drivers safe.
Steering, Jun 6, 2023
The power steering intermittently stops working and the steering wheel gets stiff while driving. I see that there is a recall for the Explorers 2011-2013, but mine is a 2014 and is now having this same issue.
Steering, Jun 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was firm, and the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The traction control warning light was illuminated. The contact shut off and restarted the vehicle to correct the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.
Steering, Jun 5, 2023
Traveling at high speed the vehicle will either stay in a locked position while making turns or will have a jerking motion. The cause is Power steering failed completely. Resolution is the entire system needs to be replaced rack and pinion and ecu needs to be flashed due to complete electric power steering.
Steering, Jun 4, 2023
After driving several hours on a very busy interstate, I stopped to get gas. When pulling out of the gas station my steering became inoperable. The warning indicator came on after I started to drive. I never had any indication that I needed to get my vehicle serviced prior to losing power steering. I had to have the vehicle towed to our mechanic. We were told the steering rack and pinion needed replaced and the cost is $2500. After research, I found that the NHTSA had issued recall 14S06 for 2011-2013 Ford Explorers with the exact same issue I've reported. A quick Google search shows that Ford Explorers continue to have these same issues, yet another recall has not been issued. Had my steering wheel locked up on me on the 5-lane interstate I was on, I would have created a major accident hurting myself and many others. This particular interstate has over 2 million drivers daily and is the most dangerous interstate in the United States. It is unbelievable to me that Ford has not fixed this major failure in their vehicles. I've attached an article below that speaks to an additional recall and also mentions that the backup camera fails. Oddly enough my backup camera stopped working a couple weeks ago. It would be in Ford's best interest to issue additional recalls before more people lose their lives. Please see the additional sites I've included with other owners with the same issues. I am thankful I was in a safe place where I could get my vehicle pulled over. Please keep me updated with the status of my complaint. https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/ford/2020/11/04/ford-explorer-suvs-recall-steering-control/6158847002/ https://www.carproblemzoo.com/ford/explorer/2014/steering-problems.php https://www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Explorer/2014/steering/power_steering_failure.shtml https://www.vehiclehistory.com/questions/does-the-2014-ford-explorer-have-an-electric-power-steering-recall-54585
Steering, Engine, Jun 3, 2023
I was driving my car stopped at a gas station went to leave and had no power steering. Replaced the power steering angle sensor still didn't fix the problem had to have the rack and pinion replaced all in cost almost $3000. Now my car is leaking coolant from the motor where the water pump is located
Steering, May 24, 2023
Power steering suddenly stopped working making it very difficult to steer. I was turning the corner at a stoplight and nearly ran into another vehicle in the next lane. 1) Power steering. Yes, available for inspection 2) Nearly crashed into another vehicle 3) Have not taken it to a mechanic yet 4) Has not been inspected by the dealer 5) No warning lights were on Looking on the internet, this is a widespread problem with this year of Ford Explorer. There should be a recall for this issue!
Steering, May 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the power steering assist had failed with an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where several software updates were performed, and the braking system was repaired. The contact was later informed that the repairs that were performed would resolve the issue with the power steering. Despite the repairs, the power steering failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair of the power steering. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline for further assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Steering, May 12, 2023
We were driving down the road with our kids in the car when the steering completely went out with absolutely no warning mind you we were on the Thruway doing about 70 which is our speed limit where we live thank God my husband was able to keep the vehicle under control even though it threw us into the other lane and almost made a side swipe another vehicle doing further research on this stupid electric rack and pinion that y'all decided to put in instead of a regular power steering system has so many bad reviews hundreds of hundreds of complaints of accidents caused without warning to the driver something so dangerous and something that could take your lives or the lives of your children within a split second without no warning at all should definitely have a recall on it especially when it's happened to hundreds and hundreds of people if you can put a recall on the toe links because the suspension and that's considered dangerous this is a lot more dangerous than that and should be at the top of the recall list but I did my research there is no recall on it especially for a 2014 my family could have almost died because of a crappy part and people that have replaced the part has had it go out on them again so how safe are your vehicles really how can you stand behind a vehicle that can lock up all steering on you at a moment's notice with no warning and cause potentially a deadly accident do y'all even care about your customers or is it just the money signs you're concerned about.
Steering, Other or unspecified, May 5, 2023
My 16 year old grandson was driving my car home from school when the traction control light came on and POWER STEERING went out completely. Not only did power steering go out and traction control wasn't working the turn signals were also not working properly making this situation even more dangerous. My grandson had a very difficult time getting the vehicle off the road with no power steering. We were very lucky he didn't have an accident. There was no warning lights prior to power steering/traction control going out as he was driving. I've done some research and it appears this has been a problem with Ford Explorers since 2011 (Safety Recall Notice 145061 NHT5A Recall 14V-286) for some reason 2014 was not included in the recall. I was surprised to find there have been many 2014 ford explorer owners that have experienced the same issues and filed complaints. I have contacted Ford customer service and filed a complaint with them; complaint # (42667416). I'm further angered/disappointed by the recall on 2011-2013 Explorers. WHY WAS 2014 EXCLUDED???!!! This problem has obviously not been corrected. This is a DEADLY situation!!!! My explorer is currently in a Ford shop and the problem was reproduced and diagnosed. They have ordered parts to have repairs completed which is costing approximately $2300 and my vehicle has been out of commission for 2 weeks by the time repairs are completed. I am very disappointed with Ford overlooking this issue which may cause major injury or death. Once I receive the vehicle back I will have invoice with description of repairs and parts that were replaced.
Steering, Apr 27, 2023
April 17, '23 traveling down Mountains in WV to VA the STEERING on 2014 Ford Explorer lost PowerSteering VERY difficult control vehicle descending 9 degree grade on 2 lane highway no place to pull over right then. Had to fight the STEERING down the mountain until I was able to pull off in an Emergency stop area. No dash warning lights, under the hood P/S fluid was good all seemed normal, looked under the car no leak. Rack & Pinion Steering system t no signs of damage. Started car turned Steering wheel back/ forth a few times, heard a GRINDING noise each time I turned the wheel, like metal pieces binding. Since It scared the Wheaties out of me I called for a tow. Quote $400.00 to shop. I called my Husband to get a trailer, get this car as I'm not risking going down a mountain, injuring or killing anyone. 2 -1/2 hrs & 135 miles my husband arrives I finally felt safe. We took it to our mechanic he confirmed RACK and PINION Steering component needs replacing. Suggested to check for SAFETY RECALL seen many fail/break MY 2012-2017. Cost $2K/Part $1200. CERTAINLY a SAFETY HAZARD with little to no control over a 4000lb deadly weapon. Driver cannot manipulate 2nd MOST IMPORTANT (BRAKES being #1) FUNCTION - STEERING- whichever direction or get out of harms way. 2014 EXPLORER NHSTA reports of 1171 total complaints, 2 largest complaints: #1 STEERING(loss of steering control) 374 reported; #2 Suspension-86 reported. See NHTSA ID#11518075-Suspension 2014 Ford Explorer while driving vehicle made abnormal sounds, vibration, no steering. Dealer replaced Steering Rack & Bushings. NHTSA issues 3 Suspension Recalls :Ball Joint Knuckle Campaign# 19V435000 & 20V692000 & 21V537000 = Rear Suspension Toe Links May Fracture: 1)Toe links may fracture due stress rear suspension. 2)Rear toe link fracture can cause loss of steering control & crash. 3)Fractured rear toe link cause sudden change in handling, crash risk. 86 complaints=3recalls 374 Steering Complaints=0recalls WHY?PLS RECALL
Steering, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 14, 2023
Loss of power steering, electric steering assist is making noise when turning steering wheel. My mechanic said that i need new Gear Assembly, he also said that there is a recall for this for a Ford Explorer years 2011-2013 and 2015-2017 but for some reason there is no recall for 2014 even that its the same part
Steering, Suspension, Apr 7, 2023, crash
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after making a left turn, the vehicle jerked in the opposite direction, and then the steering wheel became difficult to turn, and she crashed into a parked vehicle. The check engine and air bag warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, she noticed a fluid leak underneath. The vehicle had not yet been taken to an independent mechanic or a local dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V675000 (Suspension). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was unknown. The contact stated that the air bags never deployed at the time of the incident. Also, it is difficult to click the seatbelt clip in. The local Ford Service Team was contacted but offered no help, stating that the accident had no correlation to the recall. They stated that they would not be covering the cost of repair for that incident.