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 28, 2022
While driving down freeway at 65 mph, noticed on curves, steering was becoming "glitchy." Upon getting off freeway, noticed warning light for Loss of Accutrac warning came up on the message center. Turned engine off and looked under hood to see if there were any visible problems, no visible problems. I proceeded to turn ignition back on and red warning came up loss of power steering. I was able to drive vehicle to safe place, however with no power steering. 2014 ford explorer was then towed to dealership for repair/service. Contacted by dealership that the rack and pinion (electronic power steering) needed to be replaced and reprogrammed, not under warranty and cost would be $3200.00. It has been a month with no repair and part still on factory back order. Apparently 2014 is not under the recall for previous and post years (not sure why). Mileage on vehicle is 49500. My opinion is that Ford should cover this under recall, serious safety issue with vehicle.
Steering, Aug 22, 2022
The contact's sister owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his sister was driving 75 MPH, the power steering assist fault warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The steering wheel became firm and his sister was unable to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was initially towed to a hotel; the next day, the contact drove to his sister's location and towed the vehicle back to her residence. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where he was given an estimate for the repair and was informed that the part for repair was on backorder. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where it remained in their possession. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
Steering, Aug 22, 2022
Steering has become stiff and unable to turn wheel. Have recall for toe link scheduled, but Ford says if steering is that tough than it’s not just the toe link causing issue.
Steering, Aug 21, 2022
Electric power steering failing while driving. Loss of power steering assist cause vehicle to become hard to steer at speed, no warning lights. Took to mechanic who reproduced the problem but said they could not do anything and it had to go to the dealer for repair.
Steering, Aug 20, 2022
While turning into a parking lot the steering wheel locks up and almost impossible to control the steering. This will cause me to have a wreck. It will reset when the vehicle is cut off and back on. Ford had a recall on the 2013 models for this reason because it locks up the steering wheel it is a dangerous thing. I need help I read there is alot of people with this issue with their 2014 explorers around the same millage. There needs to be a recall on this
Steering, Aug 20, 2022
I was on my back from NJ and all of a sudden my vehicle had a power steering fault and Terrain managment fault, I had just decided to resolve the issue by turning the vehicle on/off again, and it worked, it got me safely home but the terrain managment fault persisted, I was confused and unsure whether to keep on driving, forward from that, it felt harder to steer and slow my vehicle down, while i was going at the speed limit at one point I had attempted to stop before a red light and my vehicle even though brakes were pushed, stopped after the red light. I managed to have parked my vehicle at home, and all the faults came through "Power Steering Fault", "Terrain Managment Fault", the car steering wheel refused to turn, and my vehicle has now been in the dealership for a week, due to the amount of ford explorers that have the same issue, I have not yet gotten by car issues diagnosed from them. If it were to have happened sooner it may have lead to a vehicle accident involving 5 people. This issue is persistent and has to be looked at and resolved
Steering, Aug 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while exiting a parking spot, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the power steering failure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the rack and pinion to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but experience the same failure after the repair on two separate occasions. The vehicle has not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 18,712.
Steering, Aug 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist with the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 155,044.
Steering, Aug 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at 10 MPH and making a turn, the steering wheel locked. The message "Power Steering Assist Fault" and "All Terrain Maintenance" were displayed. The contact turned on her hazard lights. The contact stated as she turned off the vehicle and restarted it, the steering wheel regained power steering. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic at two different occasions. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the rack and pinion was replaced twice. However, the failure persisted. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Steering, Aug 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. Additionally, the steering wheel seized. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer and the manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.
Steering, Aug 8, 2022
I am un able to steer my vehicle almost got into an accident on my way to work . I lost all steering function and lights displayed for power steering assist . I feel this issue needs to be part of the recall amd include 2014 explorers seems to be a common complaint as I was reading and very unsafe.
Steering, Aug 5, 2022
Cranked car and began to drive home. Noticed there was a grinding noise when turning the steering wheel at low speeds. After approx 10 miles, while driving on a straight road, the steering wheel started jerking to the left and then automatically straightening itself up and then jerking to the right. This happened two times within a 6 mile distance. The second time it happened, there were two orange notifications that popped up. One said Service AdvanceTrac and one said Steering Fault Service Now. After that, the vehicle became extremely difficult to maneuver. I almost hit other vehicles several times as I was driving on a 6 lane divided road so traffic was on either side of me and the steering wheel wouldnt stay straight. Upon arriving at my destination, the vehicle sat in the driveway for 2 days until it could be towed to the shop. Upon cranking the vehicle, an orange notification popped up that said Service AdvanceTrac, as well a red notification that said Steering Loss Stop Safely. Problem persisted, vehicle had to be manhandled to be able to steer the wheel to get it loaded so it could be taken to the shop for diagnostic. Tech duplicated issue and diag as needing a new steering rack but cleared codes and vehicle began running as designed but quickly malfunctioned again. Mileage 142885 at time of fault.
Steering, Aug 3, 2022
Power steering went out while driving the vehicle and steering wheel was extremely difficult to maneuver. Received error “steering assist fault service required”
Steering, Jul 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The steering assist warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road using physical strength to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced; however, the dealer informed the contact that the parts were on a national backorder. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the parts were not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Steering, Jul 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the steering assist fault warning light illuminated, with a message to “Drive Safely’ displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle with a failure within the electronic steering rack. The dealer stated parts were not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The approximate failure mileage was 104,200.
Steering, Jul 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that the "Service Advance Trak" and "Steering Assist Fault, Service Required" messages were displayed on the instrument panel. Two independent mechanics and three dealers were notified of the failure. The manufacturer was also notified about the failure and referred him to the NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 163,000.
Steering, Jul 21, 2022
DRIVING DOWN ROAD AND LOST STEERING. WOULD NOT STEER AT ALL. THE STEERING RACK MALFUNCTIONED. HAD MECHANIC SHOP IDENTIFY ISSUE. THE POWER STEERING SERVICE LIGHT CAME ON WHEN STEERING WAS LOST AND THERE WAS NO NOTICE. HAD TO HAVE STEERING RACK REPLACED. LUCKY NOBODY GOT HURT. THIS IS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE. FORD HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH STEERING ISSUE BEFORE. I THINK FORD SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL AND I AM LOOKING FOR REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE TOW AND REPAIRS.
Steering, Jul 19, 2022
Power Steering and Terrain Managment Sysyem Fault, Left me trapped in a completely different state, Vehicle only has 55,588 Miles on it, I haven't yet gotten it checked, but will update my complaint as soon as I do
Steering, Suspension, Jul 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving approximately 15 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The driver was able to steer the vehicle safely to a nearby parking lot. The contact was unaware if any warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer and was diagnosed with the steering gear assembly failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V245000 (Suspension). The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.
Steering, Jul 9, 2022
The power steering went out and made the vehicle impossible to drive.We were on vacation 112 miles from home when this happen, so I had it towed 112 miles back home and I took it in the the dealer I purchased it from. They said there was a recall on 2011-2017 Explorers but excludes the 2014 model year. This vehicle only has 24517 miles on it and the dealer said I would have to pay the whole repair bill of almost $2200. Ford knows there is an issue with these vehicles so I don't understand why they would not include the 2014 Explorer also.
Steering, Jul 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the power steering failed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled safely to the side of the road for 15 minutes and restarted the vehicle. The contact drove home safely; however, the steering failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000.
Steering, Jul 1, 2022
I was driving down the street and my steering wheel locked up and all kinds of warning lights came on. I glided in to a parking lot and I am 7 months pregnant. I took it to dealer and they said it was the steering gear which was going to cost me over $2600. I started researching and see that this was a recall on 2011-2013 and 2015=2017 Explorers but not on the 2014. This is crazy. Luckily there were no other cars around or I would have been in a bad accident. I believe this should be a covered recall on my vehicle.
Steering, Jun 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal grinding sound was coming from the steering wheel while steering in either direction. In addition, the contact also stated that the steering wheel would fail to readjust after making a turn and would stiffen while driving at various speeds without warning. The contact called the dealer where she was given an estimate for the repair and was informed that the parts to repair the steering wheel were on back order. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and provided the same information as the dealer. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Steering, Jun 22, 2022
second time loss of power steering, first time almost got in accident. they said it was battery, so they replaced battery and reprogramed it at dealership. second time it happened was parked and when restarted no power steering, brought to dealership they said it was the steering rack, replaced rack, cost 2400,00 this should be covered under the recall
Steering, Jun 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the steering wheel was locked with the Service Advance Trac and Steering Fault - Service Now messages displayed. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle regained power steering functionality. Upon taking the vehicle to an unknown dealer for an oil change, the dealer was notified of the failure. The dealer diagnosed that no issues were found; however, the contact stated that the steering felt sticky while driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there was no early availability to inspect the vehicle. The contact stated while driving 45-60 MPH while taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic, the steering wheel seized inadvertently. The Service Advance Trac and Steering Fault - Service Now messages were displayed. The contact stated that he shook the steering wheel several times and the steering wheel loosened. The contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the electric power steering assist unit had failed and needed to be replaced; however, neither the OEM parts nor aftermarket parts were available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as there was no open recalls associated with the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the dealer. A case was opened. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.