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, Jun 19, 2022
The electronic steering assist is making noises. It’s hard to steer, steering locks up same issues as 2011-13 and 2016-17 Explorers. 2014 is the only model which hasn’t been recalled mileage is 112453 bought used with 109280 miles. When driving the steering wheel will suddenly lock up where you can’t turn then after a moment or so it will free up. This is very dangerous and I’ve seen a lot of other Ford Explorer owners with this same year 2014 having same problems and even wrecking their cars because of it. Ford recalled 2011-13 and 2016-17 but not 2014 or 2015 and these years are having same problems as the recalled vehicles.
Steering, Jun 15, 2022
Complete loss of electronic power steering while driving on highway. Dashboard lit up like a christmas tree. Managed to hard steer off the road. No warning of any kind just died at 60Mph. Ford replaced entire electronic steering gear assembly at my cost, very expensive $2,800
Steering, Jun 15, 2022
Power steering stopped working, no warning lights or messages appear in the dashboard. Vehicle only has 44,000 miles on it. No power assist while i was driving and vehicle suddenly started going to the left, had to jam on brakes before i hit a vehicle parked on the left side if the street. Vehicle has not been looked at yet.
Steering, Jun 15, 2022
the steering is getting hard and soft. when turning making it difficult to drive
Steering, Jun 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the traffic control light and traction control warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed and repaired with a used part. The failure reoccurred. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 114,000.
Steering, Jun 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the advance track, traction control, and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the failure as the electrical power steering. The contact stated that the rack and pinion and electrical motor for the steering wheel needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that parts were on back order. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure however, no assistance was offered. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000.
Steering, Service brakes, Jun 7, 2022
Vehicle Electronic Power Steering stopped working. Power Steering Fault & Service Advanced Trac message. Also saw a day later another message that would come up with the Service Advanced Trac. It would be to Check Brake System. While researching I found that Ford had a recall for the Power Steering & Service Advance Trac for the 2011 - 2013 model years. On the NHTSA there have been quite a few people complaining about the 2014 model for Power Steering & Service Advance Trac. I didn't get a picture of the Power Steering fault, but I did get a picture of the Service AdvanceTrac with the Check Brake message. Putting it in with this as well.
Steering, Jun 4, 2022
While driving, without warning, the power steering went out. My 2014 Explorer became extremely difficult to steer. Luckily this happened before I made it to the end of my street. Had my wife been driving or I was traveling at higher speeds, this would have definitely resulted in an accident. We parked the car for a week, trying it intermittently, and today the steering worked again. But not knowing when or where it will happen again, and the accident risk to my family and other drivers, makes this vehicle inoperable. Given the similar complaints from other 2014 Explorer owners, this is clearly the case of a faulty part or system and Ford should issue a recall.
Steering, Jun 3, 2022
lost power steering while driving. almost hit pedestrians
Steering, Jun 3, 2022
Power steering locked up while driving, a warning on the dash to have power steering serviced came up, we drove approximately one mile or less down the road to a friends house and as we were pulling in his drive the steering locked up, the vehicle could not be moved, it was inoperable and had to be towed to the Ford garage This was a very serious safety hazard, had it locked up while we were driving down the road we would had no control of the steering, and ended up where it took us. Across the center line onto on coming traffic or off the side of the road. Vey scary situation
Steering, May 31, 2022
Electric Power Steering unit has frozen or locked up. Occurred at slow speed in my driveway before I pulled out into traffic, fortunately. Unable to turn steering wheel at all. Disconnecting battery to reset system did not change anything. Car will have to be towed or trailered to dealer for repair.
Steering, Other or unspecified, May 29, 2022
I was driving and there was a loud pop then the steering wheel lock up on me. The power steering assist warning light came on all at once. Lucky I turned to a stop sign and only ran off in the grass for a second. If I would have turned right me and my fiancée would probably be dead or in the hospital since the road I did not take is very busy and well none for crashes. I was in the middle of pulling out and had to forces the wheel to turn to keep us safe and able to park.
Steering, May 26, 2022
This is an addition to initial complaint #11464655 regarding partial loss of steering. My initial complaint was for partial loss of steering while operating at 40 mph.. I had the vehicle inspected and it was determined that the rack and pinion failed. My mechanic attempted to order a new rack and pinion from Ford but Ford states that rack and pinion's for 2014 Explorers are on back order since so many have had steering loss issues and that they have no clue when the rack and pinions for the 2014 Explorer will be available. It seems as if there must be an issue with the steering in the 2014 Explorer if Ford itself states that they do not have any rack and pinions on hand for the many 2014 Explorer owners who have experienced steering loss issues with their vehicles and with the non-availability of a replacement rack and pinion for the 2014 Explorer, owners have their vehicles sitting at dealership or repair shops since they are not able to safely operate until such time that Ford is can produce the replacement rack and pinion. Fords answer to this issue (lack of replacement part - rack and pinion) is for the 2014 Explorer owners to rent a vehicle until the part becomes available but that puts a financial burden on the many 2014 Explorer owners for them to pay for the rental out of their own pocket while their vehicle is just sitting at a dealership or repair shop awaiting a replacement part due to the lack of availability of such replacement part. With so many 2014 Explorers out of commission due to steering and the lack of replacement rack and pinion, I believe this is a serious problem nationwide that should be handled as a potential recall. Ford had steering issues with its 2011-2013 Ford Explorers and I believe the steering issues for the 2014 Explorer should be examined and added to the recall for safety issues before a 2014 Explorer is involved in a fatal crash resulting in fatalities.
Steering, May 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn left or right. The steering assist fault warning light was illuminated. The contact restarted the vehicle and the vehicle worked as designed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where they informed the contact that the vehicle was working as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Steering, May 24, 2022
My 2014 explorer was just diagnostic with a failing electric racket pinon steering defect. I am unable to drive my vehicle and not able to repair it, the cost is way to much. I see that the 2011 thru 2013 have a recall on steering failure that was addressed in August of 2014. The steering locks up on me and feels like its all over the road.
Steering, May 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel would turn in the opposite direction of the driver input. The contact stated that the steering wheel made an abnormal noise. Occasionally, the vehicle intermittently lost power steering assist functionality. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The dealer and manufacturer were contacted and the contact was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 117,677.
Steering, May 14, 2022
Steering gear is grinding and showing signs of the same condition that the 2013 models were recalled to repair. Is it possible the steering equipment in the 2014 vehicle was manufactured doing the period the suspect gears were built?
Steering, Electrical system, May 14, 2022
While operating my vehicle at approximately 40 mph, I experienced partial loss of steering (hard steering) making the vehicle difficult to control. The partial loss of steering experienced put myself and the safety of others in my vehicle at the and on the roadway at risk for a crash. I immediately took the vehicle into a repair shop to have it inspected to ascertain what the issue was. Upon completion of the inspection, it was determined that the rack and pinion failed and needed to replaced. Prior to the loss of steering, I DID NOT receive any warning indications on my dash about steering issues or steering failures.
Steering, May 11, 2022
1. power steering system. Yes. 2. The steering becomes hard to steer while it is making the noise. 3. I have not taken it to the dealer yet. 4. No. I can't afford to get it fixed yet. 5. No. Several weeks ago. The steering becomes hard to steer and makes a lot of noise when it happens. It usually corrects itself after it happens. It is getting to the point where it is happening more frequently. I am at the point where I need to get it fixed but I can't afford the repair cost.
Steering, May 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn to the left. The contact accidentally struck the curb; however, there were no injuries. There were no warning lights. There was minor damage to the front end of the driver's side. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximately failure mileage was 75,000.
Steering, May 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH and entering the highway exit ramp and turning right, the power steering failed to operate properly. The contact stated that extra effort was needed to steer the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to his residence. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.
Steering, May 2, 2022
I was traveling from Florida to Georgia on Sunday, May 1, 2022. I left Homosassa Springs, FL at 7:00 AM. At around 3:30 PM, I was traveling on Hwy 515, Jasper, GA. The traffic was heavy on the two lane road, speed limit was between 45 mph and 55 mph. I was traveling 45 mph when my car started driving very strange. I noticed it in the steering wheel, I pulled into the Jasper Walmart parking lot and could barely steer my car and then a message came on my dashboard stating that my electrical power steering system had shut down! Good Grief, I had just come through nightmare traffic through Atlanta...what if it had happened then! I researched this problem with the Ford power steering system. I saw that NHTSA investigated this issue in 2012 and found that this power steering problem posed a legitimate safety risk. A recall was made on 2011-2013 Ford Explorers built from 5/17/2010 thru 2/28/2012 based on an intermittent connection in the electric power steering gear. I truly believe for the safety of us who are driving a 2014 Ford Explorer and those on the roadway with us, that the NHTSA needs to investigate this further. Is Ford still using the same power steering component? Since what happened to me is the same problem investigated, it appears that they are. I filed Case #[XXX] on Monday, May 2, 2022 because I think FORD is responsible for this repair. My 2014 Ford Explorer has 59,363.9 miles, driven by an older (80 on May 9) female. I am a very safe and cautious driver. I have taken excellent care of my car with consistent service requirements. This vehicle has not been abused. Your consideration for my request to investigate this issue is appreciated. Thank you [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Steering, Apr 15, 2022
I was pulling into a parking space turning my steering wheel to the right when steering seized up causing me to barely miss the concrete pole in the garage. The error message "Steering Assist Fault" popped up.. Turned car off left it as is since was difficult to turn wheel. When I went back to turn car off it reset itself and I was able to drive it without issues, but now very cautious in case I am driving on the road and this happens. There are two recalls 21S32 and 19S17 on my vehicle for "replacement of rear suspension toe links" It appears after researching that this defect can cause "a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash"
Steering, Apr 7, 2022
Took to dealership to fix previous recall issues and was told clunking noise when turning right is do to needing new rack and pinion system. Previous recall for this excludes the 2014 explorer but covers the 2013 thru 2017.
Steering, Apr 5, 2022
When driving the Ford Explorer 2014, the power steering seems to be faulty, when turning corners or pulling out of parking spaces the steering wheel is very hard to turn. Re: safety it is very hard to steer and very dangerous, seems like it has a mind of its own. Been inspected by a Ford Dealer in Brattleboro and have been informed that i need to replace the Rack & Pinion Assembly R&R. I have been reading different websites and have noticed that ford explorers from 2013 to 2017 apart from 2014 have been recalled due to steering issues and there are many comments and complaints re: other ford explorers 2014 owners having steering issues. No warning lights have come up on the desk board.