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: structure
276 reports, newest first. Show all
Structure, Aug 26, 2026
Recall issued and notified via mail by Ford for faulty A-pillarsin 2024. A-pillars can fall off vehicle while driving and can cause safety issue. Vehicle was taken to dealer for inspection in March of 2025 to verify issue and was informed that no parts are available. After several visits to service department and phone calls, still no parts available for now 2+ years. Ford apparently has no intention of providing parts for the recall.
Structure, Aug 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the front driver’s side A-pillar trim had detached. The local dealer was contacted on several occasions. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.
Structure, Jun 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received the notification letter for NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact stated that the driver’s side exterior trim was loose. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that the part was on back order. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but the line was busy. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Structure, Jun 24, 2026
I am the owner of a 2014 Ford Explorer. There is an open recall on the vehicle; Recall number: 24S02. The plastic retention clips holding the exterior A-pillar moldings may not be properly engaged, which can allow the pieces to loosen and fly off at highway speeds. During the period following receipt of the recall notices I have made attempts to have the recall resolved. I made the attempts during routine safety and emissions testing, scheduled and unscheduled maintenance service visits. I have been advised by the dealer that the parts are unavailable and Ford has provided no timeline for parts availability. I contacted Ford Corporation directly and have been unable to obtain a date when parts would be available and was redirected to the dealer. My understanding is that the dealer is unable to perform the requisite service because it is unable or unwilling to provide the necessary parts.
Structure, Jun 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Structure, May 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received a recall notification, NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however the parts were unavailable. In addition, the contact stated that the recall repair was initiated in 2024, and the parts were still unavailable. The manufacturer was contacted, and a complaint was filed. The contact's vehicle had not experienced any failure regarding the open recall repair.
Structure, May 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 FORD Explorer. The contact stated while operating the vehicle the contact noticed the pillar was flapping on both driver side and passenger side, both sides are now fully gone including the top strip. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: (24V031000 (STRUCTURE) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 129,000.
Structure, Apr 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the driver’s and passenger’s side A-pillar trim clips detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unavailable.
Structure, Mar 31, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Structure, Mar 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Structure, Mar 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the A-pillar trim had detached. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Structure, Mar 24, 2026
The A pillar molding flew off the passenger side of my car while traveling down the interstate.
Structure, Mar 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Structure, Mar 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the windshield trim was fractured. The contact stated that the trim was flapping. The dealer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact used sealant to prevent the fractured windshield trim from detaching and separating from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was130,000.
Structure, Feb 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger’s side A-pillar trim on the windshield started to detach. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the A-pillar trim had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired, and the dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The approximate failure mileage was 109,101.
Structure, Feb 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the passenger's side windshield exterior A-Pillar trim separated from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was inspected, and the dealer confirmed that the part needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 245,000.
Structure, Feb 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the front driver's side and passenger's side windshield exterior A-Pillar trims had separated from the vehicle while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Seat belts, Structure, Feb 9, 2026
JUST LAST YEAR, I STARTED NOTICING THAT BOTH OF MY FRONT SEATBELTS ARE NOT FULLY RETRACTING WHEN I AM BUCKLED OR UNBUCKLED. WHEN I UNBUCKLE MY SEATBELT, I HAVE TO MANUALLY RETRACTED BACK TO ITS POSITION. ALSO, WHEN I HAVE BOTH SEATBELTS BUCKLED, I HAVE TO MANUALLY RETRACTED IN ORDER TO SECURE MYSELF AND MY PASSENGER. THIS HAS BECOME A SAFETY ISSUE FOR ME AND MY FAMILY AS THIS IS NOT SAFE ENOUGH INCASE OF AN ACCIDENT. ANOTHER ISSUE THAT I HAVE IN MY VEHICLE IS THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOOR PANEL COMING APART. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR ME AS THIS IS CAUSING OBSTRUCTION OF THE RIGHT REAR VIEW MIRROR BY THE PASSENGER DOOR PANEL. ALSO, THE DRIVER DOOR PANEL HAS CAUSED SCRATCHES TO MY ARM WHILE DRIVING WHICH CAN CAUSE ME TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT DUE TO DISTRACTION.
Structure, Jan 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Structure, Jan 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds, the driver's side and passenger's side A-pillar trims rattled loudly. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was confirmed that the A-pillar trims on both sides of the vehicle were loose and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Structure, Jan 5, 2026
See attached document for complaint. I am writing to report that I have tried several times to have my 2014 Ford Explorer repaired for safety recall 24S02/NHTSA recall 24V031. I was told that no one had the parts for the repair. I live in Clermont, Florida, and I have contacted that Ford location multiple times along with other Ford dealers in the central Florida area. How can I get my Ford repaired?
Structure, Back over prevention, Jan 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the camera image showed a reversed image, and there were lines through the camera screen, and occasionally the camera was off. The contact stated that the image was distorted, so the contact covered up the camera. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Structure, Visibility/wiper, Jan 4, 2026
In January 2024 we were driving on the interstate when the left front A-Pillar trim part around windshield came off and hit our windshield, then flew off on the highway. We received a recall from Ford in February 2024, to date they claim they still don't have the part to repair, we now have water that leaks into the car when it rains. Which is creating issue inside our car. it has now been two years, it seems like they will never get this and my car will keep leaking. The car is titled in Virginia but the car is located at our Florida property in Clearwater Beach FL, I need it fixed down here.
Structure, Jan 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000(Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the windshield exterior A-Pillar trim detached from the vehicle, causing other drivers to swerve to avoid colliding with the detached trim. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 190,000.
Structure, Dec 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side exterior A-pillar trim detached and flew off the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while driving on the Interstate Highway. The contact stated that whenever it rained or snowed, water was entering the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact was informed that the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the parts had not been available for a year and a half. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, parts were still not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.