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, Dec 2, 2020
DOOR PANEL HAS POPPED OFF THE TOP OF INTERIOR DRIVERS SIDE DOOR AND IS ALSO PULLING AWAY ON ARM REST. THIS WAS A PREVIOUS RECALL BY FORD BUT OURS DID NOT OCCUR UNTIL AFTER THE RECALL END DATE AND FORD WOULD NOT REPLACE DOOR PANEL UNLESS YOUR SHOWED THE DEFECT. FORD REFUSES TO FIX EVEN THOUGH THEY KNOW ITS A FLAW.
Structure, Dec 1, 2020
THE DRIVER DOOR PANEL HAD BUCKLED AND COMING OFF. RECALL 17N04 BUT BECAUSE IT AFTER 5 YEARS THEY WONT COVER. THIS NOT FAIR WHEN THEY KNEW THIS WAS AN ISSUE.
Structure, Oct 10, 2020
I HAVE A 2014 FORD EXPLORER XLT, RECENTLY MY PASSENGER SIDE WEATHER STRIP ALONG THE FRONT WINDSHIELD BLEW OFF WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY. MY DRIVER SIDE DID THE SAME ABOUT 3 MONTHS AGO. THE PLASTIC TRIM PIECE ALONG THE FRONT WINDSHIELD, DRIVER SIDE IS LIFTING ALSO, I HAVE TRIED TO RE-GLUE SEVERAL TIMES BUT DOES NOT SEEM TO LAST. THIS SHOULD BE FIXED BY FORD, I HAVE READ A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS. THESE POSE A SAFETY ISSUE IF THE PLASTIC TRIM PIECE BLOWS OFF ON THE HIGHWAY.
Structure, Oct 2, 2020
THE WINDSHIELD OUTSIDE PILLAR/TRIM MOLDING OF A 2014 FORD EXPLORER, FLEW OFF CAR WHILE DRIVING (65MPH) ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS IS THE SECOND INCIDENT WITHIN LESS THAN A YEAR. AND FROM WHAT I GATHERED FROM DEALERSHIP AND ONLINE RESEARCH, IT'S A VERY WELL KNOWN PROBLEM.
Structure, Jun 25, 2020
YESTERDAY I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY AND THE WINDSHIELD SIDE PANEL AND RUBBER FLEW OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THE PLASTIC PIECE HIT THE CAR BEHIND ME. VERY SCARY AND UNSAFE. THIS IS GOING TO COST ME OVER 500$ TO REPLACE AND THIS IS AN EXPENSIVE CAR. I ALSO MAINTAIN MY CAR WELL AND TAKE CARE OF IT. THIS IS NOT SOMETHING THAT SHOULD HAPPEN. THE WINDSHIELD REPAIR SHOP SAID THEY SEE THIS PROBLEM ON MY CAR ALL THE TIME. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND DANGEROUS. FORD SHOULD HAVE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM BEFORE IT CAUSES A MAJOR WRECK AND SOMEONE DIES. *TR
Structure, Jun 23, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT DOOR PANEL DETACHED FROM THE DOOR FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SOO MOTORS FORD (391 3 MILE RD, SAULT STE. MARIE, MI 49783, (906) 632-2278) WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE DOOR PANEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REPAIR WAS NO LONGER COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE NHTSA TO FILE A COMPLAINT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,382.
Structure, May 21, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS CORROSION BUBBLES ON THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GIBBONS FORD (704 MARTIN F. GIBBONS BLVD, DICKSON CITY, PA 18519, (570) 489-4747, WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO STONE CHIPS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT COLLISION CENTER BUT NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000.
Structure, Nov 20, 2019
DRIVER SIDE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE CAME OFF WHEN DOOR WAS OPENED WHILE STATIONARY.
Structure, Visibility, Oct 30, 2019
MY PANORAMIC SUNROOF/MOON ROOF SHATTERED FOR ABSOLUTELY NOT REASON RANDOMLY TONIGHT WHILE SITTING STATIONARY IN THE DRIVEWAY (NOT PARKED UNDER ANYTHING!). THANK GOODNESS I HAD MY VISOR CLOSED OR IT WOULD HAVE SHATTERED ALL OVER MY 2 CHILDREN
Structure, Aug 5, 2019
WINDSHIELD MOLDING ON BOTH SIDES HAS JUST BLOWN OFF WHILE I AM DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND THE DRIVER SIDE PASSENGER DOOR MOLDING HAS ALSO FLOWN OFF WHILE DRIVE IN THE CANYON. I HAVE HAD ALL THREES PANELS BLOW OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVE WITH IN 3 MONTHS AND I AM SO MAD ABOUT IT BECAUSE THEY ARE SO EXPENSIVE TO REPLACE. NOT ONLY ARE THEY EXPENSIVE IF IT RAINS IT IS GOING TO RAIN STRAIGHT INTO MY CAR THIS IS A HORRIBLE HAZARDOUS PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE FIXED. I AM LUCKY THAT ONE OF THOSE PANELS DIDNT HIT SOMEONE ELSES CAR AND CAUSE DAMAGE OR WORSE BECAUSE THOSE ARE BIG THICK MOLDING THAT COULD REALLY CAUSE MAJOR DAMAGE TO SOMEONE ELSE AND THEIR VEHICLE. I HAVE HAD OTHER FORD VEHICLES AND I BOUGHT THIS ONE REALLY EXCITED AND HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT DISAPPOINTING. SO LONG STORY SHORT 3 DIFFERENT PANELS/MOLDING FLEW OFF MY CAR IN THE CANYON OR FREEWAY ON 3 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS AND IT IS SO DANGEROUS.
Structure, Visibility/wiper, Jul 16, 2019
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND HEARD A SCRAPING SOUND SIMILAR TO THE SOUND OF ICE SCRAPING ACROSS THE WINDSHIELD BEFORE IT FLIES OFF. THE NEXT MORNING I NOTICED THAT THE TRIM AROUND THE WINDSHIELD WAS GONE. I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST MY CAR BUT I AM NOW SEEING MORE EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I CALLED A FORD DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE IS NO RECALL AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR.
Structure, Jun 18, 2019
DRIVERS SIDE (WINDSHIELD OUTER MOULDING TRIM PILLAR) FLEW OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY NEARLY HITTING CARS BEHIND ME CONTINUING TO RUBBER FLAP POUNDINGON WINDOW AND MIRROR UNTIL RUBBER FLAP ALSO FLEW OFF.
Structure, Feb 20, 2019
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY ON 2 OCCASIONS, THE A-PILAR TRIM PIECES HAVE FLOWN OFF OF BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE. THIS NEARLY CAUSED A COLLISION FOR THE VEHICLES DRIVING AROUND ME. I ALSO LEARNED THAT POSSIBLY SECONDARY TO THE TRIM PIECES FLYING OFF, THE VEHICLE IS NOW COLLECTING WATER ON BE FLOORBOARD WHICH HAS LED TO A MOLD INFESTATION IN THE VEHICLE. FORD SAID THE AFOREMENTIONED DESCRIBED ITEMS ARE NOT A MANUFACTURED OR WARRANTY REPAIR. NOW MY 5 MONTH OLD CHILD IS EXPLODED TO MOLD BECAUSE FORD CANNOT LOCATE WHERE THE VEHICLE IS LEAKING FROM.
Structure, Visibility/wiper, Nov 30, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT WINDSHIELD TRIM DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,000.
Structure, Nov 16, 2018
THE BLACK WINDSHIELD MOULDING ON THE DRIVER CAME LOOSE. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPENED. I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY.
Structure, Aug 25, 2018
THE PLASTIC COVERING ON THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW PILLAR FLEW OFF WHILE GOING THROUGH AN AUTOMATED CAR WASH. AFTER INSPECTING THE PASSENGER SIDE I NOTICED IT IS LOOSE ALSO AND WILL PROBABLY FLY OFF AT SOME POINT ALSO.
Structure, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 15, 2018
FOR ABOUT 8 MONTHS I HAVE BEEN SUFFERING FROM DIZZINESS SPELLS THAT HAPPEN QUITE OFTEN, NAUSEA , HEADACHES, BLURRED VISION, AND ANXIETY THAT IS BROUGHT ON FROM THESE SYMPTOMS. I HAVE BEEN TO THE DOCTOR COUNTLESS TIMES ATTEMPTING TO FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM OF THE CAUSE OF MY SICKNESS. BEFORE I FOLLOWED UP ON THE RECALL I WASN'T AWARE THAT MY CAR WAS BEING RECALLED FOR CARBON MONOXIDE CONCERNS. BUT IT ALL MAKES SENSE THE MAJORITY OF TIME I FEEL THESE SYMPTOMS IS EITHER WHEN I'M DRIVING OR HAVE FINISHED DRIVING. (NEXT DR'S VISIT I WILL REQUEST THEY DO LAB WORK FOR POTENTIAL CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING.) OF COURSE ALL THE SYMPTOMS LINGER BECAUSE OBVIOUSLY IT STAYS IN MY SYSTEM. I FEEL LIKE MY CAR IS MAKING ME REALLY SICK. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR THAT I HAVE HAD FOR 2 YEARS.
Structure, Jul 25, 2018
I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND BOTH PIECES OF THE WINDSHIELD TRIM FLEW OFF WITHIN 10 MINUTES OF ONE ANOTHER. LUCKILY ONE WAS PARTLY DETACHED AND I WAS ABLE TO KEEP IT FROM FLYING AND HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE, BUT THE OTHER ONE FLEW OFF. LUCKILY, IT DID NOT HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE, BUT EASILY COULD HAVE HIT A VEHICLE BEHIND OR BESIDE US.
Structure, May 1, 2018
THE A-PILLAR EXTERIOR MOLDING FELL OFF. THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME SUCH A PART FALLING OFF. THIS TIME IT WAS THE DRIVER SIDE. THE FIRST TIME WAS A YEAR AGO ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE A-PILLAR EXTERIOR MOLDING FELL OF ON THE FREEWAY AT HIGH SPEED. THE CAR WAS ESSENTIALLY A HIGH-SPEED ROAD HAZARD TO PUBLIC SAFETY, BECAUSE THE POINTED HARD PLASTIC MOLDING BECAME A PROJECTILE THAT CAN SERIOUSLY HURT SOME CAR OR PEOPLE BEHIND.
Power train, Structure, Engine, Dec 7, 2017
I AM WRITING TO YOU IN REGARDS TO PHYSICAL ILLNESS THAT I HAVE SUFFERED AS WELL AS MY PASSENGERS FROM MY 2014 FORD EXPLORER POLICE INTERCEPTOR PACKAGE. STARTING BACK WHEN I FIRST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 59,000 MILES, I HAVE EXPERIENCED AN EXHAUST ODOR IN THE CABIN SHORTLY AFTER ACCELERATING OVER 3,000RPMS. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN INVESTIGATED AT MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP TWICE, WITH THE TECHNICIAN CONFIRMING THE SMELL. AFTER THIS WORK WAS PERFORMED, I STILL TO THIS DAY AM SUFFERING FROM EXHAUST FUMES AND PHYSICAL ILLNESS DIRECTLY RELATED TO MY FORD EXPLORER. ALL REPAIR ORDERS FROM INVOLVED FORD DEALERSHIPS ARE IN MY POSSESSION CONFIRMING EXHAUST FUMES ARE STILL ENTERING THE CABIN. FROM THE TIME I TOOK OWNERSHIP IN OCTOBER 2016, I HAVE EXPERIENCED PHYSICAL ILLNESS WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR MORE THAN 1 HOUR AT A TIME. I GET EXTREMELY LIGHTHEADED AND NAUSEATED, WHICH HAS CAUSED ME TO FREQUENTLY STOP THE VEHICLE AND VOMIT. MY PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED SIMILAR SYMPTOMS WHEN RIDING IN THE VEHICLE. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, I STOP AT A SAFE LOCATION AND REMOVE MYSELF TO FRESH AIR, AND THE SYMPTOMS SOON PASS AND I AM ABLE TO DRIVE AGAIN. RECENTLY, I HAVE TRAVELED FROM MASSACHUSETTS TO VERMONT IN MY EXPLORER. THE MOSTLY HIGHWAY DRIVING TRIP IT WAS ME AS WELL AS MY GIRLFRIEND. AFTER AROUND AN HOUR OF DRIVING AT 60MPH, MY GIRLFRIEND AND I WERE FEELING VERY DIZZY AND BECAME NAUSEATED, SO I OPTED TO STOP AND RELAX AT A REST STOP FOR FRESH AIR PRIOR TO CONTINUING MY TRIP TO VERMONT. I HAVE INSTALLED A CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR IN MY VEHICLE, WHICH HAS ACTIVATED MORE THAN ONE OCCASION WHILE DRIVING. AT THIS TIME I AM NEGOTIATING WITH FORD'S OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL TO PERFORM A BUYBACK OF MY EXPLORER AND REPLACE IT WITH A DIFFERENT VEHICLE.
Structure, Nov 17, 2017
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AROUND 70MPH) THE TRIM ALONG THE WINDSHIELD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUDDENLY SNAPPED AND FLEW OFF.
Structure, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 27, 2017
EXHAUST FUMES IN CABIN WHEN ACCELERATING AT HIGHER SPEEDS, ESPECIALLY WHEN ENTERING INTERSTATE AND PASSING CARS AT HIGHER SPEEDS.
Electrical system, Structure, Oct 12, 2017
THE CAR IS LITTLE UNDER THREE YEARS OLD AND THE DOOR PANEL IS COMING APART AROUND THE WINDOW. ANOTHER ISSUE IS THE SMELL OF CARBON DIOXIDE WHEN I ACCELERATE. AND ANOTHER ISSUE IS THE HOOD IS SHOWING RUST SPOT (SHOWING OXIDIZATION)
Structure, Sep 9, 2017
VEHICLE HAS 40K MILES ON IT. STRANGE VIBRATION COMING FROM PASSENGER SIDE. ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE WINDOW MOLDING/TRIM FROM THE WINDSHIELD FILES OFF! CAUSING MOTOR VEHICLES BEHIND US TO SWERVE! GOT OUT AND CHECKED, SURE ENOUGH THE DRIVERS SIDE MOLDING IS LOOSE TO. THIS COULD BE A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. HAD IT REPAIRED, GUY AT THE DEALER TOLD US IT WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM. WAS DOING APPROX 75 MPH ON I 75. IT WAS VERY SCARY
Structure, Aug 7, 2017
THE WINDOW TRIM ON BOTH SIDES OF THE FRONT WINDSHIELD BECAME LOOSE AND THEN FLEW OFF OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING. THE CAR HAS 3500 MILES. WHY IS THIS NOT A RECALL? OTHERS HAVE HAD THIS SAME ISSUE I HAVE LEARNED BY READING THESE FORUMS.