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, Apr 25, 2025
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 and confirmed that parts were not yet available. 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Apr 22, 2025
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 contact stated that while driving at approximately 56 MPH, the trim around the windshield on the driver's side started to detach. The dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled; however, parts were not yet available. A second dealer was contacted, De Paula Ford (799 Central Ave, Albany, NY 12206), who confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Apr 21, 2025
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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Apr 20, 2025
I have been trying to get our car repaired for a year now. As of Nov 2024, I was told by 2) ford dealers they expected the parts soon. We have taken the car to these dealers, had pictures taken, and the issue confirmed. Getting it repaired is a whole different matter and we keep getting brushed off, being told "they are trying to source the parts". The pillar trim is loose & rattling, and ready to fly off the car. We have been extremely patient and accepting of the delay, but now believe we aren't going to see this issue resolved.
Structure, Apr 14, 2025
Both A Pilar Trim pieces are currently loose on my 2014 Ford Explorer. This is now a recall from Ford as of February 2024 from the notice I received in the mail. I have been trying to have these trim pieces replaced on my car since March of 2024 but the part has not been available. Prior to this recall, this piece has already been repaired on my car once on August 4, 2020. The trim piece flew off my car on the freeway and luckily didn't hit anyone on the road. I would like to get these recall A Pilar trim pieces repaired ASAP because this is a safety issue as it can and will fly off and potentially damage another vehicle, person or cause an accident. REFERENCE TO NHTSA Safety Recall 24V031
Structure, Apr 14, 2025
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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Apr 14, 2025
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 not 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Apr 8, 2025
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 driver's side windshield exterior A-Pillar trim had detached and was flapping against the windshield while driving. The contact manually pulled and separated the windshield trim from the vehicle. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or 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 100,568. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Apr 7, 2025
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 dealer was not 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Apr 5, 2025
The A-pillar trim piece on the passenger side became unattached from the vehicle and flew off at approximately 55 mph. With no remedy still identified, what is my recourse?
Structure, Apr 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's and passenger's side windshield trims detached. The dealer inspected the vehicle; however, the contact was informed that the parts were not available to repair the vehicle. 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 failure. The failure mileage was 80,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Apr 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the front driver's side windshield A-pillar trim detached. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the contact noticed that the front passenger's side windshield A-pillar trim had detached. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An unknown 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 failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Mar 30, 2025
Recalled part flew off car while on the freeway.
Structure, Mar 27, 2025
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 contact stated that the A-Pillar trim had started to detach on the driver's side of the vehicle. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 77,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Mar 26, 2025
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 70 MPH, the front driver's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim detached and started banging against the windshield and the mirror, and peeled off the paint. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Mar 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving on the interstate at an undisclosed speed, exterior A-pillar trims detached from the vehicle. 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 failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Mar 20, 2025
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 not 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Mar 18, 2025
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 driver's side and passenger's side trims of the windshield had partially detached. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer and was inspected. 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 23,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Mar 17, 2025
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 the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the front driver's side trim piece detached from the vehicle. The contact purchased and installed a replacement part. The contact stated that the passenger’s side trim piece had also detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 95,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Mar 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at highway speed, the driver-side A-pillar trim clip detached from the vehicle. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. In addition, the contact stated that during inclement weather, water leaked into the vehicle from the middle interior light. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Back over prevention, Mar 11, 2025
In February of 2024 I received a recall notice for this vehicle with respect to defective A-pillar applique trim clip attachments around the windshield. The recall stated that parts would be available the latter half of 2024 and that we would be notified when we could schedule our SUV to be fixed. We did not hear from Ford for many months. When winter approached, we called to see what the status was of the parts for this recall. We were told the parts were not available until December. Unaware that this flaw could cause severe water leaking, my wife drove the car as usual. The recall notice even states that there is no reason to stop driving the vehicle. When the first rains hit in November, the car leaked A LOT of water around the windshield and came through the top console. So much water leaked into the floor carpet areas had standing water. We had never experienced any leakage issues before and we're not properly notified that this was the potential issue or that it should not be driven in the rain. We STILL do not have any date for the fix on our SUV. We cannot drive it when it is raining, and in fact, have to cover it with a large tarp so water does not leak inside again. The leak having run down through the electrical system at the top of the inside of the windshield has caused problems. The sun roof now does not work and is now stuck in a partially open position. the rearview camera now works intermittently and the main computer console has gone black a number of times. We seem to have been able to air out the wet carpet smell that prevailed for some time. Needless to say, this is ridiculous. It has been a YEAR since the recall notice was sent. My wile and I are incredibly angry about this situation. Your dealership has done nothing to help us and has only said that we have to contact Ford directly ourselves. I would appreciate your passing this email along to Ford Customer Service in Dearborn, Ml and to your Service department. I will also be sending a copy to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration which the recall letter references. I expect that when the part ever shows up that Ford will do a full diagnostic review of the electrical system affected by the water leak. I and my family have owned many Ford vehicles throughout our lives. With this type of incompetence, how can I ever trust in buying another one?
Structure, Mar 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on the passenger’s side windshield had 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 local dealer was contacted, and the dealer stated that parts were not yet available. 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 approximate failure mileage was 50,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Mar 5, 2025
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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Mar 5, 2025
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 stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the driver's side A Pillar trim was blown off the vehicle. The contact was unable to stop to retrieve the trim piece from the highway. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Mar 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the passenger’s side exterior A-pillar trim detached and flew off into traffic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.