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, Jul 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that he became aware that the front passenger’s side floorboard was soaked with water. The contact also stated that water was leaking from the windshield trim panel. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall and advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jun 21, 2023
Bought the vehicle used from a dealership. The windshield wobbles at highways speeds. Noticed today that the trim on the left side of the vehicle is detached partially. Dealership will not do anything to resolve the issue. Serious safety concern.
Structure, Jun 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the trim on the driver's side windshield detached. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the cause of the failure was not determined, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
Other or unspecified, Structure, May 1, 2023
I am writing to complain about the windshield pillar trim. I just had my left trim fly off while doing 80mph down the interstate. This already happened to my right side last year. This is a safety issue. It could have possibly hit a windshield of a car behind me and caused an accident. I have seen other complaints about this same issue. Can you please do something? I can't afford to keep buying aftermarket replacement trim for the rest of my life. That's like 60 dollars a pop. Also the aftermarket part cracks and doesn't fit snug like an OEM part. Please help. Please help others with this same issue. Thank you for your time. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Structure, Apr 19, 2023
I was driving down the freeway at 70 mph when the driver side windshield trim flipped off the car and hit the cars behind me and the roadway. Very dangerous situation. Scary to say the least. Is there a recall or a fix so this does not happen again?
Structure, Mar 16, 2023
While driving on the highway, the passenger front windshield trim piece flew off, causing the driver behind me to swerve to avoid being hit by it. I was not positive what happened until I was able to stop and look at the vehicle. Dealership said it was not under recall so would cost $300+ to replace the part. Previously in the same day I had heard a tapping/rattling noise but could not identify where the sound was coming from.
Structure, Feb 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the front driver’s side windshield trim panel detached. The vehicle was taken to a body shop where the trim panel was replaced. The same failure also occurred with the passenger’s side trim panel and the panel was also replaced by the same body shop. Recently, the contact stated that the failure reoccurred on the driver’s side windshield panel. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where the contact was given an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE23001 (Structure). The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Structure, Feb 13, 2023
Driver’s side windshield molding detached while driving 70 miles per hour on highway, unknown if object hit another car. Was unaware what happened, heard loud noise. I have a picture, unable to upload below.
Structure, Visibility, Feb 7, 2023
The drivers side pillar molding piece along the windshield flew off the car while driving down the highway. It could have struck the car behind us but luckily it missed them. The piece seemed a little loose when scraping ice off the car but didn’t seem like it would just fly off like that.
Structure, Feb 6, 2023
WINDSHIELD TRIM PIECES HAVE BLOWN OFF MULTIPLE TIMES AND HAD TO BE REATTACHED BY BODY SHOP. LOCATED TRIM PIECE ON SIDE OF HIGHWAY. LIKELY PUT DRIVERS IN REAR IN DANGER DUE TO FLYING DEBRIS. NO WARNING WAS GIVEN OF THE FAULTY PIECES COMING FREE FROM THE SUV.
Structure, Feb 4, 2023
This is about my 2014 ford explorer passenger side "windshield trim panel ",it fly away when I driving at speed around 70mph at I275 ,it did make some noise before fly away,and i found out it's the trim panel when i home. already bought a replacement but not sure when will happen to the driver side.
Structure, Feb 2, 2023
Plastic Trim piece, which covers the windshield rubber seal on driver side “A” pillar, fell off my 2014 Ford Explorer Limited. Incident happened about 2018.
Structure, Feb 2, 2023
Three times in 8 years I have lost windshield trim panels when traveling at elevated speed (approximately 70 MPH). I believe it would have occurred more often but I grew weary in 2018 of paying the $135 to replace the trim part. Each time it occurred the trim piece left the car with a resounding & startling "crack" sound and happened without warning. All three occurrences involved the driver's side trim part on the A-pillar. Twice it occurred after a large truck passed me going the other way on a two lane road. Initially I went to the local Ford dealer but no one there seemed to care... they directed me to the parts counter... happy to take my money for this grossly overpriced part. Currently my car does not have the trim part in place
Structure, Feb 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 75 MPH, the windshield trim panel detached. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE23001 (Structure). The failure mileage was approximately 185,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Feb 1, 2023
At Christmas we noticed that there was something flapping from the side of the windshield & hitting the windshield as well as bilateral front windows. Further inspection revealed what appears to be a rubber seal keeping the body trim flush with the windshield was disintegrating. This could even be holding windshield in place. This problem is reproducible & occurs anywhere over 30mph. The faster you go, the more the trim starts to detach from the vehicle. With the seal disintegrating, the trim body pieces that cover the arm of the door (black) is becoming loose/flimsy. Photos enclosed show you there is about a 1/2 inch gap between the trim & windshield without the seal causing easy movement & potential for air to lift/detach the trim. We are fearful this is going to fall off the vehicle. It appears that this seal was keeping this body piece in place. A huge safety concern arises anytime there is a part of a vehicle that is beginning to fall off at any speed. The seal itself could fall off in pieces as you will see in photos hitting not only other vehicles & causing them to lose control, it could also hit a motorcyclist causing them to crash, it could even go to the extent of hitting a pedestrian & causing major physical harm. The body trim that appears to be affected by this seal were to detach itself while moving it will definitely cause some major issues. Given this is more solid & bigger in size, this could cause significant motor vehicle damage, significant injury to motorcyclist and/or motorcycles, Injury to pedestrians, & even potentially cause a fatality. There are no warning lights or alarms from the vehicle alerting us of an issue. The Ford dealership is unable to see us for over a month to diagnose this issue let alone an oil change. This problem has not been reproduced by an inspection facility or license dealership because of scheduling at this time period there is an appointment set for February 10th however Injury or worse could occur until then.
Structure, Visibility, Feb 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the front driver’s and passenger’s side windshield trim panel detached and struck another vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that he would be charged a repair cost. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.
Structure, Feb 1, 2023
Windshield trim piece on right side flew off while driving down the road.
Structure, Feb 1, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? WINDSHIELD TRIM How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? ONE SIDE FLEW OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? NO Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? NO Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? IT STARTED TO GET LOOSE A FEW DAYS PRIOR
Structure, Visibility, Feb 1, 2023
Driving down the interstate and windshield A pillar panel flew off.
Visibility, Structure, Sep 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the passenger’s side windshield trim molding detached from the windshield. The vehicle was not diagnosed however, the contact was informed that the adhesive used to secure the molding had melted. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 110,660.
Structure, Jul 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while entering the driver’s side front door, she noticed that the trim panel cover material had separated at the top of the window. The contact also noticed the failure on the passenger’s side front door. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic linked the failure to the manufacturer’s Customer Satisfaction Program Number: 17N04. The dealer and the manufacturer were contacted and stated that the vehicle was out of warranty and also exceeded the mileage limit for coverage under Customer Satisfaction Program Number: 17N04. The failure mileage was 83,000.
Structure, Apr 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, it was discovered that the driver’s side front window pillar trim molding had come unsecured and was nearly dislodged from the vehicle. The contact indicated that duct tape was used to secure the trim piece back to the vehicle to prevent it from separating from the vehicle while driving. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 37,000.
Structure, Wheels, Service brakes, Dec 23, 2021
At one point the Explorer was always causing a rear wheel area to squeal really loud while driving. That finally got remedied but after 3 years of taking the vehicle in to 2 different shops. While yhe vehicle was still under warranty I was told there was nothing wrong and they can't reproduce the squeal. Once the warranty expired they said it was due to a seized brake which I ended up paying for the replacement even though they said this was a known issue on the Explorers. Another issue with the 2014 Explorer is water leaking into the rear compartments and the spare tire area in the vehicle. From online sear he's, this is also a known issue with no recalls. More recently, I was trying to get all four of my tires changed, but was told by the tire shop that they can't change my tires due to swollen lug nuts,this is a known issue on Ford's and I have to take it to a mechanic. I called Ted Britt Ford and inquired about the service to replace the lugs with solid metal lug nuts instead of the OEM chrome plated. Parts department told me they are $10 a piece. I went ahead an ordered them through the parts department. When I picked up my vehicle, I was told they don't sell the solid metal lug nuts and only replaced with the chrome plated OEM lug nuts.
Structure, May 21, 2021
The right side A pillar Windshield Molding flew off at highway speed on the interstate, This molding was not showing any signs of being loose prior to it coming off. The one one the drivers (left) has been loose for some time but is still holding on
Structure, Apr 21, 2021
FORD SERVICE ACTION #17N04. FORD WILL NOT COMPLETE THIS SERVICE ACTION DUE TO MILEAGE. THE DRIVER DOOR PANEL IS PEELING BACK SO FAR THAT AIR CATCHES IN IT AND IS PUSHED BACK BY AIR WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH THE WINDOW DOWN. THE DOOR PANEL GETS PUSHED INTO THE DRIVER AND IS A SAFETY HAZARD.