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: suspension
103 reports, newest first. Show all
Suspension, Jul 11, 2019
I TAKE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR FAULTY DRIVER SIDE DOOR SENSOR AND I STRONGLY BELIEVE IT'S DEFECTIVE ON MANUFACTURING. THEN THE DEALER NOTIFY ABOUT REAR SUSPENSION TOE LINK REPLACEMENT AFFECTING THE STEERING CONTROL. THIS RECALL ALSO AFFECT THE REAR HUBS THE DEALER CHARGE TO ME $990.00+TAX TO FIX ISSUE. THE DEALER RECOMMENDS TO CHANGE BECAUSE OF THE SAFETY ISSUES. EACH HUBS HOLD THE WHEELS.
Steering, Suspension, Jul 3, 2019
I RECENTLY WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 70MPH WHEN MY CAR'S STEERING BECAME OUT OF CONTROL. IT WAS LIKE I WAS FISHTAILING ON ICE AND THE STEERING WAS LOOSE. THANKFULLY I WAS ABLE TO BRAKE AND GET INTO A GRASSY AREA OFF THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE EXIT AND DRIVE AT A SLOWER SPEED. THANKFULLY I DID NOT CRASH BUT WAS EXTREMELY CLOSE TO CRASHING.
Steering, Suspension, Jul 1, 2019
ON SATURDAY, 6/29/19, I TOOK MY CAR TO BOB TOMES FORD IN MCKINNEY, TX, TO HAVE RECALL 19S17 WORK DONE AS I FEEL I HAVE LIMITED CONTROL OF MY CAR DUE TO THIS SUSPENSION TOE LINK/STEERING ISSUE. I WAS TOLD FORD SENT THE WRONG PARTS AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO WAIT A COUPLE WEEKS FOR THE CORRECT PARTS TO COME IN. I DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS TRUE. ALL I KNOW IS, I HAVE COMPLAINED TO FORD MULTIPLE TIMES AND WAS VERY GLAD TO HEAR ABOUT THIS RECALL. NOW I HAVE TO WAIT EVEN LONGER? THIS IS THE SAME RECALL FROM 2016. WHY CAN'T FORD GET IT RIGHT? SHOULD I TRADE MY FORD IN? I JUST BOUGHT IT IN MARCH 2019. I TOLD THE GUY AT FORD, IF I CRASH MY CAR BEFORE THEY CAN FIX IT, I WILL BE TAKING FORD TO COURT. HELP
Suspension, Jun 12, 2019
RECALL
Suspension, Wheels, Service brakes, Apr 18, 2019
NOISES COMING FROM FRONT AND REAR SUSPENSION
Suspension, Electrical system, Feb 13, 2019
WHEN WE FIRST RECEIVED THE VEHICLE WE WENT ON A ROAD TRIP TO AZ AND THE COMPUTER COMPLETELY BLACKED OUT ON THE DASH AND THE SUSPENSION WAS SUPER WOBBLY. SO WE CALLED TO MAKE AN APPT TO BRING IT IN AS SOON AS WE GOT BACK IN TO TOWN BUT IT WAS A 2 WEEK WAIT FOR AN APPT. THEY KEPT OUR CAR FOR THREE WEEKS AND AS SOON AS WE GOT IT BACK IT WAS THE SAME PROBLEM. SO WE ASKED TO MAKE ANOTHER APPT AND THIS TIME THEY KEPT OUR CAR FOR A WHOLE MONTH AND GOT IT BACK AND THE SAME PROBLEM. ANY LITTLE BUMP OR INDENT IN THE ROAD AND THE CAR IS WOBBLY ALL OVER SOUNDS LIKE THE BEARINGS. WE HAVE YET TO GET IT FIXED AND I SEEN THERE WAS A RECALL ON 2014 FORD EXPLORERS FOR THE REAR BEARINGS. I CALLED THE NUMBER FOR RECALLS AND THEY SAID THEY DIDN'T SEE ONE FOR THIS VIN BUT IT'S THE SAME PROBLEM FROM THE RECALL IN 2016 FOR THE SAME YEAR VEHICLES.
Suspension, Aug 2, 2018
RIGHT REAR TOE LINK BROKE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. STEERING WAS COMPROMISED. THE LEFT REAR TOE LINK ALSO SHOWED SIGNS OF STRESS. THIS EXPLORER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V245000 PERHAPS FORD NEEDS TO EXPAND THE NUMBER OF CARS RECALLED DUE TO THIS ISSUE.
Suspension, Jul 17, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V245000 (SUSPENSION); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (MEL HAMBELTON FORD, 11771 W KELLOGG ST, WICHITA, KS 67209, (316) 462-3673) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Suspension, Jun 23, 2018
I DISCOVERED THAT ON EACH SIDE 1 OF THE 2 BOLTS SECURING THE SUB-FRAME STABILIZER BRACKET TO THE BODY WAS MISSING AND THE OTHER ONE WAS ALMOST OUT. IN THE ATTACHED PARTS DIAGRAM THE BOLTS ARE HS1. THE CAR HAS 104,000 MILES AND IT IS CLEAR THAT HAD I NOT NOTICED THE REMAINING 2 BOLTS WOULD HAVE FALLEN OUT LEAVING THE REAR OF THE SUB-FRAME ABLE TO MOVE AROUND. THE MAIN SUB-FRAME BOLTS WOULD THEN HAVE COME UNDER INCREASED STRAIN AND THE SUSPENSION WOULD HAVE BEEN SUBJECT TO INCREASED MOVEMENT IN UNINTENDED DIRECTIONS.
Suspension, Power train, Oct 3, 2017
MY FORD EXPLORER HAS A CONSTANT EXHAUST SMELL IN THE CABIN. THE DEALERSHIP COMPLETED A RECALL WHEN I FIRST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND NOW THE DEALER IS TELLING ME THEY DO NOT KNOW OF ANY EXHAUST IN THE CABIN ISSUES. STRANGE NOW THE DEALERSHIP KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT A PROBLEM THEY TRIED TO FIX. THE FRONT SUSPENSION HAS BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES NOW. ABOUT EVERY 20K MILES THE FRONT SUSPENSION START TO FAIL AND MAKES LOUD CLUNKING NOISES AND WE LOOSE ALIGNMENT IN THE FRONT END. THIS LAST TIME THE TOW IN THE FRONT TIRES CHANGED AND CAUSED FOR UNUSUAL STEERING ON THE FREEWAY. THE TURBO'S ON THE 3.5 ECOBOOST HAVE A KNOWN OIL LEAK ISSUE THAT CAUSES DAMAGE TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. FORD REFUSES TO COVER THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS EVEN IF YOU HAVE THEIR IN HOUSE EXTENDED SERVICE PLAN.
Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, Sep 25, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE BRAKES STARTED TO SQUEAK AND THEN LOCKED UP. THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC, BUT NO CRASH OCCURRED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO FRANK FLETCHER FORD LINCOLN (3015 TURKEY CREEK RD, JOPLIN MO 64801, PHONE NUMBER: (417) 623-5660) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CONTROL ARM DETACHED DUE TO THE CONTACT HITTING SOMETHING WITH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
Steering, Suspension, Other or unspecified, Jun 22, 2017
SINCE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE NEW IN JULY 2014, I HAVE EXPERIENCED A SULPHUR LIKE SMELL IN THE CABIN AREA OF THE VEHICLE WHEN I ACCELERATE. THE ODOR IS STRONG ENOUGH TO MAKE YOU FEEL NAUSEOUS AND LIGHT HEADED. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. ON ONE VISIT THEY CLAIMED THEY HAD INSTALLED ADDITIONAL VENTS TO ELIMINATE THE FUMES. THE SECOND TIME, THE EXHAUST WAS REPORTEDLY REPLACED. NEITHER REPAIR CREATED ANY IMPROVEMENT IN REGARD TO THE SMELL. ADDITIONALLY, I HAVE EXPERIENCED ISSUES WITH THE FRONT SUSPENSION/STEERING AREA. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE(S). THE VEHICLE HAS A LOUD POPPING SOUND THAT EMANATES FROM THE RIGHT FRONT AXLE AREA WHEN MAKING A LOW SPEED TURN. THE FIRST REPAIR WAS REPORTEDLY A LOOSE "BOOT COVER". THE SECOND REPAIR CONSISTED OF THE INSTALLATION OF A "SHIM" TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. NEITHER FIX TOOK CARE OF THE ISSUE LONG TERM.
Suspension, May 26, 2017
MY VEHICLE HAS 69K MILES WITH ONLY FREEWAY DRIVING AND THE STRUTS AND BEARINGS ALREADY HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE COST IS $900 AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP. I WAS TOLD THAT THE BEARINGS ARE WORN OUT CAUSING PROBLEMS WITH THE STRUTS. ANYTIME I WOULD DRIVE AT LOW SPEEDS YOU COULD HEAR A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND. MY NISSAN IS 12 YEARS OLD AND IT JUST NOW NEEDED SIMILAR MAINTENANCE. SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT WITH THIS QUALITY.
Suspension, Mar 15, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V245000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER 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.
Steering, Suspension, Feb 25, 2017
TAKATA RECALL CUANDO LO MANEJO SE MUEVE MUCHO ES DIFCIL DE CONTROLAR A 60 MILLAS PARESE UN BOTE 🚣 SE MUEVE DE LADO A LADO COMO SI PATINARA MAS EN EL FREEWAY ES MUY RIESGOSO
Suspension, Dec 19, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V245000 (SUSPENSION); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER 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. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Suspension, Dec 5, 2016
STILL WAITING FOR PARTS FOR THIS RECALL WHICH WAS ISSUED IN APRIL. THIS IS REALLY RIDICULOUS CONSIDERING THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE.
Suspension, Dec 2, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V245000 (SUSPENSION). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER 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.
Suspension, Dec 1, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V248000 (SUSPENSION). THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Suspension, Nov 29, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V245000 (SUSPENSION); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. 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 VIN WAS INVALID. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Suspension, Nov 22, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V245000 (SUSPENSION); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER 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. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Suspension, Oct 31, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V245000 (SUSPENSION); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Suspension, Oct 19, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V245000 (SUSPENSION). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Suspension, Oct 13, 2016
NOTIFIED JUNE 2016 OF REAR SUSPENSION LINK THAT MAY FRACTURE WHICH MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL. AS OF TODAY, 10/12/16 I HAVE HEARD NOTHING FROM FORD AND I AM CONCERNED ABOUT CONTINUED USE OF THE VEHICLE. HOW LONG SHOULD THIS TYPE OF REPAIR TYPICALLY TAKE?
Suspension, Oct 13, 2016
NHTSA RECALL 16V-245 AFTER 6 MONTHS PARTS ARE STILL NOT AVAILABLE TO REPAIR WHAT COULD BE A SERIOUS SUSPENSION ISSUE. VEHICLE MAY BE UNSAFE AND IT CERTAINLY SEEMS LIKE 6 MONTHS SHOULD BE MORE THAN ENOUGH TIME TO AT LEAST START ADDRESSING THIS ISSUE. WIFE HAS BEEN AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE.