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: other or unspecified
336 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Feb 15, 2017
I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE USED IN 2016. AFTER A MONTH I NOTICED A VERY STRONG SMELL OF PROPANE. I HAVE SINCE TAKEN IT TO 2 SHOPS, ONE WHICH SPECIALIZES IN FORDS, AND NEITHER HAVE EVER HEARD IF THE PROBLEM OCCURRING IN OTHER FORDS NOR DID THEY FIND ANY ISSUES WITH THE EXHAUST. THE ODOR IS OVERWHELMING. TODAY A FRIEND SENT ME THE LINK FROM A STORY ON THIS ISSUE THAT CBS HAD RUN YESTERDAY. I'M GLAD TO KNOW THAT THIS IS NOT ONLY HAPPENING TO MY VEHICLE AND HOPE THAT THERE IS A FIX FOR IT AS MY ENTIRE FAMILY HAS BECOME NAUSEOUS SEVERAL TIMES WHILE RIDING IN THE CAR.
Other or unspecified, Feb 15, 2017
GAS FUMES ENTERING CABIN WHEN ACCELERATE ON THE GAS. LEAVES AN ODOR. HAVE TAKEN IT TO DEALER BUT CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM. IT STILL DOES IT
Other or unspecified, Feb 15, 2017
EXHAUST FUMES ENTER CABIN WHILE IDLING OR PARKED WITH ENGINE RUNNING. THE DATE LISTED WAS THE LAST DATE THE INCIDENT OCCURRED. THIS HAS HAPPENED 6-8 TIMES OVER THE PAST YEAR.
Other or unspecified, Feb 14, 2017
SEVERAL OCCASIONS EXHAUST FUMES ENTER INTO CAB AREA WHEN ACCELERATING WITH AC ON. THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE. I HAVE HAD VEHICLE IN FORD SERVICE TO REPAIR THIS ISSUE, BUT EVEN AFTER SEVERAL DAYS IN SHOP, ISSUE HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED
Other or unspecified, Feb 14, 2017
MY CAR EMITS AN EXHAUST SMELL WHEN I ACCELERATE HARD LIKE WHEN I MERGE ON TO THE HIGHWAY. IT GIVES ME HEADACHES. I'VE HAD IT REPAIRED FOR THIS THREE TIMES NOW AND I AM WORRIED BECAUSE MY CAR IS ALMOST OUT OF WARRANTY. AT FIRST THEY TOLD ME IT WAS MY NEW ENGINE BURNING OFF OIL, BUT MY CAR HAS 34K MIKES NOW.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 14, 2017
WHEN ACCELERATING VEHICLE WITH THE AC ON, AND IN INTERNAL AIR MODE, THERE IS A SMELL LIKE BURNT RUBBER, OR FUMES THAT FILL THE ENTIRE CAR. I HAVE TO AVOID ACCELERATING TOO FAST, OR TURN OFF THE AC BEFORE HAND TO PREVENT FUMES FROM ENTERING CAR. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR IN 2013. I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST CAUSE IT WAS NEW, BUT AS IT'S STILL HAPPENING, AND OTHERS ARE HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM, I AM REPORTING IT.
Other or unspecified, Feb 13, 2017
GASOLINE ONE EXHAUST SMELL INSIDE CABIN WHEN I ACCELERATE.
Other or unspecified, Feb 13, 2017
SINCE WE BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2014 MY DAUGHTER HAS OFF/ON COMPLAINED OF NAUSEA AND HEADACHE WHEN SITTING IN THE REAR (THIRD ROW) OF THE VEHICLE. I BRUSHED IT OFF AS CAR SICKNESS BUT HAVE NOW SEEN REPORTS OF OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I AM CONCERNED IF WE HAVE A MALFUNCTION IN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. I DON'T WANT ANY OF MY FAMILY BREATHING IN TOXIC FUMES WHILE DRIVING AND WOULD LIKE FORD TO STEP UP AND HAVE THE VEHICLES TESTED FOR THOSE OF US WHO HAVE HAD ISSUES.
Other or unspecified, Feb 13, 2017
UNDER THROTTLE WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD THE VEHICLE SOMETIMES SMELLS LIKE SULFUR; IT SOMETIMES REQUIRES OPENING THE WINDOWS TO AIR IT OUT. IT HAS DONE THIS SINCE WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE NEARLY A YEAR AGO.
Other or unspecified, Feb 13, 2017
THERE ARE GAS/EXHAUST FUMES COMING INTO THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE HEATER FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. IT SMELLS LIKE NATURAL GAS. IT SMELLS WHEN STANDING OUTSIDE NEAR THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AS WELL. I BROUGHT IT TO FORD TO FIX IT AND THEY REPAIRED SOME EXHAUST ISSUES IN THE REAR BUT IT DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. I AM BRINGING IT BACK IN AND NOW SEE THAT THIS IS A HUGE PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS FROM 2010-2015.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 13, 2017
SOMETIMES WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE, I SMELL EXHAUST FUMES IN THE VEHICLE CABIN. THIS OCCURS RANDOMLY. I NOTICE IT MORE FREQUENTLY WHEN ACCELERATING BETWEEN SPEEDS UPWARDS OF, AND ABOVE 45/50 MPH AND MOSTLY ON THE HIGHWAYS. THE VEHICLE IS SERVICED REGULARLY AS PER FORD'S RECOMMENDATION BY THE SAME DEALER WHERE IT WAS BOUGHT IN NOVEMBER 2013 WITH 0 MILES ON IT. THIS HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 18, 2017
SMELL OF GAS IN CABIN OF VEHICLE. MAKING PASSENGERS/DRIVER NAUSEATED. ALSO A SMELL OF GAS (NATURAL OR PROPANE) FROM OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE WHEN WALKING AROUND IT.
Other or unspecified, Jan 9, 2017
THE MOONROOF OVER THE BACK SEAT POPPED OUT AND SPIDERWEBBED WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR CLOSED. SOME GLASS FELL INTO THE BACKSEAT. VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND OFF.
Other or unspecified, Dec 21, 2016
CAR HAS EXHAUST FUMES COMING INTO THE VEHICLE FORD HAS AN INTERNAL BULLETIN ON THIS ISSUE BUT IS STILL CHARGING CUSTOMERS TO FIX THE ISSUE IF OVER THE 36,000. THE EXHAUST PIPES NEED TO BE REDONE, ADDITIONAL INSULATION ALONG WITH A MUFFLER THAT POINTS DOWN VS POINTING UP INTO THE VEHICLE. FORD IS NOT RUSHING TO FIX THIS CARBON MONOXIDE ISSUE!
Other or unspecified, Dec 19, 2016
WE WERE PARKED AT A STORE AND ALL OF A SUDDEN, WATER STARTS DRIPPING INTO THE EXPLORER FROM THE SUN ROOF, WHERE THE BUTTONS ARE TO TURN ON THE FRONT INTERIOR LIGHTS. WE OPENED THE SUN ROOF AND LOOKED, AND THERE WAS A PUDDLE OF WATER JUST SITTING THERE. SO NOW YOU HAVE TO DRIVE WITH A TOWEL NEXT TO THE GEAR SHIFT.
Visibility, Other or unspecified, Dec 19, 2016
WE WERE DRIVING DOWN I-95 NORTH IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND ALL OF A SUDDEN WE HARD A LOUD POP. IT SOUNDED LIKE WE BLEW A TIRE. WHEN WE GOT OUT TO LOOK, THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR WINDOW HAD A CRACK IN IT. THE CRACK CONTINUES TO GROW, TRAVELING DOWN FROM THE CENTER OF THE TOP OF THE WINDOW TOWARDS THE CAR FRAME BY THE SIDE VIEW MIRROR. YOU CAN BARELY FEEL IT ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE WINDOW AND ON THE INSIDE YOU CAN'T FEEL IT AT ALL. *TR
Visibility, Other or unspecified, Dec 19, 2016
WINDSHIELD TRIM BLEW OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR
Other or unspecified, Dec 18, 2016
THE VEHICLE HAS A STRONG EXHAUST SMELL (SULFUR, ROTTEN EGG, IMPROPERLY BURNED FUEL, ETC) COMING INTO THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE WHEN GOING UPHILL, FAST ACCELERATION OR PASSING A VEHICLE. I HAVE CARRIED THE VEHICLE TO THE FORD DEALER AND REPORTED THIS COMPLAINT SEVERAL TIMES. ON MY LAST COMPLAINT TO THE DEALER, THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT STATED THERE WAS A FACTORY TSB ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE DEALER ORDERED THE PARTS FOR THE TSB AN WE CARRIED THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND LEFT IT FOR TWO DAYS FOR THEM TO COMPLETE THE REPAIR. THE ODOR PROBLEMS STILL EXISTS. I HAVE A 4 YEAR OLD GRANDDAUGHTER WITH ASTHMA AND OTHER BREATHING PROBLEMS. I HAVE CARRIED HER TO SCHOOL AND PICKED HER UP EVERYDAY IN THIS VEHICLE FOR THREE YEARS NOW. I WONDER IF HER HEALTH COULD BE AFFECTED BY THIS DEFECT?
Other or unspecified, Nov 13, 2016
EXHAUST FUMES ARE ENTERING THE CABIN OF MY 2014 FORD EXPLORER THRU THE DASH VENTS EVERY TIME I STOP MAKING ME SICK TO MY STOMACH. THESE EXHAUST FUMES SMELL LIKE SULFUR OR ROTTEN EGGS BUT I FEAR THAT ARE POISONOUS GASES LIKE CARBON MONOXIDE AS WELL. MY DEALER PERFORMED A "FIX" LAST WEEK INVOLVING A TSB 14-0130 BUT IT HAS NOT HELPED. I FEAR THAT I AM STARTING TO GET THE RUN AROUND. I AM AFFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR. PLEASE HELP ME!
Other or unspecified, Oct 31, 2016
10/04/2016 MY TOUCH SCREEN FROZE. I HAVE NO CONTROL OF THE HEATING AND COOLING IN THE BACK 2 ROWS OF SEATS. NAVIGATION, RADIO, SIRIUS, AND MORE DO NOT WORK. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN ON A CITY STREET WHEN EVERYTHING FROZE. CAR IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. A REPLACEMENT SCREEN WAS ORDERED BUT HAS BEEN ON BACK ORDER FOR ALMOST 4 WEEKS CONTACTED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE TWICE BUT THEY WILL NOT HELP. MY DELORSHIP CARLSBAD FORD SAID THEY CAN NOT GET ANY INFORMATION ON THE DELAY
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 28, 2016
THERE IS AN OVERBEARING ALMOST INTOXICATING SULFUR/ROTTEN EGG SMELL COMING IN THE CABIN OF THE CAR ANY TIME ACCELERATING. I GOT THIS VEHICLE NEW IN 2014 AND IT HAS BEEN DOING IT SINCE DAY ONE. AT FIRST I WROTE IT OFF AS NEW CAR OR POSSIBLY THE TURBO. BUT NOW AFTER READING THE THOUSANDS OTHERS WITH SAME PROBLEM I AM EXTREMELY CONCERNED FOR MY FAMILY'S WELL BEING. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING MY INFANT IN THIS CAR FOR TWO YEARS AND I AM VERY UPSET THAT I COULD HAVE PUT HER HEALTH AT RISK.
Other or unspecified, Sep 13, 2016
EXHAUST ENTERING THE PASSENGER CABIN WHEN RUNNING THE AC ON MEDIUM OR HARD ACCELERATION. IT'S BEEN HAPPENING SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NEW, LEASED NEW FROM FORD. VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY 25,000 MILES ON IT.
Other or unspecified, Sep 7, 2016
WHEN THE VEHICLE MAKES AN ACCELERATION IT CREATES A "GASOLINE LIKE ODOR" INSIDE DE CABIN OF THE FORD EXPLORER 2014. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT IN A FORD DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION THEY RESPONDED BY SAYING THAT A PLASTIC COMPONENT WAS INSIDE THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. THE PROBLEM PERSISTED AFTER THE SUPPOSED PROBLEM WAS FOUND. THE PROBLEMS OCCURS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION.
Other or unspecified, Sep 6, 2016
I'VE OWNED A 2014 EXPLORER SPORT FOR 3 YEARS, AND HAVE HAD THE 'ROTTEN EGG' SMELL OFF AND ON. I THOUGHT IT WAS RELATED TO THE TWIN TURBO AND THE VEHICLE BEING NEW, AS IT ONLY HAPPENED UNDER HARD ACCELERATION (I NOW KNOW IT ALSO PRIMARILY HAPPENS WHEN THE AC IS ON). 3 YEARS LATER I FINALLY TOOK IT IN FOR SERVICE TO DISCOVER A TSB HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR IT. AFTER FURTHER SEARCHING THE WEB, I NOW SEE MANY OTHERS HAVE THE SAME ISSUE - AND ALSO SEE THAT CO HAS BEEN ENTERING THE CABIN, WHICH REALLY PROMPTED THIS COMPLAINT. I'M ALSO CONCERNED THAT PEOPLE ARE REPORTING THE TSB DOES NOT FIX THE ISSUE, AND PLAN TO CARRY A CO MONITOR FOR A WHILE TO CHECK.
Other or unspecified, Sep 3, 2016
WHEN ACCELERATING OR CHANGING A/C THE CARS FUMES ENTER THROUGH THE A/C INTO THE CABIN OF THE CAR. THE SMELL OF EXHAUST IS OVERWHELMING. FAMILY HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING HEADACHES AND COUGHING WHEN WE EXPERIENCE THIS. THIS HAPPENS WHEN IN STATIONARY AND IN MOTION. THIS HAPPENS EVERYDAY.