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, Engine, Sep 27, 2025
Engine stopped working I wanna know if there is a warranty
Other or unspecified, Sep 19, 2025
The rear backup camera has been glitching for years. The screen will go completely blank or glitch in and out. Sometimes the infotainment center says it cannot detect the rear camera. This puts the safety of pedestrians, drivers, and those in the car at risk when backing up. The issue has been reproduced and confirmed by both a dealer and an independent service center. The component has not been inspected because it would cost up to $2,000 just to diagnose the issue. There are no warning lamps or codes for this issue. As stated, sometimes the infotainment center gives a message saying that the rear camera was not detected.
Other or unspecified, Sep 15, 2025
REAR BACK UP CAMERA IMAGE IS REVERSED NOT ALWAYS IN COLOR CAMERA STAYS ON ONCE VEHICLE IS IN DRIVE FOR SOMETIMES UP TO 20 SECONDS IMAGE IS NOT DISPLAYED AT ALL TIMES WHEN IN REVERSE AND WHEN THIS HAPPENS, WITHIN 24 HOURS THERE IS A 'SYSTEM UPDATE' THAT AFFECTS INFOTAINMENT SCREEN INCLUDING BLUETOOTH
Other or unspecified, Sep 3, 2025
A-PILLAR APPLIQUE TRIM on both sides of windshield have blown off in traffic. Water is getting vehicle.
Other or unspecified, Aug 25, 2025
The windshield trim recall is taking a long time to correct. I had a piece fall off while driving which could have damaged another vehicle and caused a incident.
Other or unspecified, Jul 30, 2025
This recall has been active for over 6 months with no resolution from Ford on the estimated time that the part will be available. The window trim is missing and parts broken which causes a major leak in the vehicle and has now escalated to mildew in the vehicle from continued leakage in the rain. The response continues to be the same from the dealer that they don't know when the part will be available but in the meantime, a part that could very well cause accidents, injuries or even death as well as interior damage seems to not that big of a concern as far as the Ford Motor Company is concerned. Is there anyway to create a little more urgency for those of us who are having to live with this.
Other or unspecified, Jul 23, 2025
Rear camera blank
Steering, Other or unspecified, Jul 16, 2025
My 'Rearview Camera system' does not work. When I put my truck in reverse, I get the message 'Please contact your dealer or manufacturer' for help with camera repair. Back in July 2022, my entire 'Steering system' went out and I was forced to borrow from my 401k to pay $2,000 for a new steering system after it went out on the [XXX] during rush hour from New Orleans to Baton Rouge. I almost got pushed off the spillway by two 18-wheelers that day. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Jun 25, 2025
A EXTERIOR A-PILLAR APPLIQUE MOLDING INSPECTION CAUSE: . 24S02 EXTERIOR A-PILLAR APPLIQUE MOLDING INSPECTION 854019 W 0.00 0.00 0.00 FC: PART#: COUNT: 0 0 TPARTS CLAIM TYPE: AUTH CODE: 854019 0 0 TLABOR 146072 parts ordered
Other or unspecified, Jun 12, 2025
Exterior A-Pillar Trims were recalled on January 19,2024 due to a safety risk for other road users increasing the risk of a crash if the trim parts detached while driving. Manufacturer recall number is 24S02. NHTSA recall number is 24V031. The local Ford dealer scheduled an appointment on 9/30/2024 for what they said was a fix, however the techs conducted a test and stated the trim parts failed but they were unable to fix on that date as Ford only sends them approximately 2 sets per month and they would let me know when they had mine in to fix. On June 1, 2025 I contacted the local Ford dealer inquiring about the replacement trim parts. The service department stated they do not have any and were still waiting for the manufacturer to provide them. The technicians laughed about the problem and denied they were a safety issue if they detached while driving and would not cause a problem for other drivers. They suggested "ripping" them off if I was concerned.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Jun 10, 2025
The rear safety camera fails to appear in the dash. Car says unable to connect or display. Sometimes works, mostly does not. Ford dealer wants to charge $800 to fix. As this is a vehicle safety feature, I believe it is a failure similar to the latest recall by Ford
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 18, 2025
Noticing a problem with the steering and wheel suspension that is affecting other Ford explorers between 2018 and 2025. Engine oil blow by. Causing oil to leak and ending up under the carriage and on the back of the vehicle. Rear camera problems.
Other or unspecified, May 2, 2025
Ford is recalling vehicles going back as far as 2015 for rear camera issues. We have a 2014 Explorer that has also had the camera go bad recently. on/off intermittently like something loose somewhere (like the descriptions of the current recall). Adding this in case there's others and their recall needs to be expanded. Ford wants $200 just to "look" what might be wrong. The date below is just when it started approximately.
Other or unspecified, May 1, 2025
This recall for the trim was issued January 2024, stating the parts would be available in the 2nd quarter of 2024. We are almost at the 3rd quarter of 2025 and still no parts have been released from Ford. They are essentially saying, they acknowledge the issue, and will fix it- but maybe never.,
Other or unspecified, Mar 29, 2025
2014 Ford Explorer Recall 2024-01-23 NHTSA#24V031 Recall: #24S02 Exterior-A-Pillar Appliqué Molding Inspection-Remedy Not Available. Please expedite due to at risk - safety concerns. Please contact me as soon as possible when remedy becomes available. [XXX] VIN: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Mar 6, 2025
I was driving down the interstate at 70 MPh and heard a very loud pop. I was not sure where the noise came from. I drove a little further when I saw the rubber seal around windshield flapping. I pulled over and the A-PILLAR APPLIQUE TRIM had completely detached and ripped the rubber seal around window. I called the dealership and they stated there was a recall and it was safe to drive. While driving on interstate I hear air coming in around window. Then she stated she was not sure when parts would become available and I needed to call back at the beginning of April.
Other or unspecified, Feb 7, 2025
Recall Incomplete, remedy not yet available... This is the information on the recall status but i received the initial safety recall notice back in February, 2024. Just trying to get an update.
Other or unspecified, Feb 2, 2025
While accelerating between 25-45 mph, my vehicle experiences severe shuddering and shaking, originating from the transmission. It feels as though the vehicle struggles to gain speed, hesitating significantly. Once I accelerate past the severe shudder—around 50 mph—the issue subsides slightly but a light vibration remains noticeable as I continue driving. This hesitation and lack of proper acceleration have led to several close calls, with other vehicles nearly rear-ending me. I'm extremely concerned that my vehicle might fail completely while driving, posing a serious risk of an accident and potential harm to myself and others. This issue has progressively worsened over the past three years, starting with minor symptoms and now becoming severe. Despite numerous repairs, inspections, and personal research, the problem persists. In my research, I discovered that 2016-2019 Ford Explorers (FWD 2.3L) and 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC (AWD 2.3L) models are under recall for similar transmission issues. The recall involves replacing the Torque Converter, Main Control Valve Body, and Solenoid Body, along with disassembling and cleaning the transmission as per the service procedure. My vehicle is a 2014 Ford Explorer FWD 2.3L, manufactured at the Chicago Assembly Plant, with a build date just eight months prior to the affected 2016-2019 Explorers. I believe this recall should be extended to include earlier models like mine, as the issue seems consistent across vehicles from the same plant and production timeline. I’ve spoken with multiple owners of similar-year Ford Explorers, all of whom report the same transmission problems. Additionally, Russ Moore Transmission—a reputable transmission shop in Fort Wayne—diagnosed my vehicle with a failed torque converter and recommended a complete transmission rebuild due to the severity and duration of the issue. The repair quote is $4,160, and they strongly advised against driving the vehicle, citing the risk of total transmission failure/potential
Other or unspecified, Jan 18, 2025
I received a recall notice (Safety Recall notice 24S02) / NHTSA Recall 24V031 whereby I a needing to have a exterior A-pillar applique trim clip attachment replaced. I received the notice in February 2024 and for the last year I have been trying to get this corrected and for the last year the Ford dealers have been telling me that they have the part on backlog. The trim that is to be corrected is now falling off from my windshield. How can i get this corrected? When can I find out when my dealer will get this part as they say they do not know when they will get it. I am dealing with Krauss Family Ford in Woodstock GA. My phone number is [XXX] - [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Jan 6, 2025
Smell coming into cabin. Overwhelming to the point making us nauseous and sick. Taken it to Ford dealership. They can not mimic the issue.
Steering, Wheels, Other or unspecified, Oct 2, 2024
My vehicle has been experiencing the "death wobble". I've done research online and I've seen other people complain about the issue as well as videos. Whenever I drive my vehicle, I hear noises coming from the front end such as scraping and my steering wheel wobbles and it's excessive while on the freeway. I've gotten the wheel bearings replaced, tires rotated, replaced front passenger tire, breaks and rotors replaced. My axel and car were lifted in the air with no damages.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Jun 8, 2024
The backup camera does not work. Sometimes a reversed the image which is highly dangerous. This has happened to a number of people I know who have the same car. It says see dealership on the screen.
Other or unspecified, Jun 6, 2024
Back up camera failing to load image. Image is reversed when backing up, so objects coming from the left are showing up on the right side of the screen and vise versa. Backup guiding lines are no longer visible and screen has a fish bowl effect.
Other or unspecified, Jun 5, 2024
SAFTY RECALL NOTICE 24S02 / NHTSA RECALL 24V031 received on February 2024 Exterior A-pillar applique trim becoming detached from the windshield, I took the car to the dealer assigned for the repair, they don have the replacement parts, is been a long time now and the windshield is becoming to be a safety hazard, what do you recommend me to do to solve this issue, thank you [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, May 5, 2024
Back up camera malfunctions randomly,shuts off while backing up or doesn't function at all.