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, Apr 23, 2024
Fred Beans Ford of Mechanicsburg serviced this vehicle 2 times in the last 3 years, and did not perform the mandatory recall's needed on the vehicle. They also did the same on my other vehicle. I am reporting them for this because they're going to get someone killed some day by not fixing recalls when they have the cars in their shop.
Other or unspecified, Mar 13, 2024
Recall 24V031 A-pillar appliqué on both drivers and passenger side front have ripped off the vehicle during highway driving
Other or unspecified, Feb 1, 2024
Backup camera works intermittently
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jan 28, 2024
While driving on the highway, the trim piece that contours the front of the hood of the vehicle, broke off in two pieces and went flying into the air and nearly caused an accident.
Other or unspecified, Jan 24, 2024
A pillar trim flew off right side of windshield on 12/8/2023 and recently seen newly issued recall.
Other or unspecified, Jan 24, 2024
My rearview camera goes in and out sometimes it works sometimes it doesn’t. Have to use my side view to back up . This is definitely dangerous. Don’t know what is wrong with it, it will beep when you get to close but no picture.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Jan 10, 2024
The window trim and weatherstripping has detached from the vehicle while driving highway speed. Pieces were detaching more as I drove. Causing vehicles to maneuver in ways of car not being damaged
Other or unspecified, Lane departure, Dec 17, 2023
The camera doesn’t work and if it does it shows the picture reversed. It has the right side of the vehicle on the left side of the camera. Checked for updates but there aren’t any. It started working correctly just last week, but then it goes back to saying call dealership or reversed.
Other or unspecified, Dec 15, 2023
I was driving down the interstate and the piece on the side where it covers the windshield blows off, the passenger side now tries to. When it happened i rolled the window down and held onto it until we could pull over.
Other or unspecified, Nov 29, 2023
I was going to leave my work parking lot. After I started the car, a warning light came on stating power assist failure and I was in drive and tried to steer to the right ending up in space in front of mine, barely across the parking line with my front wheels. I thought by pressing the "ok" that it would make the car steer and it wouldn't. With my blue tooth, I called my husband stating he'd have to pick me up as I couldn't steer and I asked him to get on the computer to find out what was wrong. As he told me the complaints of other 2014 ford explorers and the recalls for 2011 to 2013, 2015, and 2016, and as he was talking, I turned off the car and turned it back on and it drove. My husband said it happened to my son 2 weeks prior. I drove it straight to the ford dealer, while my husband told me that it could happen while driving. The rack and pinion and the PSCM power steering modules have been the problem from other fords. The ford report for mine says: A customer states multiple warnings came up on dash and power steering became inop. Please advise. 99 Verified concern. Performed self test. U3000. Pinpoint to internal failure of electronic rack and pinion. replaced retest ok 902C 1 E5BZ*3504*AM gear asy-steering, 99 perform 4 wheel alignment 902 C for $2924.90. It scared me that I drove this unknowingly I could have had a bad accident
Other or unspecified, Nov 14, 2023
While driving about 55 MPH, the left side windshield trim flew off the windshield. Thankfully no one was close behind that could have been hit by the trim. No warning, no indication that it was loose.
Other or unspecified, Structure, Oct 25, 2023
On the freeway, the Windshield rubber trim came loose from its cover started flapping on the window and top of car and then torn off by wind shear. It flew in the air behind the car and could cause the vehicles behind us to swerve or it could actually hit one of the others cars. Our car was recently inspected. This had no warning.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 28, 2023
Ever since I purchased my 2014 Ford Explorer, I noticed a foul smell inside the vehicle when accelerating. It seemed fine when driving normally, but when accelerating into traffic or whenever RPMs are increasing, it’s definitely noticeable. At first I thought it wasn’t that big of a deal, until my young step-son was in the passenger seat complaining about how he felt nauseous out of nowhere. So I decided to do a little research and found a TON of articles including the ones in these two links!: https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/ford-explorer-lawsuits-exhaust-leak-carbon-monoxide/ https://6abc.com/amp/ford-explorer-suv-sick-dizzy/3507986/
Other or unspecified, Jun 26, 2023
I was driving several months back and heard a strange noise. I was on an interstate so I could not pull over but then suddenly I heard a very loud crack. I thought maybe something in the road had hit my car. Then a driver came alongside me in the other lane and he was yelling and pointing and seemed angry. I felt like it was unsafe to pull over so I waited until the next exit and I got off at the exit. At that time, the driver kept going and did not pull over with me. But as soon as I got out of my car, I saw what had happened. The trim on the side of my windshield had completely come off. I took it to my local Ford dealership and they fixed it the best they could but they said there’s not the parts to fix it. Now it looks like my other side might do it as well. And Ford doesn’t seem to know how to fix it. I feel like the trim piece had hit the car behind me and it could have caused damage to another vehicle. I don’t know because the man didn’t pull over. And now I’m afraid it might happen again on the other side. I’m going to put tape over it tomorrow to help secure it. But I feel like this is something that Ford should be aware of and at least be able to fix.
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.
Other or unspecified, Jun 7, 2023
2014 Ford Explorer Limited: Power Steering Unit beginning to fail. Available for inspection upon request. Just received auto back from dealership (Crystal River Ford) after repair of yet ANOTHER recall for this auto and began hearing noise when turning wheel after only 2 brief drives with no noise heard. Took back to dealership and advised that it would require a new Power Steering Unit, that none available from Ford AND NO ETA and advised that a current customer waited 3 months to receive the unit. No warning lamp or message whatsoever, was prepared to take the vehicle long distance (~500 miles round trip) and could have been an extreme hazard should I not have had it investigated. Safety??? Look at message boards regarding this issue, NOT difficult to find. NOT new issue and NOT infrequent issue. This year auto is a hazard to be driven on the road.
Other or unspecified, Jun 1, 2023
Rear backup camera is faulty on my 2014 Ford Explorer. It works intermittently or not at all. Sometimes the image on my display is flipped, meaning if I should see grass on the right side of my vehicle while backing up, the image is displaying grass on the left side. There is a recall for newer models of Ford Explorers related to the backup camera, but I believe there is an issue with older models as well.
Other or unspecified, May 9, 2023
Unknown
Steering, Other or unspecified, May 5, 2023
My 16 year old grandson was driving my car home from school when the traction control light came on and POWER STEERING went out completely. Not only did power steering go out and traction control wasn't working the turn signals were also not working properly making this situation even more dangerous. My grandson had a very difficult time getting the vehicle off the road with no power steering. We were very lucky he didn't have an accident. There was no warning lights prior to power steering/traction control going out as he was driving. I've done some research and it appears this has been a problem with Ford Explorers since 2011 (Safety Recall Notice 145061 NHT5A Recall 14V-286) for some reason 2014 was not included in the recall. I was surprised to find there have been many 2014 ford explorer owners that have experienced the same issues and filed complaints. I have contacted Ford customer service and filed a complaint with them; complaint # (42667416). I'm further angered/disappointed by the recall on 2011-2013 Explorers. WHY WAS 2014 EXCLUDED???!!! This problem has obviously not been corrected. This is a DEADLY situation!!!! My explorer is currently in a Ford shop and the problem was reproduced and diagnosed. They have ordered parts to have repairs completed which is costing approximately $2300 and my vehicle has been out of commission for 2 weeks by the time repairs are completed. I am very disappointed with Ford overlooking this issue which may cause major injury or death. Once I receive the vehicle back I will have invoice with description of repairs and parts that were replaced.
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).
Other or unspecified, Apr 11, 2023
While driving down the interstate, a trim piece on the driver's side of the windshield flew off.
Other or unspecified, Mar 18, 2023
Windshield trim flew off while we were driving on the highway. It hit the windshield flying backwards and almost hit a driver behind us. It startled us and almost caused an accident while we were going 75MPH with our kids in the vehicle.
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.
Other or unspecified, Jan 25, 2023
The water pump started leaking into the engine. Car overheats. Now it has to be replaced or the engine will seize and need to be replaced. The cost to replace this part and the timing belt is $2,685. I have always done all the recommended services and oil changes and I am frustrated that this was not noticed sooner. This seems to be a very common problem with water pumps and many folks had their car seize while driving.
Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Aug 26, 2022
Rear back up camera only works intermittently.