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, Aug 2, 2022
The vehicle began to overheat in traffic and forced me to stop. This is a known problem with Fords from 2011-2016. The issue has been resolved in Canada but in the US customers are being forced to pay for repairs.
Other or unspecified, Aug 1, 2022
Exterior trim or molding, and weather strip on windshield, driver and passenger sides flew off vehicle while highway driving 65 MPH. The weather conditions were sunny skies during day time. Thank God no serious accidents occurred I'm aware of. After some research, I learned this is a common occurrence with Ford Explorer vehicles. I feel this is a safety concern. Hopefully Ford issues a recall or other type of compensation for owners. I contacted DACARS Ford in Lanham, MD for a repair estimates 2 weeks ago. I have not recieved a call back. I will look elsewhere for support.
Other or unspecified, Jun 22, 2022
Air conditioner malfunctioned 2014 and entire dual system climate required replacement. System malfunctioned again and rear lines require replacement and compressor was reported to have malfunctioned. Power steering pump and components failed and June 2014 requiring repair. Sunroof motors failed in 2020 requiring replacement.
Other or unspecified, Jun 19, 2022
1st time steering went out my family and I had driven 4 hours away to veterans park in marrinette County, we enjoyed a walk and went to leave turned car on as normal and put in reverse and had no steering had it flatbedded to a shop near home. Had rack and pinion replaced. Few months later noticed I had a very hard time steering all of a sudden no returnablity once steering wheel turned in either direction, called shop again brought back in checked out the part was defective that was put in rack in pinion replaced again, now here we r again steering going again, this is the 3rd time in the last 3 years the cost is to high to repair again and I can't even drive my son to school or myself and feel safe doing so. Also went into local ford dealshipnfor last recall and was told my hubs were bad but I exceeded the time frame to have them replaced within the recall told me I needed to pay 2500.00 to have replaced, so now I have a 30,000.00 car with a bank loan on it that is unsafe to drive for me and other on the road, have to pay for full coverage insurance and can't get anywhere. Recall on ever year but mine for the steering issue and ford won't help me. I have called them.
Steering, Other or unspecified, May 29, 2022
I was driving and there was a loud pop then the steering wheel lock up on me. The power steering assist warning light came on all at once. Lucky I turned to a stop sign and only ran off in the grass for a second. If I would have turned right me and my fiancée would probably be dead or in the hospital since the road I did not take is very busy and well none for crashes. I was in the middle of pulling out and had to forces the wheel to turn to keep us safe and able to park.
Other or unspecified, May 25, 2022
There is a distinct smell of gas inside my cars cabin. I’ve tested for carbon monoxide and found the level to be higher than any car I’ve tested under similar conditions. My car is no longer drivable because the smell makes me nauseous and sick. It began slowly one day and is now so overwhelming. The dealer says they know about the issue but that it has not been recalled. My mechanic says I have a laundry list of repairs that would be needed to possibly remedy the issue. It’s not guaranteed.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Mar 27, 2022
Hello, my vehicle as I’m driving it jolts. Now it doesn’t happen all the time but , I’ve have noticed it.
Other or unspecified, Mar 15, 2022
The Water Pump failed unexpectedly, no warnings or alarms.
Other or unspecified, Mar 11, 2022
The vehicle has such a strong propane smell at times.
Other or unspecified, Jan 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was abnormal noise of metal being dragged. The vehicle was shaking and while making a turn the steering wheel was difficult to turn. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the link shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign number 20V692000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 139,840.
Other or unspecified, Dec 4, 2021
I am writing to notify you of the problems I am experiencing with my 2014 Ford Explorer VIN # [XXX] and to request help to resolve these problems with the vehicle in a timely manner. I purchased the vehicle 8 months ago (March 2021) from Bomnin Chervrolet of Manassas. I began having trouble with the heat temperature on the right passenger side of the vehicle. I took my vehicle to Sheehy Ford Lincoln of Gaithersburg Maryland for recall repairs and my husband explained to service what we have been experiencing with the vehicle. He was told the Carbon monoxide is due to a leak in the manifold and the transfer case was about to go. I have been in contact with my finance company about what has been going on with the vehicle and they instructed me to reach out to the dealership where it was purchased. Which I did and unfortunately, they aren't willing to assist in the major problems with the vehicle. I was told on Monday November 29, 2021 they will be willing to repair heat temperature and that's it. The problems with the truck is the radio touch screen which controls heat, music, seat warmers and so forth isn’t working, temperature on right passenger side, back up camera, carbon monoxide coming thru vents, manifold, and the transfer case needs to be replaced because its about to go; if it hasn't gone already. The truck wont back up without making loud grinding noises and stalling. These problems my family are having substantially impairs the use and valve of my vehicle and creates a serious safety hazard to my family. After explaining to the dealer that I am on a fixed income of just SSI and needed my vehicle for appointments and everything; they isn't willing to repair the major safety. It's very hard to understand why anyone would sell my family a 2014 Ford Explorer knowingly aware of its history from November 16, 2018 from a previous owner of Carbon Monoxide concerns, still this vehicle was sold to my family. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Other or unspecified, Nov 24, 2021
My 2014 explorer is having the same steering fault assist recall problem the 2013 has. The power steering stops working and has happened while driving and now it is constantly popping up. Ford won't fix it under the recall.
Other or unspecified, Sep 30, 2021
I have a 2014 Ford Explorer I bought used. On the passenger side the door panel is pulling away from the door and the armrest. After researching I found out this was covered under a recall so I contacted Ford. The lady I online chatted with told me to set up an appointment at my local Ford dealer to have it fixed that it would be covered under the recall 17N04. I contacted the dealer and they said the would order the part. A few weeks went by and I called to see if the part was in. The dealer informed me Ford would not cover the repair because my recall was over the years, but it was still under the mileage of the repair. They took photos and Ford still refuses to do anything the fix the problem. I then took it to a car repair business and they told me there was nothing they could do to fix it, that it was a design flaw on Fords part and it would need a new door skin. Is there anyway you can help me? I understand the years of the warranty are up but I also understand I have not exceeded the mileage on the recall and now I am stuck with an unrepairable door panel. Sure hoping there is something you can do.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Jul 26, 2021
Weather stripping on wind shield falls apart and becomes a projectile while driving.
Other or unspecified, Jul 14, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while turning the vehicle in either direction, there was a knocking sound coming from the front of the vehicle. Also, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would shake and vibrate. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was included in the NHTSA campaign number 20V692000 (Power Train). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. Also, while operating the vehicle the check engine light would remain illuminated. The failure mileage was 40,000.
Other or unspecified, Jun 28, 2021, crash
The contact owns a 2014 ford explorer. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked when the vehicle had rolled into a wall. One person was injured and sustained injuries to the face, back, legs, head, neck, and eye on the right side of the body and did seek medical treatment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of failure and was awaiting a response. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with, NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V692000 (POWER TRAIN) however the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 21973. Consumer stated owner of the vehicle is his wife's.
Other or unspecified, Dec 11, 2020
I WAS EXPERIENCING THE SMALL OF EXHAUST IN MY VEHICLE RECENTLY. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER AND THEY LET ME KNOW THAT IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE IN EXPLORERS FOR MODEL YEARS 2011-2017, BUT MY VIN NUMBER ISN'T COVERED BY THE SERVICE BULLETIN OR SAFETY RECALL. I DID PROCEED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED, THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME TO CONTACT FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE. I HAVE CONTACTED THEM, THEY ALSO REITERATED THE SAME INFORMATION--THAT IT IS A KNOWN ISSUED, BUT MY VIN NUMBER IS NOT INCLUDED AS ONE WHERE THIS WOULD BE A CONCERN. I AM CONFUSED BY THIS AS I DID UNKNOWINGLY EXPERIENCE THESE FUMES IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE, THE DEALERSHIP HAD TO PARTIALLY TAKE THE CAR APART TO SEAL VARIOUS AREAS, ETC.
Other or unspecified, Dec 5, 2020
2014 MODEL FORD EXPLORER INNER INTERIOR DOOR PANELS, GLUE HOLDING UPPER MATERIAL ONTO DOOR PANEL HAS LET GO AND FOLDED OVER ON BOTH FRONT DOORS, THIS WAS AN ISSUE AND A RECALL/REPLACEMENT WAS ISSUES UNDER A TSB AS WELL, BUT FORD WILL ONLY FIX OR REPLACE WITHIN 5 YEARS, UPON PURCHASE OF VEHICLE DOOR MATERIAL WAS STARTING TO COME OFF, BY THE TIME IT WAS NOTICED IT WAS EARLY 2020 WHICH MADE THE REPAIR OPTION VOID DUE TO IT BEING OUT OF THE 5 YEAR PERIOD. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED FOR AT LEAST A 10 YEAR SPAN AS IT APPEARS THIS IS HAPPENING TO THOUSANDS OF THESE EXPLORERS JUST OUTSIDE OF TEH 5 YEAR REPAIR TIMEFRAME.
Other or unspecified, Dec 4, 2020
I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE 20S62/HNTSA RECALL 20V-675. HOWEVER IT ISN'T IN ANY SYSTEM. I AM TRYING TO DETERMINE IF I ACTUALLY DO OR DON'T HAVE A SAFETY RECALL. I HAVE CALLED THE FORD CORPORATE OFFICE, BUT I CAN'T TALK TO A PERSON SO I CAN'T GET AN ANSWER FROM THE ISSUING OFFICE. PLEASE HELP!!
Other or unspecified, Nov 18, 2020
WHEN REAR CAMERA IS IN USE IT TENDS TO HAVE A DELAY SHOWING REAR ACTIVITY, FLASHES ON AND OFF AND/OR THE SYNC SCREEN GOES COMPLETELY BLANK
Other or unspecified, Nov 16, 2020
BOTH FRONT AND REAR CATALYTIC CONVERTERS FAILED AND WERE REPLACED BY SERVICE REPAIR FACILITY.
Other or unspecified, Oct 19, 2020
WHEN ENGAGING THE VEHICLE INTO REVERSE AND DRIVING, THE BACK-UP CAMERA OFTEN GLITCHES AND OFTEN GOES BLACK. SHOWS ERROR "BACK UP CAMERA NOT AVAILABLE. CONTACT DEALERSHIP". I KNOW THE 2020 MODELS HAVE JUST HAD A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT SAME ISSUE.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Oct 9, 2020
BACKUP CAMERA NOT WORKING. IT GOES BLACK AND STATES "CAMERA UNAVAILABLE. CONTACT YOUR DEALERSHIP." THIS HAPPENS ANYTIME WHEN IN REVERSE.
Other or unspecified, Sep 27, 2020
THEY SHOULD MAKE A HEADLIGHT RETROFIT KIT AS MY 2014 EXPLORER HAS THE WORST HEADLIGHTS I EVER SAW. DANGEROUS! PERHAPS THE MOVIE-PROJECTOR LENS IS THE ISSUE? THE LIGHT SEEMS TO FUCUS MUCH LIGHT TO THE TREE TOPS INSTEAD OF CONCENTRATING THE LIGHT IN FRONT. I AM NOT A COON HUNTER AND DI NOT TO ILLUMINATE THE TREES WHEN I DRIVE. ALSO, I HAD A LED TAILLIGHT FAIL AND FIND IT IS NOT SERVICEABLE AND IT CANNOT BE SERVICED. THE WHOLE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY MUST BE REPLACED COSTING MEGA BUCKS. FORD NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING. I NOTE, THROUGH THE INTERNET, OTHERS ARE LISTING THE SAME SAFETY PROBLEMS.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 6, 2020
WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR COUPLE HOUR I BEGIN TO FEEL VERY DIZZY AND SICK AND I HAVE TO PUT OVER AND GET SOME AIR I HAVE NOICE EVERY TIME I DRIVE MY VEHICLE I GET THIS WAY I HAD THE VEHICLE FOR FIVE MONTHS NOW ALSO I HAVE FELT THIS WAS WHEN DRIVING AND IDLING TO A COMPLETE STOP I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AND I ALSO STOPPED BY THE FIRE STATION TO GET CHECKED OUT AND I DID HAVE A SPO2 SCALE OF 90.