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
1,678 reports, newest first.
Steering, Feb 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at approximately 2 MPH, the message "Loss of Power Steering Assist" was displayed. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized and was difficult to turn to the left or to the right. The contact stopped the vehicle, turned it off, and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle regained power steering functionality. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the power steering assist had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Structure, Feb 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the A-pillar trim had detached and was flopping while driving. The contact used tape to secure the trim. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact called another local dealer, AutoNation Ford Katy (20777 Katy Fwy, Katy, TX 77450); but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 200,240. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Feb 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
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.
Structure, Feb 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the exterior A-pillar applique trim clip detached. No warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the A-pillar trim clip needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Feb 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 65 MPH, the A-pillar trim detached and blew off the vehicle. The contact exited the highway and inspected the windshield. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired because parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 197,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Feb 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the passenger's side windshield exterior A-Pillar trim had detached and was flapping against the windshield while driving. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Steering, Feb 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while reversing, the steering wheel failed to turn as intended. The contact noticed an abnormal grinding sound coming from the vehicle. The contact used added force to turn the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed power steering unit. The contact was informed that the power steering unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Structure, Feb 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The dealer informed the contact to take photos and send them to the manufacturer. The A-pillars were taken off by the dealer. The dealer informed the contact that the clips were available, but the trim was on backorder. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Feb 3, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
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
Structure, Jan 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Suspension, Electrical system, Jan 27, 2025
I’m still waiting for the current recall to be corrected. The suspension is worn out. Replaced rear shocks, front struts, lower control arm. This is the worse automobile I’ve ever owned. If possible, I will never buy another ford. The car’s rear back up camera has been replaced and has stopped working again.
Structure, Jan 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Jan 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that upon further inspection, he noticed that both the front driver’s side and passenger’s side A-pillar trim seals were deteriorating. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Jan 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on the passenger’s side of the windshield started to detach. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the A-pillar trim retention clips had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed by the dealer that the remedy was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 179,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed exhaust Y-pipe. The contact was informed that the exhaust Y-pipe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
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)
Exterior lighting, Jan 17, 2025
This vehicle has gone through 5 headlight bulbs in the last year. 3 were on the driver side. 2 on the passenger side. Bulbs will last only 3 to 6 months. No damage seen to either headlight assembly and not electrical short can be found. Date listed is last replacement for driver side
Structure, Jan 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Jan 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 30-35 MPH, the driver's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim separated from the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and sent the incorrect replacement part to the dealer. The dealer installed and taped the incorrect replacement part on the driver's side of the windshield; however, the part detached. Additionally, the contact stated that the passenger's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim had detached. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Jan 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had 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. VIN tool showed no open recall.
Structure, Jan 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Jan 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at 60 MPH, the A-pillar detached. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 ( STRUCTURE). However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to costs. The contact repaired the vehicle on his own. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Jan 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.