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.
Air bags, Sep 6, 2024
My airbag light on it just turned on this morning then started flashing
Steering, Sep 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle had lost power steering functionality with a message to “Drive Safely” displayed. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the steering wheel seized, and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and inspected the vehicle but was unable to find the cause for the failure. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the destination where the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and it was confirmed the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer opened a case for the failure. The manufacturer had referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 180,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with electronic ABS module failure. The contact was informed that the electronic ABS module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the parts needed to complete the repair were on backorder and the contact was #90 on the waiting list. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 152,200.
Structure, Aug 23, 2024
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 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 local dealer was contacted, and the dealer stated that parts were 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 issue. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Steering, Aug 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the steering wheel seized with the message “Steering Loss – Stop Safely” displayed. The contact was unable to turn the steering wheel. The contact stopped, turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the steering wheel remained seized. The vehicle was towed to the contact's lot. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and informed the contact that there was no recall on the VIN related to the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 168,000.
Steering, Aug 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle jerked abnormally, and the advancetrac, traction control, steering assist, and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that an unknown message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was determined that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Structure, Aug 16, 2024
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 front driver's side and the front passenger's side windshield exterior A-pillar trims had detached. The local dealer was not 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 unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Steering, Aug 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the electric power steering stopped functioning as intended. The traction control warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the steering seized, and the vehicle was difficult to steer. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was jerking. The contact stated that the failure occurred while his minor children were seated in the rear seat of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed power steering module. The contact was informed that the steering assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 84,700.
Steering, Aug 13, 2024
Have electric power steering and have had it fixed plus had the rod and piston fixed. Still having issues after less than a year with steering becoming stiff. Been told twice now the problem has been fixed with paying thousands for issue after issue and the steering still having issues.
Steering, Aug 12, 2024
The contact owned a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering rack failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the steering wheel was independently pulling to the left or the right. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with steering rack failure. The contact was informed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was informed of an unknown recall however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact stated that the vehicle was involved in a crash that was not the owner’s fault, and the crash was not due to the failure. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and two cases were filed. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering, Aug 12, 2024
Power Steering (Steering Assist) failure appeared during driving, steering suddenly was very hard and required a lot of force. After restarting the car, it initially worked, then failed again. Upon further restarts the Steering Assist warning appeared right at starting the car, power steering was not working, just made it to the shop to get it repaired. This is exeactly the same problem as in the 2011-2013 Ford Explorer (NHTSA 14V286000, Ford Recall 14S06). Ford needs to expand the recall to the 2014 model.
Structure, Aug 9, 2024
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 60 MPH, the driver's side windshield exterior A-Pillar trim detached and flew off the vehicle. 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 130,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Exterior lighting, Aug 8, 2024
Cabin light does not turn off, it could drain car battery, thereby causing a loss of power and a accident... did not notice this untill car was brought to Dealership,Beiner.They pointed out.Want alot to fix.
Structure, Aug 7, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Structure, Aug 6, 2024
The affected part that is part of the current recall, the plastic pillar piece came flying off my car tonight on my way home from work while I was on the interstate. Luckily there were no cars around me but it could have been a safety issue if there had been. I was unable to go retrieve the piece.
Electrical system, Visibility, Engine, Aug 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the security light was illuminated, and the battery was drained. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the security panel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving, the lights failed to turn on, and the horn was inoperable. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was determined that the electrical system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that there was no longer a dinging sound when the doors were ajar. The interior lights were dim, and the horn was inoperable. The rubber trim was detaching. The moon roof failed to close. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, who determined that water had entered the vehicle through the sunroof and that the wires were wet. The dealer added plastic and glue to the sunroof. Additionally, the vehicle failed to start. There was an abnormal clicking sound while attempting to start the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the compressor needed to be replaced because the compressor was clogged. The manufacturer was contacted, who opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Wheels, Aug 5, 2024
Steering fault warning message came up service now and stability control lights engaged both on and off, I lost control of my steering and it completely tightened up as I was driving. I was driving 60 miles per hour when this happened. Depending on the severity of the failure, I was completely at risk with colliding with anything on the road. I brought it straight to the dealership where it has been sitting for a week since they are not able to drive it into the garage because the steering is locked up and the wheel will not move even though it will start and engage in drive. They need to actually tow it into the garage to complete diagnostics, I expect from other reports this is an expensive fix, but the risk to my life and others on the road is worth reporting. Ford needs to include this steering fault on the 2014 explorers in a recall. There were no issues with the steering prior to this happening. Ford knows about this issue, how many complaints and near misses is it going to take to fix this problem?
Forward collision avoidance, Aug 5, 2024
ABSModule part number DB5z2C219B. Part not available from supplier due to issue that has not been resolved. Vehicle not driveable due to possible break failure could occur.
Engine, Aug 2, 2024
VEHICLE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK CAR INTO MECHANIC AND FOUND OUT A CODE POINTS TO A PROBLEM WITH THE TIMING CHAIN/CAM POSITION SENSOR. PRIOR TO THE ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON CAR PREVIOUSLY HAD (2) RANSOM ISSUES THAT NOW AFTER GETTING THE DIAGNOSIS MAKES SENSE WHY THE CAR WAS AT TIMES MAKING A FLUTTER SOUND WHEN STARTING ALONG WITH THE ENGINE RANDOMLY AT TIMES ACTING LIKE TO WAS GOING TO STOP RUNNING WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. I TOLD FORD AND THE MECHANIC ABOUT IT PREVIOUSLY BUT THEY BOTH SAID AS LONG AS THERE'S NO ALARMS KEEP DRIVING IT. THE VEHICLE STILL DRIVES GOOD, BUT I WAS ADVISED NOT TO DRIVE IT UNTIL REPAIRS MADE. THE REPAIR IS $4,000.00 AND PUTTING THAT KIND OF MONEY INTO A VEHICLE THAT IS CURRENTLY VALUED AT $8 TO 10K WITH 136,000 BASED OFF MY RESEARCH IS NOT PRUDENT CONSIDERING OTHER THINGS THAT WILL EVENTUALLY NEED EXPENSIVE REPAIRS. I HAVE TAKEN GOOD CARE OF THE VEHICLE ALONG WITH KEEPING UP ON ALL SERVICES. DISCUSSED WITH A COUPLE EXPERIENCED FORD MECHANICS AND THIS REPAIR IS UNFORTUNATELY VERY COMMON. I BOUGHT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WHEN THE CAR WAS NEW FOR YOUR INFORMATION. I HOPE FORD CAN STAND BEHIND THIS MECHANICAL FAILURE THAT APPARENTLY IS A KNOW ISSUE AND ACCOMMODATE ME FOR MY LOSS OF EQUITY IN A VEHICLE THAT SHOULD NOT BE HAVING THIS KIND OF WELL KNOWN BREAKDOWN. 1. VEHICLE IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION 2. SAFETY AT RISK WHEN ENGINE LOSES POWER AND ALMOST STOPS RUNNING 3. YES, YESTERDAY I WAS AT THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP MET THERE TOP "HEAVY END" MECHANIC WHO WAS VERY FAMILIAR WITH THE PROBLEM ALONG WITH (2) INDEPENDENT EXPERT MECHANICS FAMILIAR WITH THE DIAGNOSIS. 4. THE MANUFACTURER YESTERDAY SAW THE VEHICLE, AFTER TALKING TO THE HEAD MECHANIC, BASED OFF THE CODE AND SYSTEMS I DECIDED IT WAS NOT PRUDENT TO THROW MONEY AWAY ON GETTING AN OFFICIAL DIAGNOSIS BASED OFF MY COMFORT LEVEL FROM THE DISCUSSIONS WITH THE MECHANICS. 5. YES, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I HAD THE CAR PROMPTLY INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC.
Steering, Aug 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The steering assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the electronic power steering gear. The contact was informed that the electronic power steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 60,000.
Steering, Suspension, Aug 2, 2024, crash
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with his 12-year-old child in the vehicle, the steering wheel tightened up, and the vehicle drove straight and crashed into a sand barrier. The air bags deployed. The driver sustained injuries to his chest, head, and shoulder. There was no injury stated for the 12-year-old child who was also in the vehicle during the crash. Medical attention was provided to the driver. A Police report was filed but was not provided to the contact. The vehicle was towed to the Police Precinct. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that prior to the crash, the vehicle was parked and rolled back and struck another vehicle. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension). The contact called an unknown local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired after the crash. The contact stated that the vehicle was totaled; however, the Insurance Provider had not yet rendered a decision on the vehicle. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Structure, Aug 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the A-pillar applique trim detached. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 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 failure and confirmed that the part was not available. The failure mileage was 60,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Aug 1, 2024
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 not 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.
Structure, Jul 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the exterior A-pillar trim detached and flew off the vehicle. 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 not 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 failure mileage was approximately 180,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Back over prevention, Jul 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while reversing the vehicle, the rearview camera displayed a distorted image. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.