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.
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)
Engine, Jun 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while approaching a stop light, the vehicle started to lose motive power and stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted, and the vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was not contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
Steering, Electrical system, May 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH in a parking lot, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. An unknown warning light was illuminated, and the Wheel Drive indicator light was turned off. The contact was able to pull into the parking space. The vehicle was towed to Pep Boys, where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion had failed and needed to be replaced. The part was purchased from the Ford dealer and the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred while driving 6 months later. The vehicle was towed to Pep Boys, where the rack and pinion was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact was able to drive to the residence using added force. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Structure, May 29, 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 manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front windshield trim detached and flew off. In addition, the contact stated that the front windshield was raised above the seal. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, May 24, 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.
Seat belts, May 24, 2024
Driver side seatbelt is malfunctioning and will not buckle properly unless you press the red release button to get it to buckle you in. If you don't press the red button the buckle will not engage and you will not be able to buckle up. The back passenger seat belt buckles were doing the same thing and we're unusable.
Structure, May 23, 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 windshield exterior A-pillars and B-pillars trims had detached, causing water to leak inside the vehicle during the rain. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the parts would be available at the end of 2024. 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 140,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, May 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the exterior A-pillar trim detached from both sides and flew off the vehicle. An unknown local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 82,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, May 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the A-pillar trim detached. The contact was able to retrieve the A-pillar trim. The local dealer was contacted but the vehicle was repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
Steering, May 21, 2024
My 2014 Ford Explorer has developed a serious problem where the power steering intermittently stops working. I'm now afraid to drive this vehicle since it is almost impossible to steer this SUV without power steering. What happens if the power steering cuts out while I'm driving at 60 or 70 mph in dense traffic? I understand other drivers have reported the same problem. This is a very serious condition and should warrant an immediate recall, investigation, and repair by Ford and the NTSB.
Seat belts, May 20, 2024
I finally was able to get an appointment for my toe links. I also recall getting the run around on a seat belt notification for issues with the second row from the dealership when I originally called. Since the vehicle was going to be in the dealer I brought back up the seat belt notification. Both the dealership and Ford customer service claim there is no such recall or Customer Satisfaction Program. I cannot believe a critical safety product they have no record of or that such a safety program would expire. HELP!
Structure, May 20, 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 manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving 75-80 MPH, the driver's side A-pillar trim detached. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 188,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Steering, May 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact's husband stated that while driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel began to stick intermittently with the "Service Steering Now" message displayed on the instrument panel. Due to the steering wheel failure, the contact's husband used excessive force to steer the vehicle home. Upon restart of the vehicle, the steering wheel seized in place and then failed to move regardless of the excessive force used. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the vehicle for the steering. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Structure, May 20, 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 manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the a-pillar applique trim detached. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised contact to reach out to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 179,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, May 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the exterior A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle and flew off. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. 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 manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 12,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), May 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the "Service Steering Assist" and the traction stability warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway with difficulty and turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to regain power steering functionality. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering gears needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was recurring. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
Steering, May 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, after which the vehicle started to pull to the left. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the steering rack and pinion. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 121,000.
Suspension, May 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the sunroof motor had failed due to water intrusion. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the sunroof motor was replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that after parking the vehicle in the independent mechanic parking lot on another occasion, he noticed a steal band underneath the rubber of the rear tires. The mechanic informed the contact that the suspension had failed, which was damaging the rear tires. The vehicle was being diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 97,745.
Steering, May 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving out of the driveway, the steering wheel became extremely stiff. Additionally, the power steering sensor fault message was displayed. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000.
Structure, May 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that fluid was leaking into the A-pillars and onto the floorboard. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The failure mileage was approximately 152,736.
Suspension, Wheels, Engine, May 9, 2024
N/A
Air bags, May 7, 2024, crash
The contact owned a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the driver of the vehicle ahead abruptly braked; as a result, the contact collided with the rear of the vehicle ahead. The air bags did deploy; however, the contact stated that the driver's side air bag failed to fully deploy, only inflating to the size of a volleyball, and the front passenger side air bag caused the glove box panel to detach and become a projectile that resulted in injury to the passenger. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The contact transported herself and her husband to an area hospital, where her husband was treated for various cuts and bruises to his legs. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Other or unspecified, May 5, 2024
Back up camera malfunctions randomly,shuts off while backing up or doesn't function at all.
Structure, May 5, 2024
I was driving down the interstate when my driver side EXTERIOR A-PILLAR APPLIQUE TRIM CLIP ATTACHMENT broke off in two pieces at around 75-80 mph nearly missing the car behind me, with both pieces. The clip that holds it looks to be broken at one of the anchor points,and the adhesive that also hold it on seems to have lost it's tackiness.
Visibility/wiper, May 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the passenger's side windshield wiper detached from the vehicle. The contact was able to pull the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.