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.
Power train, Mar 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving or pulling off from a stop sign, the vehicle jerked and there was smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic who performed a diagnostic test and stated that the passenger’s side axle seal of the transfer case was leaking and recommended that the transfer case be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 86,000.
Structure, Mar 6, 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 whenever it rained, rainwater leaked into the interior of the vehicle. The water had been leaking onto the dashboard and onto the center console. The contact stated that the carpet in the front of the vehicle was damaged due to the water leak. In addition, the front passenger's side-view mirror had an electrical shortage. The contact stated that the light independently turned on and remain on for a while before independently turning off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer cleaned the seal around the sunroof, however the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that wind could be heard coming through the windshield area. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Wheels, Mar 4, 2024
My 2014 Explorer has developed corrosion on all 4 aluminum wheels causing air loss along the tire bead while driving. Underinflated tires generate heat, tire distortion and catastrophic failure. I had one wheel "repaired" at Tom's Ford in February 2023 at a cost of 187.95. Please see attached and note Ford themselves refer to the rim as rusted. Aluminum wheels should not rust nor corrode. It is my position Ford used dissimilar metals for coating the wheels to enhance appearance and in the process has created a dangerous situation of leaking tires.
Structure, Mar 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the front windshield trim had detached. The contact stated that the full windshield trim had detached. In addition, the detached trim was currently being held in place by duct tape. 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 unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Traction control system, Feb 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH during a rainstorm, the vehicle began to sway left to right independently; the contact decelerated to maintain control of the vehicle. The traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 145,000.
Steering, Feb 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel was significantly difficult to steer, causing him to use excessive force to steer the vehicle. The contact pulled to the side of the highway. The contact stated that he turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the electric power steering had failed. The contact stated that the dealer cleared the DTC codes; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed. The mechanic determined that the rack and pinion and the steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
Steering, Suspension, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 22, 2024
Control arm on Ford 2014 explorer are prone to failure, causing vehicle to lose steering. Control arms rub excessively against brake components, also causing failure to both brakes, ABS, and sensors related to wheel speed. Failure is due to the manufacture. Strong action is need to prevent further road accidents if not addressed.
Seat belts, Feb 21, 2024
Both middle seat, air bag seat belts stopped working. The buckle will not click to lock on either seat belt. The dashboard shows an airbag light that just stays on. The car has not been hit or been in any accident at all. I understand there is a recall or soon to be a recall on other Ford Explorer 2014 vehicles, where the wiring is faulty for these air bag seat belts. The dealer said mine is not included. It is a safety failure.
Steering, Seat belts, Feb 12, 2024
My steering wheel is like using manual steering, it is very hard to turn it seems to get stuck in certain positions, easier in another spot when turning, then gets stuck again. It is very hard to turn, no lights on the dashboard, no error codes. This is a huge safety concern if I am driving and can no longer steer my vehicle safely. I see so many other complaining about this problem with 2014, why is there no recall? This is putting people at risk or crashing which could cause fatality! Secondly, my back seat belt doesn't work it will not latch any more, and I have seen so many complaints about that as well, but again Ford will not recall it. So I have a seat in my vehicle that cannot be used by anyone as it is a safety concern if there was an accident.
Steering, Feb 7, 2024
Power steering has gone out with Power Steering System Failure, Advance Track Failure alerts appearing upon cranking vehicle. Steering wheel locked up. This is an issue with the 2011-2013 and 2015-2017 and covered under warranty but not the 2014. How can it be an issue, not be an issue for a year, and then be an issue again?
Steering, Feb 2, 2024
Steering has become stiff and not responsive, feels like it catches and then frees up. There are no waring lights or trouble codes to the issue.
Other or unspecified, Feb 1, 2024
Backup camera works intermittently
Steering, Jan 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while his wife was driving 60 MPH, the power steering intermittently became inoperable and, after five minutes, returned to normal operation. The vehicle veered across the lanes of traffic. The failure occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on three separate occasions, but the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The dealer reset the codes. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.
Engine, Jan 31, 2024
Fumes are leaking into the cabin of the car. Possibly issues with an exhaust leak that is causing nausea and headaches when driving vehicle.
Structure, Jan 30, 2024
My trim for my front windshield flew off while driving.
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.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Jan 28, 2024
Car was sitting idle when a fan inside the engine compartment starting being very loud. Sound went away when car started moving. Noticed coolant was empty. Filled with coolant and made a 5 mile trip. Checked again and coolant was empty again.
Steering, Jan 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the "Loss of Power Steering - Pullover Safely" message was displayed. The contact became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly. The traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. 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 but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 154,000.
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.
Air bags, Jan 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the sensor located in the steering rack was inoperable and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 126,000.
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.
Air bags, Jan 20, 2024
Air bag light stay on
Engine, Jan 20, 2024
My car keeps running out of coolant yet I’m leaving no puddles anywhere
Steering, Jan 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 20–30 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn and became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power steering control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
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