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, Jul 18, 2023
Steering has become hard to turn the wheel. I know there is a recall for steering on the 2013 Ford Explorer but there seems to be the same problem with the power assist steering on the 2014 Ford Explorers. Im afraid this will progress to failure.
Steering, Jul 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized. The contact was able to safely stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed as having a fractured steering column rack that needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
Structure, Jul 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that he became aware that the front passenger’s side floorboard was soaked with water. The contact also stated that water was leaking from the windshield trim panel. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall and advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Steering, Jul 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, the steering wheel seized and made an abnormal grinding sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 28, 2023
Ever since I purchased my 2014 Ford Explorer, I noticed a foul smell inside the vehicle when accelerating. It seemed fine when driving normally, but when accelerating into traffic or whenever RPMs are increasing, it’s definitely noticeable. At first I thought it wasn’t that big of a deal, until my young step-son was in the passenger seat complaining about how he felt nauseous out of nowhere. So I decided to do a little research and found a TON of articles including the ones in these two links!: https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/ford-explorer-lawsuits-exhaust-leak-carbon-monoxide/ https://6abc.com/amp/ford-explorer-suv-sick-dizzy/3507986/
Engine, Jun 26, 2023
While driving my 2014 Ford Explorer from South Florida to Millegville Georgia the high temp Light came on and the engine slowed on I-16. Managed to get off The Interstate at Macon Ga. Almost caused accidents in traffic. Finally got to Ford dealer said water pump failed like so many others. $2600 estimate. End of my trip, had to rent car to get home car Still in shop in Georgia waiting for repairs.
Other or unspecified, Jun 26, 2023
I was driving several months back and heard a strange noise. I was on an interstate so I could not pull over but then suddenly I heard a very loud crack. I thought maybe something in the road had hit my car. Then a driver came alongside me in the other lane and he was yelling and pointing and seemed angry. I felt like it was unsafe to pull over so I waited until the next exit and I got off at the exit. At that time, the driver kept going and did not pull over with me. But as soon as I got out of my car, I saw what had happened. The trim on the side of my windshield had completely come off. I took it to my local Ford dealership and they fixed it the best they could but they said there’s not the parts to fix it. Now it looks like my other side might do it as well. And Ford doesn’t seem to know how to fix it. I feel like the trim piece had hit the car behind me and it could have caused damage to another vehicle. I don’t know because the man didn’t pull over. And now I’m afraid it might happen again on the other side. I’m going to put tape over it tomorrow to help secure it. But I feel like this is something that Ford should be aware of and at least be able to fix.
Air bags, Jun 21, 2023
Air bag light is illuminated even after being cleared at the dealership. They claim its in the backseat only and that my airbag will still deploy, which to my knowledge is untrue. They refuse to help solve the issue afte purchasing from them only two weeks ago
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jun 21, 2023
Bought the vehicle used from a dealership. The windshield wobbles at highways speeds. Noticed today that the trim on the left side of the vehicle is detached partially. Dealership will not do anything to resolve the issue. Serious safety concern.
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 14, 2023
UNKNOWN
Structure, Jun 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the trim on the driver's side windshield detached. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the cause of the failure was not determined, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
Steering, Jun 7, 2023
The power steering stopped working while driving. My safety was put at risk because I couldn’t control where my car was going. I was unable to pull into a safe spot. It stopped working while traveling at a high rate of speed without any warning
Other or unspecified, Jun 7, 2023
2014 Ford Explorer Limited: Power Steering Unit beginning to fail. Available for inspection upon request. Just received auto back from dealership (Crystal River Ford) after repair of yet ANOTHER recall for this auto and began hearing noise when turning wheel after only 2 brief drives with no noise heard. Took back to dealership and advised that it would require a new Power Steering Unit, that none available from Ford AND NO ETA and advised that a current customer waited 3 months to receive the unit. No warning lamp or message whatsoever, was prepared to take the vehicle long distance (~500 miles round trip) and could have been an extreme hazard should I not have had it investigated. Safety??? Look at message boards regarding this issue, NOT difficult to find. NOT new issue and NOT infrequent issue. This year auto is a hazard to be driven on the road.
Steering, Jun 6, 2023
I was driving at about 55 mph coming back from Conway N.H. (which is a very curvy road) when I had messages come up stating "power steering assist has failed, service traction control, traction off, and engine on". After this the steering wheel became very hard to steer and I had to keep jerking it to try and slow down. I pulled over and waited about 10 minutes then restarted the vehicle but the messages remained on and the power steering was not working at all still. Attempted a restart 3 separate times and the power steering messages were still there. Losing your power steering while driving is extremely dangerous for people in the car and all others on the road. A recall for this issue was issued for 2011-2013 and 2015-2016 model years for Ford Explorer. This is obviously the same issue for the 2014 model that must also be recalled to keep all drivers safe.
Steering, Jun 6, 2023
The power steering intermittently stops working and the steering wheel gets stiff while driving. I see that there is a recall for the Explorers 2011-2013, but mine is a 2014 and is now having this same issue.
Steering, Jun 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was firm, and the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The traction control warning light was illuminated. The contact shut off and restarted the vehicle to correct the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.
Steering, Jun 5, 2023
Traveling at high speed the vehicle will either stay in a locked position while making turns or will have a jerking motion. The cause is Power steering failed completely. Resolution is the entire system needs to be replaced rack and pinion and ecu needs to be flashed due to complete electric power steering.
Steering, Jun 4, 2023
After driving several hours on a very busy interstate, I stopped to get gas. When pulling out of the gas station my steering became inoperable. The warning indicator came on after I started to drive. I never had any indication that I needed to get my vehicle serviced prior to losing power steering. I had to have the vehicle towed to our mechanic. We were told the steering rack and pinion needed replaced and the cost is $2500. After research, I found that the NHTSA had issued recall 14S06 for 2011-2013 Ford Explorers with the exact same issue I've reported. A quick Google search shows that Ford Explorers continue to have these same issues, yet another recall has not been issued. Had my steering wheel locked up on me on the 5-lane interstate I was on, I would have created a major accident hurting myself and many others. This particular interstate has over 2 million drivers daily and is the most dangerous interstate in the United States. It is unbelievable to me that Ford has not fixed this major failure in their vehicles. I've attached an article below that speaks to an additional recall and also mentions that the backup camera fails. Oddly enough my backup camera stopped working a couple weeks ago. It would be in Ford's best interest to issue additional recalls before more people lose their lives. Please see the additional sites I've included with other owners with the same issues. I am thankful I was in a safe place where I could get my vehicle pulled over. Please keep me updated with the status of my complaint. https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/ford/2020/11/04/ford-explorer-suvs-recall-steering-control/6158847002/ https://www.carproblemzoo.com/ford/explorer/2014/steering-problems.php https://www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Explorer/2014/steering/power_steering_failure.shtml https://www.vehiclehistory.com/questions/does-the-2014-ford-explorer-have-an-electric-power-steering-recall-54585
Steering, Engine, Jun 3, 2023
I was driving my car stopped at a gas station went to leave and had no power steering. Replaced the power steering angle sensor still didn't fix the problem had to have the rack and pinion replaced all in cost almost $3000. Now my car is leaking coolant from the motor where the water pump is located
Other or unspecified, Jun 1, 2023
Rear backup camera is faulty on my 2014 Ford Explorer. It works intermittently or not at all. Sometimes the image on my display is flipped, meaning if I should see grass on the right side of my vehicle while backing up, the image is displaying grass on the left side. There is a recall for newer models of Ford Explorers related to the backup camera, but I believe there is an issue with older models as well.
Power train, May 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the transmission warning light illuminated and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to restart the vehicle but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.
Steering, May 24, 2023
Power steering suddenly stopped working making it very difficult to steer. I was turning the corner at a stoplight and nearly ran into another vehicle in the next lane. 1) Power steering. Yes, available for inspection 2) Nearly crashed into another vehicle 3) Have not taken it to a mechanic yet 4) Has not been inspected by the dealer 5) No warning lights were on Looking on the internet, this is a widespread problem with this year of Ford Explorer. There should be a recall for this issue!
Back over prevention, May 18, 2023
When backing up the screen will go black. When I place the car in drive again and back in reverse, it will work for a short period of time then go black again. A warning pops up stating the camera is unavailable and to contact the dealership.
Steering, May 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the power steering assist had failed with an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where several software updates were performed, and the braking system was repaired. The contact was later informed that the repairs that were performed would resolve the issue with the power steering. Despite the repairs, the power steering failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair of the power steering. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline for further assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Engine, May 15, 2023
Ford built the motor with a water pump when it leaks leaks right into the crank case where the oil is so the motor seizes up and that’s what happened to my car now my car is shot