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.
Structure, Feb 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 75 MPH, the windshield trim panel detached. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE23001 (Structure). The failure mileage was approximately 185,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Steering, Feb 2, 2023
Lost all power steering while driving with absolutely no warning. Took to dealer and it is the electronic steering assembly. After further investigation and talking to people this seems to be a major issue with this year of explorers. And it is very expensive to fix.
Visibility, Feb 1, 2023
While driving on my local highway I heard a large clunk and scraping noise as the windshield trim flew off my vehicle and scrapped down the side and flew behind me. It was very startling and dangerous.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Feb 1, 2023
At Christmas we noticed that there was something flapping from the side of the windshield & hitting the windshield as well as bilateral front windows. Further inspection revealed what appears to be a rubber seal keeping the body trim flush with the windshield was disintegrating. This could even be holding windshield in place. This problem is reproducible & occurs anywhere over 30mph. The faster you go, the more the trim starts to detach from the vehicle. With the seal disintegrating, the trim body pieces that cover the arm of the door (black) is becoming loose/flimsy. Photos enclosed show you there is about a 1/2 inch gap between the trim & windshield without the seal causing easy movement & potential for air to lift/detach the trim. We are fearful this is going to fall off the vehicle. It appears that this seal was keeping this body piece in place. A huge safety concern arises anytime there is a part of a vehicle that is beginning to fall off at any speed. The seal itself could fall off in pieces as you will see in photos hitting not only other vehicles & causing them to lose control, it could also hit a motorcyclist causing them to crash, it could even go to the extent of hitting a pedestrian & causing major physical harm. The body trim that appears to be affected by this seal were to detach itself while moving it will definitely cause some major issues. Given this is more solid & bigger in size, this could cause significant motor vehicle damage, significant injury to motorcyclist and/or motorcycles, Injury to pedestrians, & even potentially cause a fatality. There are no warning lights or alarms from the vehicle alerting us of an issue. The Ford dealership is unable to see us for over a month to diagnose this issue let alone an oil change. This problem has not been reproduced by an inspection facility or license dealership because of scheduling at this time period there is an appointment set for February 10th however Injury or worse could occur until then.
Structure, Visibility, Feb 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the front driver’s and passenger’s side windshield trim panel detached and struck another vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that he would be charged a repair cost. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.
Visibility, Feb 1, 2023
While driving on the IH-20 highways in Dallas, Texas, the TRIM panels in the RIGHT side of the Windshield fell off the vehicles. I was driving 70 MPH and 75 MPH on IH-20. Weather was clear and was not using the windshield wiper. Had to buy 2 NEW TRIMs, (1 for Left side and 1 for the Right side) from the Ford Dealer and utilized a Windshield repair company to fix the failed units.
Structure, Feb 1, 2023
Windshield trim piece on right side flew off while driving down the road.
Structure, Feb 1, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? WINDSHIELD TRIM How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? ONE SIDE FLEW OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? NO Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? NO Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? IT STARTED TO GET LOOSE A FEW DAYS PRIOR
Structure, Visibility, Feb 1, 2023
Driving down the interstate and windshield A pillar panel flew off.
Visibility, Jan 31, 2023
While driving down 1-10 highway in Arizona, the left side windshield black pillar flew off my 2014 Ford Explorer.
Back over prevention, Jan 31, 2023
rear camera fails 1/3 times
Visibility, Jan 31, 2023
windshield pillar trim blew off at highways speeds at night.
Visibility, Jan 31, 2023
Trim piece in front of driver's door has flown off in traffic twice -second time after being replaced/repaired.
Engine, Jan 31, 2023
My ford Explorer has a 3.5L V6 motor. This motor was designed with the water pump installed in the crank shaft. As a result of this when the water pump fails and leaks coolant can leak into the motor and mix with the oil costing thousands of dollars in damages.
Lane departure, Back over prevention, Jan 30, 2023
My 2014 Ford Explorer Sport backup camera has begun showing mirror image and the review guidance markers have disappeared when in reverse. The camera works it simply show a mirror image in the camera. I believe the camera issue is the same for newer models that have been recently identified on TV news and newspapers. I would like to add my vehicle to the recall.
Steering, Power train, Jan 26, 2023
Power steering will fail sporadically when at Highway speeds or City speeds and show error code. Advance Trac AWD system disabled, traction control disabled, unsafe.
Power train, Jan 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that on multiple occasions while accelerating at 30-40 MPH, the vehicle started to sputter and the engine misfired. The contact then stated that on other occasions while accelerating approximately 60-65 MPH, the vehicle failed to properly respond. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the torque converter failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V427000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided the contact with Customer Satisfaction Program: 20N07 and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.
Power train, Jan 25, 2023
Check engine light came on at approximately 79000 miles for timing components that will cost over $4000 to repair.
Steering, Jan 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Other or unspecified, Jan 25, 2023
The water pump started leaking into the engine. Car overheats. Now it has to be replaced or the engine will seize and need to be replaced. The cost to replace this part and the timing belt is $2,685. I have always done all the recommended services and oil changes and I am frustrated that this was not noticed sooner. This seems to be a very common problem with water pumps and many folks had their car seize while driving.
Steering, Jan 18, 2023
While driving at low speed, the vehicle EPAS shut down creating an unsafe condition with the steering system. The error cleared from the dash and no warning lights remained though the EPAS remained disabled.
Steering, Air bags, Jan 17, 2023
Airbag warning light randomly comes on and stays on! When Turing the steering wheel there is a loud annoying squeaky/squeal noise coming from the front end which is supper scary
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 17, 2023
My vehicle gradually started getting louder and at the same time we started to notice exhaust fume smell in the vehicle. I had taken it to the dealership and and a different mechanic for a confirmation. They both explained the exhaust is coming apart at the seam. Not due to rust. Just the exhaust on both sides are doing the same thing. Since the first visit with them, I had taken it back again when we noticed it even more and it just keeps getting worse. It'll eventually come off and continue to allow fumes in the car until replaced. I called Ford and they said they did have a customer satisfaction program to replace it, but it was only for police cars and it expired anyway. I explained this is a huge concern for the fact we inhale the fumes in the car and that it can just come apart at any moment, driving. No help at all from Ford.
Power train, Jan 15, 2023
2014 Ford Explorer XLT with 102,858 miles. All previous recalls have been repaired. Over a period of past 2 weeks, I noticed a steady increase in an intermittent lurch as I drove. It happened more often, so I took to Mountaineer Ford on Jan. 13, 2023. They determined the transmission was failing, saying a new replacement would cost $7,500. Unable to afford that, I declined for the time being. On the way home, it suddenly got so much worse - grinding and lurching - I was not sure I'd make it before it failed completely. Thankfully, I made it but I consider the car no longer drivable.
Suspension, Jan 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V435000 (Suspension). The technician then became aware that the front alignment needed to be adjusted due that the rear alignment adjustment. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but declined to perform the alignment. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.