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, Jan 11, 2023
I took my vehicle in for a recall repair for the toe kicks and a noise in the front of my car when I and upon inspection was told that I need a new left front tie rod replaced and a 4 wheel alignment after the job is completed. I came home and parked it , then when I was backing out of my driveway the camera stopped working it was black. I found it strange but thought maybe it has to reboot or something, I accidently hit the park assist button and the light came on see dealer. I called the dealer told them what was happening and they asked that I bring it in. I did and they did a diagnostic saying it was the sensors that need replacing. Fast forward I'm picking up my granddaughter at school and I hear a horrible noise when I turn the steering wheel. My granddaughter asked my why car was making that noise, I said I don't know but that I was not turning music or anything on just in case we need to pull over. I immediately take it to my mechanic on my way home, luckily he's a block away, I dropped it off and walked home. They found that its the Electronic Rack & Pinion Power Steering rack. They said they have seen so many of these with the same problem and that unfortunately the recall falls short of my year Explorer 2014 which should have been included, its not safe to drive and will be an expensive fix . The recall was only for the 2011-2013. This frightened me, because he said they don't have the capability to fix it because once the new rack is installed it needs to be programmed and the dealer is pretty much the only one that can do that. This is a dealer repair only and for my safety he recommended getting this done. It will lock while driving or break and has resulted in many accidents. Ford Motor Company should be held accountable for this ongoing safety issue with their faulty Steering Rack as this goes beyond the 2011-2013 model years. I'm petrified to drive this vehicle after researching this, knowing I'm not alone in this deadly problem with my vehicle.
Steering, Jan 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH and making a left turn, the steering wheel suddenly became very difficult to turn, causing the driver to nearly lose control of the vehicle. During the failure, the “steering assist fault" message was displayed. The vehicle was later driven to the local dealer who diagnosed that the power steering control module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 36,000. The VIN was not available.
Steering, Jan 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving various speeds, the vehicle was jerking and losing traction. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle was difficult to steer. The contact stated that the wheels continued to spin but the vehicle was jerking. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering assist gear needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the parts were on back order. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.
Steering, Jan 4, 2023
Electric power steering assist failed. This was a danger to myself, children and other motorist. Power steering assist fault appeared on dash. I have fault codes u3000-96 , u2001-49. Ford has issued recalls for ealier and later model years but not this one. I have done some research and it appears to be a known problem for this model and model year. Thank gosh my family wasn't injured because of this failure. I hope you can do something about this known issue. Ford customer service told me there is nothing they can do for me.
Steering, Jan 3, 2023
Premature power steering failure. Danger to operator and others on the road.
Steering, Jan 2, 2023
Steering has become “sticky” and did not feel right, felt completely unsafe to drive. Steering made a grinding type of noise when turning the wheel. Took my vehicle to my mechanic for inspection. Mechanic inspected and confirmed the “steering rack” needs replacement. I will be replacing the steering rack asap. No warning lights.
Steering, Dec 28, 2022
The steering began to make a rubbing sound and then turning became difficult. I also received a traction control failure warning. When the vehicle was taken to the Ford dealership where it was purchased I was told that it’s a common failure of the steering rack (over $2,000 repair) and that there were complaints but no recall. I have since taken the vehicle home and parked it until I decide whether to make the repair.
Steering, Dec 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving out of the driveway at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the power steering gear was faulty. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, and the dealer replaced the power steering gear and reset the computer. 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 117,000.
Engine, Dec 15, 2022
Water pump has a leak need to be replaced
Service brakes, Dec 14, 2022, crash
The vehicle was placed in park with the engine running. No one was in the vehicle when, on it's own, it came out of park and rolled down our driveway, coming to a stop after hitting a tree. A person or cat could have easily been on the driveway and run and killed. It subsequently cost $10751.42 to repair the damage to the rear tailgate. No previous issues had been noted prior to this incident. This occurred in July 2001 and was submitted to our insurance company where we paid a$1000 deductible and caused our rates to go up. We have contacted Ford without any success.
Steering, Electrical system, Nov 30, 2022
My 2014 Ford Explorer was manufactured 07/13 and is showing signs of a power steering issue. This started in October 2022 and is ongoing. The power steering seems to go in and out while driving but seems to be fine after the car has sat or not been running. This is happening daily. No warning lights have ever come on during the power steering lose. The car intermittently will get harder to steer and at times the wheel dramatically pulls to the right and then left while it is trying to return to a straight line. This has caused me to go left of center because it is so erratic. Turning from a stop is extremely difficult. I have contacted the dealer and have been told my vehicle does not have a recall for such issue. Through research I see this is a known problem with same vehicles of newer and later years. This is a job that will likely cost 1800 to 2000 and that is not acceptable when FORD has known of this problem. A simple google search reflects many 2014 Ford vehicles with steering issues. If my car does not fit into the original recall - I would like to know what Ford changed as it pertains to EPAS system from 2/28/2012 to the date my vehicle was manufactured in 2013. Thank you In May 2014, Ford Motor Company issued a recall for the 2011-2013 Ford Explorers for a defect in the power steering system. The affected vehicles may experience an intermittent connection in the electric power steering gear, which can cause a loss of the motor position sensor signal resulting in a shut-down of the power steering assist.
Steering, Nov 27, 2022
Power Steering Assist Service Required error displayed on dash. Problem occurs intermittently upon starting. Vehicle inspected by Ford dealer but inspection was inconclusive. Safety concern if power steering module fails while driving.
Steering, Nov 21, 2022
2014 Ford Explorer Sport. Have owned vehicle since new. Electric power steering module failed, first exhibiting a squealing noise on movement, then mechanical clunking when turning, followed by difficulty steering and finally seizure on arrival to Ford repair dealer. Seizure confirmed by Ford service center. Replacement part on back-order, suggesting high replacement rates. I will attempt to keep steering unit after replacement of new unit by Ford. Had been driving on freeway at 65mph in the minutes before steering seizure at dealer. Dangerous safety issue: vehicle is family car and used for school run daily, 30min commute each way on freeway at 65mph. Intermittent warnings from vehicle management system in days before failure: 4WD, cruise control, etc. No open recall on vehicle, but very similar to other year recalls on Ford Explorers, ref. NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Nov 17, 2022
The Exhaust manifold/catalytic converter is cracked causing excessive exhaust fumes which leak into the cabin area exposing passengers to carbon monoxide.
Steering, Nov 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the power steering failed to operate as needed, without warning. The contact's husband was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with an electric power steering failure. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer since the parts for the repair were on back order. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Steering, Nov 9, 2022
While driving the vehicle the power steering stopped working. There is no warning light on the dash and indication anything was wrong.
Steering, Oct 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the “Steering Malfunction” message was displayed, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who indicated that the electronic power steering rack was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Steering, Oct 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while making a left turn, the steering wheel seized. The contact used force to loosen the steering wheel. The vehicle was not diagnosed; however, the contact believed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not under recall. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 124,000. The consumer had to wait 4 months for the parts to fix the vehicle.
Steering, Oct 20, 2022
The vehicle makes a grinding noise when turning the steering wheel. The electric power steering component is failing and can cause a complete loss of power steering which can result in a crash, and a potentially serious one if the loss occurs at a high rate of speed. A mechanic that reviewed the problem has stated that he is aware of several other vehicles experiencing the same problem. There were s zero warning indicators or messages prior to the steering making noise. The worse the noise gets, the more difficult it becomes for the vehicle’s operator to turn the wheel.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle started to shake and the engine overheated. The check engine warning light and the temperature gauge warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to coast the vehicle off the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to Midas where it was diagnosed again that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was guaranteed a 2-year warranty, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.
Steering, Oct 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at approximately 75 MPH, the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact then stated that the following day, while her husband was reversing out of the driveway, the steering wheel seized as an unknown steering warning light was illuminated. The contact's husband drove back into the driveway and the vehicle was no longer operable. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering gear assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting the parts for the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000. The contact stated that the recall applies to model years 2011 to 2013 but not to their 2014 model.
Steering, Oct 14, 2022
I have a 2014 Ford Explorer sport. I notice the airbag light went on. I ran my obd scanner, initially it gave B00A0 and B0061 error codes. After a couple weeks, my EPS doesn’t work after I turned the engine on, it won’t turn left or right. It went away after turning off and back on. It happened again after couple of days, i was leaving the gas station and the message went on and i tried to restart the engine twice, but it still didn’t fix it, but i had to leave cause there are people behind me waiting. I tried to drive forward and just end up blocking the way cause I couldn’t turn the steering wheel and people are getting upset. Thank God it worked after the 3rd restart. Then 3rd time it happened, it didn’t went away after how many times i turn off and on the engine. When I scanned it error code C1B00 came out and a message on the dashboard saying steering assist failure service required. Then i tried again after few mins later same message pops out as well as collision warning not available and service advance trac. I took it to the mechanic, said it was the clock spring that need to be replaced. But as soon as I picked it up from the mechanic after they change the clock spring, same problem reappeared. The first couple of time, a restart fix it but on the 3rd time the power steering just disabled again. This time the mechanic said it needs a new rack and pinion and it’s on back order and no idea when they will have it available.
Engine, Oct 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was stalling and while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The vehicle lost motive power and failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that she received assistance from a bystander to move the vehicle to the side of the roadway and noticed a puddle of water coming from underneath the engine. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that while driving up a hill, the vehicle was stalling and the parking brake was activated. The vehicle lost motive power and failed to restart. The vehicle was left on the side of the roadway to be towed; however, the contact's husband was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000.
Steering, Oct 1, 2022
Completely and suddenly lost power steering. It appears to be a major issue with Explorers. A recall was made for explorers up to 2013, but the problem persists in additional year models. It is a very expensive repair and it appears to be a manufacturing flaw.
Seat belts, Seats, Service brakes, Sep 30, 2022
I have several issues that I have had with the ford explore. This is my second ford explore. The passenger air was not assemble correctly and now is coming apart. The seat belt on the driver sit gets stuck. The car door panels have come undone which is not typical with any other vehicle expect explore. The brakes on the car are difficult to use to the suspension issue. When I have taken my car to the dealer they have not been helpful. They won’t provide a temporary vehicle while my car is getting fix and that not acceptable. I need someone to help me with these issues at no cost. This is my second explore and I love my car but I hate that it has issues that were not fix from the moment the car was sold.