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, Other or unspecified, May 29, 2022
I was driving and there was a loud pop then the steering wheel lock up on me. The power steering assist warning light came on all at once. Lucky I turned to a stop sign and only ran off in the grass for a second. If I would have turned right me and my fiancée would probably be dead or in the hospital since the road I did not take is very busy and well none for crashes. I was in the middle of pulling out and had to forces the wheel to turn to keep us safe and able to park.
Steering, May 26, 2022
This is an addition to initial complaint #11464655 regarding partial loss of steering. My initial complaint was for partial loss of steering while operating at 40 mph.. I had the vehicle inspected and it was determined that the rack and pinion failed. My mechanic attempted to order a new rack and pinion from Ford but Ford states that rack and pinion's for 2014 Explorers are on back order since so many have had steering loss issues and that they have no clue when the rack and pinions for the 2014 Explorer will be available. It seems as if there must be an issue with the steering in the 2014 Explorer if Ford itself states that they do not have any rack and pinions on hand for the many 2014 Explorer owners who have experienced steering loss issues with their vehicles and with the non-availability of a replacement rack and pinion for the 2014 Explorer, owners have their vehicles sitting at dealership or repair shops since they are not able to safely operate until such time that Ford is can produce the replacement rack and pinion. Fords answer to this issue (lack of replacement part - rack and pinion) is for the 2014 Explorer owners to rent a vehicle until the part becomes available but that puts a financial burden on the many 2014 Explorer owners for them to pay for the rental out of their own pocket while their vehicle is just sitting at a dealership or repair shop awaiting a replacement part due to the lack of availability of such replacement part. With so many 2014 Explorers out of commission due to steering and the lack of replacement rack and pinion, I believe this is a serious problem nationwide that should be handled as a potential recall. Ford had steering issues with its 2011-2013 Ford Explorers and I believe the steering issues for the 2014 Explorer should be examined and added to the recall for safety issues before a 2014 Explorer is involved in a fatal crash resulting in fatalities.
Steering, May 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn left or right. The steering assist fault warning light was illuminated. The contact restarted the vehicle and the vehicle worked as designed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where they informed the contact that the vehicle was working as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Other or unspecified, May 25, 2022
There is a distinct smell of gas inside my cars cabin. I’ve tested for carbon monoxide and found the level to be higher than any car I’ve tested under similar conditions. My car is no longer drivable because the smell makes me nauseous and sick. It began slowly one day and is now so overwhelming. The dealer says they know about the issue but that it has not been recalled. My mechanic says I have a laundry list of repairs that would be needed to possibly remedy the issue. It’s not guaranteed.
Engine and engine cooling, May 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking coolant. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 159,000.
Steering, May 24, 2022
My 2014 explorer was just diagnostic with a failing electric racket pinon steering defect. I am unable to drive my vehicle and not able to repair it, the cost is way to much. I see that the 2011 thru 2013 have a recall on steering failure that was addressed in August of 2014. The steering locks up on me and feels like its all over the road.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, May 21, 2022
Electric flickering occasionally smells like something burning. No warnings alerted. Interior lights/radio dim or go off or flash. Transmission problems, jerking, loss of power Cabin fills with exhaust fumes especially when stopped Unknown occurrence dates has been happening for at least 2yrs
Steering, May 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel would turn in the opposite direction of the driver input. The contact stated that the steering wheel made an abnormal noise. Occasionally, the vehicle intermittently lost power steering assist functionality. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The dealer and manufacturer were contacted and the contact was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 117,677.
Steering, May 14, 2022
Steering gear is grinding and showing signs of the same condition that the 2013 models were recalled to repair. Is it possible the steering equipment in the 2014 vehicle was manufactured doing the period the suspect gears were built?
Steering, Electrical system, May 14, 2022
While operating my vehicle at approximately 40 mph, I experienced partial loss of steering (hard steering) making the vehicle difficult to control. The partial loss of steering experienced put myself and the safety of others in my vehicle at the and on the roadway at risk for a crash. I immediately took the vehicle into a repair shop to have it inspected to ascertain what the issue was. Upon completion of the inspection, it was determined that the rack and pinion failed and needed to replaced. Prior to the loss of steering, I DID NOT receive any warning indications on my dash about steering issues or steering failures.
Steering, May 11, 2022
1. power steering system. Yes. 2. The steering becomes hard to steer while it is making the noise. 3. I have not taken it to the dealer yet. 4. No. I can't afford to get it fixed yet. 5. No. Several weeks ago. The steering becomes hard to steer and makes a lot of noise when it happens. It usually corrects itself after it happens. It is getting to the point where it is happening more frequently. I am at the point where I need to get it fixed but I can't afford the repair cost.
Steering, May 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn to the left. The contact accidentally struck the curb; however, there were no injuries. There were no warning lights. There was minor damage to the front end of the driver's side. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximately failure mileage was 75,000.
Steering, May 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH and entering the highway exit ramp and turning right, the power steering failed to operate properly. The contact stated that extra effort was needed to steer the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to his residence. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 4, 2022
The contact's father owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension) the dealer performed a complete inspection of the vehicle and informed the contact that the mass air flow sensor needed to be serviced and the coolant system needed to be flushed. The contact stated that the dealer completed the service and the recall repair however, upon picking up the vehicle and returning to his residence, the contact's father noticed that there was mechanical fluid leaking from the vehicle onto the ground. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that engine needed to be flushed and the timing chain and water pump needed to be replaced. The dealer also informed the contact that the vehicle was not drivable and he would be responsible for the cost of the repair. The contact's father declined to cover the repair as the failure was due to a technician error. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact's father then took the vehicle back to his residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and contacted the dealer who advised that they would not cover the repair of the vehicle. The manufacturer informed the contact that they could not force the dealer to repair the vehicle and referred the contact to NHTSA. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 56,556.
Engine, May 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 80 MPH, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. The contact pulled over and had the vehicle towed to a dealer. While at the dealer, the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective water pump. The dealer acknowledged that the failure was a known issue; however, there was no recall associated with the vehicle. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was driven to the residence and remained unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
Steering, May 2, 2022
I was traveling from Florida to Georgia on Sunday, May 1, 2022. I left Homosassa Springs, FL at 7:00 AM. At around 3:30 PM, I was traveling on Hwy 515, Jasper, GA. The traffic was heavy on the two lane road, speed limit was between 45 mph and 55 mph. I was traveling 45 mph when my car started driving very strange. I noticed it in the steering wheel, I pulled into the Jasper Walmart parking lot and could barely steer my car and then a message came on my dashboard stating that my electrical power steering system had shut down! Good Grief, I had just come through nightmare traffic through Atlanta...what if it had happened then! I researched this problem with the Ford power steering system. I saw that NHTSA investigated this issue in 2012 and found that this power steering problem posed a legitimate safety risk. A recall was made on 2011-2013 Ford Explorers built from 5/17/2010 thru 2/28/2012 based on an intermittent connection in the electric power steering gear. I truly believe for the safety of us who are driving a 2014 Ford Explorer and those on the roadway with us, that the NHTSA needs to investigate this further. Is Ford still using the same power steering component? Since what happened to me is the same problem investigated, it appears that they are. I filed Case #[XXX] on Monday, May 2, 2022 because I think FORD is responsible for this repair. My 2014 Ford Explorer has 59,363.9 miles, driven by an older (80 on May 9) female. I am a very safe and cautious driver. I have taken excellent care of my car with consistent service requirements. This vehicle has not been abused. Your consideration for my request to investigate this issue is appreciated. Thank you [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Steering, Apr 15, 2022
I was pulling into a parking space turning my steering wheel to the right when steering seized up causing me to barely miss the concrete pole in the garage. The error message "Steering Assist Fault" popped up.. Turned car off left it as is since was difficult to turn wheel. When I went back to turn car off it reset itself and I was able to drive it without issues, but now very cautious in case I am driving on the road and this happens. There are two recalls 21S32 and 19S17 on my vehicle for "replacement of rear suspension toe links" It appears after researching that this defect can cause "a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash"
Structure, Apr 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, it was discovered that the driver’s side front window pillar trim molding had come unsecured and was nearly dislodged from the vehicle. The contact indicated that duct tape was used to secure the trim piece back to the vehicle to prevent it from separating from the vehicle while driving. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 37,000.
Suspension, Apr 12, 2022
I have been trying to get the recall done for a year and a half only to be told the parts are not available. Just got a letter from Ford that parts were available so I called for appointment. Guess what! No parts. Year and a half and still no parts. This is a real safety issue. There have been known s accidents caused by this part failure yet after all this time I'm told no parts. Crazy!!
Suspension, Apr 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving over bumps in the roadway at various speeds, a jolt could be felt from the rear end of the vehicle. The contact then received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension) which she linked to the failure. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer for the repair; however, upon return of the vehicle, the contact was informed that she needed to replace a knuckle assembly on the toe link that was not covered under a recall. The contact was assured that the vehicle was safe to drive and she was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The contact then stated that while driving 65 MPH, she drove over a bump in the roadway and the entire rear end of the vehicle slid into the opposite lane of traffic and almost caused an accident. The contact then read her service report which stated that the recall was not serviced since the assembly knuckle was not replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The contact was then transferred to the NHTSA to file a complaint. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 108,000.
Steering, Apr 7, 2022
Took to dealership to fix previous recall issues and was told clunking noise when turning right is do to needing new rack and pinion system. Previous recall for this excludes the 2014 explorer but covers the 2013 thru 2017.
Steering, Apr 5, 2022
When driving the Ford Explorer 2014, the power steering seems to be faulty, when turning corners or pulling out of parking spaces the steering wheel is very hard to turn. Re: safety it is very hard to steer and very dangerous, seems like it has a mind of its own. Been inspected by a Ford Dealer in Brattleboro and have been informed that i need to replace the Rack & Pinion Assembly R&R. I have been reading different websites and have noticed that ford explorers from 2013 to 2017 apart from 2014 have been recalled due to steering issues and there are many comments and complaints re: other ford explorers 2014 owners having steering issues. No warning lights have come up on the desk board.
Suspension, Apr 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and an appointment was scheduled; however, the appointment was rescheduled for a later date. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Mar 27, 2022
Hello, my vehicle as I’m driving it jolts. Now it doesn’t happen all the time but , I’ve have noticed it.
Engine, Mar 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the engine was making loud noises, and then the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled over safely to the side of the road. No warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel; however, a message was displayed to shift the vehicle into park (P). The state patrol arrived on the scene and contacted the towing company. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed with water pump failure. The contact was also informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.