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.
Electrical system, Jan 19, 2026, fire
On January 8, 2026, my 2014 Ford Explorer (VIN: [XXX] ) caught fire without warning. The vehicle was parked in my garage prior to departure. When I pulled the vehicle out to leave, I noticed something burning on the garage floor. I briefly returned inside to extinguish that small fire, and when I turned back, the vehicle itself was on fire. I immediately moved the vehicle onto the grass away from a nearby tree to reduce the risk of further damage or spread. The fire department responded and extinguished the fire, and police were also on scene. The vehicle was effectively a total loss. There was no collision or prior accident involved. The fire appeared to originate in or around the engine compartment. The vehicle was properly maintained, and to the best of my knowledge, no unauthorized modifications were made. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Structure, Jan 12, 2026
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 while driving at highway speeds, the driver's side and passenger's side A-pillar trims rattled loudly. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was confirmed that the A-pillar trims on both sides of the vehicle were loose and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Structure, Jan 5, 2026
See attached document for complaint. I am writing to report that I have tried several times to have my 2014 Ford Explorer repaired for safety recall 24S02/NHTSA recall 24V031. I was told that no one had the parts for the repair. I live in Clermont, Florida, and I have contacted that Ford location multiple times along with other Ford dealers in the central Florida area. How can I get my Ford repaired?
Structure, Back over prevention, Jan 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the camera image showed a reversed image, and there were lines through the camera screen, and occasionally the camera was off. The contact stated that the image was distorted, so the contact covered up the camera. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Structure, Visibility/wiper, Jan 4, 2026
In January 2024 we were driving on the interstate when the left front A-Pillar trim part around windshield came off and hit our windshield, then flew off on the highway. We received a recall from Ford in February 2024, to date they claim they still don't have the part to repair, we now have water that leaks into the car when it rains. Which is creating issue inside our car. it has now been two years, it seems like they will never get this and my car will keep leaking. The car is titled in Virginia but the car is located at our Florida property in Clearwater Beach FL, I need it fixed down here.
Structure, Jan 2, 2026
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 unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the windshield exterior A-Pillar trim detached from the vehicle, causing other drivers to swerve to avoid colliding with the detached trim. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 190,000.
Other or unspecified, Dec 18, 2025
Rear view camera either is dark or reverses view (left is right and right is left). The camera either doesn’t work, works correctly or provides a horizontally flipped image so the driver side and passenger side views are reversed (this is the most dangerous view and the view that happens most frequently). I recently noticed that there has been an official recall for the 2015 Explorer but not the 2014. I wanted to bring it to your attention that more years are affected and need attention. The dealer claims not to know the problem and wants hundreds of dollars to “diagnose”.
Other or unspecified, Dec 16, 2025
I'm writing regarding recall: October 13, 2025 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 25V695000 Rearview Camera Image May Not Display A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. I have a 2014 Ford Explorer and the rearview camera failed approximately 1 year ago. I have experienced intermittent image, partial image, and no image at all. Is there some reason the 2014 Ford Explorer is not included in the recall ?
Structure, Dec 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side exterior A-pillar trim detached and flew off the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while driving on the Interstate Highway. The contact stated that whenever it rained or snowed, water was entering the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact was informed that the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the parts had not been available for a year and a half. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, parts were still not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering, Electrical system, Wheels, Nov 27, 2025
All my dash lights turn off u can drive it but all my dash light is off the abs light its on
Structure, Nov 25, 2025
Exterior A-Pillar Appliqué Trim Clip Attachments Mfr recall # 24S02 NHTSA recall # 24V031 Remedy has been unavailable @local Ford dealership too long and gave been told it’s not available to them. Approximate date given for incident occurrence is not remembered and date entered is inaccurate)
Structure, Nov 21, 2025
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 water was entering the vehicle due to the part failing. 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.
Structure, Nov 20, 2025
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 while driving at 60 MPH, the driver's side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The contact replaced the A-pillar trim. However, the piece was not the correct size. Most recently, the contact stated that the passenger’s side A-pillar trim became loose. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired after the most recent failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.
Back over prevention, Nov 14, 2025
My uncle has a 2015 Ford Explorer and he received recall 25V695 for the rear camera issues blurry/ wavy and going completely black and not being useful. Almost have backed into a few things when it goes out in the middle of reverse. I believe this is a huge safety concern and my vehicle should be added to the list of affected. Not that they are going to do anything, I took mine in a year ago for the A=pillar trim flying off and they said they still don't have parts that I could either just park it or take the trim off and drive around that way. smh. Can you please help so I can feel more safe when I back up?
Structure, Nov 14, 2025
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 while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger’s side A-Pillar trim detached, and a part of the front driver’s side A-pillar trim was still attached. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Steering, Nov 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH and turning to the left, the steering wheel started shaking, and he felt the rear end of the vehicle start sliding to the right. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel was stuck in the direction that it was turned and had to be manually returned to center. The contact stated that the failure was more frequent while turning to the left. and while driving at slower speeds. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed and determined that the steering gears needed to be regreased. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Structure, Nov 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 75-80 MPH in the right lane, the trim on the driver’s side of the vehicle detached from the windshield. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were on back order. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Steering, Nov 11, 2025
Loss of steering. Driving down the road the my completely locks up while in drive. Was told it was faulty rack and pinions.
Other or unspecified, Nov 11, 2025
First issue is regarding the rear view camera, it kept going out and coming back on and now it shows the image in mirror view (what is on my left will show up on the right and vice versa on the monitor). I did see some fords were recalled, I was told mine wasn't and I would have to pay for this out of my pocket. Second issue is about my motor mounts, all mounts have been replaced approximately 3-4 times.
Back over prevention, Nov 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while reversing, the rear-view camera briefly displayed an image, and the message "Rear-view Camera Unavailable" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rearview camera needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall; however, the model year was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Other or unspecified, Nov 7, 2025
The backup camera doesn’t work. When I put it in reverse the camera goes blank or is very distorted where you can’t see
Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 6, 2025
Engine over heat warning while driving and I checked there is a coolant leakage.
Other or unspecified, Nov 5, 2025
Dealer says they can't get parts .. been 2 years waiting .. no delivery daye
Structure, Oct 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) approximately 10 months ago. The contact called a local dealer several times to set up a recall appointment, but was informed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that recently, the local DMV was attempting not to grant the contact the State Inspection sticker unless the recall repair was completed. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not informed of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Other or unspecified, Oct 29, 2025
Windshield rubber falling out and breaking apart.