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, Dec 7, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the "Steering Wheel Default, Seek Immediate Attention" warning message was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was 168,075.
Steering, Dec 4, 2021
Recently started experiencing a weird noise coming from the front end near the wheel area. The noise was also physical since I could feel it through the steering wheel. I did take it to a manufacturer locally they could not duplicate the issue. I explained to them that they needed to keep it longer than a couple hours in order to duplicate the problem. I did feel like the dealer did not inspect my vehicle long enough by keeping it and driving it.
Other or unspecified, Dec 4, 2021
I am writing to notify you of the problems I am experiencing with my 2014 Ford Explorer VIN # [XXX] and to request help to resolve these problems with the vehicle in a timely manner. I purchased the vehicle 8 months ago (March 2021) from Bomnin Chervrolet of Manassas. I began having trouble with the heat temperature on the right passenger side of the vehicle. I took my vehicle to Sheehy Ford Lincoln of Gaithersburg Maryland for recall repairs and my husband explained to service what we have been experiencing with the vehicle. He was told the Carbon monoxide is due to a leak in the manifold and the transfer case was about to go. I have been in contact with my finance company about what has been going on with the vehicle and they instructed me to reach out to the dealership where it was purchased. Which I did and unfortunately, they aren't willing to assist in the major problems with the vehicle. I was told on Monday November 29, 2021 they will be willing to repair heat temperature and that's it. The problems with the truck is the radio touch screen which controls heat, music, seat warmers and so forth isn’t working, temperature on right passenger side, back up camera, carbon monoxide coming thru vents, manifold, and the transfer case needs to be replaced because its about to go; if it hasn't gone already. The truck wont back up without making loud grinding noises and stalling. These problems my family are having substantially impairs the use and valve of my vehicle and creates a serious safety hazard to my family. After explaining to the dealer that I am on a fixed income of just SSI and needed my vehicle for appointments and everything; they isn't willing to repair the major safety. It's very hard to understand why anyone would sell my family a 2014 Ford Explorer knowingly aware of its history from November 16, 2018 from a previous owner of Carbon Monoxide concerns, still this vehicle was sold to my family. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Other or unspecified, Nov 24, 2021
My 2014 explorer is having the same steering fault assist recall problem the 2013 has. The power steering stops working and has happened while driving and now it is constantly popping up. Ford won't fix it under the recall.
Steering, Nov 15, 2021
When turning the steering wheel, you can hear a terrible squeaking noise coming from the front end of the vehicle in the center. Over time the squeaking gets worse and worse. Steering the vehicle is becoming harder to control, when letting off the gas, the whole steering wheel will stay straight but the actual wheels are quickly do a hard pull to the right. This is extremely unsafe and is likely to cause an accident. Yes the problem has been reproduced by a service center. They told me this is the same issue with the 2013 (1 year older) and there was a recall on that year, however not the 2014, even though the same part was used in the 2014 also. There are no warning lamps, or messages. They have been gradually getting worse since I purchased the vehicle.
Suspension, Nov 10, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V435000 (Suspension) and 21V537000 (Suspension) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer and another dealer, John Kennedy Ford of Pottstown (3189 W Ridge Pike, Pottstown, PA 19464) were made aware of the issue and informed the contact that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect on NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V435000 (Suspension). VIN tool confirms parts not available on NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (suspension).
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 8, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the oil extremely low warning message was illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with a blown head gasket. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000. When the engine failed there was absolutely no warning indication. My car is regularly in for oil changes at the dealership between 5-6K miles and there was no indication that there may be coolant in the oil when it was changed. No warning signs indicated on the console except for right before the engine went which was "Extremely Low Oil". Consumer stated climate control system in the rear of the cabinet turns on by itself. Additionally, in the morning or anytime when car is auto started consumer can smell a pungent order like sulfur in the heating system.
Steering, Oct 27, 2021
After having the Water Pump exchanged (on 9/8/21) and a multi-point inspection done, and finding no issues, we went on a road trip. While driving on freeways, we noticed that while in a gentle curve of the road to the left, the steering wheel would not return to the neutral position when the road straightened. As we drove home, it became worse, to where we we would have to forcefully turn the wheel to straighten back to neutral. Returned Explorer to dealership 9/21/21. They finally were able to figure out it was the Rack and Pinion that needed replaced. We got the Explorer back on 10/13/21. Please hold Ford responsible for this issue as they have not fixed the problem that was on other years and this is no different.
Engine, Oct 25, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle, the vehicle started to overheat. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was sludge in the engine. The contact was informed that there was coolant leaking into the engine oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 133,553.
Steering, Oct 22, 2021
The electric power steering is failing. Turning the steering wheel is becoming more difficult. I fear it will completely stop working. Earlier 2013 models have recalls for this. There has not been a recall for the 2014 model. I am bringing it to the Ford dealer 10/26/2021
Air bags, Oct 11, 2021
Air bag light came on, when I took it in to get looked at they said the wiring harness is faulty and it has been reported by ford as a common issue on this vehicle. As of right now due to the faulty wiring harness rear air bags will not deploy in an accident. They will not cover the expenses of changing it and are charging $600 for the harness plus the labor.
Power train, Oct 8, 2021
Torque converters failed without notice or warning. Could lead to complete transmission failure and risk passengers and other drivers safety. Dealer has confirmed the issue. Manufacturer has denied any sort of coverage or assistance. Vehicle has less than 52,000 miles and will now require a complete transmission replacement. Faulty engineering and manufacturing. Unacceptable.
Other or unspecified, Sep 30, 2021
I have a 2014 Ford Explorer I bought used. On the passenger side the door panel is pulling away from the door and the armrest. After researching I found out this was covered under a recall so I contacted Ford. The lady I online chatted with told me to set up an appointment at my local Ford dealer to have it fixed that it would be covered under the recall 17N04. I contacted the dealer and they said the would order the part. A few weeks went by and I called to see if the part was in. The dealer informed me Ford would not cover the repair because my recall was over the years, but it was still under the mileage of the repair. They took photos and Ford still refuses to do anything the fix the problem. I then took it to a car repair business and they told me there was nothing they could do to fix it, that it was a design flaw on Fords part and it would need a new door skin. Is there anyway you can help me? I understand the years of the warranty are up but I also understand I have not exceeded the mileage on the recall and now I am stuck with an unrepairable door panel. Sure hoping there is something you can do.
Engine, Sep 24, 2021
In failure while driving on highway and it was found that the issue was due to a faulty water pump
Vehicle speed control, Sep 23, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would jerk upon depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact then called a dealer and he was informed that they would charge a diagnostic fee for inspecting the vehicle however, the contact declined. The manufacturer also was notified of the failure and referred him to NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Engine, Sep 18, 2021
7/20/2020 and before, dashboard light came on with message "check charging system" then steering wheel locked up, turned off engine, waited 2-3 seconds, turned back on and its okay. Kept doing this once in a while, bought new battery, message kept coming on. 07/28/2021 message came on saying "something is draining the juice out of battery". This message came on after we bought a new battery. Told Ford company when getting oil change, they said my battery is charged okay. They don't know whats causing it.
Steering, Sep 11, 2021
On August 14th, whilst on vacation in New Mexico, the steering of my 2014 Ford Explorer completely seized in the middle of the road, and left us helpless. Thankfully, we were on a relatively quiet side street in Taos. Just a few days earlier we were traveling up and down the steep winding roads to the top of Pikes Peak. We are thankful that this malfunction did not happen during this time, as the results could have been catastrophic. I have since read related safety recall notices for this issue, and the symptoms described in thse notices are exactly as I experienced. I am very surprised that my vehicle is not covered by any of the safety recalls. The failed rack and pinion was sent back to Ford for analysis. It is a sealed unit so the Ford mechanics at Capitol Ford in Sante Fe were unable to comment.I have attached a photo of the part. For reference with the cost of towing, repairs, car rental and flights, my outlay has been approximately $4,500. I have the necessary documentation to support this figure.
Steering, Sep 7, 2021
About 2 weeks ago my steering wheel started making a noise whenever I turned the wheel both parked or moving. Since then it has progressed into a loud grinding noise. The wheel is sticking while driving on the highway and I have to force it to move at times. It does not return freely anymore on it's own to a straight forward position. After having the vehicle inspected atva local suspension shop, they told me it's dangerious and I could loose my steering entirely while driving and to have the rack and pinion replaced. I can see this is a common problem with this model and there was a similiar recall a few years prior for a similar problem. I don't think the proper improvements to the rack and pinion where ever applied in later models and there should be another recall or the prior recall should be extended. Thank you.
Engine, Aug 31, 2021
Internal water pump failure. coolant mixing with oil. vehicle shut down unexpectedly while in motion.
Engine, Aug 28, 2021
Exhaust Manifold leaking. Causing Exhaust smell in cab.
Steering, Aug 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact had to turn the steering wheel with force to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that the cruise control was disabled, and the traction control warning light was illuminated when the failure occurred. The contact drove the vehicle home. The contact started the vehicle the following day and the power steering warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 143,310. Consumer stated the following morning steering locked up and was taken to the dealer. Dealer stated power steering needed to be replaced. While loading power steering broke free but makes a lot of noise. Consumer has not driven the vehicle since the failure and has noted 2014 Explorers were not included in the recalls.
Steering, Aug 26, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and occasionally at start-up, the vehicle would suddenly lose power steering functionality. The power steering assist fault warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle several times the power steering regained normal function. The contact stated that recently the power steering failed to reset. The dealer was contacted and stated that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and referred the contact to NHTSA to file a complaint. The approximate failure mileage was 162,423.
Suspension, Aug 24, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal knocking noise would emit from the rear suspension without warning. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension) however, the vehicle was not included in the recall. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
Steering, Aug 5, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the power steering failed, and the steering wheel became very difficult to turn in either direction. 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 139,000.
Steering, Aug 1, 2021
Power steering stopped while driving