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, Jul 30, 2021
Steering is loose, and makes a sharp jerk to one side multiple times while driving and I am unable to keep control where the vehicle could crash.
Tires, Jul 28, 2021
Had new tires put on my 2014 Explorer. They are showing wear on the rear ones. Now it handles very poorly on roads that are grooved. Need to have both have hands on the wheel with a good grip to keep it on the road. Feels like the rear is trying to pass the front. Going back to the Ford dealer next week. Hopefully they can repair this problem. Perhaps recall 21S31 will address this.
Steering, Jul 28, 2021
I had recently reported a catastrophic failure of the power steering system while driving this 2014 Ford Explorer. After researching the issue with the recalls for 2011-2013 Explorer (recall 14V286000) the same component, the PSCM steering module failed with our vehicle (which was the reason for the recall on these vehicles). After the dealership replaced the rack and pinion steering system, the technician contacted me to say that the vehicle was still not working properly and that they had contacted Ford for tech support. Ford had informed the dealership that they had to re-program components which included the PSCM. The failure of this component led to the failure of our steering system. Why was the 2014 Explorer NOT included in the recall for this issue that is still a problem? Many are experiencing this same dangerous issue with the 2014!
Steering, Jul 27, 2021
The power steering assist on the vehicle produces a loud grinding noise when the steering wheel is turned in either direction. Additionally, the steering assist is sporadic during lane changes and turning corners. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic shop and they were able to replicate the same issues with the steering, namely loud grinding during the steering process and sporadic steering assistance. The vehicle has not been inspected by a dealership at this point and the independent mechanic advised to have a Ford dealership repair the vehicle since they have to complete some computer programming. Currently there has not been any warning lights or messages displayed and problem began about 2 weeks ago.
Steering, Jul 26, 2021
Power steering is hit and miss. At time’s, near impossible to turn the wheel and other times it’s fine. (This is all within full rotation of the wheel). 100% chance of the steering almost locking up and 100% it will be fine in certain spots. This problem arose rather quickly, within about 2 weeks. Looking online, these same symptoms are causing others to have their steering completely lock up due to the electronic steering fail. I’ve had this vehicle about a month and a half and I would say the steering is about 15% power steering and 80% no power.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Jul 26, 2021
Weather stripping on wind shield falls apart and becomes a projectile while driving.
Steering, Jul 25, 2021
Power steering is failing but no codes or any indication of what is failing other than tight steering and grinding noise.
Steering, Jul 23, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 3 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the power steering assist failure message was displayed. The vehicle was towed and was diagnosed but not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the Vin was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and the contact was informed that the Vin was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Steering, Jul 20, 2021
Vehicle started making a grinding noise when turning and a slightly throbbing feedback through the wheel. We stopped driving immediately. According to the dealership the power steering module is failing needs a total replacement. Parts are on back order do to so many others needing same issue. 12-13 and 15-17 Explorers all had recalls do to this same part. However the 2014 models were not because of this I am out the $2700 even though Ford knows there is an issue. I am a single customer and have no power to show how bad for safety this is.
Steering, Jul 19, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel stiffened while making a turn with a screeching sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed that the electronic steering rack and pinion was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.
Other or unspecified, Jul 14, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while turning the vehicle in either direction, there was a knocking sound coming from the front of the vehicle. Also, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would shake and vibrate. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was included in the NHTSA campaign number 20V692000 (Power Train). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. Also, while operating the vehicle the check engine light would remain illuminated. The failure mileage was 40,000.
Exterior lighting, Jul 13, 2021
The headlights in my Ford Explorer 2014 are extremely dim. The road is poorly lit in front and cannot see anything on the sides. This has been a problem since I purchased the vehicle. I just missed hitting a pedestrian on the side of the road. I was in a residential area and only going 20 mph. It is extremely dangerous and a large safety concern.
Steering, Jul 12, 2021
While driving down the road a message popped up that said: Fault Service Required, Service AdvanceTrac, and Terrain System Fault. The vehichle lost power steering unexpectedly and was very difficult to maintain on the roadway. I pulled over and shut off my vehicle and when I restarted it the power steering was back. I have seen that this is a common issue with the 2014 Ford Explorer and it seems to be the same type of power steering system as the other years that have been recalled but the 2014 has been left out. I would just like to report this as I feel it is a very big safety issue if someone is driving in a turn when this happens or are not in a spot they can pull over when it happens. Thank you for your time.
Steering, Jul 8, 2021
My wife was driving on the highway and lost power steering completely!! The power steering assist light came on. She almost lost control of the vehicle! She was able to manage it off the highway. We had the car towed to the dealership. They had said that the power steering gear had failed! After researching the problem, I was SHOCKED to see this issue is not an anomaly. There was a recall on this issue for 2011 - 2013, but not for 2014. Yet, the complaints and horror stories for the 2014 model still continue. I called Ford and they documented my call (#CAS32404801) and suggested that we submit a claim from the dealership to Ford after the repar. I am really dumbfounded as to why this frightening issue with the steering has not been fixed!!!!
Suspension, Jul 2, 2021
Hello, My car currently has an open recall that needs to be remediated it has been issued since OCT 30, 2020. This is the second recall to resolve an outstanding issue with my cars rear toe link 20S62/20V675. On three separate occasions I have attempted to get this remediated with three dealerships turning away servicing my vehicle due to lack of parts. I filed a complaint with the Ford Corporate office to report what I would consider Unfair Trade Practice and consumer right violations as these dealerships seem to be able to conduct the work however are turning away the recalls either to prioritize paying jobs. This leaves myself as a consumer with a lingering risk, exponential exposure to harm when operating my vehicle. Ford company is willfully aware of the situation and have not addressed this matter. I submitted another escalation today due to being turned away for a 3rd time. Keep in mind that I have requested to be contacted when parts have been available or if the parts can be ordered and neither of these requests have been met. I am aware that we are coming off the heels of the Covid pandemic and these dealerships might be short staffed, so they are being directed to avoid recall resolution.
Steering, Jul 1, 2021
Passenger side tierod end broke off at rack and pinion assembly.
Steering, Jun 29, 2021
We were returning from a visit with my son in Ohio. Suddenly a notice appeared on the dashboard about steering control and it was extremely hard to turn the wheel. We tried several methods suggested to correct the problem such as disconnecting the battery and also checking the fuses but no success. Since it appeared I could drive the vehicle, we drove home but had to really work at steering. We finally arrived back at our home without further incident other than being extremely tired from turning the steering wheel. It was like driving a car which was never equipped with power steering but even harder. After returning home, I took the vehicle to the local Ford dealership. They checked the vehicle and said the steering column had to be replaced. Total cost is going to be $2384.73 plus tax.
Steering, Jun 28, 2021
WHILE DRIVING POWER STEERING FAILURE.. WHEN IT FAILED IT DINGED AND A MESSAGE CAME UP BUT FAILURE WAS WHILE DRIVING. NO OTHER PREVIOUS PROBLEMS. ONLY 44750 MILES AT TIME OF FAILURE.
Other or unspecified, Jun 28, 2021, crash
The contact owns a 2014 ford explorer. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked when the vehicle had rolled into a wall. One person was injured and sustained injuries to the face, back, legs, head, neck, and eye on the right side of the body and did seek medical treatment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of failure and was awaiting a response. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with, NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V692000 (POWER TRAIN) however the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 21973. Consumer stated owner of the vehicle is his wife's.
Steering, Jun 19, 2021
Electrical power steering pump in failure. It's hard to steer and steering wheel gets stuck in a certain position. My wife wife was heading Into oncoming traffic, it allowed the steering to free up and be corrected right before she could have hit another vehicle head on. It is headed to our local dealership for a recall this week and we plan on having them confirm this, if we make it there. the bad part is there was no warning or dash indication light to let us know this was in failure and could have seriously hurt my wife and or kids IF they were in the vehicle.
Steering, Jun 16, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at 55 mph, the service advanced track and power steering assist warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was parked and the vehicle loss power steering functionality. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and diagnosed that the electronic power steering unit failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 112,000.
Steering, Jun 15, 2021
The steering wheel suddenly became stiff while driving-and a power steering failure light came on-we had to park and be towed-and the Power steering rack and pinion/motor needs replacement. There are hundreds of people with the same problem-90,000 miles and barely driven
Electrical system, Jun 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that whenever rained, water would leak into the vehicle through the moon roof. The water then leaked into the moon roof motor causing it to become inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that the moon roof front drains were clogged. The moon roof motor was replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 49,000.
Air bags, Jun 12, 2021, crash
I was in an accident driving ro work. Driver was coming off if a local freeway and slammed into the driver side at the front portion of driver door and wheel location. My vehicle was thrown across 3 lanes of traffic and half way onto a side walk. I slammed my head so hard on the driver door glass that it broke the window. Airbags did not deploy at any time. I was not going very fast but the other driver was racing to get threw a yellow light that had already turned red at the time of impact throwing the vehicle as stated above at an undetermined speed
Power train, Jun 11, 2021
Transmission failed on my 2014 Ford Explorer. I was made aware that the Ford dealer has seen a lot of transmission failures. I have to have a new transmission. Is Ford going to pay for this since they are aware of this issue?