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.
Structure, Oct 2, 2020
THE WINDSHIELD OUTSIDE PILLAR/TRIM MOLDING OF A 2014 FORD EXPLORER, FLEW OFF CAR WHILE DRIVING (65MPH) ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS IS THE SECOND INCIDENT WITHIN LESS THAN A YEAR. AND FROM WHAT I GATHERED FROM DEALERSHIP AND ONLINE RESEARCH, IT'S A VERY WELL KNOWN PROBLEM.
Electrical system, Oct 1, 2020
REAR CAMERA GOES BLACK INTERMITTENTLY IN OUR 2014 FORD. WHILE WE ARE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING PLACE OR OUT OF OUR DRIVEWAY IT MAY START AS EXPECTED BUT THEN BEFORE WE ARE FINISHED REVERSING IT JUST GOES TO A BLACK SCREEN. OTHER TIMES WHEN WE PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE, THE REAR CAMERA DOES NOT ENGAGE AT ALL.
Steering, Sep 28, 2020
LOST POWER STEERING WHILE OPERATING VEHICLE. ADVANCETRAC AND POWER STEERING ASSIST CODES BOTH CAME ON. VERY DANGEROUS AND STEERING GEAR BOX HAS BEEN RECALLED IN PRIOR AND LATER MODELS BUT NOT THE 2014 MODEL. COST OF REPAIR CLOSE TO 2000 DOLLARS FOR A VEHICLE PART THEY HAVE CLEARLY HAD ISSUES WITH.
Other or unspecified, Sep 27, 2020
THEY SHOULD MAKE A HEADLIGHT RETROFIT KIT AS MY 2014 EXPLORER HAS THE WORST HEADLIGHTS I EVER SAW. DANGEROUS! PERHAPS THE MOVIE-PROJECTOR LENS IS THE ISSUE? THE LIGHT SEEMS TO FUCUS MUCH LIGHT TO THE TREE TOPS INSTEAD OF CONCENTRATING THE LIGHT IN FRONT. I AM NOT A COON HUNTER AND DI NOT TO ILLUMINATE THE TREES WHEN I DRIVE. ALSO, I HAD A LED TAILLIGHT FAIL AND FIND IT IS NOT SERVICEABLE AND IT CANNOT BE SERVICED. THE WHOLE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY MUST BE REPLACED COSTING MEGA BUCKS. FORD NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING. I NOTE, THROUGH THE INTERNET, OTHERS ARE LISTING THE SAME SAFETY PROBLEMS.
Steering, Sep 16, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITH THE STEERING ASSIST WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE WARNING LIGHT INDICATED FAULT SERVICE REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER IN MIAMI, FLORIDA, TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE RACK & PINION MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE SAME FAILURE THE DEALER DIAGNOSED EARLIER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT SUBJECTED TO A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 132,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 9, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR ENTERED THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED HE CONTINUED DRIVING UNTIL THE SMELL FADED AWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 97,000.
Steering, Sep 8, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING, THE STEERING POWER ASSIST WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INDICATING A NEED FOR SERVICE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS WIFE ALMOST CRASHED THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE POWER STEERING SEIZING WHILE SHE WAS DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT, WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED HAAG FORD SALES, INC (405 E EADS PKWY, GREENDALE, IN 47025) AND INFORMED THE DEALER OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEIR ENGINEER WOULD INSPECT THE VEHICLE BUT, OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 186,000.
Steering, Sep 7, 2020
WHEN I WENT TO TURN OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY I NOTICED THE STEERING GOT REALLY HARD TO TURN. TURNING AT CORNERS THE STEERING IS HARD AND OCCASIONALLY PULLS BACK/JERKS.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 6, 2020
WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR COUPLE HOUR I BEGIN TO FEEL VERY DIZZY AND SICK AND I HAVE TO PUT OVER AND GET SOME AIR I HAVE NOICE EVERY TIME I DRIVE MY VEHICLE I GET THIS WAY I HAD THE VEHICLE FOR FIVE MONTHS NOW ALSO I HAVE FELT THIS WAS WHEN DRIVING AND IDLING TO A COMPLETE STOP I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AND I ALSO STOPPED BY THE FIRE STATION TO GET CHECKED OUT AND I DID HAVE A SPO2 SCALE OF 90.
Steering, Sep 3, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLE OR WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING CEASED WITH THE STEERING ASSIST FAULT, SERVICE REQUIRED WARNING MESSAGE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON RESTART OF THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING RETURNED AND THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE CONTACT CALLED MCCOMBS FORD WEST (7111 NORTHWEST LOOP 410, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78238) AND MAC HAIK'S SOUTHWAY FORD (7979 INTERSTATE 35 ACCESS RD, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78224) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS THEN REFERRED TO THE MANUFACTURER WHO ALSO INFORMED HIM THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT TO CALL NHTSA FOR ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000.
Steering, Sep 2, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN WHILE DRIVING AND MAKING TURNS. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 36,000.
Other or unspecified, Aug 19, 2020
THE INTERIOR DRIVER SIDE DOOR PANEL BECAME DETACHED FROM THE DOOR AROUND THE WINDOW WELL. IT WAS KNOWN THAT THIS WAS AN ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE MAKE AND MODEL BUT WE DID NOT EXPERIENCE THIS ISSUE UNTIL JANUARY OF 2020 SO WE HAD NO REASON TO TAKE ACTION PRIOR. I CONTACTED RYDELL OF INDEPENDENCE, IA AND SCHEDULED THIS TO BE REPAIRED AT NO COST, THINKING THAT THIS WAS STILL COVERED SINCE THE MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE WAS AT 77,000(UNDER THE 100,000MILE WARRANTY). MY VEHICLE WAS ALSO SCHEDULED TO REPAIR ANOTHER RECALL THE SAME DAY. I NEVER RECEIVED ANY FURTHER CONTACT FROM THE FORD SERVICE GARAGE TO EXPLAIN THAT IT WASN'T COVERED AND WOULDN'T BE FIXED. I FOUND THIS OUT ONLY BY SEEING IT WASN'T ADDRESSED AND HAVING TO FIND THE MANAGER TO DISCUSS. AT THAT TIME THEY SAID FORD HONORS 5YEARS OR 100,000- WHICH EVER COMES FIRST. OUR WARRANTY STARTED IN JUNE OF 2014 AND EXPIRED JUNE OF 2019, ACCORDING TO FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE. WE MISSED THIS DEADLINE BY 6MOS FOR FORD TO COVER THE COST OF THE REPAIR FOR AN ISSUE THAT WAS NONEXISTENT AT THE TIME THE COVERAGE EXPIRED. I CONTACTED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE TO VERIFY WHAT WAS SENT REGARDING THIS REPAIR AND THERE WAS NEVER ANY DIRECTION TO GET THE PANEL REPLACED EVEN IF IT WASN'T DETACHING FROM THE DOOR. THE VERBIAGE USED WAS TO REPAIR IF THE INTERIOR WAS DETACHING. THIS HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THIS TIME
Steering, Aug 15, 2020
WAS DRIVING UP A HILL GOING AROUND CORNER AND STEERING FAILED NEARLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT . THERE WAS NO WARNING AND THE STEERING JERKED TO THE LEFT IN A RIGHT HAND TURN. WAS BARELY ABLE TO CONTROL VEHICLE . I AM A FAIRLY MUSCULAR PERSON AND IT TOOK EVERYTHING TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. WAS BARELY ABLE TO GET VEHICLE HOME LUCKILY I WAS ONLY A COUPLE MILES FROM HOME. AN AVERAGE PERSON WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE AND AN ACCIDENT WOULD LIKELY HAPPEN . UNDER RESEARCH WITH FORD WITH ELECTRONIC STEERING THIS IS HAPPENING REGULARLY AND ACCIDENTS ARE HAPPENING.THERE IS NO WARNING AND THE STEERING WHEEL GETS JERKED TO ONE SIDE OR THE OTHER WITH VERY LITTLE CONTROL ON THE VEHICLE.THE VEHICLE I WAS DRIVING WAS MOVING WHEN THIS OCCURRED.
Seat belts, Aug 15, 2020
THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT IS NOT CATCHING. THE DEALERSHIP HAD TO REPLACE THE FEMALE PORTION FOR IT TO WORK PROPERLY.
Steering, Aug 13, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING LOCKED IN POSITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT WAS ALSO DIFFICULT TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EXCESSIVE FORCE WAS NEEDED TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CONTACTED THE DEALER TED RUSSELL FORD LINCOLN - ADDRESS: 9925 PARKSIDE DR, KNOXVILLE, TN 37922, PHONE: (865) 251-3673) WHO STATED THAT THE RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000 (STEERING) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AS OF YET. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
Steering, Aug 12, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE POWER STEERING CEASED TO OPERATE AS AN UNKNOWN WARNING MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO ALL AMERICAN FORD IN POINT PLEASANT (3306 BRIDGE AVE, POINT PLEASANT, NJ 08742) WHERE HE LEFT THE VEHICLE THERE TO BE INSPECTED AND REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS LATER INFORMED THAT HIS STEERING RACK MODULE WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT REACHED OUT TO THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS GIVEN A CASE NUMBER. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD CALL HIM BACK. THE CONTACT HAD YET TO HEAR BACK FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000.
Suspension, Aug 11, 2020
I WAS TRAVELLING ROUGHLY 30-35 MPH ON A COUNTRY ROAD (THAT WAS DRY AND CLEAR IN THE MIDDLE OF THE AFTERNOON) WHEN I SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE. IT FELT LIKE THE REAR END WAS FISHTAILING ALL OVER THE PLACE. I DID NOT HEAR ANYTHING BREAK, BUT I COULD HEAR MY TIRES SQUEALING. I WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE BEFORE GOING INTO THE DITCH AND CAME TO A STOP ON THE RIGHT HAND SHOULDER. I EXITED MY VEHICLE, SAW THE SKID MARKS BEHIND ME ON THE ROAD AND STARTED LOOKING THE VEHICLE OVER WHEN I DISCOVERED THAT THE RIGHT REAR TIRE WAS PHYSICALLY POINTING OUT TO THE RIGHT. I THEN CHECKED UNDER THE BODY AND FOUND THAT THE RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION TOE LINK COMPLETELY SNAPPED IN TWO. I LEARNED AFTER TAKING IT TO A LOCAL DEALERSHIP THAT ON 10/22/18 THIS VEHICLE HAD ITS REAR SUSPENSION TOE LINKS REPLACED PER A RECALL (17G01), BUT THE REPLACEMENT PARTS FAILED AND THE MANUFACTURER (FORD) WILL NOT REPLACE THEM AGAIN PER A PHONE CONVERSATION THAT TOOK PLACE WITH FORD CUSTOMER CARE ON 8/11/20.
Steering, Aug 11, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL CEASED AS THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM, STEERING ASSIST FAILURE, AND THE SERVICE ADVANCED TRACK WARNING MESSAGES APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A RELATIVE'S HOUSE. THE CONTACT SPOKE TO CECIL ATKISSION FORD LINCOLN (2700 VETERANS BLVD, DEL RIO, TX 78840) WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS THEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND WAS GIVEN THE SAME INFORMATION AS THE DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS THEN REFERRED TO NHTSA FOR ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000.
Steering, Aug 11, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING WITH THE CURVE OF THE ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY FAILED. NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEY NEEDED TO USE EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF FORCE WHEN STEERING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER O'BRIEN FORD OF SHELBYVILLE (720 MT EDEN RD, SHELBYVILLE, KY 40065, (502) 633-4535) WHO STATED THAT THE GEAR ASSEMBLY STEERING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AS OF YET. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000.
Steering, Aug 9, 2020
AN ERROR COMES ON THE DASH THAT SAYS STEERING FAILURE PULLOVER SAFELY. THE WHOLE POWER STEERING IS ELECTRIC AND FORD HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM BEFORE
Steering, Aug 8, 2020
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, ALL MY TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS CAME ON AND MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. LUCKILY I WAS AT LOW SPEED AND WAS ABLE TO STOP SAFELY. I CALLED LOCAL FORD DEALER THAT TOLD ME IT WAS NOT A RECALL.
Steering, Aug 6, 2020
ONE WEEK PRIOR TO INCIDENT, THE CAR STARTED MAKING A CLICKING SOUND WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT, BOTH WHILE DRIVING AND WHILE SITTING STILL, BUT WAS MOST NOTICEABLE AT LOW SPEEDS. WE MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH FORD TO HAVE IT INSPECTED, THE FIRST AVAILABLE WAS 10 DAYS AWAY. OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS THE CLICKING SOUND INCREASED AND WAS MORE NOTICEABLE. ON THE DAY OF THE INCIDENT THE CAR WAS DRIVEN A SHORT DISTANCE, THEN PARKED. WHEN WE RETURNED TO DRIVE THE CAR AGAIN AND STARTED THE CAR THE STEERING WHEEL WAS COMPLETELY STUCK, AND COULD NOT BE TURNED IN EITHER DIRECTION. IT MADE A TERRIBLE SCREECHING SOUND WHEN TRYING TO TURN THE WHEEL. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO A FORD DEALERSHIP. THEY REPLACED THE POWER CONTROL STEERING MODULE AND STEERING ASSEMBLY (RACK AND PINION). THIS IS THE SAME PART THAT WAS RECALLED ON THE 2011-2013 FORD EXPLORERS, AND FROM ONLINE RESEARCH APPEARS TO BE THE SAME PART IN THE 2014 FORD EXPLORERS. THEREFORE, THIS PART SHOULD BE RECALLED AND SHOULD BE REPLACED BY FORD AS IT IS DEFECTIVE. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AS THE INABILITY TO STEER INCREASES THE RISK OF CRASH AND DEATH. IF THE WHEEL HAD LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING WE WOULD HAVE CERTAINLY CRASHED.
Steering, Electrical system, Aug 6, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING ASSIST FAILURE AND SERVICE ADVANCE TRACK WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO HER RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL DEALER RANDY WISE FORD INC. LOCATED AT 968 S. ORTONVILLE RD, ORTONVILLE, MI 48462, (248) 627-3730, TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE STEERING GEAR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000 (STEERING), HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,300.
Steering, Jul 28, 2020
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE STEERING STARTED FEELING DIFFERENT. AS SHE EXCITED THE HIGHWAY ONTO CITY STREETS, THE STEERING BECAME INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL TO THE POINT THAT ANY REQUIRED SUDDEN MOVEMENTS WOULD HAVE CREATED AN ACCIDENT DUE TO DIFFICULTY TURNING THE WHEEL. THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE STEERING WAS COMPLETELY LOCKED UP AND COULD NOT TURN THE WHEEL AT ALL. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO FIRST FORD IN FALL RIVER, MA AND DETERMINED THE ENTIRE POWER STEERING PUMP, RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
Steering, Jul 27, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN CEASED WHILE DRIVING 55-70 MPH CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SWAY TO THE LEFT AND TO THE RIGHT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TURN THE VEHICLE TO THE LEFT OR TO THE RIGHT, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL GRINDING SOUND COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EXCESSIVE FORCE WAS NEEDED TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO PITTSVILLE FORD (7155 FRIENDSHIP RD, PITTSVILLE, MD 21850, (877) 760-5870) WHO STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN AND RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000.