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 11, 2018
WHINING, SQUEAKING NOISE FROM STEERING COLUMN UPON TURNING OR MOVING THE WHEEL AT ANY SPEED, LEFT OR RIGHT. DEALER SAYS THE ENTIRE STEERING ASSEMBLY AND COMPUTER HAS TO BE REPLACED TO PREVENT STEERING FAILURE IN THE FUTURE, AT THE COST OF $1900. I SEE OTHER RECALLS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM IN YEARS 2011-2013 AND 2015-2017. I HAVE ALSO READ A LOT OF ONLINE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME PROBLEM IN OTHER 2014 EXPLORERS.
Power train, Dec 10, 2018
WHEN VEHICLE IS PLACED INTO PARK, VERY FREQUENTLY THE DISPLAY SHOWS "TRANSMISSION NOT IN PARK". THIS IS DUE TO A FAULTY SWITCH INSIDE OF THE SHIFTER. THIS MESSAGE CAN APPEAR WHEN THE CAR IS OFF AND STATIONARY AS WELL. SOME VEHICLE SYSTEMS STAY ACTIVE WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT RECOGNIZED AS BEING IN PARK.
Wheels, Dec 5, 2018
MY TIRES ARE LOSING AIR FOR NO REASON.THEY HAVE BEEN INSPECTED AND THERE ARE NO HOLES IN THEM. I AM HAVING TO ADD AIR EVERY OTHER DAY. THEY ARE ALSO RIPPING ON THE SIDEWALL FOR NO REASON. THIS STARTED IN AUGUST AND I AM STILL DEALING WITH THIS NOW. ITS DECEMBER 5, 2018. I EVEN LOOKED IT UP ONLINE AND THE TIRES THAT I HAVE WERE RECALLED BY HANCOOK. FORD HAS NO INFO ON A RECALL.
Other or unspecified, Dec 4, 2018
WHILE DRIVING THE INTERSTATE, MY WINDSHIELD TRIM STARTED TO PEEL AWAY, STRIKING THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW AS IT GOT WORSE. I CHOSE NOT TO STOP ON THE SIDE OF THE INTERSTATE FOR SAFETY REASONS AND BY THE TIME I ARRIVED AT THE NEAREST REST AREA, 8-10" OF THE TRIM HAD COME LOOSE. AS I WAS STILL 60 MILES FROM HOME, I CHOSE TO TUCK THE TRIM INTO THE DOOR AND CLOSE IT, WHICH KEPT IT FROM TEARING AWAY ANYMORE. THE NEXT DAY, THE PIECES HAD JUST FALLEN OFF INTO MY DRIVEWAY. I'M SHOCKED THAT THIS IS SOMETHING THAT'S HAPPENING TO VEHICLES LESS THAN 10 YEARS OLD - MINE IS ONLY 4. I'M JUST HAPPY THAT THE WHOLE THING DIDN'T TEAR AWAY (AS IN OTHERS REPORTED ON THE INTERNET) HITTING SOMEONE OR SOMETHING AND CAUSING DAMAGE. THE COST TO REPAIR IS $265 PER SIDE - NOT COVERED BY FORD. I CALLED FORD AND WHILE THEY ADMIT THAT THIS IS HAPPENING TO A LARGE NUMBER OF EXPLORERS, THEY WILL NOT COVER IT UNTIL A RECALL IS ISSUED.
Structure, Visibility/wiper, Nov 30, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT WINDSHIELD TRIM DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,000.
Electrical system, Nov 28, 2018
FORD MY KEY FUNCTION DISAPPEARED FROM SYSTEM. CAR COULD NOT GO OVER 80MPH.
Visibility/wiper, Nov 20, 2018
DUAL CLIMATE CONTROL DEFROST FREEZING RAIN ICING CONDITIONS DUAL CLIMATE CONTROL MODULE BROKE CURRENTLY BLOWING COLD AIR ON PASSENGER SIDE DEFROST WHEN HEAT IS ON. VISIBILITY SEVERELY AFFECTED ON PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE. VEHICLE IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY.
Power train, Nov 17, 2018
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING LIKE EVERY OTHER DAY, AND SHE LOST POWER/ACCELERATION, AND SHE PULLED OFF THE MAIN ROAD TO A SIDE ROAD, AND FROM THERE IT WOULD NOT MOVE. OUR 2014 FORD EXPLORER, 2.0L I4 HAD A FRONT RIGHT DRIVE AXLE BREAK OFF FOR NO REASON AND JAM ITSELF INTO THE TRANSMISSION. ALL THE TECHS AT FORD HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS BEFORE, AND HAVE NO REASONS WHY IT WOULD DO THAT. IT TOOK THREE TECHS TO GET IT OUT. NOW RESULTING IN TRANSMISSION DAMAGE. WE ARE JUST OVER 100K MILES, BUT THIS DOESN'T MAKE SENSE DUE TO THERE BE NO REAL REASON OR EVENT WE CAN TRACE THIS TO. FORD DID NOT LET US SEE THE DAMAGE OR PICTURES OF IT. WOULD THEY BE COVING?
Structure, Nov 16, 2018
THE BLACK WINDSHIELD MOULDING ON THE DRIVER CAME LOOSE. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPENED. I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY.
Steering, Nov 13, 2018
NOTICED LOUD GRINDING NOISE WHILE TURNING RIGHT DRIVING LESS THAN 10MPH. NO LIGHTS HAVE COME ON YET. TOOK IT TO MECHANIC AND HE TOLD ME THAT THE STEERING RACK IS FAILING AND WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. I NOTICED THAT THE 2011,12,13 RECALLED BUT DOESN'T COVER THE SAME PROBLEM THAT 2014'S ARE HAVING.
Seat belts, Nov 9, 2018, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE SUDDENLY CRASHED INTO A SECOND VEHICLE. DURING THE CRASH, THE THIRD ROW SEAT BELTS MALFUNCTIONED AND CAUSED THE TWO CHILDREN SEATED IN THE THIRD ROW TO JERK FORWARD AND SLAM INTO THE BACK OF THE SECOND ROW SEATS. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE CHILD SEATED ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SEAT SUSTAINED LACERATIONS TO THE NOSE AND MOUTH AND THE CHILD SEATED ON THE REAR DRIVER SIDE SEAT SUSTAINED SEVERE LACERATIONS TO THE FOREHEAD. THE CHILDREN WERE BOTH TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE TO THE HOSPITAL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
Steering, Nov 7, 2018
CAR DID NOT FEEL RIGHT AFTER ABOUT 10 MILES OF HIGHWAY DRIVING BUT I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS HAPPENING. IT WAS DIFFICULT TO STEER. A FEW MILES AFTER SEVERAL WARNINGS CAME ON TELLING ME THERE IS A STEERING FAILURE AND TO STOP AND GET IMMEDIATE SERVICE. I PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY AND HAD THE CAR TOWED AND IT'S AT THE DEALER NOW.
Engine, Nov 6, 2018
2014 FORD EXPLORER 3.5 LITER ECO-BOOST >>OIL LINES LEAK AT TURBO , CAUSING OIL TO LEAK DOWN ONTO EXHAUST. VERY BAD SMELL !! THERE IS ALREADY RECALLS FOR NEWER MODELS BUT NOT THE 2014. PEOPLE ARE GOING TO GET HURT. FORD ONLY STATED TO KEEP MY RECEIPTS FOR REIMBURSEMENT IF THERE IS EVER A RE-CALL?
Steering, Nov 5, 2018
NOTICED LOUD GRINDING NOISE WHILE TURNING EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT WHILE TRAVELING AROUND 40MPH. NO LIGHTS HAVE COME ON YET. TOOK IT TO MECHANIC AND HE TOLD ME THAT THE STEERING RACK IS FAILING AND WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. FORD QUOTED ME ROUGHLY $1500 FOR THE RACK AND LABOR, THIS IS CRAZY THAT THE 2011,12,13 RECALL DOESN'T COVER THE SAME PROBLEM THAT 2014'S ARE HAVING.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Nov 2, 2018
THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PERIODICALLY GOES OUT, THE DASH LIGHTS BLINK OFF AND ON, ALRMS GO OFF WITH MESSAGES THAT STATE THERE IS A FAILURE OF TERRAIN, MANAGEMENT, ABS SYSTEM AND POWER STEERING, THEN THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT IMMEDIATELY , DASH IS BLACK. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS , IT SEEMS TO BE A KNOWN ISSUE WITH FORD WHEN RESEARCHING THE ISSUE. SOMEONE CAN WRECK AND DIE WITH THIS ELECTRICAL FAILURE
Electrical system, Air bags, Seat belts, Nov 1, 2018
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. BROUGHT IN TO HERITAGE FORD MODESTO CA. WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRE HARNESSES FOR THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. WAS INFORMED THAT IT IS NOT COVERED BY ANY FACTORY RECALL DESPITE BEING A COMMON DEFECT AND SAFETY ISSUE. MILEAGE AT TIME OF SERVICE 62,000 MILES. COST $565.00
Air bags, Oct 31, 2018
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ON. KNOWN FORD ISSUE.
Electrical system, Oct 31, 2018
THROTTLE BODY ACTUATOR DROVE MY CAR AROUND ALL MORNING, GOT GOME LET IT SIT FOR A FEE GOIRS WENT TO GO BACK TO TOWN AND IT STARTED SKIPPING, I HAD NO POWER TO MY GAS PEDDLE, THE ENGINE AMD WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON AND I COULD NOTNDRIVE MY CAR.
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 30, 2018
WON'T TURN OFF WHEN TURN OFF BUTTON IS PUSHED TO TURN VEHICLE OFF, WE HAVE TO KEEP PRESSING BUTTON ON GEAR SHIFT AND IT HAS TAKEN 35 MINUTES TO TURN IT OFF WHICH JUST HAPPEND TODAY OCT. 30, 2018 IT HAS RAISED THE DRIVER SEAT TWICE ALL BY ITESELF WHILE THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TURNED OFF AND NO ONE IS IN THE VEHICLE WHEN THIS HAS HAPPENED. IT MAKES ODD NOISES INSIDE THE DASH WHEN VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF
Power train, Electrical system, Oct 19, 2018
DRIVER DOOR AJAR LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY COMING ON. THE INDOOR LIGHTS DO NOT POWER DOWN FOR A FEW MINUTES. THE ALARM BELL RINGS PERIODICALLY WHILE IN MOTION INDICATING THE DOOR IS AJAR. THE DOORS WILL NOT LOCK. THIS HAPPENS PERIODICALLY ON THE HIGHWAY AS WELL AS DRIVING AROUND TOWN. WHEN IN PARK, THE ALARM BELL WILL BEEP TWICE TO INDICATE THE DOOR AJAR SIGNAL IS ON, BUT THE DOOR IS LOCKED. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES WITHIN THE LAST SIX MONTHS.
Steering, Oct 17, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND WAS DRIVING 5 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL JERKED AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. ALSO, THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND "STEERING FAILED" WAS DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER (STUART POWELL FORD, INC., 225 S DANVILLE BYP, DANVILLE, KY 40422, (859) 238-1197) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RACK AND PINION SEIZED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: CAS 15916495. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,940.
Steering, Oct 10, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE STEERING SEIZED WHEN MAKING A TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN HOME AND WAS LATER TAKEN TO NORRIS FORD (901 MERRITT BLVD, BALTIMORE, MD 21222, (410) 285-0200). THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE PARTS REPLACED WERE UNKNOWN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTING THEY COULD DO SINCE THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL NHTSA AND FILE A COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,500.
Power train, Oct 3, 2018
TOTAL MILEAGE 24326, BROUGHT TO DEALER FOR OIL CHANGE AND SUSPECTED EXHAUST SMELL IN CABIN. MECHANIC'S ANSWER TO SMELL "THE SMELL IS THE PTU COMING APART INSIDE. THE OIL IS BLACK AND THERE IS METAL FILINGS ON THE PLUG. TRANSFER CASE NEEDS REPLACEMENT." DEALERSHIP SERVICE ADVISOR SAYS THIS IS VERY COMMON, "...HAVE DONE OVER A HUNDERED...". WAS CAUGHT ONLY BECAUSE SMELL WAS MENTIONED. SCHEDULED INSPECTION/OIL CHANGE OF TRANSFER CASE NOT REQUIRED FOR ANOTHER 6000 MILES. VEHICLE HAS NEVER TOWED ANYTHING AND IS NOT USED OFF-ROAD. VEHICLE AT DEALER HAVING TRANSFER CASE REPLACED.
Steering, Sep 30, 2018
AT 61946 THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING FAILED. WHILE THE WIFE WAS DRIVING SHE NOTICED A DISTINCTIVE NOISE WHEN SHE TURNED AND IT PULLED SUDDENLY TO THE LEFT. FORTUNATELY THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT. UPON A INTERNET I FOUND THAT FROM 2008-2013 FORD EXPLORERS HAD HAD RECALLS DEALING WITH THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING. AFTER READING PREVIOUS YEAR COMPLAINTS, I CAN SAY THEY STILL HAVE ISSUES WITH THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING. FORD NEEDS TO KEEP THE RECALLS GOING.
Steering, Sep 23, 2018
WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT HOME I FELT ON THE HIGHWAY I FELT THE STEERING WANTING TO BIND, WHEN I TURNED IT FELT AT AN INTERSECTION LIKE IT WAS STUCK AND COULD NOT GET IT TO TURN. I CAME HOME AND STOPPED THE VEHICLE, WHEN I TURNED IT OFF AND STARTED AGAIN THE STEERING WAS LOCKED. THE DISPLAY SHOWED STEERING PROBLEMS PLACE IN PARK. ALSO TRACK CONTROL WAS DISPLAYED.