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.
Engine, Sep 17, 2018
HEADACHES BY MY HUSBAND AND MYSELF WHILE DRIVING OR RIDING. CARBON MONOXIDE READINGS FIRST TIME READ AT 11PPM ON A 10 MINUTE TRIP. CONTINUAL MONITERING READS AT 6-9 ON NORMAL DRIVING. READINGS AT 14 ON ACCELERATION. I FEEL IT'S UNHEALTHY AND SAFETO DRIVE THIS CAR DAILY.
Engine, Sep 14, 2018
ALL RECOMMENDED REPAIRS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED ON THE FORD EXPLORER AND EXHAUST FUMES ARE STILL PRESENT IN THE CABIN.
Engine, Sep 14, 2018
EXHAUST STARTED COMING INTO REAR OF VEHICLE. WE WERE ABLE TO SMELL IT WHEN THE CAR WAS STOPPED OR MOVING SLOWLY. PEOPLE IN THE BACKSEAT COULD SMELL IT BEFORE THOSE IN THE FRONT COULD.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 13, 2018
WHEN VEHICLE IS STOPPED BUT RUNNING THERE IS A GAS SMELL THAT COMES INTO THE CAR BUT IT DOES NOT HAPPEN ALL THE TIME NOR DOES IT LINGER FOR VERY LONG AFTER CONTINUING TO DRIVE AGAIN.
Other or unspecified, Sep 10, 2018
HEAVY SMELL OF EXHAUST IN THE SUV WHILE DRIVING CARBON DIOXIDE IS AN ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL. DRIVING IT MAKES ME FEEL SICK/LIGHT HEADED....
Steering, Sep 3, 2018
STEERING BECAME HEAVY AND STIFF WITHOUT WARNING. TRACTION CONTROL AND STABILITY CONTROLS FAILED TO WORK CAUSING TROUBLE LIGHTS TO COME ON. TURN SIGNALS WILL NOT STAY ACTIVATED. STEERING FAULT INDICATOR ALSO ILLUMINATED. VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN AT NORMAL SPEEDS ON A LEVELED CITY ROAD.
Engine, Aug 31, 2018
WE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AROUND WITH ABOUT 10,000 MILES ON MAY 2018 STATING WE SMELLED EXHAUST FUMES INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THEY PUT SOME TYPE OF RUBBER PLUGS IN THE LIFT GATE REAR HATCH. THIS DIDN'T CURE THE PROBLEM. BROUGHT THE VEHICLE BACK ON AUGUST 21, 2018 WITH 13,800 MILES AND TOLD THEM WHEN WE TRIED TO ENTER A FREEWAY WHILE ACCELERATING INTO TRAFFIC WITH THE A/C ON THERE IS A VERY PROFOUND ODOR OF EXHAUST FUMES INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THEY STATED THERE WAS A TSB ISSUED FOR THIS VEHICLE BACK IN 2016 FOR THIS ISSUE. BUT UNFORTUNATELY EVEN THOUGH THE CAR ONLY HAS 13,800 MILES ON IT NOW, IT IS OVER THE 3 YEAR WARRANTY PERIOD AND THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WE PURCHASED FROM THEM FOR 50,000 OR FIVE YEARS WON'T COVER IT EITHER. DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE US 1,100 FOR THE REPAIRS. WHICH SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED EARLIER IF WE WERE TOLD BACK IN 2016 THERE WAS A TSB FOR THIS PROBLEM WHILE IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. THIS CAR MAY BE FIVE YEARS OLD BUT IT ONLY HAD 10,000 MILES WHEN IT WAS BROUGHT IN THE FIRST TIME. CAR IS JUST ABOUT BRAND NEW AND THEY WANT US TO PAY FOR REPAIRS ON A NEW VEHICLE THAT HAS A DEFECTIVE EXHAUST SYSTEM.
Electrical system, Aug 30, 2018
THE DRIVER DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT REMAINS ON EVEN THOUGHT THE DOOR IS FIRMLY CLOSED. THE WARNING LIGHT PREVENTS THE DOORS TO LOCK WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION. WHEN THE CAR IS NOT IN MOTION AND THE WARNING LIGHT IS ON, THE KEY FOB ALARM DOES NOT ENGAGE THEREFORE INVITING CAR THEFT. THE WARNING LIGHT ISSUE BEGAN WHEN THE ODOMETER REACHED APPROXIMATELY 56,000 MILES.
Steering, Aug 30, 2018
MY WIFE DROVE OUR EXPLORER TO FT. WAYNE IN.(APRROX.20 MI.) TO GO SHOPPING. WHEN SHE GOT BACK INTO THE VEHICLE TO LEAVE PARKING LOT SHE WAS UNABLE TO STEER IT. SHE SAID THAT THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING NOISES WHEN SHE WOULD TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. MESSAGE CAME UP AS TRACTION CONTROL FAILURE AND TO PULL OF THE ROAD IMMEDIATELY. I HAD TO DRIVE OVER IN ANOTHER VEHICLE TO BRING THE VEHICLE HOME. IT TOOK EVERY EFFORT I HAD TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE HOME TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER. THE FORD DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY FOR A TOTAL COST OF 1603.06$. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 61K MILES
Steering, Aug 30, 2018
2014 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. ON AUGUST 12 AFTER DRIVING @ 1 HOUR, I BRIEFLY TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. RESTARTED THE CAR WITHIN 5 MINUTES TO BACK INTO MY GARAGE AND RECEIVED A "STEERING ASSIST FAULT" WARNING AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AGAIN, LET IT COOL A WHILE, THEN WAS ABLE TO BACK IT INTO THE GARAGE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,022. THIS WAS THE 2ND TIME THE STEERING FAILED WITH THE FIRST INSTANCE ON AUG 2, 2018. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MARIN FORD AUG 28 (6995 REDWOOD BLVD, NOVATO, CA 94945 (415-914-1118) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING (EPAS) UNIT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED WITH @ COST OF $2500. THE MARIN FORD SERVICE ADVISOR, ROGER, INDICATED HE CONTACTED FORD AND WAS TOLD THIS WOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY OR BY ANY RECALL. UPON RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE, IT APPEARS IT IS NOT UNCOMMON, CERTAINLY FOR OLDER MODEL EXPLORERS AND OTHER FORD VEHICLES WITH EPAS STEERING. IT SEEMS THERE MAY BE A KNOWN HEATING PROBLEM AFFECTING THE EPAS THERMAL CONNECTORS THAT FORD HAS TAKING SOME EFFORTS TO MITIGATE, BUT NOT CORRECT (HEAT SHIELDING, AIR CHANNELING, ETC). SEE LINKS FOR OTHER INFO. HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=SZHMXWCP9FO HTTP://WWW.CARPROBLEMZOO.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/LOSE-POWER-STEERING-PROBLEMS.PHP
Electrical system, Air bags, Seats, Aug 29, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, WHICH WAS A SAFETY CONCERN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (AUTONATION FORD ARLINGTON, 1400 I-20 W, ARLINGTON, TX 76017, (817) 200-4503) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRE HARNESSES FOR THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Steering, Aug 29, 2018
FORD EXPLORER LOOSES POWER STEERING. 2014 FORD EXPLORER LOOSES POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING. SEVERAL CODES ARE GENERATED. THESE CODES MATCH THE CODES AND PROBLEMS WITH THE 2011-2013 FORD STEERING MODULES. I HAD IT HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH SAGNIFICANT LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. I CONTACTED FORD AND THEY SAID THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. IV ATTACHED A PICTURE OF THE DIAGNOSTICS SCREEN FROM FORD.
Other or unspecified, Aug 26, 2018
WE ARE EXPERIENCING ABNORMAL AND EXTENSIVE EXHAUST FUMES IN THE CAB. WE HAD A LOCAL DEALER PERFORM THE NO CHARGE SERVICE OFFER BY FORD TO SEAL THE CABIN AND REPROGRAM THE AIR CONDITIONER BUT WE SOON REALIZED THIS DID NOT RESOLVE THE ISSUE. WE SCHEDULED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED AGAIN. WE RECEIVED A MESSAGE (WE HAVE A RECORDING) FROM THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT MANAGER THAT THERE WAS DEFINITELY AN ISSUE OF EXHAUST BEING PULLED INTO THE CABIN THAT THEY COULD NOT EXPLAIN. THEY SAID THEY WOULD CALL FORD FOR DIRECTION. THEY THEN CONTACTED US TO SAY THAT FORD TOLD THEM THIS IS NORMAL WHICH IS A CLEAR CONTRADICTION THAT IS HARD TO ACCEPT AS A CONCLUSION. MY WIFE WILL NO LONGER RIDE IN THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE SERIOUS AFFECTS FROM THE INTENSE FUMES DURING ACCELERATION. SHOULD I SEEK LEGAL REPRESENTATION? THERE IS A DEFINITE DISCREPANCY IN THE RESPONSE FROM THE TWO PARTIES.
Structure, Aug 25, 2018
THE PLASTIC COVERING ON THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW PILLAR FLEW OFF WHILE GOING THROUGH AN AUTOMATED CAR WASH. AFTER INSPECTING THE PASSENGER SIDE I NOTICED IT IS LOOSE ALSO AND WILL PROBABLY FLY OFF AT SOME POINT ALSO.
Other or unspecified, Aug 20, 2018
EXHAUST FUMES IN CABIN AREA, AFTER TAKING IT TO FORD DEALER FOR THEIR "UPDATE" THIS HAPPENS UNDER MODERATE ACCELERATION, HAS A NASTY ODOR AND HAS CAUSED ME TO HAVE A HEADACHE AT TIMES
Other or unspecified, Aug 15, 2018
AFTER ACCELERATING TO HIGHWAY SPEEDS I GET EXHAUST ODORS. MUST NOTICED WHEN REAR AC IS ON.
Structure, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 15, 2018
FOR ABOUT 8 MONTHS I HAVE BEEN SUFFERING FROM DIZZINESS SPELLS THAT HAPPEN QUITE OFTEN, NAUSEA , HEADACHES, BLURRED VISION, AND ANXIETY THAT IS BROUGHT ON FROM THESE SYMPTOMS. I HAVE BEEN TO THE DOCTOR COUNTLESS TIMES ATTEMPTING TO FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM OF THE CAUSE OF MY SICKNESS. BEFORE I FOLLOWED UP ON THE RECALL I WASN'T AWARE THAT MY CAR WAS BEING RECALLED FOR CARBON MONOXIDE CONCERNS. BUT IT ALL MAKES SENSE THE MAJORITY OF TIME I FEEL THESE SYMPTOMS IS EITHER WHEN I'M DRIVING OR HAVE FINISHED DRIVING. (NEXT DR'S VISIT I WILL REQUEST THEY DO LAB WORK FOR POTENTIAL CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING.) OF COURSE ALL THE SYMPTOMS LINGER BECAUSE OBVIOUSLY IT STAYS IN MY SYSTEM. I FEEL LIKE MY CAR IS MAKING ME REALLY SICK. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR THAT I HAVE HAD FOR 2 YEARS.
Wheels, Aug 14, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE WHEEL MADE NOISE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE HUB WAS LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BARTON FORD (1600 N MAIN ST, SUFFOLK, VA 23434, 757-539-1595) AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE AND WAS ON BACKORDER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,124.
Steering, Aug 9, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LEO KAYTES FORD (145 NY-94, WARWICK, NY 10990, (845) 986-1131) WHERE IT WAS AWAITING DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,627.
Other or unspecified, Aug 8, 2018
I NOTICED THE RUBBER STRIPPING ALONG THE RIGHT SIDE OF MY WINDSHIELD CAME LOOSE WHILE TRAVELING HOME ON THE HIGHWAY AND TORE AWAY. AFTER THAT, MY RIGHT SIDE WINDSHIELD PANEL (PILLAR) CAME DETACHED AND FLEW AWAY WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY.
Other or unspecified, Aug 7, 2018
WHEN PLACED IN "PARK" IT DOESN'T REGISTER SOMETIMES. I HAVE TO FIDDLE WITH IT TO GET IT TO REGISTER THAT IT IS IN FACT IN PARK. OTHERWISE MY CAR BATTERY WILL DRAIN BECAUSE IT KEEPS THE POWER ON.
Steering, Aug 3, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (RUXER FORD LINCOLN, INC., 123 PLACE RD, JASPER, IN 47546, (812) 482-1200) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING GEAR FAILED. THE REPAIR WAS COMPLETED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Suspension, Aug 2, 2018
RIGHT REAR TOE LINK BROKE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. STEERING WAS COMPROMISED. THE LEFT REAR TOE LINK ALSO SHOWED SIGNS OF STRESS. THIS EXPLORER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V245000 PERHAPS FORD NEEDS TO EXPAND THE NUMBER OF CARS RECALLED DUE TO THIS ISSUE.
Power train, Aug 2, 2018
TRANSFER CASE HAS LEAK AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED ACCORDING TO FORD. VEHICLE HAS 62,000 MILES AND OUT OF WARRANTY. LEAK WAS DISCOVERED AT APPROX 57,000 MILES BUT WAS ASSUMED TO BE A LEAK FROM SLOPPY OIL CHANGE. REPORTED TO FORD CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE ON 8-2-2018. THEY SAID NO WARRANTY COVERAGE APPLIES. TOLD TO SAVE RECEIPTS FOR REPAIR WORK IN CASE OF A NHTSA RECALL.
Other or unspecified, Aug 1, 2018
SINCE THE EXPLORER WAS PURCHASED NEW IN 2014, WE HAVE EXPERIENCED STRONG EXHAUST FUMES IN THE CABIN AREA AFTER ACCELERATION IN EXCESS OF 3000 RPMS. OVER A YEAR AGO, DURING A ROUTINE SERVICE VISIT TO A FORD DEALERSHIP, THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED US THAT FORD WAS RECOMMENDING A SOLUTION INVOLVING PLACING "PATCHES" OM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. WE AGREED FOR THE PROCEDURE TO BE DONE AND AFTER THAT DID NOT EXPERIENCE THE PROBLEM AGAIN UNTIL THE LAST TWO MONTHS. IF BEFORE ACCELERATING, THE VENT AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM IS COMPLETELY SHUT OFF UNTIL ACCELERATION IS COMPLETED AND APPROXIMATELY 5 MILES HAVE BEEN TRAVELED, THE ODOR IS NOT DETECTED. WE HAVE DESCRIBED THE REOCCURRENCE OF THE PROBLEM TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAVE CHECKED THE PATCHES AND REPORTED THAT THEY ARE STILL INTACT. THEY CANNOT OFFER ANY OTHER SOLUTION AND WE FEAR THAT THE FUMES MAY BE HAZARDOUS TO OUR HEALTH, AS WE CANNOT ALWAYS PREDICT THE NEED TO ACCELERATE.