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.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, May 23, 2018
MY HUSBAND, SON AND MYSELF WERE DRIVING FROM HIGH POINT NC TO WINSTON SALEM NC ABOUT 30 MINUTES DRIVE, BEFORE ARRIVE TO OUR DESTINATION WE HAVE TO STOP ALMOS IN THE MIDDLE OF A ROAD BECAUSE WE WERE FEELING SHORT OF AIR ALMOST UNABLE TO BREATH AND FEELING CHEST SUPPRESSION AND NAUSEA OUR SON GIVE COMPLAIN ABOUT THE SMELL IN THE BACK SEAT BUT I WAS UNABLE TO FEEL IT DUE TO STUFF NOSE. MY HUSBAND HAD TO DRINK TWO BOTTLES OF WATER AND WE GOT OFF THE VEHICLE LIVING ALL DOORS OPEN, THE ODOR WAS VERY STRONG. IN MAY 15 2018 WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHEN WE LEARNED ABOUT THE CARBON MONOXIDE RECALL THEY SAY THEY MADE THE REPAIR AND TODAY MAY 23 WE ALMOST CRASH. I THANKS GOD WE STOPPED AND GOT OFF THE CAR.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), May 16, 2018
WHILE DRIVING THE TRACTION CONTROL TURNED OFF, WHICH CAUSED THE ELECTRONIC STEERING TO TURN OFF. THE CAR JERKED TO THE LEFT SIDE (ALMOST HITTING A BOX TRUCK). I HAD TO PULL THE STEERING WHEEL WITH ALL MY STRENGTH TO GET THE CAR TO STEER CORRECTLY. TOOK THE CAR TO DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THE ELECTRONIC STEERING GEAR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
Steering, May 14, 2018
STOPPED FOR FUEL ON 5/13/18. WHEN I RESTARTED THE VEHICLE I RECEIVED A WARNING STATING SERVICE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILURE. NO LONGER HAVE POWER STEERING, TRACTION CONTROL, OR TURN SIGNALS. BRINGING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TODAY. VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED 10/2013.
Other or unspecified, May 14, 2018
I PURCHASED AN USED 2014 EXPLORER AND BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH A GAS ODOR. I WAS NEVER INFORMED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. UPON RECEIVING A RECALL I THEN BECAME AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. I BROUGHT IT IN AND THEY SUPPOSEDLY CORRECTED IT. NOW IT IS WORST. I WILL BRING IN AGAIN TO FIX THE SMELL. MY 11 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER SUFFERS FROM MIGRAINES AND WAS PLACED ON ADULT MIGRAINE PREVENTATIVE. MY FIANCE HAS BREATHING ISSUES AND NOW USES INHALERS. I BELIEVE THE EXHAUST FUMES IS THE CAUSE OF THE MEDICAL ISSUES.
Steering, May 3, 2018
LOST POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING ON A LOCAL STREET. POWER STEERING CAME BACK THE NEXT DAY AND LASTED 3 DAYS BEFORE GOING OUT AGAIN.
Structure, May 1, 2018
THE A-PILLAR EXTERIOR MOLDING FELL OFF. THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME SUCH A PART FALLING OFF. THIS TIME IT WAS THE DRIVER SIDE. THE FIRST TIME WAS A YEAR AGO ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE A-PILLAR EXTERIOR MOLDING FELL OF ON THE FREEWAY AT HIGH SPEED. THE CAR WAS ESSENTIALLY A HIGH-SPEED ROAD HAZARD TO PUBLIC SAFETY, BECAUSE THE POINTED HARD PLASTIC MOLDING BECAME A PROJECTILE THAT CAN SERIOUSLY HURT SOME CAR OR PEOPLE BEHIND.
Steering, Apr 23, 2018
THE ELECTRONIC STEERING GEAR ABRUPTLY FAILED. PULLING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY. STEERING STOPPED AND RECEIVED LIGHT WARNING. ' STEERING LOSS STOP SAFELY' LOST ALL FUNCTION OF STEERING AND TRACTION. DEALERSHIP SAYS 2234.00 TO REPAIR. THIS WAS A RECALL ON THE 2013 VEHICLES AND OLDER. I COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN ON HIGHWAY THE DAY BEFORE WITH MY KIDS. IT WOULD HAVE CAUSED SEVERE ACCIDENT, TO LOSE STEERING AT 65 MPH.
Other or unspecified, Apr 15, 2018
12 APRIL 2018 ACCELERATING UP HILL AC ON. 80 DEGREES OUTSIDE . NO OTHER PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS SHIFTING AROUND 5000 ROM, IN AUTOMATIC, NOT MANUAL. AGAIN I SMELLED A SULFURRY PROPANISH IDOR. IT LASTED ABOUT 2 MINUTES. I HAVE HAD ALL RECALLS / SERVICE BULLETINS PERFORMED BY MY DEALER. I HAVE INFORMED MY DEALER. HELP BEFORE FORD KILLS ME! THERE IS EXHAUST GETTING INTO THE PASSENGER CABIN!!!
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 12, 2018
"DRIVER SIDE DOOR AJAR" LIGHT CONTINUES TO COME ON EACH TIME I START THE CAR. I HAVE TO OPEN AND SHUT THE DOOR TO GET IT TO TURN OFF. THAT OCCURRED FOR ONE MONTH. NOW THE LIGHT WILL NOT TURN OFF AND THE "TRANSMISSION IS NOT IN PARK" LIGHT TURNS ON WHILE I AM DRIVING. IN ADDITION, THE DOME LIGHTS WILL NOT GO OFF WHEN I PARK THE CAR UNLESS I CONSTANTLY ADJUST THE LIGHT DIAL AND EVENTUALLY THE DOME LIGHT WILL GO OFF WHEN THE DOORS ARE LOCKED (30 MINUTES TO GET IT OFF THE OTHER NIGHT). REGARDING THE REAR TRANSMISSION NOISE. OVER 50 PERCENT OF THE TIME WHEN I AM BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT, I HEAR A CLUNKING SOUND AS THOUGH I STRUCK AN OBJECT ONLY TO FIND THAT NOTHING IS BEHIND ME. FINALLY, WHEN I ENTER MY CAR AND START IT, I HEAR A LOUD POPPING SOUND IN THE FRONT WINDSHIELD LIKE THE WINDSHIELD GLASS IS CRACKING. NO IDEA WHAT THAT MAY BE.
Engine, Apr 5, 2018
VEHICLE HAS A PROBLEM WITH CAM PHASERS, CAM POSTITION SENSORS & STRETCH TIMING CHAIN
Other or unspecified, Mar 29, 2018
AFTER SEVERAL LONG TRIPS WITH THE 2014 FORD EXPLORER SPORT, I HAVE HAD THE FEELING OF BEING ILL. SPECIFICALLY, HEADACHE, VERY WEAK, LIGHTHEADED AND NAUSEOUS. HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR.
Air bags, Mar 27, 2018
THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR APPROXIMATELY A MONTH AND FINALLY HAD A CHANCE TO HAVE FORD TROUBLESHOOT THE CAUSE WHILE IN FOR THE EXHAUST SYSTEM RECALL, AS WELL AS HAVING TO REPLACE A FAILED BLENDDOOR MOTOR AND LOOK AT AN AUTOMATIC TAILGATE ISSUE. A LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP IDENTIFIED THAT THE CAR HAD A DEFECTIVE AIRBAG RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE THAT IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE REAR FACTORY WIRING HARNESS WITH THE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH REAR INFLATABLE SEAT BELTS. THE CAR HAS 61,000 MILES. THE WARRANTY EXPIRED AT 60,000. I BOUGHT IT CERTIFIED PRE OWNED BUT UNFORTUNATELY THE BUMPER TO BUMPER COVERAGE IS ONLY 12 MONTHS OR 12,000 MILES AND I'VE HAD IT FOR 14 MONTHS. FORD INFORMED ME THAT IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE BUT WILL NOT SUBMIT A RECALL ON THIS KNOWN FAILED SRS COMPONENT DESIGN AND WILL COST ME OVER $550 TO FIX. THEY HAVE AN INTERNAL TECHNICAL BULLETIN WITH THE CORRECTIVE ACTION AS A NEW FACTORY DESIGNED WIRING HARNESS. I AM COMPLETELY AT A LOSS THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND WELL KNOWN, YET FORD REFUSES TO RECALL.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 26, 2018
THE SMELL OF EXHAUST WAS OVERWHELMING AND FINALLY A "FIX" WAS GENERATED. THE FIX IS WORSE THAN THE ORIGINAL PROBLEM. NOW THERE IS AN EXTREMELY STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE THAT FLOODS THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THIS OCCURS WHEN IN IDLE, WHEN DRIVING, WHEN OTHER CARS ARE AROUND OR IF I AM THE ONLY CAR IN THE LOT. OFTEN I NOTICE WHEN THE HEATING SYSTEM IS ON.
Other or unspecified, Mar 19, 2018
PURCHASED IN AUG 2017, RECEIVED CUSTOMER SATISFACTION LETTER REGARDING CARBON MONOXIDE. TOOK LAST MONTH TO FORD DEALER FOR FIX AND THE EXHAUST FUMES ARE NOW WORSE. I HAVE TO DETECTORS IN THE CAR THAT BOTH ARE ALARMING AFTER DRIVING ONLY A FEW MINS, MY ENTIRE FAMILY HAS ONSET OF HEADACHE IF WE RIDE IN THE CAR, I HAVE TO ROLL DOWN ALL THE WINDOWS. FORD STATES THEY FIXED THE ISSUE BUT IT'S WORSE NOW TO ME. IT SMELLS LIKE A LAWN MOWER ON SIDE CABIN OF THE EXPLORER
Engine, Mar 19, 2018
EXHAUST SMELL IN PASSENGER CABIN AFTER HARD ACLERATION!
Other or unspecified, Mar 15, 2018
WHEN PUTTING THE SHIFTER INTO PARK A WARNING LIGHT COMES ON THAT SAYS TRANSMISSION NOT IN PARK. YOU NEED TO WIGGLE THE SHIFTER TO GET THE WARNING LIGHT TO GO AWAY AND ACTUALLY ENGAGE IN PARK. I BROUGHT IT IN TO THE DEALER AND FOUND OUT THE SHIFTER ASSEMBLY IS FAULTY AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS A $500 REPAIR ON A CAR THAT ONLY HAS 33000 MILES ON IT. I'M AFRAID IF I DON'T REPLACE IT I WILL BE STRANDED SOMEPLACE BECAUSE I WON'T BE ABLE TO START IT IF IT WON'T CONNECT WITH THE COMPUTER SAYING IT IS IN DRIVE. I FEEL THIS A FAULTY PART FROM FORD . THIS JUST SEEMS LIKE AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR FOR A VEHICLE WITH SUCH FEW MILES ON IT. OF COURSE IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY.
Steering, Mar 8, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE "POWER STEERING FAILED" WARNING MESSAGE ILLUMINATED. DOAN FORD IN BELMONT, OHIO WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS PENDING REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Other or unspecified, Feb 27, 2018
AFTER DRIVING AND VEHICLE IS TO RUNNING TEMPERATURE WHEN YOU STOP OR ARE IDLE SMELL OF EXHAUST TYPE FUMES ENTER CABIN OF CAR. HAVE BEEN TO DEALER TWICE AND NOT SURE PROBLEM IS FIXED. PROBLEM STARTED AT 38,000 MILES. CAN HARDLY BREATH WHEN OCCURS AND HAVE TO OPEN WINDOW. FEEL NEED TO REPORT BECAUSE CONCERNED FOR CO2 SAFETY. ORDERED CO2 SENSOR FOR CAR FOR SAFETY. PLEASE MAKE FORD DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS.
Engine, Feb 22, 2018
STRONG EXHAUST ODOR CAN BE SMELLED IN THE CABIN SHORTLY AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE AND WHILE DRIVING. THIS ODOR CAUSES NAUSEA AND LIGHTHEADEDNESS WHILE IN THE VEHICLE. DRIVING WITH THE WINDOWS OPEN DOES HELP TO DISSIPATE THE SMALL BUT DOES NOT TAKE IT AWAY COMPLETELY.
Engine, Feb 22, 2018
DURING COMMUTES TO AND FROM WORK, TYPICALLY WITH STOP-AND-GO CONDITIONS AT SLOW SPEED, I BECOME VERY SLEEPY AND INATTENTIVE, ALMOST TO THE POINT OF PASSING OUT. THIS HAPPENED RECENTLY AFTER HAVING THE CAR SERVICED FOR OIL CHANGE AND A STANDARD 15-POINT INSPECTION.
Air bags, Feb 16, 2018
VEHICLE UNDER SRS WARRANTY, 5 YEAR -60,000 MILE WARRANTY AND AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATES. TAKEN TO DEALER AND COMPLAINT WITH FORD. NOTIFIED IT IS A BAD CONNECTOR IN THE REAR SEAT TO INFLATABLE SEATBELT AIRBAGS. AIRBAG SYSTEM WILL NOT WORK UNLESS REPLACED. NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THIS IS A KNOWN FORD ISSUE WITH TSBS ISSUED AND IS A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE SRS SYSTEM WILL NOT WORK. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT FORD IS IGNORING.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 13, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EMITTED AN ABNORMAL EXHAUST ODOR. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. HENRTRICH FORD LINCOLN (1427 BAY RD, MILFORD, DE) WAS CONTACTED, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON TWO OTHER OCCASIONS WHERE A CO2 SERVICE CAMPAIGN WAS PERFORMED AND THE CABIN AIR FILTER WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 86,000.
Steering, Feb 6, 2018
WHILE OPERATING MY 2014 FORD EXPLORER XLT, THE STEERING WAS UNRESPONSIVE AND WOULD SEIZE UP WHILE DRIVING AROUND TURNS. OTHER TIMES THE STEERING WHILE IS EXTREMELY HARD TO TURN WHILE OPERATING AROUND TURNS ON BOTH CITY AND HIGHWAYS. I BELIEVE THE ISSUE IS WITH THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING.
Electrical system, Feb 5, 2018
WHILE VEHICLE IN MOTION,, ON HIGHWASY AT 70 MILES PER HOUR DASH BORAD LIGHT WENT COMPLETELY OUT FOR 15 OR 20 SECONDS. THIS EVEN HAPPENED THREE TIMES. ALL THREE TIMES CAR WAS ON HIGH WAY PERFORMING AT 70I;ES AN HOURS OR BETTER.
Engine, Feb 4, 2018
I DRIVE MY FORD EXPLORER ALMOST EVERY DAY AND I WAS BECOMING PROGRESSIVELY FATIGUED AND DIZZY ( LOSS OF NORMAL BALANCE). I COULD NOT PIN PONT THE PROBLEM AREA UNTIL I RECEIVED AN "URGENT RECALL NOTICE" FROM OUR REGULAR FORD DEALERSHIP IN BELVIDERE, ILLINOIS. MY DOCTOR ORDERED A SPECIAL BLOOD TEST WHICH CONFIRMED A HIGH LEVEL OF CARBON MONOXIDE IN MY BLOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT I STILL HAVE SOME AMOUNT OF THE HEALTH PROBLEMS. THANKS, JIM