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.
Electrical system, Nov 30, 2017
THE DASH READS TRANSMISSION NOT IN PARK WHILE THE SHIFTER IS IN PARK POSITION. THERE IS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN REGARDING THIS ISSUE BUT THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE ISSUE DUE TO THE VEHICLE WARRANTY BEING EXPIRED. TSB 15-0047
Air bags, Nov 30, 2017, crash
THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT HAVE BEEN COMING ON INTERMITTENTLY. THE CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE PROBLEM AND FORD HAD BEEN UNABLE TO IDENTIFY THE CAUSE. ON NOVEMBER 27, 2017, A FORD DEALERSHIP IDENTIFIED THAT THE CAR HAD A DEFECTIVE AIRBAG RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE. THE CAR HAS 60,472 MILES. THE WARRANTY EXPIRED AT 60,000. FORD HAS NOT OFFERED TO EXTEND ANY SORT OF WARRANTY RELIEF EVEN THOUGH THE CAR IS 472 MILES OUTSIDE OF THE WARRANTY. MY HUSBAND WAS IN A FRONT-END COLLISION IN JULY 2017. ALTHOUGH THE CAR THAT HE HIT WAS TOTALLED, THE AIRBAGS IN OUR FORD DID NOT DEPLOY, A FACT THAT SHOCKED MANY PEOPLE CONSIDERING THE DAMAGE TO THE OTHER CAR. I AM SHOCKED THAT WHEN THE CAR WAS IN THE FORD DEALERSHIP AFTER THE ACCIDENT THAT THEY DID NOT WORK TO EXPLAIN THE AIRBAG FAILURE.
Other or unspecified, Nov 29, 2017
OUR VEHICLE CONTAINS A COMMON BACKUP SENSOR WHICH BEEPS WHEN IT DETECTS SOMEONE BEHIND THE VEHICLE. THE SYSTEM DOESN'T WORK APPROXIMATELY 5% OF THE TIME. MY OWN BROTHER HAS THE SAME YEAR FORD EXPLORER AND HE SAYS THAT HE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. SEVERAL TIMES WE ALMOST STRUCK SOMEONE, INCLUDING A SMALL CHILD, BECAUSE THE SENSOR DID NOT GO OFF. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, SO THEY COULDN'T FIX IT. THAT'S RIDICULOUS. DOES SOMEONE NEED TO DIE FOR THEM TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THEY HAVE A PROBLEM.
Steering, Power train, Engine, Nov 28, 2017
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY APPROX 65 MPH IN RAIN. SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING, MESSAGE ON DASHBOARD INDICATING CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM, THEN HILL ASSIST FAILURE, THEN WARNING MESSAGE THAT ALL ACCESSORY POWER WAS DISABLED TO CONSERVE POWER. THEN ALL LIGHTS ON DASHBOARD LIT UP. LOSS OF POWER STEERING IN RAIN ON HIGHWAY ALMOST CAUSED VEHICLE TO LOSE CONTROL AND BE INVOLVED IN MULTIPLE CAR ACCIDENT. SERPENTINE BELT WAS FOUND TO BE IN PROPER CONDITION, AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME ALTERNATE ROUTE ALONG 35MPH ROADS. NO FURTHER PROBLEMS ASIDE FROM OCCASIONAL SQUEAK UNDER ACCELERATION. IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWED UP WITH SERVICE CALL, SERPENTINE BELL WAS IN GOOD CONDITION, BUT BELT TENSIONER SPRING HAD FAILED. VEHICLE HAS ONLY 57,000 MILES. SEEMS EXCESSIVELY EARLY FOR THIS TYPE OF PART TO FAIL.
Seat belts, Nov 22, 2017
BOUGHT USED, WHEN I GOT IT WITH ONLY 54000 MILES, ONE SEAT BELT WOULD GO INTO THE RECEIVER BUT NOT CLIP IN OR STAY IN. A WEEK AFTER I BOUGHT IT THE SEAT BELT ON THE OTHER BUCKET SEAT ALL OF A SUDDEN JAMMED AND THE SEAT BELT WILL NOT GO IN AT ALL... COULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS IF THEY HAD FAILED WHILE DRIVING.
Other or unspecified, Nov 18, 2017
EXHAUST SMELL IN PASSENGER CABIN AFTER HARD ACCELERATION ON HIGHWAY.
Structure, Nov 17, 2017
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AROUND 70MPH) THE TRIM ALONG THE WINDSHIELD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUDDENLY SNAPPED AND FLEW OFF.
Other or unspecified, Nov 15, 2017
I HAVE BEEN FEELING VERY LIGHT HEADED AND TIRED WHEN I DRIVE MY 2014 FORD EXPLORER.
Other or unspecified, Nov 10, 2017
DURING ACCELERATION, THE SMELL OF EXHAUST ENTERS MY CABIN AT AN ALARMING RATE.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Nov 8, 2017
THE "DOOR AJAR" LIGHT WILL STAY ON WHETHER I AM STATIONARY OR DRIVING. I HAVE HAD TO OPEN AND SHUT THE DOOR 5 TO 7 TIMES SOMETIMES TO GET IT TO SHUT OFF. NO MATTER HOW SOFT OR HARD I SHUT THE DOOR IT WON'T SHUT OFF. IF I DON'T SHUT IT OFF THE INTERIOR LIGHT WILL STAY ON.
Other or unspecified, Nov 6, 2017
VEHICLE TELLING ME THROUGH THE VEHICLE HEALTH REPORT THAT THERE IS CARBON MONOXIDE CONCERNS.
Other or unspecified, Nov 3, 2017
MY 2014 FORD EXPLORER WINDSHIELD PILLAR TRIM FELL OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY 95 AND IT COULD'VE HIT ANOTHER CAR AND CAUSED A CAR ACCIDENT/DEATHS. I SPOKE TO FORD AND THEY SAID THEY GET CALLS ON THIS ISSUE ALL THE TIME, BUT WE HAVE TO REPORT IT ON HERE FOR SOMETHING TO BE DONE ABOUT IT. I REFUSE TO SPEND 100S OF DOLLARS REPLACING THESE PILLAR TRIMS BECAUSE THEY ALWAYS FALL OFF. IF YOU GO ONLINE YOU SEE 100S OF PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE I HAVE EXPERIENCED. PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS BEFORE SOMETHING HORRIBLE HAPPENS WHEN THESE TRIMS FLY OFF OF OUR CARS.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 2, 2017
STRONG EXHAUST SMELL IN THE CABIN OF THE SUV. EVERY TIME THE ACCELERATOR IS PRESSED FOR A ACCELERATION THAT IS FAST A STRONG EXHAUST SMELL IS NOTICED IN THE CABIN OF THE SUV. THIS IS THE SAME SMELL THAT COMES FROM THE EXHAUST PIPES.
Engine, Oct 28, 2017
EXHAUST LEAK INTO VEHICLE
Other or unspecified, Oct 27, 2017
EXHAUST ENTERING VEHICLE DURING ACCELERATION ... ESP WHEN AIR OR HEAT IS ON , PAST YEAR OCCURS EVERY TIME
Structure, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 27, 2017
EXHAUST FUMES IN CABIN WHEN ACCELERATING AT HIGHER SPEEDS, ESPECIALLY WHEN ENTERING INTERSTATE AND PASSING CARS AT HIGHER SPEEDS.
Power train, Oct 24, 2017
TRANSFER CASE IS GUMMING UP AND TEARING UP MY PTO AND CAUSING GRINDING WHILE ACCELERATING. SPOKE TO MY MECHANIC AND HE SAID THAT FORD IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT HAS YET TO ISSUE A RECALL OR EXTENDED WARRANTY ON ISSUE. WILL COST $1600 TO REPLACE PTO.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Oct 23, 2017
MY EXPLORER HAS AN INTERMITTENT AIRBAG LIGHT THAT COMES ON AND GOES OFF. I'VE TAKEN IT INTO THE DEALER AND THEY NEVER FIND ANYTHING WRONG; BUT THE ISSUE PERSISTS. I'M CONCERNED AN AIRBAG MAY INFLATE INCORRECTLY OR NOT AT ALL IN AN EMERGENCY.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 23, 2017
THIS IS A FOLLOW UP TO NHTSA ID 11019920 FILED 8/26/17. EXHAUST ODOR, SMELLS LIKE SULFUR, STRONG, PUNGENT, COMING THROUGH DAHS BOARD VENTS DURING SUSTAINED ACCELERATION AND SHORTLY AFTER. THE PROBLEM IS REPEATABLE EVERY TIME: PUT VENT SYSTEM IN RECIRCULATION MODE, SUSTAINED ACCELERATION OVER 3,000 RPM, WAIT 5 SECONDS, STRONG SULFUR ODOR COMES THROUGH DASH BOARD VENTS. I AM NOW EXPERIENCING HEADACHES ON A CONSISTENT BASIS AS I HAVE BEEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE MORE OFTEN FOR COMMUTING SINCE PURCHASING IT IN MARCH 2017 WITH 25K MILES. I AM SEEING A DOCTOR AND AM BUILDING A CASE FOR MORE SEVERE HEADACHES WITH INCREASED DRIVING IN MY EXPLORER. TODAY, I DECIDED TO LOOK UNDER THE VEHICLE - I AM INCLUDING PHOTOS OF THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD WHICH SHOWS A CRACK NEAR THE PIPE-TO-FLANGE CONNECTION. AND, NO, MY VEHICLE IS NOT A POLICE CRUISER AND IT DOES NOT HAVE AFTERMARKET PARTS INSTALLED. HOW MANY MORE COMPLAINTS DO YOU NEED? TSB 14-0130 IS FORD'S CHEAP ATTEMPT TO HIDE A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM AND AVOID A COSTLY RECALL OF OVER 1 MILLION VEHICLES. THE EVIDENCE CONTINUES TO MOUNT, INJURIES HAVE OCCURRED, COUNTLESS EXPLORER OWNERS HAVE EXPENDED MUCH RESOURCES IN FILING COMPLAINTS, AND FORD SAYS, "THESE VEHICLES ARE SAFE. WE HAVE NOT FOUND A SAFETY ISSUE HERE". FORD HAS ISSUED TSBS WHICH DO NOT ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. THEIR LATEST INSULT TO OFFER TO "INSPECT AND REPAIR" REAR LIFT GATES AND DRAIN VALVES, AND REPROGRAM THE AIR CIRCULATION SYSTEM IS LAUGHABLE, NOTHING MORE THAN A DISTRACTION TO HIDE THE REAL PROBLEM. FORD SHOULD PUT EVERY EXPLORER ON A LIFT AND INSPECT THE EXHAUST MANIFOLDS, AND DO EXTENSIVE TESTING OF THE VACUUM SYSTEM THAT IS CONNECTED TO THE AIR CIRCULATION SYSTEM. NHTSA: WHY IS IT TAKING YOU SO LONG TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM? DOES SOMEONE NEED TO DIE BEFORE YOU OR FORD TAKE THIS MATTER SERIOUSLY? YOU HAVE THE EVIDENCE YOU NEED TO FORCE A RECALL, NOW! *DT*JB
Other or unspecified, Oct 19, 2017
EXHAUST FUMES THERE IS AN EXHAUST TYPE ODOR NOTICED IN THE VEHICLE WHEN RELEASING THE GAS PEDAL AFTER ACCELERATING.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Oct 18, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE SURGED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE UNEXPECTEDLY. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL TIMES. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO PLACE THE GEAR IN NEUTRAL AND MANEUVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO SAFELY STOP THE VEHICLE. A COMPLAINT WAS FILED WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: CAS-13346113-C5W0T8. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000.
Engine, Oct 17, 2017
WHEN EVER I EXHILARATE I CAN SMELL EMISSIONS IN MY CABIN OF MY TRUCK TO THE POINT THAT I HAVE TO OPEN THE WINDOWS OR ILL GET DIZZY AND HEADACHES. AT LOW SPEEDS AND HIGH SPEEDS AS WELL.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 16, 2017
MY 2014 EXPLORER HAS BAD FUME SMELLS IN THE CABIN WHEN ACCELERATING TO PASS VEHICLES. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER ONCE TO HAVE IT REPAIRED BUT IT STILL DOES IT. I HAVE ALSO HAD A FUME SMELL IN MY NOSE THAT IS THERE WHEN I AM NOT IN THE CAR. I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT IT WAS AND AM SCHEDULED FOR AN MRI BUT I HAVE RECENTLY REALIZED THE CAR CABIN SMELLS THE SAME AS THE SMELL IN MY NOSE.
Engine, Oct 16, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT CARBON MONOXIDE ENTERED THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE VENTS. THE CONTACT WAS ALERTED BY THE CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JOHN BLEAKLEY FORD IN LITHIA SPRINGS, GA 30122 (PHONE (770) 941-9000). THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE VENTS AND THE EXHAUST SYSTEM; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Other or unspecified, Oct 16, 2017
EXHAUST FUMES COMING THROUGH A/C VENTS