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.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 13, 2025
When starting my vehicle the parking brake alarm is going off stating that my parking brake is engaged which it is not once I drive about a mile or 2 the alarm goes off but everytime I restart my vehicle he resets the process.
Structure, Sep 9, 2025
See attached document for complaint I am sending you a copy of a letter I sent to the Ford Motor Company over my lack of satisfaction over safety recalls on my 2014 Ford Explorer with the local Ford Dealership as well as the Ford Motor Company. I have attached a copy of the letter I sent to Ford Corporate concerning two (2) recalls on my vehicle that seem to be totally ignored by Ford. I know that it is the responsibility of the NTSB to monitor and regulate the safety of the traveling public within the United States. To this end, I feel that Ford needs to be looked at concerning its lack of safety concern based on my experiences. Although, I was contacted over 18 months ago about a safety recall on my Ford Explorer by Ford Corporate, my repeated calls to the dealership and to Ford Corporate have fallen on deaf ears. No one at Ford seems to care. I would appreciate any assistance the NTSB can render on this issue on my behalf.
Structure, Sep 7, 2025
Remedy is not yet available as of September 2025. Received letter February 2024. Regarding A pillar trim
Steering, Lane departure, Sep 6, 2025
Lose of controlled of the Steering will driving
Electrical system, Sep 5, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to obtain an extended warranty plan, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 75,000. Later, the contact was informed that the mileage was 138,000 at the time of purchase.
Other or unspecified, Sep 3, 2025
A-PILLAR APPLIQUE TRIM on both sides of windshield have blown off in traffic. Water is getting vehicle.
Structure, Back over prevention, Sep 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger’s and driver's side A-pillar trim fractured and detached. The contact stated that the dealer arrived at the residence and inspected the vehicle; however, the contact was informed that parts were not available. The contact purchased the parts from Amazon; however, the contact had to apply tape to hold the parts in place. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the driver's side B-pillar trim had fractured and detached. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. Additionally, the back-over prevention camera screen displayed a black screen and an error message to call the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Structure, Sep 2, 2025
Both sides of the windshield A pillar trims have flown off into oncoming traffic,have been trying to get it fixed for months now.Have reported before case #11640934
Seat belts, Sep 1, 2025
The driver's side seat belt latch does not automatically latch when you put the seat belt into it. I have to press the release button to get it to latch. If I don't press the release button to latch it, the seat belt won't stay latched. The dealership said they can repair it for $700 but I don't feel that I should have to pay for a safety device that is supposed to work especially since it has not been modified or damaged in any way.
Structure, Aug 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact recently became aware that the trim on the passenger’s side A-pillar was loose. The contact stated that several dealers were contacted but was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that one dealer suggested that tape be used to hold the trim piece securely in place. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.
Seat belts, Power train, Aug 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after routine maintenance at a local independent mechanic, the second-row seat belt warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact attempted to buckle the rear second-row driver’s side passenger’s seat belt; however, the warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the same independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed and DTC: B141B-13; was retrieved. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to the Customer Satisfaction Program: 21B11; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.
Other or unspecified, Aug 25, 2025
The windshield trim recall is taking a long time to correct. I had a piece fall off while driving which could have damaged another vehicle and caused a incident.
Structure, Aug 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the front driver’s and passenger’s side A-pillar trim panel had become loosened and unsecured on the vehicle. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The contact was informed that parts to repair the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE) were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Structure, Aug 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70-72 MPH, the contact heard a loud snapping sound and saw an object go by on the outside of the vehicle. After pulling over to the side of the road, the contact became aware that the trim around the windshield on the passenger’s side had detached. The trim on the driver's side of the windshield had started to deteriorate. The windshield was currently secured with tape. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and it was confirmed that the parts that had detached were the same parts that were under recall. The dealer informed the contact that the parts had been ordered, but could not confirm when the parts would be available. The contact was unable to reach the manufacturer. The failure mileage was unknown.
Structure, Aug 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the driver's side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted and replaced the A-pillar trim. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving 65 MPH, the passenger’s side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired after the most recent failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.
Structure, Aug 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on the driver’s side of the windshield started to detach. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 141,000.
Structure, Aug 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000( STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Structure, Aug 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the front windshield. The contact stated that the driver's side A-pillar trim had detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that on another occasion, the passenger's side A-pillar trim loosened. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired after the most recent failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 6, 2025, fire
The contact owned a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, black smoke started to come from the rear end of the vehicle. The contact pulled to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact noticed the smoke continued and that black smoke was now coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact opened the hood of the vehicle and noticed a fire starting near the engine on the driver's side, closer towards the windshield. The fire department arrived and was able to extinguish the fire. The fire diagnosed a mechanical error was the cause of the fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and deemed totaled. The contact had not sustained any injuries and did not need medical assistance. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and a complaint was made. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a safety complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
Structure, Aug 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE). The contact stated that the local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and it was inquired when the parts would be available. The contact stated that the passenger’s side A-pillar trim had detached from the vehicle. The approximate failure mileage was 15,128.
Steering, Aug 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 65 MPH, the power steering assist feature was disabled, and the steering wheel became very difficult to turn. The messages "Service Advance-trac" and "Steering Loss - Stop Safely" were displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 131,590.
Structure, Aug 4, 2025
On [XXX] I was driving on the freeway when both A pillars came loose and the rubber trim was damaged. I had to pull over and buy some electrical tape from the gas station to somehow secure them so that I can get home. While I was looking into the repair I came across information that there is a current safety recall for the A-Pillars for the Ford Explorer and my vehicle was one of the affected vehicles. Manufacturer recall # 24S02 and NHTSA Recall # 24V031. I contacted two Ford Dealerships Performance Ford located in 2000 E. Garvey Ave West Covina, CA. 91791 and also Chino Hills Ford 4480 Chino Hills Pkwy. Chino, CA. 91710. Both businesses gave me the excuse that they did not have parts for the repair but aftermarket parts are available with other vendors. I explained that my vehicle is actually one of the affected vehicles and I was concerned with not just the pillars flying completely off but also possibly water damage since the seals that go with the A-Pillars were damaged. They had nothing to say other than they will contact me when parts become available this recall is over a year old. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Structure, Aug 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the local dealer was contacted in August 2024 for a technician to inspect the vehicle however, the parts to repair the vehicle remained unavailable. The A-pillar trim had detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power train, Aug 1, 2025
When I was going down the highway at 60mph around a small curve and the steering wheel snatched hard, the car reduced the speed I was traveling (as if the brakes were engaged) and I lost ability to control. The Traction control light on the dashboard flashed several times so I pulled over. The light went away and I proceeded to drive at a slow speed (it happened again at 40mph). I was concerned about wrecking the vehicle due to this issue so I had my husband come and pick me and my small child up. The next day he drove it with no issues BUT it has done it several times now. I started reading up on this vehicle and in fact others with the same make and model have had the same issues.
Steering, Jul 31, 2025
electric power steering failure while driving