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, Mar 28, 2017
PERIODIC SMELL OF FUMES OR BURNING SMELL INSIDE THE CAR WHEN RUNNING. PRONOUNCED SMELL UPON HARD ACCELERATION AS FROM A STOP OR UPON MERGING ONTO HIGHWAY. HAS HAPPENED SINCE SHORTLY AFTER BUYING THIS AS A USED CAR LATE LAST YEAR. MY BOYFRIEND DRIVES THE VEHICLE A LOT AND THOUGHT IT WAS JUST OUTSIDE TRAFFIC SMELLS ENTERING THE CAR BUT AFTER USING THE A/C ON RECIRCULATION MODE, WE REALIZED IT IS COMING FROM OUR EXPLORER AND ESPECIALLY UPON HARD ACCELERATION.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 27, 2017
WHENEVER I MAKE A HARD ACCELERATION, THERE IS A FOUL SMELL IN THE CABIN. SMELL IS SIMILAR TO ROTTEN EGG OR BAD CATALYTIC CONVERTER. I NORMALLY ALWAYS HAVE THE A/C ON AND IN RECIRCULATE. I HAVE NOTICED THIS EVER SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW. TWO DEALERSHIPS HAD NO ANSWER AND SAID THEY HAD NOT HEARD OF ANY COMPLAINTS.
Power train, Engine, Mar 27, 2017
MY CAR STARTED OFF WITH A PROPANE GAS SMELL WHICH WOULD COME AND GO. THEN IT TURNED INTO THIS SULFUR ODOR. WHICH HAD GOTTEN SO BAD THAT YOU COULD ONLY DRIVE THE CAR IF ALL THE WINDOWS WERE DOWN BECAUSE THE ODOR WOULD MAKE YOU SICK. THE CAR WAS IN MOTION AT ALL TIMES. YOU COULD SMELL THE ODOR WITH OR WITHOUT THE HEAT ON. THEN AT WHICH POINT THE ODOR NEVER ACTUALLY LEFT THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. AT WHICH I WOULD JUST LEAVE THE WINDOWS OPEN, IN HOPES THAT THE CAR WOULD EVENTUALLY AIR OUT.
Engine, Mar 27, 2017
2014 FORD EXPLORER SPORT, STRONG SMELL OF ENGINE EXHAUST FUMES ENTERING PASSENGER CABIN. MUST DRIVE WITH WINDOWS OPEN TO VENT OUT PASSENGER CABIN. MY SAFETY AS WELL AS MY FAMILY'S SAFETY IS AT RISK FOR CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING, RESPITORY DISTRESS, ASTHMA AND POSSIBLE UNCONSCIOUSNESS WHILE DRIVING. THE OVERWHELMING ENGINE EXHAUST FUMES WITHIN THE PASSENGER CABIN AT TIMES IS UNBEARABLE.
Other or unspecified, Mar 25, 2017
THERE IS AN EXHAUST / PROPANE SMELL ENTERING THE CAR. AT TIMES THE SMELL IS OVERPOWERING AND HAS CAUSED A NAUSEOUS FEELING. HAVING TAKEN THE VEHICLE IN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND HAD THE 2012 AND 2014 BULLETIN WORK COMPLETED, THERE HAS BEEN NO DIFFERENCE. HAVING PURCHASED THE VEHICLE 10 WEEKS AGO FROM THE DEALERSHIP, I FEEL I OWN WHAT MAY BE THE LEAST FAMILY-FRIENDLY VEHICLE ON THE ROAD. I HAVE 4 AND 8 YEAR OLD DAUGHTERS THAT I CAN'T HAVE RIDE IN THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THEY WILL GET SICK. AS A 6'3" MAN, I HAVE BECOME SICK MYSELF AT TIMES AFTER DRIVING FOR LESS THAN 5 MINUTES IN RESIDENTIAL STREETS.
Other or unspecified, Mar 24, 2017
STRONG SMELL OF EXHAUST IN CABIN OF VEHICLE AFTER DRIVING ON EXPRESSWAY. I GET LIGHTHEADED AND HAVE HEADACHES AFTER DRIVING THIS VEHICLE.
Structure, Mar 24, 2017
THE DRIVER SIDE WINDSHIELD TRIM FLEW OFF MY VEHICLE WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 70MPH. THIS IS THE SECOND TRIM PIECE THAT HAS RIPPED OFF MY VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING. THE PASSENGER SIDE BLEW OFF ABOUT A YEAR AGO WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. I AM WORRIED THAT A LARGE PIECE OF PLASTIC FLYING OFF MY CAR AT HIGH SPEEDS MAY HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE ROAD AND CAUSE AND ACCIDENT OR INJURE SOMEONE. I GOOGLED "FORD EXPLORER WINDSHIELD TRIM PROBLEMS" AND THERE IS A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE. THE DEALERSHIP WANTS TO CHARGE ME $290 TO FIX IT BUT I FEEL LIKE THIS PROBLEM IS DANGEROUS AND IS NOT SOMETHING THAT SHOULD OCCUR WITH NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR ON THE VEHICLE. ATTACHED ARE PHOTOS OF MY CAR AND THE FORD ESTIMATE SO YOU CAN SEE THE PARTS NUMBERS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP.
Structure, Mar 17, 2017
PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD TRIM PEELING BACK AND SEPARATING FROM THE WINDSHIELD, HEAVY VIBRATION NOISE OCCURS AT SPEEDS OVER 15 MPH, AT 65 IT IS DEAFENING. NO ACCIDENT, NO ROUGH TRAVEL, THIS IS A SOCCER MOM CAR, THAT GOES TO SCHOOL, SUPERMARKET AND HOME. NO ROUGH HISTORY OF WASHES. OTHER ISSUES LISTED ONLINE HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2014/WINDOWS_WINDSHIELD/WINDSHIELD_TRIM_FALLING_OFF.SHTML
Other or unspecified, Mar 15, 2017
WE HAVE BEEN HAVING EXHAUST SMELLS IN THE CABIN SINCE WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE AND NOW I SEE THERE ARE MANY OTHERS. I WANT TO SUE FORD AND GET MY MONEY BACK FOR THE VEHICLE.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 15, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. DUE TO THE ODOR, THE CONTACT'S CHILD BEGAN TO COUGH SEVERELY WHEN IN THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 74,000.
Suspension, Mar 15, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V245000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Engine, Mar 13, 2017
I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2014 FORD EXPLORER AND THE EXTENDED WARRANTY AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE. THE EXHAUST FUMES COMING INTO THE VEHICLE DURING ACCELERATION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I TOOK THE TRUCK IN TO WHILE IT WAS UNDER THE BUMPER TO BUMPER TO BE FIXED AND WHAT WAS DONE AT THE TIME WAS REPROGRAMMING EXHAUST AND AC INTAKE. THIS DID NOT FIX THE EXHAUST PROBLEM BUT DID IMPROVE THE SMELL AND HOW OFTEN IT OCCURRED . I RECENTLY TOOK MY TRUCK INTO GET THE EXHAUST FIXED AND THEY WILL NOT FIX IT BECAUSE IT IS PASSED THE BUMPER TO BUMPER BUT THIS IS THE SAME PROBLEM TOOK IN TO BE FIX PRIOR.
Other or unspecified, Mar 13, 2017
NOTICED A STRONG ODOR THAT SMELLS LIKE NATURAL GAS INSIDE OF THE CAR. THE ODOR BECOMES WORSE WHEN THE HEAT IS RUNNING. IT IS MOST NOTICEABLE WHEN IN MOTION HOWEVER THE SMELL CAN BE DETECTED OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHEN IT IS TURNED OFF.
Other or unspecified, Mar 10, 2017
WHEN ACCELERATING TO MERGE ONTO THE HIGHWAY FROM AN ONRAMP, A DAILY EVENT FOR ME, A STRONG EXHAUST ODOR FILLS THE CABIN. IT LINGERS A LONG TIME AND I HAVE TO ROLL DOWN THE WINDOW TO CLEAR THE AIR. IT'S NOT ONLY ANNOYING, I'M AFRAID THERE ARE HEALTH RISKS INVOLVED.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 9, 2017
EXHAUST FUMES LEAKING INTO CABIN CAUSING FAMILY TO BREATHE IN FUMES. IT HAS HAPPENED SINCE WE BOUGHT THE CAR NEW. IF THE VEHICLE AC IS IN RECIRCULATING MODE AND YOU ACCELERATE, FUMES FILL THE CABIN FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. WE ALWAYS HAVE TO ROLL DOWN THE WINDOWS TO LET THE FUMES OUT. IT HAPPENS ESSENTIALLY EVERY TIME YOU DRIVE THE CAR . I CALLED FORD DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT THERE ARE NO COMPLAINTS THEY HAVE SEEN. CAUSES HEADACHES AND NAUSEA.
Other or unspecified, Mar 7, 2017
ABOUT A MONTH AGO I STARTED NOTICING A STRANGE EXHAUST ODOR INSIDE MY VEHICLE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN. IT MADE ME FEEL NAUSEATED AND DIZZY WHILE DRIVING.
Other or unspecified, Mar 6, 2017
WHEN DRIVING MY EXPLORER I SMELL VERY STRONG EXHAUST FUME SMELLS THAT GIVE ME HEADACHES. IT HAPPENS ALMOST DAILY WHILE DRIVING IT FOR THE PAST YEAR.
Other or unspecified, Mar 5, 2017
THERE IS A FOUL ODOR COMING FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE VENTS/OUTSIDE VENT JUST ABOVE THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION BOTH ON CITY STREETS AND HIGHWAY. IT CAN COME AND GO WITHIN THE CABIN AND YOU CAN USUALLY SMELL IT OUTSIDE THE CAR WHEN IT STOPS MOVING. I BROUGHT IT IN TO BE FIXED AND DESPITE THIS HAPPENING TO HUNDREDS OF CARS (I DIDN'T KNOW THAT AT THE TIME), THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT I PROBABLY SUCKED SOMETHING UP. AFTER SAYING IT WAS PROBABLY THE FILTER AND THEN USING A DEVICE TO CLEAN OUT THE AIR BOX, THE SMELL IS STILL THERE.
Structure, Mar 3, 2017
DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY GOING ABOUT 65 MILES PER HOUR, PASSENGER WINDSHIELD SIDE PANEL FLEW OFF THE MY 2014 FORD EXPLORER TRUCK THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED DAMAGES TO OTHER VEHICLES BEHIND ME OR EVEN AN ACCIDENT. I JUST BOUGHT THE VEHICLE FROM A DEALERSHIP ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO. I NOTIFIED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THE PART IS NOT UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY OVER $200 TO GET THE PANEL REPLACED.
Other or unspecified, Mar 1, 2017
MY 2014 EXPLORER WHEN SHIFTED INTO PARK AND ENGINE TURNED OFF AN ALERT ON CLUSTER PANEL SAYS "TRANSMISSION NOT IN PARK". SOMETIMES I HAVE TO START ENGINE, PUT SHIFTER IN REVERSE THEN BACK INTO PARK, TURN ENGINE OFF AND THE ALERT ON CLUSTER PANEL SAYS "TRANSMISSION NOT IN PARK" SOMETIMES I HAVE TO GO THROUGH THIS SCENARIO SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THE LEVER WILL ACTUALLY BE IN PARK. THE 2014 EXPLORER PURCHASED JULY 26TH 2013 HAS 17,646 MILES. I WOULD LIKE A RESPONSE TO MY PROBLEM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THANK YOU
Other or unspecified, Feb 28, 2017
I PURCHASED MY EXPLORER IN MAY OF 2014. THE FIRST TIME I ACCELERATED AND REACHED 3000-3500 RPMS (A USUAL PASSING SITUATION) I EXPERIENCED A STRONG EXHAUST ORDER INSIDE THE VEHICLE. ALTHOUGH NOT THE USUAL "BURNING OFF" SMELL OF A NEW ENGINE, I INITIALLY DISMISSED THE ODOR AS SOMETHING ASSOCIATED WITH A NEW VEHICLE. AFTER SEVERAL WEEKS AND MANY INSTANCES OF EXHAUST ODOR I KNEW SOMETHING WAS WRONG. I COULD NOT EVEN ACCELERATE UP A HILL JUST TO KEEP PACE WITH TRAFFIC FLOW WITHOUT NEEDING TO OPEN WINDOWS TO ELIMINATE THE TOXIC SMELL. I FIRST COMPLAINED TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP DURING A ROUTINE SERVICE OIL CHANGE. SOME REPAIRS WERE MADE IN MAY OF 2016.. THIS REPAIR DID NOTHING TO SOLVE PROBLEM. SO IN SEPTEMBER 2016 THE DEALERSHIP RE-SEALED THE REAR OF VEHICLE. IT WAS FINE FOR TWO WEEKS. FOR A FEW WEEKS AFTER THAT THERE WAS A SLIGHT EXHAUST SMELL BUT AS TIME HAS PASSED THERE ARE TIMES WHEN SMELL IS STRONGER. MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE HAD EXPLORERS SINCE 1992 AND LOVED THEM AND NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS. I HATE THIS 2014 EXPLORER!! PLEASE NOTE THAT I HAVE DOCUMENTATION (RECEIPT/STATEMENT FROM FORD DEALERSHIP). ALSO NOTE THAT THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM; THEREFORE, I CAN'T NOTE A SPECIFIC DATE. BECAUSE THE DATE FIELD IS REQUIRED INFORMATION I SELECTED JUNE 2014.
Engine, Feb 28, 2017
EXHAUST SMELL IN CABIN WHILE HVAC ON AND WINDOWS UP. THIS IS MOST NOTICEABLE WHILE ACCELERATING AND AFTER COMING TO A STOP.
Vehicle speed control, Feb 25, 2017
QUICK ACCELERATION WAS REQUIRED BECAUSE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE CROSSING INTO MY LANE. I STEPPED ON THE ACCELERATOR AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY VEHICLE BEGAN ACCELERATING BY ITSELF EVEN THOUGH MY FOOT WAS NOT TOUCHING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. I STEPPED ON THE BRAKES AND IT BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN.....HOWEVER, WHEN I LET OFF THE BRAKE THE ACCELERATION CONTINUED AND THE ENGINE RPM JUMPED VERY HIGH. I STEPPED ON THE BRAKES AGAIN AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLOW. I THEN LET OFF THE BRAKES AGAIN AND THEN ONCE AGAIN THE VEHICLE BEGAN ACCELERATING FAST AND THE RPM SKYROCKETED. I WAS ABLE TO STOP MY VEHICLE AND PUT IT INTO PARK. WHILE THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING I RELEASED THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE ENGINE RPM JUMPED EXTREMELY HIGH AGAIN. I TAPPED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WITH MY FOOT A COUPLE TIMES AND IT RELEASED OFF OF THE FLOOR. I TURNED THE IGNITION OFF. I WAITED A COUPLE SECONDS AND THEN TURNED THE ENGINE BACK ON. THE PROBLEM DISAPPEARED. AFTER I GOT HOME, MY HUSBAND WAS CURIOUS IF THE FLOOR MAT MAY HAVE GOTTEN IN THE WAY. HE TRIED TO RECREATE THE PROBLEM OF THE ACCELERATOR STICKING TO THE FLOOR BY WEDGING THE FLOOR MAT AGAINST IT. HE WAS UNABLE TO HOLD THE ACCELERATOR TO THE FLOOR BY WEDGING THE FLOOR MAT AGAINST IT.
Steering, Suspension, Feb 25, 2017
TAKATA RECALL CUANDO LO MANEJO SE MUEVE MUCHO ES DIFCIL DE CONTROLAR A 60 MILLAS PARESE UN BOTE 🚣 SE MUEVE DE LADO A LADO COMO SI PATINARA MAS EN EL FREEWAY ES MUY RIESGOSO
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 25, 2017
EXHAUST FUME SMELLS IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT , WHILE ON, PARKED AND IN MOTION UNDER 45 MPH