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, Dec 21, 2016
CAR HAS EXHAUST FUMES COMING INTO THE VEHICLE FORD HAS AN INTERNAL BULLETIN ON THIS ISSUE BUT IS STILL CHARGING CUSTOMERS TO FIX THE ISSUE IF OVER THE 36,000. THE EXHAUST PIPES NEED TO BE REDONE, ADDITIONAL INSULATION ALONG WITH A MUFFLER THAT POINTS DOWN VS POINTING UP INTO THE VEHICLE. FORD IS NOT RUSHING TO FIX THIS CARBON MONOXIDE ISSUE!
Suspension, Dec 19, 2016
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 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. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Other or unspecified, Dec 19, 2016
WE WERE PARKED AT A STORE AND ALL OF A SUDDEN, WATER STARTS DRIPPING INTO THE EXPLORER FROM THE SUN ROOF, WHERE THE BUTTONS ARE TO TURN ON THE FRONT INTERIOR LIGHTS. WE OPENED THE SUN ROOF AND LOOKED, AND THERE WAS A PUDDLE OF WATER JUST SITTING THERE. SO NOW YOU HAVE TO DRIVE WITH A TOWEL NEXT TO THE GEAR SHIFT.
Visibility, Other or unspecified, Dec 19, 2016
WE WERE DRIVING DOWN I-95 NORTH IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND ALL OF A SUDDEN WE HARD A LOUD POP. IT SOUNDED LIKE WE BLEW A TIRE. WHEN WE GOT OUT TO LOOK, THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR WINDOW HAD A CRACK IN IT. THE CRACK CONTINUES TO GROW, TRAVELING DOWN FROM THE CENTER OF THE TOP OF THE WINDOW TOWARDS THE CAR FRAME BY THE SIDE VIEW MIRROR. YOU CAN BARELY FEEL IT ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE WINDOW AND ON THE INSIDE YOU CAN'T FEEL IT AT ALL. *TR
Visibility, Other or unspecified, Dec 19, 2016
WINDSHIELD TRIM BLEW OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR
Other or unspecified, Dec 18, 2016
THE VEHICLE HAS A STRONG EXHAUST SMELL (SULFUR, ROTTEN EGG, IMPROPERLY BURNED FUEL, ETC) COMING INTO THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE WHEN GOING UPHILL, FAST ACCELERATION OR PASSING A VEHICLE. I HAVE CARRIED THE VEHICLE TO THE FORD DEALER AND REPORTED THIS COMPLAINT SEVERAL TIMES. ON MY LAST COMPLAINT TO THE DEALER, THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT STATED THERE WAS A FACTORY TSB ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE DEALER ORDERED THE PARTS FOR THE TSB AN WE CARRIED THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND LEFT IT FOR TWO DAYS FOR THEM TO COMPLETE THE REPAIR. THE ODOR PROBLEMS STILL EXISTS. I HAVE A 4 YEAR OLD GRANDDAUGHTER WITH ASTHMA AND OTHER BREATHING PROBLEMS. I HAVE CARRIED HER TO SCHOOL AND PICKED HER UP EVERYDAY IN THIS VEHICLE FOR THREE YEARS NOW. I WONDER IF HER HEALTH COULD BE AFFECTED BY THIS DEFECT?
Engine, Dec 9, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO RUN AFTER THE IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND DRAINED THE BATTERY. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 37,000.
Power train, Dec 8, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE "NOT IN PARK" WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO REVERSE, THE WARNING INDICATOR DISAPPEARED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SHIFTER NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SAME FAILURE OCCURRED THREE OTHER TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.
Suspension, Dec 5, 2016
STILL WAITING FOR PARTS FOR THIS RECALL WHICH WAS ISSUED IN APRIL. THIS IS REALLY RIDICULOUS CONSIDERING THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE.
Suspension, Dec 2, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V245000 (SUSPENSION). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER 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.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Dec 2, 2016
I BOUGHT MY 2014 FORD EXPLORER IN NOVEMBER OF 2015. I NOTICED A ROTTEN EGG/ EXHAUST SMELL AS THE WEATHER BECAME WARMER. ANYTIME I WOULD ACCELERATE UP A HILL OR ACCELERATE ON A FLAT STRETCH OF ROAD DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS WAS WHEN THE SMELL IS THE WORST. I HAVE TO ROLL DOWN ALL OF THE WINDOWS. I NO LONGER ALLOW MY CHILDREN TO RIDE IN THE THIRD ROW BECAUSE THEY WOULD COMPLAIN ON THE LONGER CAR RIDES OF HAVING A HEADACHE. I HAVE TAKEN THIS TO THE DEALERSHIP ON 3 OCCASIONS NOW. THEY HAVE TOLD ME THEY HAVE TRIED TO REPRODUCE MY COMPLAINT, AND HAVE FAILED TO DO SO. I AM CURRENTLY GOING TO THAT THE SERVICE MANAGER ON A RIDE TOMORROW TO REPRODUCE THIS SMELL. THE SMELL HAS BEEN SO BAD AT TIMES THAT I PERSONALLY HAVE FELT LIKE I WAS GOING TO BE SICK. THERE IS SOMETHING SERIOUSLY WRONG WITH THE EXPLORERS HAVING THIS SMELL. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE. I AM AT THE POINT THAT I DO NOT PUT MY KIDS IN MY CAR ANYMORE THEN I HAVE TO. I HAVE HAD TO APOLOGIZE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS TO MY FRIENDS ABOUT THE SMELL. FORD NEEDS TO FIGURE THIS OUT!! *TR
Suspension, Dec 1, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V248000 (SUSPENSION). THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Suspension, Nov 29, 2016
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 EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Suspension, Nov 22, 2016
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 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. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Steering, Nov 22, 2016
I'VE HAD ISSUES WITH MY FORD EXPLORER NOT TURNING WELL, MAKING NOISES WITH THE TURN, AND HAVE TAKEN IT INTO THE SHOP WHO HAVE SAID IT'S A COMMON ISSUE. THIS IS A DANGER. MY OTHER COMPLAINT IS THAT THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL (NHTSA RECALL 16V-245) AND HAVE TAKEN MY CAR IN TO HAVE THE REPAIR AND THEY HAVE SAID THEY DIDN'T WANT TO USE THE PARTS/TIME TO DO THE FIX! I HAVE CALLED ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS FOR THE REPAIR AND THEY STATE THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO DO THE REPAIR. I FEEL LIKE I HAVE A POTENTIAL DANGER WITH MY CAR AND FORD SENDS A LETTER TO COVER THEMSELVES WITH THE GOVERNMENT, AND I'M LEFT IN THE LURCH. THE GOVERNMENT HAS SHOWN TO BE INEFFECTIVE AND I'M HOPING THAT MY MESSAGE WILL BE HEARD BY SOMEONE.
Power train, Nov 18, 2016
AFTER I PUT THE TRANSMISSION IN PARK AND TURN OFF THE VEHICLE, THE ALERT "TRANSMISSION NOT IN PARK" COMES ON. MY GEAR SHIFT IS IN THE PARK POSITION. I PUSH IN THE BUTTON MULTIPLE TIMES (WITHOUT MOVING THE SHIFTER) WHERE THE "P" ON THE DASH FLASHES TO SHOW I'M IN PARK. AFTER DOING THIS, THE "TRANSMISSION NOT IN PARK" ALERT USUALLY GOES AWAY. THIS GOES IN SPURTS WHEN IT HAPPENS - IT WILL BE EVERY TIME I TURN OFF THE CAR FOR A COUPLE DAYS, THEN IT WON'T HAPPEN FOR A WEEK OR SO. THIS STARTED ABOUT SIX MONTHS AGO.
Engine, Nov 17, 2016
STRONG EXHAUST ODOR UNDER HEAVY ACCELERATION.
Other or unspecified, Nov 13, 2016
EXHAUST FUMES ARE ENTERING THE CABIN OF MY 2014 FORD EXPLORER THRU THE DASH VENTS EVERY TIME I STOP MAKING ME SICK TO MY STOMACH. THESE EXHAUST FUMES SMELL LIKE SULFUR OR ROTTEN EGGS BUT I FEAR THAT ARE POISONOUS GASES LIKE CARBON MONOXIDE AS WELL. MY DEALER PERFORMED A "FIX" LAST WEEK INVOLVING A TSB 14-0130 BUT IT HAS NOT HELPED. I FEAR THAT I AM STARTING TO GET THE RUN AROUND. I AM AFFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR. PLEASE HELP ME!
Other or unspecified, Oct 31, 2016
10/04/2016 MY TOUCH SCREEN FROZE. I HAVE NO CONTROL OF THE HEATING AND COOLING IN THE BACK 2 ROWS OF SEATS. NAVIGATION, RADIO, SIRIUS, AND MORE DO NOT WORK. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN ON A CITY STREET WHEN EVERYTHING FROZE. CAR IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. A REPLACEMENT SCREEN WAS ORDERED BUT HAS BEEN ON BACK ORDER FOR ALMOST 4 WEEKS CONTACTED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE TWICE BUT THEY WILL NOT HELP. MY DELORSHIP CARLSBAD FORD SAID THEY CAN NOT GET ANY INFORMATION ON THE DELAY
Suspension, Oct 31, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V245000 (SUSPENSION); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Engine, Oct 30, 2016
UNSAFE C02 LEVELS IN CABIN ,BAD ODORS,WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WHILE A/C ON. *TR
Steering, Oct 27, 2016
I STARTED MY VEHICLE AT WHICH TIME I NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO MOVE LEFT OR RIGHT. THE SERVICE ADVANCE TRAC SYSTEM LIGHT WAS ON. IT WOULD ONLY MOVE 1/4 OF AN INCH IN EITHER DIRECTIONS. I COULD DRIVE FORWARD AND BACKWARD HOWEVER IMPOSSIBLE TO SAFELY DRIVE AS YOU CANNOT MANEUVER THE VEHICLE. ON THE OTHER OCCASIONS THIS OCCURRED IT WAS AFTER HAVING DRIVEN THE VEHICLE PARKING AND THEN RETURNING A SHORT WHILE LATER AND ATTEMPTING TO LEAVE. THE DEALERSHIP FIRST SAID WAS A STEERING GEAR WHICH WAS REPLACED THEN SAID CODES NEED TO BE CLEARED THEN SAID WAS A MODULE AND THEN SAID WAS ANOTHER MODULE AND AS OF TODAY DO NOT KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 27, 2016
STRONG AND FAIRLY CONSTANT (DAILY) EXHAUST ODOR ENTERING INSIDE OF CAR, MAKING ME AND MY KIDS NAUSEOUS/SICK. I JUST PURCHASED THIS CAR FROM GIRARD FORD IN NORWICH, CT LESS THAN 2 WEEKS AGO AND COMPLAINED TO THEM LESS THEN 5 DAYS AFTER PURCHASE. I BROUGHT INTO THEIR SERVICE GARAGE AND THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T SMELL FUEL. THEY ALSO TOLD ME THEY TEST DROVE FOR A TOTAL OF AN HOUR AND A HALF, BUT THAT DOESN'T COINCIDE WITH THE ODOMETER READING FROM WHEN I DROPPED IT OFF. ODOMETER SHOWS THAT THEY ONLY DROVE FOR MAYBE 30 MINUTES. THE FUEL SMELL DISRUPTS DRIVING, DAUGHTER FELT LIKE SHE COULD VOMIT. THIS OCCURS EVERY DAY. IT JUST COMES ON AT TIMES WHEN ACCELERATING UPHILL OR ON REGULAR ROAD, ONCE THE SMELL IS THERE IT LINGERS IN THE CAR FOR REMAINDER OF DRIVE. *TR
Engine, Oct 26, 2016
WHEN THE VEHICLE IS ACCELERATED,A VERY STRONG ODOR OF EXHAUST COMES FROM THE AIR CONDITIONER. I HAD A REPRESENTATIVE WITH ME AND THEY NOTICED THE ODOR TOO. THIS HAPPENS NO MATTER WHAT ROAD YOU ARE DRIVING ON. *TR
Suspension, Oct 19, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V245000 (SUSPENSION). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.