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.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Oct 13, 2015
THE WRENCH LIGHT SHOWED ON THE DASHBOARD AND LOSS OF POWER.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 29, 2015
WHEN HARD ACCELERATION OCCURS, SUCH AS ENTERING A FREEWAY OR GOING INTO PASSING GEAR TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE, THERE IS AN EXTREME ODOR - VERY SIMILAR TO ROTTEN EGG SMELL. THIS HAS OCCURRED SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS ORDERED AND PURCHASED NEW. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THIS PROBLEM, BUT AFTER BEING ON A WAITING LIST FOR OVER 4 MONTHS, WE WERE ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS FOUND. THIS VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY DRIVEN ON A DAILY BASIS, TO AND FROM WORK 37 MILES EACH WAY - IN TRAFFIC. I HAD CONTINUAL PROBLEMS WITH SMELL AND TASTE (EXACTLY THAT OF THE FUMES IN THE CABIN) UNTIL SUCH TIME THAT I BEGAN WORKING FROM HOME AND NO LONGER FORCED TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE ON A DAILY BASIS. THIS PROMPTED MY RESEARCH AND THIS COMPLAINT OF THE KNOWN ISSUE. I FIRST REPORTED THIS SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE AROUND JULY OF 2014. I DID ALSO SEND A COMPLAINT LETTER TO FORD - MORE TO THE SERVICE OF THE DEALERSHIP - HOWEVER I BELIEVE THIS ISSUE WAS IN THAT LETTER.
Suspension, Sep 24, 2015
ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2015 PICKED MY DAUGHTER UP FROM SWIM PRACTICE AT 5:50 PM THEN WE WENT TO PICK HER FRIEND UP AND WENT ON 220 TOWARDS MILL HALL TO DROP THEM OFF AT A FOOTBALL GAME, WHILE ON HIGH WAY SMELLED AN AWFUL SMELL, THOUGHT IT WAS CAR IN FRONT OF ME, WE PROCEEDED TO MILL HALL EXIT WHERE WE GOT OFF AND TOOK THEM TO CENTRAL MOUNTAIN MIDDLE SCHOOL DROPPED THEM OFF TO A FOOTBALL GAME AND PROCEEDED THROUGH PARKING LOT WHICH IS 5 MPH OR LESS AND AT APPROXIMATELY 6:16 PM MY CAR LOCKED UP SKIDDED OVER TO CURB AND HIT THAT A COUPLE TIMES AND THEN ACROSS THE PARKING LOT WHERE IT STOPPED HALF IN MIDDLE OF ROAD. I WAITED 4 HOURS FOR A TOW TRUCK WHICH AS TOWED TO FORD GARAGE, NEXT DAY STATE POLICE LOOKED AT MY CAR BEFORE ANYONE ELSE AND DEFINITELY A FAULTY LOWER CONTROL ARM WHICH SNAPPED OFF.. ON SEPTEMBER 23, 2015 FORD GARAGE CALLED SAID FORD IS NOT GOING TO PAY FOR MY CAR OR LOOK AT IT AND I NEED TO CALL INTO MY INSURANCE COMPANY. ...UPDATED 12/29/15 *BF AFTER INSPECTING THE LOWER CONTROL ARM, IT APPEARED TO BE WEAK IN THE AREA OF THE BREAK. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AS A RESULT OF THE BREAK, BUT NO EVIDENCE TO INDICATE ANY DAMAGE PRIOR TO THE BREAK.
Steering, Sep 11, 2015
WE WERE DRIVING TO OUR NEW HOME FROM VISITING FAMILY AND PICKING UP THE VEHICLE. DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT 70+ MILES AN HOUR I NOTICED THE STEERING WAS TIGHTENING UP AND SEEMED TO BE OVERCORRECTING WHEN I TRIED TO STAY IN THE LANE. FINALLY THE ADVANCE TRAC LIGHT CAME ON AND STATED THERE WAS A STEERING FAILURE. I PULLED OVER TO A REST STOP IMMEDIATELY AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE. WHEN I RESTARTED THE VEHICLE POWER STEERING WAS COMPLETELY GONE. CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO NEAREST TOWN WHERE WE WERE STUCK FOR 4 DAYS. DEALERSHIP ENDED UP REPLACING THE POWER STEERING GEAR.
Steering, Sep 8, 2015
STEERING IS INOPERABLE. NO POWER STEERING AT ALL WHILE DRIVING. CAN NOT TURN LEFT OR RIGHT, HAVE TO PULL OVER TO BE SAFE. ERROR MESSAGE SAYS TERRAIN MANAGEMENT FAILURE AND ADVANCED TRAC SYSTEM FAILURE. DEALER REPLACED THE WHOLE POWER STEERING RACK AND RETURN MY CAR TO ME. AFTER 1 MONTH AND A HALF, LOST STEERING AGAIN ON THE ROAD. VERY DANGEROUS WHEN YOU CAN NOT TURN ON THE HIGHWAY. SAME ERROR MESSAGES, SAME PROBLEMS FOR THE SECOND TIME. MY CAR IS 2014 WITH ONLY 12000 MILES RIGHT NOW. UNBELIEVABLE!
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 3, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE LOW OIL PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED SEVERAL TIMES AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR FLOW SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000. MA 10/6 UPDATED 12/21/15. *JB
Steering, Sep 1, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT LATER EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTIES IN MANEUVERING THE STEERING WHEEL AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A CERTAIN MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED, BUT THE REMEDY FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,625.
Suspension, Structure, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 31, 2015
MY GRANDSON WENT OFF THE ROAD AT 70MPH INTO SOME PINE TREES AND COMPLETLE SEVERED THE PASSAGENS WHEEL OFF AND WINDSHIELD COMPLETLE DESTROYES ROOF DAMAGE AND BODY DAMAGE AND NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. I TALKE TO A CUSTOMER WHO ALSO HAD A 2014 EXPLORER THAT WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION AND THEIR AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY EITHER .THE DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE WAS ON THE FRONT AND THE SIDE YET NO AIRBAGE DEPLOYED. SOMETHING IS WRONG !!! ITS A MIRACLE MY GRANDSON IS ALIVE I HAVE PICTURES.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 23, 2015
A FEW MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING OUR 2014 EXPLORER, WE NOTICED AN EXHAUST/SULFUR ORDER IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT FOLLOWING A MEDIUM ACCELERATION ENTERING AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. WE REPORTED THE ODOR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND TURNED THE VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIR. DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO RECREATE THE ORDER SO NOTHING WAS DONE. A FEW MONTHS LATER, UNDER SIMILAR CIRCUMSTANCES, THE ODOR RETURNED. ONCE AGAIN, WE TURNED THE VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIR. THE DEALER PERFORMED A REPAIR BASED ON A TSB. A FEW MONTHS LATER, THE ODOR RETURNED AND ONCE AGAIN TURNED THE VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIR. THE DEALER PERFORMED A CONTINUATION OF THE SAME TSB. A FEW MONTHS LATER, WHILE PULLING A BOAT, THE ODOR RETURNED. ONCE AGAIN, WE TURNED THE VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIR. THE DEALER OWNER AND THE SERVICE TECH DROVE THE VEHICLE FOR SEVERAL DAYS AND WERE UNABLE TO DETECT THE SMELL. THE VERY NEXT DAY WHILE PULLING THE BOAT, THE ODOR RETURNED. THE DEALER NOW SAYS THEY DON'T WANT TO PERFORM THE LAST PART OF THE TSB BECAUSE IF THEY SEND FORD A PART THAT'S NOT DEFECTIVE, FORD WILL CHARGE THEM BACK FOR THE PART....MEANWHILE I'M STUCK DRIVING A VEHICLE THAT MAY BE PUTTING SULFUR AND/OR CARBON MONOXIDE INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE DEALER WANTS ME TO BRING MY BOAT AND VEHICLE IN SO THEY CAN TEST IT WHICH ISN'T GOING TO HAPPEN BECAUSE IF THEY WRECK THE VEHICLE WITH THE BOAT, MY INSURANCE HAS TO COVER IT THROUGH THE PERMISSIVE USE CLAUSE AND MY RATES WILL GO UP.
Other or unspecified, Aug 21, 2015
EXHAUST FUMES ENTERING CABIN UPON ACCELERATION, SUCH AS ENTERING INTERSTATE OR PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE.
Other or unspecified, Aug 17, 2015
WHEN ACCELERATING ONTO HIGHWAY, THERE IS A STRONG EXHAUST-LIKE ODOR COMING FROM THE VENTS. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY CANNOT FIND ANY REASON WHY THE ODOR WOULD BE COMING INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THIS IS EXTREMELY DISTURBING AS I ALSO HAVE MY 4 YEAR OLD INHALING THESE FUMES WHICH I BELIEVE IS CARBON MONOXIDE. THIS NEEDS TO BE CHECKED INTO BY FMC.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 10, 2015, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH WHENATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE OR GOING UP AN INCLINE, THE VEHICLE EMITTED A BURNING ODOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS WAS A RECURRING FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THAT THE FUMES LEAKING INTO THE VEHICLE MIGHT BE CAUSED BY CRACKS IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150.
Other or unspecified, Aug 10, 2015
I AM NOTICING A SMELL COMING OUT OF AIR VENTS. OCCURRING SINCE AS FAR BACK AS I REMEMBER BUT DON'T RECALL EXACT DATE WHEN I STARTED QUESTIONING THE SMELL.. THE SMELL IS A BURNING SMELL - NOT ELECTRICAL BUT ALMOST LIKE HAIR/HAIR DRYER WHEN IT GETS HOT. I NOTICE WHEN I ACCELERATE TO GET ON EXPRESSWAYS AND/OR IF I'M GOING UP A HILL (BASICALLY WHEN I GO INTO HIGH GEAR). MY HUSBAND WAS IN THE CAR AT A TIME RECENTLY AND SO I ASKED HIM IF HE COULD SMELL IT AND HE IMMEDIATELY SAID IT WAS EXHAUST COMING IN THROUGH THE AIR VENTS. I'M NOT SURE IF I CAN SMELL IT MORE WHEN THE AIR IS ON AND THE WINDOWS CLOSED BUT DUE TO ALLERGIES AND RESPIRATORY ISSUES I MORE TIMES THAN NOT DRIVE WITH WINDOWS CLOSED AND THEREFORE SMELL IT QUITE OFTEN THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. I AM NOT SURE IF DIRECTLY RELATED OR NOT BUT LAST TWO YEARS I DROVE 12 HOURS TO FLORIDA AND BY THE TIME I GO THERE I HAD HEADACHE AND BREATHING PROBLEMS AND CONTINUE TO STRUGGLE WITH THAT MORE OFTEN THAN I EVER HAVE BEFORE. I'M WORRIED THAT THIS EXHAUST INTO MY CAR IS MAGNIFYING MY HEALTH ISSUES. REGARDLESS, IT IS A DANGER TO HAVE THIS EXHAUST COMING IN THROUGH THE CAR. I AM TAKING TO FORD THIS COMING FRIDAY. I STOPPED IN TO TALK TO THEM AND THEY SAID THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF ISSUES LIKE THIS. I GOOGLED THE ISSUE MERELY AS "FORD EXPLORE EXHAUST ISSUES" AND WAS SHOCKED AND HORRIFIED BY THE FACT THAT IT APPEARS VERY COMMON AND THAT A CIVIL SUIT WAS FILED IN FLORIDA. RIGHT NOW THEY ARE SAYING WARRANTIES SHOULD COVER THE FIX BUT I'VE READ WHERE THE FIX ISN'T WORKING EITHER. I WILL SEE WHAT THEY SAY ONCE THEY HAVE MY CAR BUT ANYONE HAVING THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO REPORT IT SO THAT IT CAN BE RECTIFIED BY EVERYONE HAVING THIS VEHICLE DURING THE YEARS NOTED IN THE CLAIMS! IN JUST COMING TO THIS SITE ALONE I SEE THAT SEVERAL OTHERS ARE HAVING SAME ISSUES. I DON'T PAY THIS MUCH FOR A VEHICLE FOR IT TO MAKE ME SICK!
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Aug 6, 2015
WHEN APPLYING FULL BRAKING AT A STOP SIGN OR RED LIGHT THE VEHICLE STOPS BUT THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION CONTINUE TO RACE AT FULL SPEED. THE BRAKE PULSATES LIKE THE ANTI LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM IS ENGAGED. IN ORDER TO GET THE VEHICLE BACK TO NORMAL THE ENGINE MUST BE SHUT OFF OR THE TRANSMISSION DISENGAGED. IT WILL THEN START UP NORMALLY. WE HAVE HAD 11 OCCASIONS WITHIN THE PAST 2 MONTHS WHERE THIS HAS OCCURRED, THIS HAS OCCURRED WHEN COMING DOWN FROM HIGHWAY LONG DISTANCE DRIVING AND IT HAS ALSO HAPPENED ON A PARKING LOT VERY LOW SPEED. IT IS ALL I COULD DO TO PRESS HARD ENOUGH ON THE BRAKES TO STOP. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEIR DIAGNOSTICS SHOW NOTHING AND THE DEALERSHIP STATES THEY MUST BE ABLE TO EXPERIENCE THE PROBLEM FIRST (DUPLICATE IT). FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS BEEN CALLED THE REGIONAL SALES MANAGER TOLD ME TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER FORD DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THEM LOOK AT IT. MR. MCHALE THE MANAGER AT FMC (866-631-3788 EXT. 77713) ASSIGNED A CASE NUMBER 7644437 TO THE PROBLEM BUT HE ALSO STATED THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM BEFORE IT COULD BE RESOLVED. I TOLD HIM IF I MISJUDGE OR AM UNABLE TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A STOP THAT I MAY BE PUSHING UP DAISIES. THEY DO NOT SEEM TO UNDERSTAND THE SEVERITY OF THE PROBLEM. IT WOULD SEEM TO ME THAT A MECHANIC WOULD LOOK FOR A SENSOR OR SWITCH THAT WOULD DISENGAGE THE TRANS MISSION WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED OR A SENSOR OR CONTROL THAT SLOWS THE ENGINE. I AM GETTING TO THE POINT I FEAR FOR MY LIFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE UNTIL IT IS REPAIRED. I ALSO MENTIONED THAT WHEN I TURN THE VEHICLE OFF DURING THE INCIDENT THERE IS A LOT OF CLUNKING FROM THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION, I AM SURE DAMAGE HAS BEEN DONE TO THEM. *CN
Other or unspecified, Aug 3, 2015
WHEN ACCELERATING HARD, EXHAUST FUMES BLOW INTO THE CABIN FROM THE AC. CALLED THE DEALERSHIP WITHIN A MONTH AFTER BUYING THE VEHICLE AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS BECAUSE THE CAR/ENGINE WAS NEW. I'D NEVER OWNED A NEW CAR BEFORE SO I TOOK THEIR WORD FOR IT. HOWEVER, AFTER THE ISSUE KEPT REOCCURING FOR 8+ MONTHS, I BROUGHT THE EXPLORER TO THE DEALERSHIP AND TOLD THEM I WANTED IT CHECKED OUT. I WAS INFORMED THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG AND I COULD TRY USING A FUEL ADDITIVE TO HELP CLEAN THE ENGINE. ANY TIME I ACCELERATE HARD, I PRETTY MUCH JUST HAVE TO ROLL DOWN THE WINDOW OR I'LL START GETTING LIGHT HEADED. IT HAS REACHED THE POINT THAT I'M NOW LOOKING TO GET A NEW VEHICLE. I'M AMAZED THAT DESPITE MULTIPLE LAWSUITS AGAINST FORD, THESE EXPLORERS HAVE YET TO BE RECALLED.
Exterior lighting, Visibility/wiper, Jul 29, 2015
THE FIRST TIME I TOOK MY NEW VEHICLE OUT AT NIGHT I STRUGGLED SEEING THE ROAD EVEN WITH THE FOG LIGHTS ON. WHEN YOU LOOK OUT OVER THE HOOD THERE IS A BLACK LINE AT HOOD HEIGHT AND THE LIGHT APPEARS ABOVE THE BLACK LINE. SO THERE IS NOT MUCH LIGHT HITTING THE ROAD. WHEN MAKING A TURN THE HEADLIGHTS DO NOT FOLLOW THE ROAD ON THE TURN AS THEY APPEAR OFF IN THE DISTANCE AND NOT DOWN ON THE ROAD. YOU VIRTUALLY CANNOT SEE IN RURAL AREAS WHEN MAKING A TURN. EVEN HIGH BEAMS DO NOT ILLUMINATE THE ROAD VERY WELL. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEONE HAS AN ACCIDENT AND KILLS THEMSELVES.
Other or unspecified, Jul 27, 2015
BOUGHT THIS 2014 FORD EXPLORER NEW THE LAST OF MAY, 2014. IMMEDIATELY UPON ACCELERATION SMELLED EXHAUST. THOUGHT IT WAS COMING FROM OUTSIDE AIR. THE SMELL STOPPED WHEN WE QUIT USING THE AIR CONDITIONER. THE SMELL STARTED AGAIN THIS SUMMER WHEN WE STARTED USING THE AIR CONDITIONER.. WE FINALLY REALIZED THAT IT WAS OUR VEHICLE AND NOT OUTSIDE AIR. TOOK CAR ON VACATION AND IT WAS SO BAD IT MADE US ALL SICK. HAVE HAD IT TO THE DEALER TWO TIMES. THE FIRST TIME THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. TODAY, WE TOOK IT BACK AS IT IS SO BAD I AM SICK. THEY ADMITTED THERE WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM BUT NO FIX. SAID THERE WILL BE A FIX IN THE NEAR FUTURE. THE CARBON MONOXIDE IS SO STRONG AT RANDOM TIMES THAT WE ARE GETTING AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. IT SEEMS TO BE THE WORSE ON SUDDEN ACCELERATION, SUCH AS PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE AS THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. WE WERE SICK DURING VACATION AS WELL AS THE LADY WHO WAS WITH US....UPDATED 11/04/15 *BF
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Jul 13, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT AREA OF THE VEHICLE NEAR THE BUMPER. THE NOISE WAS PRESENT WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT. THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE INITIALLY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER A SECOND TIME AND THEY REPLACED THE HALF SHAFT THRUST WASHER. ON A THIRD VISIT TO THE DEALER, THEY PROVIDED A TEST DRIVE, REPLACED THE PASSENGER SIDE STRUTS, AND INSPECTED THE NUTS AND BOLTS; HOWEVER, THE NOISE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER'S BODY SHOP. THE TECHNICIAN MOVED THE FRONT BUMPER AND REPLACED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BODY APRON PANEL ALONG WITH NEW BOLTS, BUT THE NOISE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000.
Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, Jul 9, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND ATTEMPTING TO OPEN THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE WINDOWS, BOTH WINDOWS BEGAN TO VIBRATE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SHAKE WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED EACH TIME THE WINDOWS WERE OPENED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
Steering, Other or unspecified, May 29, 2015
I HAVE A 2014 FORD EXPLORER SPORT AND WHENEVER THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES IT SEVERELY PULLS TO THE LEFT. THE VEHICLE WITH TRACK STRAIGHT UNTIL YOU STEP ON THE GAS AND IT PULLS SEVERELY TO THE LEFT REQUIRING ME TO COMPENSATE BY WHILE DRIVING. I ADVISED THE DEALERSHIP ON 10-8-14, 10-18-14, 12-4-14, ON A MARCH OIL CHANGE WITH FORD, 1-7-15 AND 5-18-15.THE DEALERSHIPS INITIALLY DENIED THE CAR HAD ANY ISSUES THAT WERE ABNORMAL BUT EVENTUALLY THEY ADMITTED IT DOES PULL TO THE LEFT BUT IT WAS NORMAL ACCORDING TO THE FORD ENGINEERS AND NOTHING COULD BE DONE TO CORRECT IT SINCE IT WAS A NATURAL CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE. I DID NOT AGREE SINCE I HAVE DRIVEN OTHER VEHICLES OF THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL THAT DID NOT PERFORM THE SAME AS MY VEHICLE DOES. I ALSO SPOKE TO VARIOUS FORD SERVICE TECHNICIANS THAT INDICATED THEY HAD NEVER ENCOUNTERED THIS ISSUE AND THEY ASSUMED THAT IT COULDN'T BE TORQUE STEER SINCE THE INTELLIGENT 4 WHEEL DRIVE SHOULD CORRECT ANY WHEELS THAT WERE NOT SPINNING AT THE SAME SPEED AS THE OTHERS CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO PULL IN ONE DIRECTION OR THE OTHER. HOWEVER, THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED THEY COULD ONLY GO BY WHAT THE CORPORATE ENGINEERS ADVISED THEM AND THAT WAS THAT THE ISSUE WAS NORMAL DESPITE THE VEHICLE BEING RATED FOR A MAXIMUM TOWING CAPACITY OF 5,000 POUNDS. I ALSO HAVEN'T BEEN GIVEN AN EXPLANATION ON WHY THE LEFT TIRES ON MY VEHICLE ARE WORN OUT ONLY ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE TIRE EXACTLY IN THE DIRECTION THE CAR IS PULLING TO. THE SEVER PULLING TO THE LEFT IS NOT A MINOR THINK AND THE CAR WILL MOVE BY THE FEET TO THE LEFT VEERING OUT OF THE LANE UNLESS I COMPENSATE WHILE STEERING, YET IT DRIVES ABSOLUTELY STRAIGHT IF I LET OFF THE GAS AND I CAN'T IMAGINE TOWING ANYTHING BEHIND THIS VEHICLE WITH THESE ABNORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS.
Other or unspecified, May 21, 2015
RECENTLY, MY WIFE AND I NOTICED AN EXHAUST SMELL IN THE CABIN OF OUR 2014 FORD EXPLORER (8K MILES) WHEN WE ACCELERATED ONTO HIGHWAYS. WE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO FORD AND THEY TOLD US THERE WAS A BULLETIN OUT ON THE EXHAUST ISSUE. THE EXPLORER LOANER THEY GAVE US HAD THE PROBLEM WORSE THAN OURS SO I ASKED FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT TO DRIVE. WHEN WE GOT THE EXPLORER BACK, I STILL NOTICED THE PROBLEM AND BROUGHT IT BACK TO FORD. THEY INSISTED THAT THERE WAS NO PROBLEM SO I WENT TO MY LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT AND BORROWED A CARBON MONOXIDE METER AND DROVE THE CAR ON THE HIGHWAY FOR ONE MILE AFTER TESTING VARIOUS LOCATIONS INSIDE THE CABIN (FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES WHILE IDLING). OVER ONE MILE THE CARBON MONOXIDE LEVEL IN THE CABIN INCREASED FROM 0 TO 6 PARTS PER MILLION (PPM). AFTER DISCOVERING THE DANGEROUS SITUATION I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE BACK TO FORD WHO HAS NOW HAD THE VEHICLE FOR RIGHT AT 3 WEEKS AND WILL NOT RETURN MY PHONE CALLS OR UPDATE ME ON THE ISSUE. I AM POSTING THIS SO THAT ANYONE WHO READS THIS CAN INVESTIGATE THIS POSSIBLE SERIOUS HEALTH ISSUE FOR THEMSELVES. IF YOU ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE AND SMELL EXHAUST, TAKE THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE PROBLEM FIXED. IF YOU SMELL EXHAUST IT IS STILL GETTING INTO THE CABIN AND IS VERY DANGEROUS TO YOUR HEALTH. I AM VERY CONCERNED FORD HAS NOT RECALLED ANY VEHICLES (2011-2014) TO MAKE SURE PEOPLE ARE NOT DRIVING AROUND WITH DANGEROUS EXHAUST FUMES IN THE VEHICLE. I HAVE TALKED TO OTHER EXPLORER OWNERS AROUND TOWN AND AT GAS STATIONS AND THEY HAVE NOTICED THIS AS WELL. I USED A CALIBRATED CO METER AND HAVE PICTURES OF THE READINGS.
Suspension, Structure, May 17, 2015
VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 30-35 MPH DOWN A ROAD WITH NO POT HOLES WHEN THE FRONT RIGHT LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE IN HALF. VEHICLE LOST CONTROL AND PULLED TO THE RIGHT BRINGING THE VEHICLE INTO THE STREET CURB. DAMAGE TO THE FENDER, TIRE, WHEEL, CV JOINT, AND OTHER ASSOCIATED PARTS REPORTED. FORD DENIES WARRANTY CLAIM....05-27-15 *BF UPDATED 10/17/2017*CN
Exterior lighting, May 1, 2015
CPSC:I1540378A. 2014 FORD EXPLORER. CONSUMER STATED THE HEAD LIGHTS ON THE VEHICLE ARE UNSAFE TO OPERATE AT NIGHT. *LN
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 26, 2015
THE EXHAUST SEEMS TO BE ENTERING THE CABIN THROUGH THE AC VENTS. WE TOOK THIS BACK TO FORD AS WE BOUGHT IT NEW AND THEY STATED AT FIRST IT WAS JUST STICKERS BURNING OFF. THEN I TOOK IT BACK AGAIN AND MADE A MANAGER TO RIDE WITH ME. HE STATED IT WAS NOT NORMAL AND WE LEFT IT THERE. THEY STATED THEY REPLACED SOME PARTS A REROUTED SOMETHING. SEEMED TO BE VERY CONFUSED ON WHAT THEY DID. THE SMELL NEVER REALLY WENT AWAY AND NOT THAT IT HAS 20,000 MILES SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORST. MY WIFE IS PREGNANT NOW AND ITS HER DAILY DRIVER. I WOULD JUST TAKE IT BACK AND TRADE IT IN BUT I WILL LOSE SO MUCH IN TRADE!! I JUST THINK THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND I AM WORRIED FOR MY WIFE AND FUTURE BABY. *TR
Exterior lighting, Apr 20, 2015
THIS VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. WITH LOW BEAMS ON THE DISTANCE THE ROAD IS ILLUMINATED VARIES DRASTICALLY, AT TIMES THE ILLUMINATION IS ONLY A FEW FEET WITH NOT SIDE ILLUMINATION AT ALL. EVEN IN THE BEST OF CONDITIONS THE ILLUMINATION IS INSUFFICIENT TO MAKE DRIVING AT NIGHT SAFE. ALSO THERE IS A DISTRACTING DARK CURTAIN MOVING UP AND DOWN THE WINDSHIELD AS YOU GO UP AND DOWN HILLS. TRAVELING HILLY ROADS IS WHERE THE CONDITION IS AT ITS WORST. THIS PHENOMENA HAS BEEN VERIFIED BY THE FORD DEALERSHIP I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM, BUT THERE SEEMS TO BE NO SOLUTION THE THE ISSUE. THIS VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE RECALLED, I DO NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE AT NIGHT, TOO DANGEROUS. *TR