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.
Structure, Jun 17, 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 driver's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim had detached. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not 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 failure mileage was approximately 125,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Jun 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 not yet available. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the driver's side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The contact heard an abnormal sound and after arriving to the residence, her husband noticed that the A-pillar trim was missing. The local independent mechanic was contacted and replaced the A-pillar trim. The contact stated that on another occasion, while driving 75 MPH, the passenger’s trim loosened and detached. 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 approximately 125,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Jun 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 that upon entering the vehicle after a stormy rain, the contact noticed that rainwater had leaked inside the vehicle through an unknown windshield exterior A-pillar trim seal. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not 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 112,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Other or unspecified, Jun 12, 2025
Exterior A-Pillar Trims were recalled on January 19,2024 due to a safety risk for other road users increasing the risk of a crash if the trim parts detached while driving. Manufacturer recall number is 24S02. NHTSA recall number is 24V031. The local Ford dealer scheduled an appointment on 9/30/2024 for what they said was a fix, however the techs conducted a test and stated the trim parts failed but they were unable to fix on that date as Ford only sends them approximately 2 sets per month and they would let me know when they had mine in to fix. On June 1, 2025 I contacted the local Ford dealer inquiring about the replacement trim parts. The service department stated they do not have any and were still waiting for the manufacturer to provide them. The technicians laughed about the problem and denied they were a safety issue if they detached while driving and would not cause a problem for other drivers. They suggested "ripping" them off if I was concerned.
Steering, Jun 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. In addition, the contact stated that the steering wheel was stiff. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with rack and pinion failure. The contact was informed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,564.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Jun 10, 2025
The rear safety camera fails to appear in the dash. Car says unable to connect or display. Sometimes works, mostly does not. Ford dealer wants to charge $800 to fix. As this is a vehicle safety feature, I believe it is a failure similar to the latest recall by Ford
Back over prevention, Jun 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a distorted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure limited driving visibility, preventing the driver from safely operating the vehicle. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at slow speeds, the contact was almost involved in two slow speed parking lot crashes. The contact was able to stop the vehicle before the crashes. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The failure mileage was unknown.
Structure, Jun 9, 2025
A frame pieces have detached and were flapping/ flying onto the highway. We are now missing both sides of A Frame pieces and replacements for the recall are not available.
Electrical system, Jun 7, 2025
My vehicle has dual A/C , front and rear. The rear A/C can only be turned on from the touchscreen. My touchscreen went out about a week ago. I called the dealer to ask if there was another way to turn on the rear A/C and the answer was no. I asked what I had to do and the answer was to schedule an appointment so they could check it but I was going to get charged. I live in deep south Texas and it gets very hot down here. The rear A/C is a must. I don't think it's right that i have to spend thousands of dollars to replace my touchscreen just to be able to turn on my rear A/C unit. My passengers have been feeling lightheaded when riding in the back seats without A/C. Ford needs to put a button apart from the touchscreen to turn the rear A/C on and off.
Structure, Jun 6, 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the driver's and passenger’s side A-pillar trim had blown off the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Jun 6, 2025
See attached document for complaint.
Structure, Jun 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's side trim detached and flew off the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that parts for the recall repair were not yet available. 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 not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Back over prevention, May 30, 2025, crash
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the rearview camera would display a distorted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure had obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. Due to the failure, the contact stated that they had been involved in two low-speed, parking lot accidents. The contact stated that no injuries were reported in either incident. Unknown if a police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. However, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Back over prevention, May 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the back over prevention camera failed to operate as needed while the vehicle was shifted into reverse, and the image displayed was distorted. The contact stated that over time the failure worsened, and the screen went blank. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the vehicle was kept for three days for the repair. The contact went back to retrieve the vehicle and was informed that the part needed to repair the vehicle was unavailable and that the vehicle could not be repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the VIN for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Air bags, May 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the second-row seat belt inflator sensor needed to be cleaned. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred approximately one year later. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic test retrieved DTC: B141B-13. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Steering, Electrical system, May 28, 2025
I was driving my explorer in a residential area when my power steering assist went out, causing me to not be able to control the steering wheel. I had 3 passengers in the vehicle at the time. I came close to crashing into a ditch but was able to stop the vehicle. It terrified me and my passengers. I struggled to steer it to a restaurant parking lot. After my power steering stopped working, and alarm went off on the dash and said "steering assist fault" needs serviced. I had the explorer towed to AschenBach Ford in Wytheville, Virginia. The Ford service department said that the bar and all electrical steering needs replaced. There was a recall for some 2014 Ford Explorers with this same problem but my VIN is not apart of those recalls and I feel it should have been because that's what happened to my vehicle. It's recalls 14S06/14V-286.
Structure, May 28, 2025
Pillar on recall has come off on left side. In traffic a dangerous near miss to car behind us on interstate. One year of recall with no replacement parts. Other pillar is loose and will come off if not replaced. Cost to repair first pillar over $600. Ford has made NO progress in getting parts for this recall for almost 2 years
Structure, May 22, 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the driver's side A-pillar trim blew off the vehicle. The contact lost the passenger’s side A-pillar trim a year ago. The contact called a dealer and was advised that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, May 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, an unknown windshield exterior A-Pillar trim detached. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not 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 failure mileage was approximately 136,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 18, 2025
Noticing a problem with the steering and wheel suspension that is affecting other Ford explorers between 2018 and 2025. Engine oil blow by. Causing oil to leak and ending up under the carriage and on the back of the vehicle. Rear camera problems.
Structure, May 16, 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Electrical system, May 9, 2025
Problem with sunroof leaking. had car 11 years, at dealership 5 times water coming in from headliner soaking all electrical...radio, AC/heater, sunroof controls. Currently, sunroof is open and will not close. Repair 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and today 5-9-25
Steering, May 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The steering assist disabled warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the steering gear. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
Other or unspecified, May 2, 2025
Ford is recalling vehicles going back as far as 2015 for rear camera issues. We have a 2014 Explorer that has also had the camera go bad recently. on/off intermittently like something loose somewhere (like the descriptions of the current recall). Adding this in case there's others and their recall needs to be expanded. Ford wants $200 just to "look" what might be wrong. The date below is just when it started approximately.
Other or unspecified, May 1, 2025
This recall for the trim was issued January 2024, stating the parts would be available in the 2nd quarter of 2024. We are almost at the 3rd quarter of 2025 and still no parts have been released from Ford. They are essentially saying, they acknowledge the issue, and will fix it- but maybe never.,