Page 10 of 34 · complaints 451–500 of 1,684

2014 Ford Explorer complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2014 record →

Back Over Prevention
Filed Oct 6, 2023126,000 milesNC

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the back over prevention camera was malfunctioning. The contact stated that the camera was displaying an upside-down image. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the back-over prevention camera had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.

Steering
Filed Oct 4, 2023KY

When turning the wheel grinding noise and it jerks steering wheel at time was told it was probably the rack and pinion but have to wait to weeks to take it where I bought it from to look at and not until the end of Oct for Ford to look at it several people have this problem too what can I do why hasn't part be recalled

Steering
Filed Oct 4, 2023MN

My steering went out like the 2011,2012,2013, 2015, 2016 so why does the recall not cover 2014. Went out in May of 2022, and I have heard nothing since then and I reported this in June of 2022. Its been over a year so why haven't I heard anything. The electric racket pinon steering had to be replace and the scary thing is the warning light did not go off till I had no control of the steering.

Engine
Filed Oct 3, 2023MI

Repeated catalytic converter failure. Issue was repaired at least twice. Converter failure caused both turbos to need replacement and has now caused engine damage. This appears to be a common issue with this engine model.

Steering
Filed Oct 1, 2023WI

The rack and pinion steering gear is failing, it will loose power steering which makes it hard to steer. This part has been replaced five times in a year, they are defected coming from the factory. The dealer is aware of the problem. I have been in contact with Ford about this ongoing issue asking for the manufacturer information but no one knows who makes this part.

Steering
Filed Sep 26, 2023PA

While driving my wife’s vehicle it lost power steering and started hearing loud grinding noise coming from passenger side front. Was going at low speed so was able to get the vehicle off the road. Since losing power steering vehicle wants to pull to the right.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 19, 2023SC

Airbag light came on, had tested by local mechanic, informed left rear airbag and to take to dealer, dealer charged $252 to disagnose air bag in left rear shoulder strap. Since already replaced wiring harnesses under TSB 16-0001 back on 11/1/7/16 thought best to clean contacts of harness connectors and apply dielectric grease for an extra 1/2 labor for an addtitional $99 bringing the total to over $350. Both dealer and Ford refused to cover this repair. I am very dissapointed.

Engine
Filed Sep 16, 2023NC

Water pump coolant leak. I’m experiencing this problem and have seen that Fire has known about this issue and hasn’t recalled it and it’s causing engine failure and leaving consumers to fort the 2000 bill to fix since it’s internal. Does needs to recall and fix this issue and replace the pump.

Suspension
Filed Sep 14, 2023MI

Under the program of 15N01 the 2014 Ford Explorer is not part of it and it should be as my vehicle is experiencing the same issues. The program currently ends for vehicles manufactured January 2014 and mine was manufactured in April of 2014. I would like this added so my vehicle can be repaired under the program. The make, model and body styling is the same as previous years and has the same parts.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 13, 2023113,535 milesNJ

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35–40 MPH, the engine was overheating. There was fluid leaking from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the water pump was leaking. Additionally, antifreeze was leaking from the vehicle. The contact was informed that the timing chain and water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 113,535.

Back Over Prevention
Filed Sep 7, 202375,000 milesMO

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while reversing, the rear-view camera image turned black. The message "Camera Currently Unavailable - Contact Your Dealer" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rear-view camera needed to be replaced. The rear-view camera was replaced and reprogrammed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

Engine
Filed Sep 5, 2023OH

Under moderate to heavy acceleration exhaust fumes are pouring into the cabin. The harder you accelerate the more you smell. Gives me a headache every time.

Structure1 injured
Filed Sep 5, 2023109,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the contact noticed that both front door panels were damaged which led to the contact's wife being cut on her arm. The wife was seated in the passenger seat. No medical attention was needed. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.

Steering
Filed Aug 26, 2023NY

Critical steering loss during normal driving conditions. Steering Rack & Pinion failed without code, appears to be mechanical failure (gear) breaking in the rack and pinion. Similar to the 2013 model year recall, my vehicle was produced in 2014 Feb. Looking at part number my rack and pinion was produced between 2012 and 2014. Possibly affected by the years when their was a recall for similar issue.

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 23, 2023CA

Drivers side pillar trim has flown off the car at hiway speeds twice now. This is a very dangerous incident, that keeps happening and ford will not acknowledge that there is an issue.

Suspension
Filed Aug 21, 2023PA

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 21V537000 (Suspension) and 20V675000 (Suspension). The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the scheduled recall repairs, and the contact was informed that the toe links could not be replaced due to the knuckles needing to be replaced prior to completing the recall repair. The contact stated that the dealer contacted the manufacturer and the manufacturer verbally agreed to complete the recall repair by replacing both parts and scheduled the service for a later date. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the rescheduled appointment and the contact was informed by the dealer that the manufacturer declined the recall repairs as well as replacing the knuckles. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Steering
Filed Aug 21, 2023110,739 milesMO

The contact's fiancée owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the steering wheel started jerking and the vehicle lost power steering functionality, nearly causing a collision. The traction control warning light was illuminated, and the message "Steering Assist Fault - Service Required" was displayed. The contact was able to drive to the nearby residence at 10-15 MPH by using physical strength to turn the steering wheel. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 110,739.

Steering
Filed Aug 10, 2023OH

The power steering is going out in my vehicle to the point it is now a safety concern and I cannot drive the vehicle. The models made before and after mine are listed as recalled for the same issue, but my vehicle is not.

Steering
Filed Aug 10, 202382,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer for a recall repair and the vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that the next morning when the vehicle was started, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering column became inoperable. The contact stated that he was able to safely drive the vehicle to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with steering gear failure however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

Steering
Filed Aug 8, 2023GA

I purchased the vehicle in 2017. The car has 175k miles on it now. A few months ago, the vehicle began making a shuddering noise when turning. Recently, the steering became very hard and heavy. When moving the steering wheel, I began to hear a muffled noise as if something was grinding. The next day, the steering became progressively worse and even harder to turn along with the noise becoming louder. The vehicle was towed to a local shop where the issue was identified as the steering rack and pinion failure as well as the front lower control arms being broken. The shop mentioned that the parts are only available at Ford and the estimate would be more than $4,000 to repair. I was advised that other customers have come in for the same issues recently and to call Ford to see if there were any campaigns (recalls) for this vehicle and issue. I called Ford and they mentioned there were no existing or open recalls for the steering rack and pinion. The call agent mentioned that due to the vehicle no longer under Ford's warranty, all expenses would be the responsibility of the owner.

Structure
Filed Jul 31, 202394,000 milesNC

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel locked inadvertently. The message "Traction Failure - Stop Safely" and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. There was no further information provided. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the electronic steering rack and pinion were replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the driver's side windshield trim panel separated, struck, and cracked the windshield of the vehicle behind. There was no injury sustained. Additionally, the driver's side windshield rubber detached and started striking the side of the vehicle. The contact veered to the side of the road. A Ford technician met the contact on the side of the road and assisted the contact in securing the rubber into position and tape was applied. The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist because the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

Back Over Prevention
Filed Jul 31, 202370,000 milesAR

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while reversing, the rear-view camera malfunctioned and failed to display an image. The contact stated that occasionally while reversing, the rear-view camera activated and then the image suddenly disappeared, and the display screen turned black. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was not yet contacted. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 70,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 31, 2023TX

I was traveling down I10 from Houston to San Antonio, somewhere near Luling. I thought a rock hit the windshield, then I few seconds later I heard it again, and then I noticed a black piece of something flapping back and forth along my passenger window. There was no place to safely stop so I reduced my speed, 75 to 60. I traveled until I could find a safe trace to stop. That is when I discovered the rubber molding along the right side of the windshield had pealed away and was flapping , hitting the side of my Explorer, the right mirror, and the passenger window. The mirror and window were so marked up because of the molding flapping I could hardly see through them. I had to continue my trip at a greatly reduced speed. The molding on the right was also loose. Once I arrived at my destination I used painters tape to secure the molding , on both sides of the windshield.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jul 29, 2023SC

Front windshield trim coming off at highway speed.

Steering
Filed Jul 28, 2023NE

My wife and I purchased a 2014 for dd Explorer roughly 2 years ago with roughly 70,000 miles on it. After driving it and hitting 80,000 miles my wife called and said she was turning on a major road and all of the sudden lost power steering. Indicator lights came on afterwards revealing that the rack and pinion was faulty. My wife and children were in the vehicle and this was rush hour for them. This could have been more serious than it was but thank god there was no incident. Ford has recalls on certain explorers with the same issue bur for some reason feels this is safe. It most certainly is not and we can not afford 3500.00 dollars for a new rack. The car is barely worth that. This is a poor design by ford and it should be covered by ford.

Steering › Rack and Pinion
Filed Jul 26, 2023128,000 milesIL

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became firm and was difficult to maneuver. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was included in a recall and then transferred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 26, 202377,000 milesMA

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the air bag warning light intermittently illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to the dealer for an undisclosed unrelated failure, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was included in Ford Customer Satisfaction Program: 21B11 and the contact was advised to call the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the Customer Satisfaction Program: 21B11 had expired and was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

Engine
Filed Jul 24, 2023132,720 milesMN

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the engine coolant temperature warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park the vehicle at a friend's residence nearby and added coolant to the engine. The contact stated that the failure recurred. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the radiator and the water pump to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 132,720.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Pump
Filed Jul 20, 2023155,000 milesVA

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge increased without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the water pump failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for service. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the water pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.

Steering
Filed Jul 19, 2023SC

Driving on a straight flat road (I95 in North Carolina) the steering locked up and the "advance track" and "traction control" warning lights illuminated as well as "loss of steering control" warning (also noticed that the blinker switch stopped working) . Very difficult to move the steering wheel. Got to the side of the road and called for a tow. The Ford dealer (Liberty Ford, Fayetteville, NC) said the rack and pinion failed and needs to be replaced. It seems this has happened to many other people. Not sure why there is not a recall.

Steering
Filed Jul 18, 2023NJ

Steering has become hard to turn the wheel. I know there is a recall for steering on the 2013 Ford Explorer but there seems to be the same problem with the power assist steering on the 2014 Ford Explorers. Im afraid this will progress to failure.

Engine
Filed Jul 18, 2023FL

Every time while accelerating and RPMs reach above 2500 the cab of the vehicle fills with an odor . After doing a lot of research we have come to realize it is carbon monoxide. There are several open law suits and complaints about this already. When we purchased the vehicle in May of 2021 it was taken to the Ford dealership and they told us everything in the vehicle was fine. The car is available for inspection at any point. No warning lights or anything have come on at all!

Steering › Column
Filed Jul 12, 2023118,000 milesCT

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized. The contact was able to safely stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed as having a fractured steering column rack that needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

Structure
Filed Jul 11, 2023120,000 milesNC

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that he became aware that the front passenger’s side floorboard was soaked with water. The contact also stated that water was leaking from the windshield trim panel. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall and advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Steering
Filed Jul 5, 2023FL

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, the steering wheel seized and made an abnormal grinding sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 28, 2023FL

Ever since I purchased my 2014 Ford Explorer, I noticed a foul smell inside the vehicle when accelerating. It seemed fine when driving normally, but when accelerating into traffic or whenever RPMs are increasing, it’s definitely noticeable. At first I thought it wasn’t that big of a deal, until my young step-son was in the passenger seat complaining about how he felt nauseous out of nowhere. So I decided to do a little research and found a TON of articles including the ones in these two links!: https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/ford-explorer-lawsuits-exhaust-leak-carbon-monoxide/ https://6abc.com/amp/ford-explorer-suv-sick-dizzy/3507986/

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 26, 2023MO

I was driving several months back and heard a strange noise. I was on an interstate so I could not pull over but then suddenly I heard a very loud crack. I thought maybe something in the road had hit my car. Then a driver came alongside me in the other lane and he was yelling and pointing and seemed angry. I felt like it was unsafe to pull over so I waited until the next exit and I got off at the exit. At that time, the driver kept going and did not pull over with me. But as soon as I got out of my car, I saw what had happened. The trim on the side of my windshield had completely come off. I took it to my local Ford dealership and they fixed it the best they could but they said there’s not the parts to fix it. Now it looks like my other side might do it as well. And Ford doesn’t seem to know how to fix it. I feel like the trim piece had hit the car behind me and it could have caused damage to another vehicle. I don’t know because the man didn’t pull over. And now I’m afraid it might happen again on the other side. I’m going to put tape over it tomorrow to help secure it. But I feel like this is something that Ford should be aware of and at least be able to fix.

Engine
Filed Jun 26, 2023FL

While driving my 2014 Ford Explorer from South Florida to Millegville Georgia the high temp Light came on and the engine slowed on I-16. Managed to get off The Interstate at Macon Ga. Almost caused accidents in traffic. Finally got to Ford dealer said water pump failed like so many others. $2600 estimate. End of my trip, had to rent car to get home car Still in shop in Georgia waiting for repairs.

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 21, 2023MI

Bought the vehicle used from a dealership. The windshield wobbles at highways speeds. Noticed today that the trim on the left side of the vehicle is detached partially. Dealership will not do anything to resolve the issue. Serious safety concern.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 21, 2023MI

Air bag light is illuminated even after being cleared at the dealership. They claim its in the backseat only and that my airbag will still deploy, which to my knowledge is untrue. They refuse to help solve the issue afte purchasing from them only two weeks ago

Engine
Filed Jun 14, 2023154,421 milesIN

UNKNOWN

Structure
Filed Jun 13, 202368,000 milesNC

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the trim on the driver's side windshield detached. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the cause of the failure was not determined, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 7, 2023FL

2014 Ford Explorer Limited: Power Steering Unit beginning to fail. Available for inspection upon request. Just received auto back from dealership (Crystal River Ford) after repair of yet ANOTHER recall for this auto and began hearing noise when turning wheel after only 2 brief drives with no noise heard. Took back to dealership and advised that it would require a new Power Steering Unit, that none available from Ford AND NO ETA and advised that a current customer waited 3 months to receive the unit. No warning lamp or message whatsoever, was prepared to take the vehicle long distance (~500 miles round trip) and could have been an extreme hazard should I not have had it investigated. Safety??? Look at message boards regarding this issue, NOT difficult to find. NOT new issue and NOT infrequent issue. This year auto is a hazard to be driven on the road.

Steering
Filed Jun 7, 2023MN

The power steering stopped working while driving. My safety was put at risk because I couldn’t control where my car was going. I was unable to pull into a safe spot. It stopped working while traveling at a high rate of speed without any warning

Steering
Filed Jun 6, 2023124,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was firm, and the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The traction control warning light was illuminated. The contact shut off and restarted the vehicle to correct the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.

Steering
Filed Jun 6, 2023WA

The power steering intermittently stops working and the steering wheel gets stiff while driving. I see that there is a recall for the Explorers 2011-2013, but mine is a 2014 and is now having this same issue.

Steering
Filed Jun 6, 2023NH

I was driving at about 55 mph coming back from Conway N.H. (which is a very curvy road) when I had messages come up stating "power steering assist has failed, service traction control, traction off, and engine on". After this the steering wheel became very hard to steer and I had to keep jerking it to try and slow down. I pulled over and waited about 10 minutes then restarted the vehicle but the messages remained on and the power steering was not working at all still. Attempted a restart 3 separate times and the power steering messages were still there. Losing your power steering while driving is extremely dangerous for people in the car and all others on the road. A recall for this issue was issued for 2011-2013 and 2015-2016 model years for Ford Explorer. This is obviously the same issue for the 2014 model that must also be recalled to keep all drivers safe.

Steering
Filed Jun 5, 2023ID

Traveling at high speed the vehicle will either stay in a locked position while making turns or will have a jerking motion. The cause is Power steering failed completely. Resolution is the entire system needs to be replaced rack and pinion and ecu needs to be flashed due to complete electric power steering.

Steering
Filed Jun 4, 2023104,330 milesGA

After driving several hours on a very busy interstate, I stopped to get gas. When pulling out of the gas station my steering became inoperable. The warning indicator came on after I started to drive. I never had any indication that I needed to get my vehicle serviced prior to losing power steering. I had to have the vehicle towed to our mechanic. We were told the steering rack and pinion needed replaced and the cost is $2500. After research, I found that the NHTSA had issued recall 14S06 for 2011-2013 Ford Explorers with the exact same issue I've reported. A quick Google search shows that Ford Explorers continue to have these same issues, yet another recall has not been issued. Had my steering wheel locked up on me on the 5-lane interstate I was on, I would have created a major accident hurting myself and many others. This particular interstate has over 2 million drivers daily and is the most dangerous interstate in the United States. It is unbelievable to me that Ford has not fixed this major failure in their vehicles. I've attached an article below that speaks to an additional recall and also mentions that the backup camera fails. Oddly enough my backup camera stopped working a couple weeks ago. It would be in Ford's best interest to issue additional recalls before more people lose their lives. Please see the additional sites I've included with other owners with the same issues. I am thankful I was in a safe place where I could get my vehicle pulled over. Please keep me upd

Steering
Filed Jun 3, 2023IN

I was driving my car stopped at a gas station went to leave and had no power steering. Replaced the power steering angle sensor still didn't fix the problem had to have the rack and pinion replaced all in cost almost $3000. Now my car is leaking coolant from the motor where the water pump is located

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Full record for the 2014 Ford Explorer → · Every Explorer year → · How the figures are calculated →