RoadVitals

2014 Ford Explorer Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
1,672
Latest Jul 17, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
18
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
38

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2014 Ford Explorer, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

496
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Sudden and complete loss of power steering assist while vehicle was in operation. Vehicle became extremely difficult to steer, creating safety hazard for driver and child passenger. Inspection revealed 150A EPAS Mega Fuse, Part #L0114875AA, was melted due to electrical short in Power Steering Control Module. This is identical to the defect described in NHTSA Safety Recall 14V316000 / Ford 14S06. Fire risk confirmed by melted/burned fuse condition. Photos of failed component attached. Component is available for inspection. Ford Customer Service denied assistance under Recall 14S06 on 07/10/2026, claiming vehicle was not covered despite physical evidence of the exact defect described in the recall. Vehicle manufacture date is 06/2014. Ford Technical Service Bulletin 15-0082 acknowledges some 2014 vehicles may still have defective modules installed. Vehicle is currently inoperable. Owner has dependent child with medical therapy appointments requiring reliable transportation. Current mileage approximate as vehicle cannot be driven. Request immediate NHTSA investigation and enforcement under federal safety law 49 USC 30120.

NHTSA ID 11749538 · filed Jul 10, 2026

While sitting at a stop light, waiting to turn, the steering wheel went stiff, then I was forced to make the turn without the power steering. it started working again but made a very loud grindy noise. the noise has not gone away. I took it to a shop, and they assesed everything, and stated the power steering rack has a fault code, and that the inner tie rods are loose, along with they can hear the power steering rack motor making a lot of noise. while going down the road the steering wheel shakes, and when making turns the steering wheel sticks and I have to yank the wheel back to unstick it. the vehicle is available to be inspected, at any time. I was almost in an accident multiple times due to the steering sticking and the wild vibration in the wheel. please help

NHTSA ID 11743063 · filed Jun 9, 2026
All 496 reports naming steering

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

273
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received the notification letter for NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact stated that the driver’s side exterior trim was loose. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that the part was on back order. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but the line was busy. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ID 11746499 · filed Jun 25, 2026

I am the owner of a 2014 Ford Explorer. There is an open recall on the vehicle; Recall number: 24S02. The plastic retention clips holding the exterior A-pillar moldings may not be properly engaged, which can allow the pieces to loosen and fly off at highway speeds. During the period following receipt of the recall notices I have made attempts to have the recall resolved. I made the attempts during routine safety and emissions testing, scheduled and unscheduled maintenance service visits. I have been advised by the dealer that the parts are unavailable and Ford has provided no timeline for parts availability. I contacted Ford Corporation directly and have been unable to obtain a date when parts would be available and was redirected to the dealer. My understanding is that the dealer is unable to perform the requisite service because it is unable or unwilling to provide the necessary parts.

NHTSA ID 11746117 · filed Jun 24, 2026
All 273 reports naming body & structure

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

258
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

When I'm driving on the freeway. I could be on flatland and it will stall, I could be going down a hill and it stalls, I could be on a regular road, turning a corner, hitting a bump. And it stalls when I'm on the freeway, I have to get over very scary happens all the time when It happens I coast, I put it into park, i turn it off, and it restarts immediately every time. This is constantly happening. IHave a video and picture but it will not upload on this.But it says hell descending control fail

NHTSA ID 11723535 · filed Mar 11, 2026

Engine over heat warning while driving and I checked there is a coolant leakage.

NHTSA ID 11697807 · filed Nov 6, 2025
All 258 reports naming engine

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

102
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I had the toe link recall performed in 2022. Since that time, I have replaced brakes twice, tires twice (two full sets in less than 50k miles), control arms, sway bars, and bushings. The car will not come into alignment. There is ample evidence all over the internet that the toe link recall has been a failure. There are numerous stories just like mine of secondary suspension issues and burning through tires, especially in the rear, at an alarming rate. To my knowledge Ford has done nothing to correct the issues with the toe link, once and for all. To my knowledge, Ford is not reimbursing owners for the related losses they experience because of the issue with toe links.

NHTSA ID 11732705 · filed Apr 21, 2026

There is a strong fuel order coming from passenger side after every fuel fill, affects everyone in the car while moving, especially affecting my grandchildren and my family. Backup camera rarely comes on while backing up, gives a black screen which can cause accidents especially in reverse. Rear driver side makes loud squeaky sound while driving over speed bumps slowly or bumpy roads. I purchased this vehicle used June 2025. It has an active molding recall that hasn't been fixed and I have contacted a Ford dealership last year.

NHTSA ID 11731286 · filed Apr 15, 2026
All 102 reports naming suspension

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

100
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Sudden and complete loss of power steering assist while vehicle was in operation. Vehicle became extremely difficult to steer, creating safety hazard for driver and child passenger. Inspection revealed 150A EPAS Mega Fuse, Part #L0114875AA, was melted due to electrical short in Power Steering Control Module. This is identical to the defect described in NHTSA Safety Recall 14V316000 / Ford 14S06. Fire risk confirmed by melted/burned fuse condition. Photos of failed component attached. Component is available for inspection. Ford Customer Service denied assistance under Recall 14S06 on 07/10/2026, claiming vehicle was not covered despite physical evidence of the exact defect described in the recall. Vehicle manufacture date is 06/2014. Ford Technical Service Bulletin 15-0082 acknowledges some 2014 vehicles may still have defective modules installed. Vehicle is currently inoperable. Owner has dependent child with medical therapy appointments requiring reliable transportation. Current mileage approximate as vehicle cannot be driven. Request immediate NHTSA investigation and enforcement under federal safety law 49 USC 30120.

NHTSA ID 11749538 · filed Jul 10, 2026

My pillar are coming off to the point when it rains water get inside my car. It’s messed up my system in my car. I can’t close my sun roof and water comes down from my lights that’s above my head where you put your sunny sunglasses in. I been calling around and still haven’t got no where.

NHTSA ID 11739722 · filed May 23, 2026
All 100 reports naming electrical

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

84
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Back up camera goes blank with black screen

NHTSA ID 11732118 · filed Apr 18, 2026

MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN HAVING AT ISSUE WITH THE REVERSE CAMERA SINCE THE BEGINING OF LAST YEAR. IT STARTED AS BEING DISTORTED TO FULLY NOT TURNING ON AT ALL WHEN IN REVERSE. I NOTICED THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE SAME ISSUES IM HAVING WITH MY REVERSE CAMERA BUT IT BEGINS WITH MODEL YEAR 2015. MY VEHICLE IS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. I HAD MANY INCIDENTS OF ALMOST HITTING PEDESTRIANS WHEN IM IN REVERSE TO MAKING INPACT WITH OTHER VEHICLES BEHIND ME. CAN THIS RECALL BE REVIEWED AND ADD ADDITIONAL MODEL YEARS AS THIS HAS BECOME A SAFETY ISSUE FOR ME AND MY FAMILY. THANK YOU.

NHTSA ID 11716705 · filed Feb 9, 2026
All 84 reports naming driver assistance

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

74
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

issue with driving between speeds of 25 to 45 mph. Believe that there is a problem with the torque converter as it feels as though it's shuttering during those speeds. speeds of 50 or higher miles per hour feel fine while driving.

NHTSA ID 11733412 · filed Apr 23, 2026

PTU failure, due to no maintenance service recommended for PTU, PTU failure has been a ongoing issue due to the position of the PTU,location of changing fluid and no mileage recommended for regular service or recommended regular service in the owners manual

NHTSA ID 11717080 · filed Feb 10, 2026
All 74 reports naming powertrain (other)

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

71
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

There is a strong fuel order coming from passenger side after every fuel fill, affects everyone in the car while moving, especially affecting my grandchildren and my family. Backup camera rarely comes on while backing up, gives a black screen which can cause accidents especially in reverse. Rear driver side makes loud squeaky sound while driving over speed bumps slowly or bumpy roads. I purchased this vehicle used June 2025. It has an active molding recall that hasn't been fixed and I have contacted a Ford dealership last year.

NHTSA ID 11731286 · filed Apr 15, 2026

When I'm driving on the freeway. I could be on flatland and it will stall, I could be going down a hill and it stalls, I could be on a regular road, turning a corner, hitting a bump. And it stalls when I'm on the freeway, I have to get over very scary happens all the time when It happens I coast, I put it into park, i turn it off, and it restarts immediately every time. This is constantly happening. IHave a video and picture but it will not upload on this.But it says hell descending control fail

NHTSA ID 11723535 · filed Mar 11, 2026
All 71 reports naming fuel system

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

53
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Both the driver side and passenger side exterior a-pillar applique molding came while driving down the highway and almost caused an accident. This has happened twice because FORD says they can't fix it because they don't have the parts. Anyone can get the parts online that are after market but that does not fix the issue. I did buy the after market ones and those came off on the interstate and almost hit a motorcycle driver. This has been going on Since January of 2024 and FORD is not doing anything about it. You are unable to call FORD, email FORD, and no one will escalate this. Now it has become even more of a safety issues because my rubber seals for my windshield are wearing and tearing off at a fast pace. It is causing more damage that FORD will not be responsible for fixing. Why do safety recalls not get fixed and are not forced to be fixed? Safety recall and no one cares to get it fixed.

NHTSA ID 11724059 · filed Mar 13, 2026

EXTERIOR A-PILLAR APPLIQUE TRIM CLIP ATTACHMENTS ARE NOT PROPERLY ENGAGED DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OR REPAIR. REAER TOE LINK REAR TIRES TILTED INWARD due to potential fractures from corrosion or broken welds on TOE LINK.

NHTSA ID 11723710 · filed Mar 11, 2026
All 53 reports naming visibility

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

47
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Airbag light is activated and controls do not work.

NHTSA ID 11730607 · filed Apr 12, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID 11663444 · filed May 28, 2025
All 47 reports naming airbags

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

32
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

EXTERIOR A-PILLAR APPLIQUE TRIM CLIP ATTACHMENTS ARE NOT PROPERLY ENGAGED DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OR REPAIR. REAER TOE LINK REAR TIRES TILTED INWARD due to potential fractures from corrosion or broken welds on TOE LINK.

NHTSA ID 11723710 · filed Mar 11, 2026

All my dash lights turn off u can drive it but all my dash light is off the abs light its on

NHTSA ID 11701781 · filed Nov 27, 2025
All 32 reports naming other / unspecified

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

28
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ABS MODULE failure. Dealer states this I s a known problem. 581 on backorder with Ford with no ETA of new stock. No sense of urgency to resolve known problem. Online sources state heavy wire harness breaks solar joint at positive and negative contacts in module.

NHTSA ID 11720863 · filed Feb 27, 2026

When starting my vehicle the parking brake alarm is going off stating that my parking brake is engaged which it is not once I drive about a mile or 2 the alarm goes off but everytime I restart my vehicle he resets the process.

NHTSA ID 11687036 · filed Sep 13, 2025
All 28 reports naming brakes

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

27
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

JUST LAST YEAR, I STARTED NOTICING THAT BOTH OF MY FRONT SEATBELTS ARE NOT FULLY RETRACTING WHEN I AM BUCKLED OR UNBUCKLED. WHEN I UNBUCKLE MY SEATBELT, I HAVE TO MANUALLY RETRACTED BACK TO ITS POSITION. ALSO, WHEN I HAVE BOTH SEATBELTS BUCKLED, I HAVE TO MANUALLY RETRACTED IN ORDER TO SECURE MYSELF AND MY PASSENGER. THIS HAS BECOME A SAFETY ISSUE FOR ME AND MY FAMILY AS THIS IS NOT SAFE ENOUGH INCASE OF AN ACCIDENT. ANOTHER ISSUE THAT I HAVE IN MY VEHICLE IS THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOOR PANEL COMING APART. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR ME AS THIS IS CAUSING OBSTRUCTION OF THE RIGHT REAR VIEW MIRROR BY THE PASSENGER DOOR PANEL. ALSO, THE DRIVER DOOR PANEL HAS CAUSED SCRATCHES TO MY ARM WHILE DRIVING WHICH CAN CAUSE ME TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT DUE TO DISTRACTION.

NHTSA ID 11716719 · filed Feb 9, 2026

The driver's side seat belt latch does not automatically latch when you put the seat belt into it. I have to press the release button to get it to latch. If I don't press the release button to latch it, the seat belt won't stay latched. The dealership said they can repair it for $700 but I don't feel that I should have to pay for a safety device that is supposed to work especially since it has not been modified or damaged in any way.

NHTSA ID 11684277 · filed Sep 1, 2025
All 27 reports naming seat belts

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

25
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

This vehicle has gone through 5 headlight bulbs in the last year. 3 were on the driver side. 2 on the passenger side. Bulbs will last only 3 to 6 months. No damage seen to either headlight assembly and not electrical short can be found. Date listed is last replacement for driver side

NHTSA ID 11636565 · filed Jan 17, 2025

Cabin light does not turn off, it could drain car battery, thereby causing a loss of power and a accident... did not notice this untill car was brought to Dealership,Beiner.They pointed out.Want alot to fix.

NHTSA ID 11607387 · filed Aug 8, 2024
All 25 reports naming exterior lighting

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side door panel had started to detach from the body of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the VIN and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds, there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the rear wheel bearing needed to be replaced. The dealer repaired the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light later was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the contact was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ID 11617492 · filed Oct 1, 2024

Hi there! We received a letter in the mail about a recall on our EXTERIOR A-PILLAR TRIM which did fall off on its own and ripped of the seal that was on it by my windshield we never received a call from the dealership so they can replace this for us and because it fell off everyday that it has rain water has been getting into my car to the point that I have puddles on the floor of the vehicle water got into my dashboard and blew out my A/C Motor and blew out my sunroof motor which it is wide open now we can’t close it.. I ride around in the suv with it being extremely hot my children are also in the car with us because it is our only means of transportation also the buttons on my radio are messed up due to water getting in… I’ve contacted carvana the place we bought it from about this and they said this is a ford issue because they were suppose to replace this a while back I don’t know what to do or who to contact we can’t really afford to fix it on our own.. I am scared that one day I drive it the airbags will just go off because water is going all through my dash when it rains! I don’t know what else to do!

NHTSA ID 11603919 · filed Jul 22, 2024
All 11 reports naming interior & seats

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while accelerating at slower speeds, the vehicle hesitated while shifting gear. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the power transfer unit (PTU) 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 not included in a recall related to the failure. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

NHTSA ID 11509558 · filed Feb 28, 2023

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power with the TPMS warning light illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle was leaking coolant. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA ID 11472801 · filed Jul 7, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle jerked abnormally. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the torque convertor was starting to fail. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ID 11596953 · filed Jun 26, 2024

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle in the driveway and shifting to park(P), the gear position indicator failed to indicate that the vehicle was in park(P). The contact turned on and turned off the vehicle several times before the vehicle operated as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was contacted and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall for the failure. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The contact was referred to the NHTSA to file a complaint. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.

NHTSA ID 11470636 · filed Jun 23, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER ACTIVATED, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL EGG ODOR COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HVAC UNIT WAS FAILING AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 44,300.

NHTSA ID 10894376 · filed Aug 9, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .