2014 Ford Explorer Seat belts Problems

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

Incident

Mar 1, 2025

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

Incident

Jan 13, 2025

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after routine maintenance at a local independent mechanic, the second-row seat belt warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact attempted to buckle the rear second-row driver’s side passenger’s seat belt; however, the warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the same independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed and DTC: B141B-13; was retrieved. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to the Customer Satisfaction Program: 21B11; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.

NHTSA ID

11683451

Incident

Aug 26, 2025

Mileage

124,000 mi

Ford explorer had known issues with connectors under the rear passenger seats which they did a recall for certain VIN numbers. They said it only effected certain VPN which were from a specific factory in Chicago I have the same issue and my VIN is not listed and Ford and the dealership will not do anything to help fix the problem. If I pay out of pocket they want 500 dollars to fix it. The issue is Certain 2014-2016 Model Year Explorer Vehicles 2nd Row Inflatable Seat Belt - In all of the affected vehicles, the air bag light may illuminate as a result of a worn or damaged connection to the rear inflatable seat belt connector and if the light is on that means the air bags will not work.

NHTSA ID

11648238

Incident

Mar 1, 2022

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the air bag warning light was blinking off and on. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the vehicle needed to be taken to a dealer for assistance. The contact stated that the dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the second-row seat belt harnesses had an electrical issue which was preventing the air bags from functioning as needed in the rear seat harnesses and the passenger and driver's frontal air bags. The dealer referenced Technical Service Bulletin Number: 16-0001 as a possible fix to repair the vehicle. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair but declined to pay for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA ID

11625989

Incident

Sep 27, 2024

Mileage

50,000 mi

Driver side seatbelt is malfunctioning and will not buckle properly unless you press the red release button to get it to buckle you in. If you don't press the red button the buckle will not engage and you will not be able to buckle up. The back passenger seat belt buckles were doing the same thing and we're unusable.

NHTSA ID

11590498

Incident

Apr 10, 2024

I finally was able to get an appointment for my toe links. I also recall getting the run around on a seat belt notification for issues with the second row from the dealership when I originally called. Since the vehicle was going to be in the dealer I brought back up the seat belt notification. Both the dealership and Ford customer service claim there is no such recall or Customer Satisfaction Program. I cannot believe a critical safety product they have no record of or that such a safety program would expire. HELP!

NHTSA ID

11589764

Incident

May 20, 2024

Both middle seat, air bag seat belts stopped working. The buckle will not click to lock on either seat belt. The dashboard shows an airbag light that just stays on. The car has not been hit or been in any accident at all. I understand there is a recall or soon to be a recall on other Ford Explorer 2014 vehicles, where the wiring is faulty for these air bag seat belts. The dealer said mine is not included. It is a safety failure.

NHTSA ID

11573233

Incident

Feb 18, 2024

My steering wheel is like using manual steering, it is very hard to turn it seems to get stuck in certain positions, easier in another spot when turning, then gets stuck again. It is very hard to turn, no lights on the dashboard, no error codes. This is a huge safety concern if I am driving and can no longer steer my vehicle safely. I see so many other complaining about this problem with 2014, why is there no recall? This is putting people at risk or crashing which could cause fatality! Secondly, my back seat belt doesn't work it will not latch any more, and I have seen so many complaints about that as well, but again Ford will not recall it. So I have a seat in my vehicle that cannot be used by anyone as it is a safety concern if there was an accident.

NHTSA ID

11571388

Incident

Feb 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the second-row passenger’s side inflatable seat belt and air bag warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the wiring harness needed to be repositioned. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the second-row driver’s and passenger’s side inflatable seat belt and air bag warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the second-row seat belt connector failed and produced codes: B141B, B140D, B141C. The contact was informed that the second-row seat belt wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced Customer Satisfaction Program: 21B11. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number and advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.

NHTSA ID

11550893

Incident

Oct 18, 2023

Mileage

157,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11545460

Incident

Sep 7, 2023

I have several issues that I have had with the ford explore. This is my second ford explore. The passenger air was not assemble correctly and now is coming apart. The seat belt on the driver sit gets stuck. The car door panels have come undone which is not typical with any other vehicle expect explore. The brakes on the car are difficult to use to the suspension issue. When I have taken my car to the dealer they have not been helpful. They won’t provide a temporary vehicle while my car is getting fix and that not acceptable. I need someone to help me with these issues at no cost. This is my second explore and I love my car but I hate that it has issues that were not fix from the moment the car was sold.

NHTSA ID

11487217

Incident

Sep 30, 2022

AIRBAG LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON DUE TO FAULTY WIRING , COSTS 600 TO REPAIR . THIS IS SECOND FORD CAR WITH THIS SAME ISSUE. I WAS TOLD PROBLEM WAS IN BACK SEATS. NO ONE EVER USES BACK SEATS.

NHTSA ID

11405929

Incident

Mar 1, 2018

WE HAVE A 2014 FORD EXPLORER SPORT AND THE SEATBELT IS IN A RETRACTED POSITION AND IS STUCK. WE HAD IT INTO FORD AND THEY WERE ABLE TO GET IT TEMPORARILY UNSTUCK BUT IT IS STUCK AGAIN. THEY PRICED THE PART AND LABOR AND IT WILL BE $415 TO REPLACE. WE ARE OVER THEIR SAFETY WARRANTY FOR MILEAGE. THEY INSTRUCTED US TO REACH OUT TO YOU TO HELP WITH ESCALATING THE SITUATION TO FORD. WE CANNOT USE THAT SAFETY BELT AT ALL IN ITS CURRENT CONDITION. WE HAVE ALWAYS HAD A CARSEAT WITH LATCHES IN THAT POSITION SO SINCE WE HAVE OWNED IT THE SEATBELT HAS BEEN USED MINIMALLY. IF YOU COULD ESCALATE THIS SITUATION TO FORD FOR A RESOLUTION WE WOULD APPRECIATE IT. THANK YOU!

NHTSA ID

11398565

Incident

Feb 1, 2021

Mileage

80,000 mi

THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT IS NOT CATCHING. THE DEALERSHIP HAD TO REPLACE THE FEMALE PORTION FOR IT TO WORK PROPERLY.

NHTSA ID

11349560

Incident

Aug 13, 2020

Mileage

91,000 mi

DRIVER SIDE REAR SEAT BELT WILL NOT PULL OUT OF RETRACTOR

NHTSA ID

11310026

Incident

Feb 13, 2020

Mileage

109,000 mi

WHEN DRIVING THE 2014 EXPLORER, COKING OVER A HILL AND BEGAN BRAKING. CAR LOST BRAKING CAPABILITY AND BEGAN TO SPEED DOWN THE HILL, AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. ONE MIDDLE OCCUPANT ON 2ND ROW CAME UNBUCKLED AND DIDN'T SURVIVE. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING TRIAL FOR 3 YEARS AND RECENTLY INFORMED THAT NO INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE OTHER THAN THE EDR/CDR. NO POST VEHICLE INSPECTION HAS BEEN PERFORMED, NO MEDICAL REPORTS HAVE BEEN PULLED. I HAVE PREVIOUSLY FOR 3 YEARS INQUIRED FOR HELP ON THIS MATTER AND HAVE FORWARDED QUESTIONS REGARDING INFORMATION OBTAINED. I KNOW WITHOUT A SHADOW OF A DOUBT I AM NOT LIABLE FOR THIS ACCIDENT AND HAVE WORKED FOR 3 YEARS TRYING TO OBTAIN INFORMATION ON THIS VEHICLE. WHEN I WAS COMING DOWN THE HILL THE CAR SEEM TO BE INCREASED IN SPEED - THE REPORT DOES SHOW THAT FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE THE ENTIRE REPORT AND NO GAS WAS APPLIED. I TURNED AS FAR AS I COULD WITH THE WHEEL AND THE STEERING BARELY STEERED AS WELL. I WOULD LIKE TO SAVE A LIFE SOMEWHERE DOWN THE LINE AS THIS HAS CHANGED MY LIFE FOREVER. THE OCCUPANT ON THE 2ND ROW PASSED AWAY THAT DAY FROM SEAT BELT COMING UNATTACHED. MEDICAL REPORTS SHOW HE WAS WEARING A SEATBELT. IF THERE WAS SOMEONE WILLING TO LOOK INTO THIS - WOULD BE A LIFE CHANGING SITUATION.

NHTSA ID

11292202

Incident

Aug 3, 2016

Mileage

70,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND DROVE INTO A VERY STEEP DITCH. DURING THE CRASH, THE 3RD ROW PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT MALFUNCTIONED AND FAILED TO SECURE THE 7 YEAR OLD PASSENGER WHILE SEATED IN A BOOSTER. THE PASSENGER WAS PROJECTED FORWARD MAKING CONTACT WITH THE REAR SECTION OF THE 2ND ROW SEAT. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED A SEVERE INJURIES WHICH INCLUDED A CONCUSSION AND A HEAD AVULSION. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN AT THE SCENE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AWAY. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.

NHTSA ID

11244095

Incident

Aug 2, 2019

Mileage

94,000 mi

DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WOULD NOT ENGAGE / LOCK. THIS BECAME A PROBLEM EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE AND THEN STEADILY GOT WORSE TO THE POINT THE BUCKLE WOULD NOT ENGAGE / LOCK ALL TOGETHER. FORD REPLACED UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY (BILLED EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE COMPANY FOR PART AND LABOR) - I BELIEVE THIS PART SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED BY FORD DIRECTLY SINCE IT HAS TO DO WITH DRIVER SAFETY. ASKED ABOUT THIS PART BEING AN ISSUE ON OTHER FORDS AND WAS TOLD IT WASN'T A KNOWN ISSUE. I'VE OWNED DOZENS OF CARS AND HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM.

NHTSA ID

11220427

Incident

Apr 22, 2019

Mileage

66,500 mi

TAKATAT RECALL?? I GOT IN MY CAR 1 MORNING TO GO TO WORK AND I COULDN'T GET THE MALE PART OF DRIVERS SEATBELT INTO THE FEMALE PART OF SEATBELT. MY DIVERS AIRBAG SEATBELT LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR 2 MONTHS. I CANNOT BUCKLE DRIVERS SEATBELT INTO THE FEMALE PART OF THE SEATBELT SO WHEN I AM BY MYSELF I BUCKLE DRIVER SEATBELT INTO PASSENGER SEATBELT. I CALLED MARSHALL FORD IN O'FALLON MISSOURI THEY TOLD MY I NEEDED TO PAY $150.00 FOR THEM TO PUT MY CAR ON THE MACHINE FOR THEM TO FIGURE OUT WHAT SENSOR IS BAD. I CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY $150.00 MUCH LESS PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. PLEASE TELL ME IF THERE IS ANOTHER FIX. MY CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. HELP!

NHTSA ID

11219726

Incident

Apr 25, 2019

Mileage

100,000 mi

AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON WHEN I TURNED THE VEHICLE ON AND WOULD NOT GO OFF. TOOK INTO FORD TO BE DIAGNOSED, WAS TOLD IT IS THE REAR SEAT INFLATOR CONTROL.

NHTSA ID

11162293

Incident

Dec 12, 2018

Mileage

59,813 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE SUDDENLY CRASHED INTO A SECOND VEHICLE. DURING THE CRASH, THE THIRD ROW SEAT BELTS MALFUNCTIONED AND CAUSED THE TWO CHILDREN SEATED IN THE THIRD ROW TO JERK FORWARD AND SLAM INTO THE BACK OF THE SECOND ROW SEATS. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE CHILD SEATED ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SEAT SUSTAINED LACERATIONS TO THE NOSE AND MOUTH AND THE CHILD SEATED ON THE REAR DRIVER SIDE SEAT SUSTAINED SEVERE LACERATIONS TO THE FOREHEAD. THE CHILDREN WERE BOTH TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE TO THE HOSPITAL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.

NHTSA ID

11150395

Incident

Nov 4, 2018

Mileage

45,000 mi

AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. BROUGHT IN TO HERITAGE FORD MODESTO CA. WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRE HARNESSES FOR THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. WAS INFORMED THAT IT IS NOT COVERED BY ANY FACTORY RECALL DESPITE BEING A COMMON DEFECT AND SAFETY ISSUE. MILEAGE AT TIME OF SERVICE 62,000 MILES. COST $565.00

NHTSA ID

11144813

Incident

Oct 28, 2018

Mileage

62,000 mi

EXHIBITS AN AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT DUE TO HIGH RESISTANCE BETWEEN RCM AND SECOND ROW INFLATABLE SEAT BELT CIRCUIT

NHTSA ID

11105153

Incident

May 4, 2018

Mileage

99,852 mi

BOUGHT USED, WHEN I GOT IT WITH ONLY 54000 MILES, ONE SEAT BELT WOULD GO INTO THE RECEIVER BUT NOT CLIP IN OR STAY IN. A WEEK AFTER I BOUGHT IT THE SEAT BELT ON THE OTHER BUCKET SEAT ALL OF A SUDDEN JAMMED AND THE SEAT BELT WILL NOT GO IN AT ALL... COULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS IF THEY HAD FAILED WHILE DRIVING.

NHTSA ID

11047969

Incident

Nov 18, 2017

Mileage

54,000 mi