About average for the Explorer
Owners filed about as many complaints as a typical Explorer year. The main thing to watch is the steering, which half of owners reported by about 90,000 miles.
Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Explorer years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
Owners have filed 1,684 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014 Ford Explorer. The most reported problem area is the steering (500, 30% of complaints), followed by the body, doors and structure and the engine and cooling. That ranks 5th of 13 Explorer years from 2012 to 2024 for complaints. It has 7 recalls.
11 of these complaints came from Utah owners.
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Start my car searchMost reported problems
Problem areas ranked by how many complaints mention them. One complaint can name more than one area. Open an area to see what to check on a 2014 Ford Explorer before you buy.
Steering
500 complaintsLoss of power steering assist, wandering, play in the wheel and noises when turning.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 90,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for groaning, clicking or binding.
- On a straight road the car should track straight with the wheel centered and no loose feeling.
- A power steering warning on the dash, even briefly, deserves a mechanic’s look before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
My steering wheel suddenly became really loose causing the control of the vehicle to be really difficult and it make a very loose hollow noise.Owner complaint, filed 2026
Power Assist Steering fails and becomes very difficult to turn the steering wheel, requiring much force to initiate a turn and requires just as much force to disengage/return the steering to a straight ahead direction. It cuts out unexpectedly and often. Dealer has examined and says cannot be repaired without replacing the whole steering…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Body, doors and structure
279 complaintsRust, doors and liftgates that will not latch, leaks, and frame or structure concerns.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 93,000 miles. Parts named most: Body (92).
What to check before you buy
- Look underneath with a flashlight. Utah road salt is hard on frames, brake lines and the bottoms of doors.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the liftgate, and lock and unlock each one.
- Use a paint thickness gauge and compare panels. A panel that reads very differently from the rest has likely been repaired.
Tools that help
What owners said
Recall issued and notified via mail by Ford for faulty A-pillarsin 2024. A-pillars can fall off vehicle while driving and can cause safety issue. Vehicle was taken to dealer for inspection in March of 2025 to verify issue and was informed that no parts are available. After several visits to service department and phone calls, still no…Owner complaint, filed 2026
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 approximately 55 MPH, the front driver’s side A-pillar trim had detached. The local dealer was contacted on…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 127,000 miles
Engine and cooling
260 complaintsStalling, misfires, oil consumption, leaks, overheating and engine failure.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 37,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Ask the seller not to warm the car up, and start it cold. Listen for ticking, knocking or a rough idle in the first minute.
- Pull the oil dipstick and the oil cap. Low oil, a gasoline smell or a milky film on the cap are reasons to walk away or get an inspection.
- Plug in an OBD2 scanner. Stored or pending codes matter, and so do readiness monitors that show "not ready", which usually means the codes were cleared right before the sale.
- Ask for oil change records. A gap in the records on a model known for engine complaints is a negotiating point at minimum.
Tools that help
What owners said
Engineering design flaw. Water pump connected to the timing chain, knowing that it would cost thousands of dollars to fix.Owner complaint, filed 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped, the vehicle jerked, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, the vehicle stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 170,000 miles
Suspension
103 complaintsClunks over bumps, broken springs, worn struts and uneven tire wear.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 82,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive over a few bumps and potholes slowly with the radio off and listen for clunks or rattles.
- Check the tires for uneven wear on the inside or outside edges, a sign of alignment or suspension trouble.
- Look behind the wheels for oily, wet shocks or struts.
Tools that help
What owners said
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…Owner complaint, filed 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was driving rough. In addition, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle vibrated abnormally; however, when the vehicle shifted to neutral(N), the vibration ceased. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 90,000 miles
Electrical system
100 complaintsDead batteries, warning lights, failed screens and cameras, and electrical shorts.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 60,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Test every switch: windows, locks, mirrors, seat heaters, the screen, the backup camera, Bluetooth and every USB port.
- Watch the dash at startup. Every warning light should come on briefly and then go out.
- Have the battery and charging system tested. A weak alternator or battery drain shows up here.
Tools that help
What owners said
Backup camera failed, screen turns black or freezes when the car is put in Reverse. While driving or in reverse the screen becomes pixelated with red, green stripes. The camera is unuseable which creates a safety hazard. A recall is currently active for Ford 2015 explorers but not 2014 ford explorers. It is the exact problem the 2015…Owner complaint, filed 2026
On January 8, 2026, my 2014 Ford Explorer (VIN: [XXX] ) caught fire without warning. The vehicle was parked in my garage prior to departure. When I pulled the vehicle out to leave, I noticed something burning on the garage floor. I briefly returned inside to extinguish that small fire, and when I turned back, the vehicle itself was on…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Transmission and drivetrain
80 complaintsHarsh or delayed shifts, slipping, shuddering, CVT whine, and drivetrain clunks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 75,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive it from cold if you can. Shifts should be smooth in every gear, including reverse.
- Feel for slipping (revs rise without the car speeding up), shudder at low speed and a delay when you put it in gear.
- Listen for whining, which is a common CVT complaint, and clunks when you go from drive to reverse.
- If it has 4WD or AWD, engage it on the test drive and ask when the transmission and differential fluids were last changed.
Tools that help
What owners said
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.Owner complaint, filed 2026
The water pump is having issues with going out after the first cold snap of the year. This car was just purchased by us back in March of 2025. The car was inspected by the dealership prior to purchase as well as our personal mechanic. After further research this is a known issue especially in 2011-2020 models with economists engines.…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Lights, wipers and visibility
76 complaintsHeadlights that dim or fail, wiper and washer failures, and windshield cracks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 49,000 miles. Parts named most: Windshield: critical fasteners (13).
What to check before you buy
- Check every light: headlights on low and high, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights.
- Run the wipers on every speed with washer fluid, and run the defroster front and back.
Tools that help
What owners said
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 sideOwner complaint, filed 2025
My APillar molding piece flew off the passenger side of my wind shield. I’m scared the other side will do the same thing and I don’t want anyone to get hurt but I have to use my car. I have been waiting 6 months for the parts… Also, whenever it rains my floorboards flood from water leaking through my windshield and could possibly get…Owner complaint, filed 2024
Fuel system
72 complaintsHesitation, stalling, fuel smell, fuel pump and injector failures.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 26,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Smell around the engine bay and under the rear of the car for raw fuel.
- On the test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and up a grade. Stumbling, surging or a flashing check engine light are red flags.
- Fuel pump recalls are common. Check this exact VIN for open recalls before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was starting the vehicle, she noticed a fuel leak underneath the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the fuel pump had detached causing the fuel leak. The local dealer…Owner complaint, filed 2022, at 60,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 ford explorer. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, an abnormal fuel odor entered the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated he continued driving until the smell faded away. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for a diagnostic test. The [VIN] was not notified of the failure. The failure…Owner complaint, filed 2020, at 97,000 miles
Air bags
47 complaintsAir bag warning lights, air bags that did not deploy, and inflator recalls.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 65,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The air bag (SRS) light should come on at startup and go out within a few seconds. If it stays on, the system may not work in a crash.
- Air bag recalls are some of the most serious. Check this exact VIN for open recalls and get proof any recall work was done.
Tools that help
What owners said
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…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 80,000 miles
The contact owned a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the driver of the vehicle ahead abruptly braked; as a result, the contact collided with the rear of the vehicle ahead. The air bags did deploy; however, the contact stated that the driver's side air bag failed to fully deploy, only inflating to the…Owner complaint, filed 2024, at 158,115 miles
Brakes and stability control
46 complaintsBrakes that feel soft or grab, grinding, ABS and stability control faults.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 70,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The pedal should feel firm and the car should stop straight without pulling, grinding or a pulsing pedal.
- The ABS and stability control lights should go out after startup and stay out.
- Look through the wheels at the rotors. A deep lip on the edge means brakes are due soon, which is a fair thing to negotiate on.
Tools that help
What owners said
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.Owner complaint, filed 2026
ABS module is bad with trouble code U3000-49 ABS MODULE internal problem. ABS system is disabled and also Traction Control Function is disabled. ABS module is on Nationwide back order. This is a safety concern as the ABS system is not functioningOwner complaint, filed 2024
Driver assist systems
42 complaintsPhantom braking, false collision warnings, and lane keeping or backup sensors that act up.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 90,000 miles. Parts named most: Sensing system: camera (13), Warnings (7), Automatic emergency braking (5).
What to check before you buy
- Where it is safe, try the adaptive cruise and lane keeping on the test drive and watch for sudden braking or warnings with nothing there.
- Check the windshield in front of the camera and the bumper sensors for cracks, chips or poor repairs.
- Ask whether the windshield has been replaced. The camera has to be recalibrated afterward, and many shops skip it.
Tools that help
What owners said
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…Owner complaint, filed 2026
My uncle has a 2015 Ford Explorer and he received recall 25V695 for the rear camera issues blurry/ wavy and going completely black and not being useful. Almost have backed into a few things when it goes out in the middle of reverse. I believe this is a huge safety concern and my vehicle should be added to the list of affected. Not that…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Seats and seat belts
34 complaintsBelts that will not latch or retract, seat adjusters and passenger occupancy sensors.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 66,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Pull out and latch every seat belt, and let each one retract on its own.
- Try every seat adjuster, and watch for a passenger air bag "off" light when an adult is in the seat.
Tools that help
What owners said
My drivers seat belt will only fasten at the perfect angle about 10% of the time or less. I called form to open a claim but they said it was a “wear and tear” item. I don’t think a SEATBELL is a negotiable.Owner complaint, filed 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…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Wheels and tires
30 complaintsTire failures, wheels and lug nuts, and tire pressure sensor faults.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 72,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Read the four-digit DOT date on each tire. Tires older than about six years should be replaced, whatever the tread looks like.
- Check tread depth on all four. On AWD vehicles all four tires should match.
- The tire pressure light should go out after startup.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for service, he was made aware that the lug nuts were deformed and were unable to be removed without permanently damaging the lug nuts. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the…Owner complaint, filed 2024
My 2014 Explorer has developed corrosion on all 4 aluminum wheels causing air loss along the tire bead while driving. Underinflated tires generate heat, tire distortion and catastrophic failure. I had one wheel "repaired" at Tom's Ford in February 2023 at a cost of 187.95. Please see attached and note Ford themselves refer to the rim as…Owner complaint, filed 2024
Cruise control and acceleration
29 complaintsHesitation, loss of power, sudden acceleration and cruise control problems.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 30,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- On the test drive, press the gas gently and firmly. The response should be smooth with no lag or surge.
- Set the cruise control, then use resume and cancel to make sure each one works.
Tools that help
What owners said
My vehicle just stops and the Terrain management system fault comes on no matter what speed I’m going. It’s been doing it off and on for three years now. The dealership can’t figure out why. I’m thinking after doing some research that it’s the throttle body.Owner complaint, filed 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the transmission warning light illuminated. The contact's wife was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed…Owner complaint, filed 2022, at 115,000 miles
Ford Explorer complaints by year
Compare the 2014 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.
Compare with similar 2014 midsize SUVs
Each car is rated against its own other years, since popular models always get more complaints than rare ones.
| Car | Vs. its other years | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 Ford Explorer | About average | 7 |
| 2014 Toyota Highlander | One of the better years | 5 |
| 2014 Honda Pilot | One of the better years | 3 |
| 2014 Chevrolet Traverse | Among the worst years | 7 |
2014 Ford Explorer recalls
Body and structure Roof and pillars
- Risk
- A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Suspension Rear
- Risk
- A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle, and replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Suspension Rear
- Risk
- A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall summary
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.
Transmission and drivetrain Axle shaft
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the link shaft bracket, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Suspension Rear
- Risk
- A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall summary
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.
Wheels Hub
- Risk
- A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Ford will notify the distributors of the hubs specifying that they are to only be used on drive axles.
Full recall summary
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.
Suspension Rear
- Risk
- A fracture of the rear suspension toe link may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
2014 Ford Explorer questions
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Ford Explorer?
The most reported problem areas on the 2014 Ford Explorer are the steering (500 complaints), the body, doors and structure (279 complaints) and the engine and cooling (260 complaints).
Is the 2014 Ford Explorer a good year to buy?
About average for the Explorer. Owners filed about as many complaints as a typical Explorer year. The main thing to watch is the steering, which half of owners reported by about 90,000 miles. Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Explorer years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
How many recalls does the 2014 Ford Explorer have?
NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2014 Ford Explorer. The most recent, from Jan 2024, covers the roof and pillars. Recalls cover the whole model year, so check the VIN of the car you are looking at to see which are still open.
At what mileage do 2014 Ford Explorer problems start?
Half of the owners who reported a problem with the steering gave a mileage of about 90,000 miles or less. Half of the owners who reported a problem with the body, doors and structure gave a mileage of about 93,000 miles or less. Plenty of cars have these problems later or never, so ask for service records.
Which Ford Explorer years should I avoid?
The Explorer years with the most complaints compared with the rest are 2016. Years with clearly fewer complaints are 2018, 2019 and 2021. Years from 2022 on are too new to rate fairly yet.
Check the exact car
These problems are for the model year as a whole. Here is how to find out about the one you are looking at.
Looking at a 2014 Ford Explorer?
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- Check a specific car for open recalls at NHTSA
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