2014 Ford Explorer

1,679 complaints on file, page 1 of 84.

1. Filed Oct 1, 2026Failure Aug 1, 2026Logaville, GAUnknown or other

   I was driving down the highway, and I heard what sounded as if something had fallen on vehicle and cracked my window. However, there wasn't anything, so I got out of the car and saw that my B pillar trim had come off and was hanging down by the wires on the driver side of vehicle. This was very frightening as this could have resulted in an accident due to this piece falling apart on the side of the car.

   NHTSA complaint 11768321
2. Filed Sep 23, 2026Failure Sep 18, 2026Ransomville, NYSteering

   My 2014 Ford Explorer experienced a serious electric power steering failure. While driving, the vehicle displayed “Power Steering Assist Fault” and the steering became extremely difficult to turn due to loss of steering assistance. I was driving with my child in the vehicle when this occurred. I believe this created a potentially life-threatening situation. If I had needed to make an emergency maneuver or avoid another vehicle or obstacle, I may not have been able to control the vehicle normally. I could have been killed and my child could have been seriously injured or killed. The Power Steering Control Module was scanned and produced these DTCs: U3000-96 – Control Module: Component Internal Failure; U2011-49 – Motor: Internal Electronic Failure; U3000-49 – Control Module: Internal Electronic Failure. I replaced the battery with a brand-new battery and replaced a corroded EPAS fuse, but the steering remained extremely difficult and the problem continued. The vehicle is currently at Howell Ford in [XXX]. I have been given an estimated repair cost of approximately $2,700 plus tax. The repair has not yet been authorized. I previously contacted NHTSA and received Request #XXX, concerning “2014 Explorer Electric Power Steering Failure / Matching EPAS DTCs.” I am concerned this may be a safety-related defect and may be related to electric power steering failures reported on other Ford Explorer model years. I am requesting that NHTSA compare my vehicle, symptoms, and DTCs with other Ford Explorer EPAS complaints, investigations, recalls, and manufacturer information and determine whether the 2014 Explorer requires further safety review. I can provide the VIN, diagnostic scan, photographs, dealership information, and repair estimate. This was an actual loss of steering assistance, not merely a warning light, and occurred while I had my child in the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11766275
3. Filed Sep 19, 2026Failure Sep 19, 2026Taylor, MISuspension, Unknown or other

   2 incomplete recalls

   NHTSA complaint 11765564
4. Filed Sep 17, 2026Failure Sep 17, 2026Houma, LASteering

   Steering simply shutoff and locked up while driving. I seen there's a recall on 2013 Ford exploers but not for 2014 even though its the same problem. Now im without a vehicle and it will be a expensive repair.

   NHTSA complaint 11765142
5. Filed Sep 13, 2026Failure Oct 1, 2025Plano, TXUnknown or other

   I own a 2014 Ford Explorer, VIN [XXX]. In approximately 2020, I reported damaged exterior A-pillar appliqué trim clip(s) to a Ford dealer and requested repair. I was told the needed part was on backorder. The condition was not permanently repaired. Ford later issued Safety Recall 24S02 / NHTSA Recall 24V-031 for certain 2011-2019 Ford Explorers involving exterior A-pillar appliqué trim retention clips that can allow the trim to loosen or detach. This is the same or substantially similar condition I reported years earlier. At a later dealer visit, the dealer verified the damaged A-pillar trim. Instead of completing a permanent repair, black duct tape was applied as a temporary measure. I was again told the recall repair parts were on backorder and that I was on a waiting list. The recall repair remains incomplete. I am concerned the exterior A-pillar trim could loosen or detach while driving, creating roadway debris and a hazard to other motorists. I believe the continued delay is unreasonable because I first reported this condition in 2020, the dealer verified it, and the issue is now covered by a safety recall. I request that NHTSA review Ford’s and the dealer’s continued inability to provide the required recall repair and the reliance on duct tape as a long-term temporary measure. I request prompt availability of the correct parts and completion of the recall repair at no cost. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11763900
6. Filed Aug 26, 2026Failure Mar 1, 2024Fulshear, TXBody

   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 parts available for now 2+ years. Ford apparently has no intention of providing parts for the recall.

   NHTSA complaint 11759711
7. Filed Aug 12, 2026Failure Jul 6, 2024127,000 milesLos Angeles, CAStructure

   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 several occasions. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.

   NHTSA complaint 11756443
8. Filed Jul 17, 2026Failure Jul 17, 2026Tyrone, PAUnknown or other

   There are often times that there is a strong exhaust odor inside the vehicle, especially when idling

   NHTSA complaint 11751071
9. Filed Jul 14, 2026Failure Jul 13, 2026New Bern, NCUnknown or other

   This complaint concerns a failed federal safety recall repair that has resulted in structural damage and rendered my vehicle unsafe to drive. I am the original owner of this vehicle (since XXX). On XXX, Riverside Ford ([XXX]) performed a federal safety recall repair on my vehicle's A-pillars. On January 28, 2026, the vehicle began leaking water. On that day the dealership find the leak due to cracked A-pillar from the clip not holding.In May 2026 I had 4 inches of standing water on the passenger side while in Florida on vacation, and smeared excessive, unprofessional adhesive on the exterior trim. Took it to the dealership the Monday after returned from vacation to have them figure out why it was leaking again. They charged me $218 to have a diagnostic check even though it was part of the recall. Couldn't find any leaks. Took the headliner down. Said that they cleaned out the sunroof tubes but didn't verify if anything ever came out of them. Went back again because of the adhesive that was seeping and dried onto it and you look it's very sloppy. Contacted Ford corporate office opened a case. On XXX, during a another attempt, the dealership replaced the A-pillars again. Upon pickup, the interior sunroof headliner was completely sagging and unseated from its rails. There are massive structural gaps on all sides where I can stick my hand through to the sunroof rails. The dealership service manager, Connie Tell, denied responsibility and refused to let me view the shop video. The vehicle is no longer weather-tight, poses an interior electrical/mildew hazard, and cannot be driven in the rain due to the dealership's faulty execution of a federal safety recall. They also chipped paint off of my vehicle again taking the pillars off to replace them. Connie, when I had mentioned it said you already have paint chips on your car. What difference would it make that's not the point at all. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11750298
10. Filed Jul 10, 2026Failure Jul 10, 2026Clarksville, TNElectrical system, SteeringFire

    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 complaint 11749538
11. Filed Jun 25, 2026Failure Jun 1, 202570,000 milesFremont, INStructure

    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 complaint 11746499
12. Filed Jun 24, 2026Failure Mar 27, 2025Easton, PABody

    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 complaint 11746117
13. Filed Jun 9, 2026Failure May 16, 2026Spokane valley, WASteering

    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 complaint 11743063
14. Filed Jun 4, 2026Failure Jan 19, 2024Elk Grove, CAStructure

    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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

    NHTSA complaint 11742129
15. Filed May 26, 2026Failure May 26, 2026Columbia, SCUnknown or other

    The defective recall items outlined in NHTSA Recall 24V031 (safety recall notice 24S02) continue to remain unrepaired and unresolved. The original notice was dated January 2024 and advised that parts and repairs should be available by late 2024. As of May 26, 2026 parts are not available and the windshield trim attachments and related rubber seals are not in place. The safety recall notice details the risks associated with this unrepaired and unresolved recall item.

    NHTSA complaint 11739992
16. Filed May 23, 2026Failure Mar 10, 2026Minneapolis, MNElectrical system, Steering, Unknown or other

    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 complaint 11739722
17. Filed May 22, 2026Failure May 22, 2026Folsom, CASteering

    When driving, the steering wheel became less responsive. The next day, we drove a few hundred miles and got gas. After turning the car back on, the steering became even less responsive, resulting in a lot of force being needed to be used in order to turn the vehicle. In addition to this, the car was extremely difficult to keep straight, making driving on a single-lane road extremely dangerous. We have dropped the car off at the dealership and are waiting until Monday or Tuesday for a diagnosis and repair.

    NHTSA complaint 11739633
18. Filed May 19, 2026Failure Oct 30, 2025Crown Point, INElectrical system

    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 explorers are experiencing. The recall needs to be expanded to include the 2014 models.

    NHTSA complaint 11738738
19. Filed May 9, 2026Failure May 5, 2020Cheshire, CTUnknown or other

    The dashboard will randomly not work upon start up or stop working while driving... this only occurs for no longer than 1 min and will self correct. I have had multiple mechanics look for the cause of the issue and have replaced everything short of the instrument cluster and the wiring harness of the truck. While this doesn't seem to interfere with the function of my vehicle, this is/can be very dangerous. Please advise

    NHTSA complaint 11736733
20. Filed May 5, 2026Failure May 5, 2026Denver, COStructure

    The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received a recall notification, NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however the parts were unavailable. In addition, the contact stated that the recall repair was initiated in 2024, and the parts were still unavailable. The manufacturer was contacted, and a complaint was filed. The contact's vehicle had not experienced any failure regarding the open recall repair.

    NHTSA complaint 11735884