6 recalls and 1,684 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2014 Ford Explorer.
6
recalls
1,684
owner complaints
32
complaints mentioning a crash
6
mentioning a fire
Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.
2014 Ford Explorer recalls
Structure: body, roof and pillars
NHTSA campaign 24V031000 · reported January 19, 2024 · Ford Motor Company · 1,889,110 vehicles potentially affected
The problem
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.
The risk
A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024 and December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
Suspension: rear
NHTSA campaign 21V537000 · reported July 15, 2021 · Ford Motor Company · 631,176 vehicles potentially affected
The problem
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.
The risk
A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall numbers 16V-245, 19V-435, and 20V-675. Certain vehicles previously repaired will need to return for the new remedy. An interim notification letter notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on September 10, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2022. Owners may contact Ford's customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S32.
Suspension: rear
NHTSA campaign 20V675000 · reported March 12, 2021 · Ford Motor Company · 454,941 vehicles potentially affected
The problem
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.
The risk
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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. The recall began November 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S62.
Power train: axle assembly, axle shaft
NHTSA campaign 20V692000 · reported November 10, 2020 · Ford Motor Company · 15,587 vehicles potentially affected
The problem
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.
The 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.
The fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the link shaft bracket, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners received an interim notification detailing safety risk December 8, 2020. A second letter will be mailed when parts become available in January 2021. The recall began February 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S63.
Suspension: rear
NHTSA campaign 19V435000 · reported June 10, 2019 · Ford Motor Company · 1,194,173 vehicles potentially affected
The problem
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.
The risk
A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
The 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. The recall began June 26, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S17.
Suspension: rear
NHTSA campaign 16V245000 · reported April 26, 2016 · Ford Motor Company · 75,364 vehicles potentially affected
The problem
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.
The risk
A fracture of the rear suspension toe link may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. The recall began on November 18, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S18.
Most reported problems
Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.
Steering500
Unknown or other337
Structure276
Engine198
Suspension103
Electrical system100
Power train80
Engine and engine cooling67
Fuel/propulsion system63
Air bags47
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
Oct 21, 2026 · Seat belts
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.
Oct 21, 2026 · Steering
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.
Oct 20, 2026 · Engine
Engineering design flaw. Water pump connected to the timing chain, knowing that it would cost thousands of dollars to fix.
Oct 17, 2026 · Engine
Vehicle Safety Hazard Report: Toxic Cabin Fumes & Engine Hazard Following Improper Franchise Repair My 2014 Ford Explorer (VIN: […]) was serviced at Sawgrass Ford in Sunrise, FL for an initial internal water pump replacement. Immediately following this repair, the vehicle began emitting heavy white exhaust smoke and…
Oct 15, 2026 · Steering
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…
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2014 Ford Explorer, the most recent reported on January 19, 2024 (Structure: body, roof and pillars). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Ford Explorer?
Owners have filed 1,684 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is steering (500 complaints), followed by unknown or other (337).
How many 2014 Ford Explorer complaints mention a crash or fire?
32 of 1,684 complaints report a crash and 6 a fire; 38 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 21, 2026.