2014 Ford Explorer recalls and problems
The 2014 Ford Explorer has 6 safety recalls and 1,684 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2014 Ford Explorer vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2014 Ford Explorer recalls
Recall 24V-031: Structure
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.
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. 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.
Recall 21V-537: Suspension
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.
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. 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.
Recall 20V-675: Suspension
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.
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. 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.
Recall 20V-692: Power Train
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.
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. 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.
Recall 19V-435: Suspension
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.
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. 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.
Recall 16V-245: Suspension
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.
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. 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.
2014 Ford Explorer problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 500 | |
| Unknown or Other | 337 | |
| Structure | 277 | |
| Engine | 198 | |
| Suspension | 103 | |
| Electrical System | 101 | |
| Power Train | 80 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 67 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 63 | |
| Air Bags | 47 | |
| Back Over Prevention | 32 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 29 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 92
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 18
- Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera — 13
- Visibility › Windshield › Critical Fasteners — 13
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Pump — 11
- Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 6
- Steering › Rack and Pinion — 6
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 5
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 66,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2014 Ford Explorer complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Ford Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2014 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2014 Ford Explorer: 24V-031 (structure), 21V-537 (suspension), 20V-675 (suspension), 20V-692 (power train), 19V-435 (suspension) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2014 Ford Explorer?
Owners report steering problems most often (500 reports), followed by unknown or other (337). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 66,000 miles.
Are Ford recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ford dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.