2014 Ford Explorer: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2014 Ford Explorer? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 1,657 complaints, with Steering Defects as the top reported area.
2014 Ford Explorer Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2014 Ford Explorer trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 6 trims analysed.
2014 Ford Explorer Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2014 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
17.4% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
17.4% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2014 Ford Explorer has 1,657 owner complaints, 32 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Steering Defects. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Ford
- Model
- Explorer
- Model year
- 2014
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 1,657
- Crash-related complaints
- 32
- Safety recall campaigns
- 7
- Top reported component
- Steering Defects
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 20
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 17 / 24
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2014 Ford Explorer Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Steering Defects
Uncategorized Issues
Structural Problems
Complaint patterns center on Steering Defects, Uncategorized Issues, Structural Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2014 Ford Explorer?
The 2014 Ford Explorer shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2014 Ford Explorer
Inspection Focus
- Inspect steering components for any signs of wear or previous repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for steering, structural, and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on steering and suspension.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect steering components for any signs of wear or previous repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for steering, structural, and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on steering and suspension.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2014 Ford Explorer, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2014 Ford Explorer are heavily concentrated in steering defects, with over 490 reports, followed by uncategorized issues and structural problems. Engine and suspension failures also appear frequently. The data suggests potential concerns with steering and structural integrity, though the low confidence level warrants caution.
- Steering defects account for the largest share of complaints (492 out of 1657).
- Uncategorized issues and structural problems are the next most common complaint categories.
- Engine problems and suspension failures also have notable complaint counts.
- Steering Defects
- Structural Problems
- Engine Problems
All 2014 Ford Explorer Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2014 Ford Explorer. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 492 | 10 | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 328 | 5 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 269 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 263 | — | 2 | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 102 | 8 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 97 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 79 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 62 | — | 1 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 47 | 7 | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 29 | 2 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 29 | 2 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 27 | 4 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 27 | 4 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 27 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 26 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 26 | 2 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 25 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 5 | 2 | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Firerelated | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2014 Ford Explorer. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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.
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…
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, but the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that th…
Back up camera goes blank with black screen
There is a strong fuel order coming from passenger side after every fuel fill, affects everyone in the car while moving, especially affecting my grandchildren and my family. Backup camera rarely comes on while backing up, gives a black screen which can cause accidents especially…
Airbag light is activated and controls do not work.
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 dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable …
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 vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed …
The back up camera turns black when the car is in reverse. Other times the screen has red, yellow, green horizontal stripes displayed which make the screen hard to see any objects behind me. This is the same problem ford has experienced with other explorer models and there is …
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 the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the rec…
The A pillar molding flew off the passenger side of my car while traveling down the interstate.
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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall re…
Both the driver side and passenger side exterior a-pillar applique molding came while driving down the highway and almost caused an accident. This has happened twice because FORD says they can't fix it because they don't have the parts. Anyone can get the parts online that are af…
When I'm driving on the freeway. I could be on flatland and it will stall, I could be going down a hill and it stalls, I could be on a regular road, turning a corner, hitting a bump. And it stalls when I'm on the freeway, I have to get over very scary happens all the time when It…
EXTERIOR A-PILLAR APPLIQUE TRIM CLIP ATTACHMENTS ARE NOT PROPERLY ENGAGED DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OR REPAIR. REAER TOE LINK REAR TIRES TILTED INWARD due to potential fractures from corrosion or broken welds on TOE LINK.
I have noticed Ford has recalled the back up camera for many makes and models however, my back up camera will not work when the car is hot. The make and Model is 2014 Ford Explorer Sport. Would this be considered?
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the windshield trim was fractured. The contact stated that the trim was flapping. The dealer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was informed that parts were not yet a…
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.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger’s side A-pillar trim on the windshield started to detach. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do…
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 60 MPH, the passenger's side windshield exterior A-Pil…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2014 Ford Explorer.
2014 Ford Explorer Recalls
7 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2014 Ford Explorer. 7 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2014 Ford Explorer Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2014 Ford Explorer reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 1,657 owner complaints, 32 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2014 Ford Explorer shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Ford Explorer?▾
#1: Steering Defects (492 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (328 complaints). #3: Structural Problems (269 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2014 Ford Explorer?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2014 Ford Explorer?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2014 Ford Explorer, NHTSA complaints include 32 crash-related reports and 5 fire reports out of 1,657 total complaints. 38 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2014 Ford Explorer have any recalls?▾
Yes. 7 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2014 Ford Explorer. A major recall area is SUSPENSION:REAR. 7 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2014 Ford Explorer?▾
The 2014 Ford Explorer shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Steering Defects during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Ford Explorer reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2014 Ford Explorer based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.