Severe Issues

2014 FORD EXPLORER Problems

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2014 Ford Explorer. This model year has 1,657 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Steering Defects.

1,657
Complaints
32
Crashes
5
Fires
38
Injuries
2
Deaths
7
Recalls

Before you buy β€” check the actual VIN

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.

Worst 2014 Ford Explorer Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#1
492
complaints

Steering Defects

Crash-related:10
Fires:1
Injuries:6
#2
328
complaints

Uncategorized Issues

Crash-related:5
Injuries:11
#3
269
complaints

Structural Problems

Injuries:2

Considering a 2014 Ford Explorer?

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2014 Ford Explorer. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Steering Defects492101β€”
Uncategorized Issues3285β€”β€”
Structural Problems269β€”β€”β€”
Engine Problems263β€”2β€”
Suspension Failures1028β€”β€”
Electrical Faults9712β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain7911β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System62β€”1β€”
Airbag Malfunctions477β€”β€”
Back Over Prevention292β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration292β€”β€”
Brake System274β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues274β€”β€”
Visibility27β€”β€”β€”
Visibility/Wiper26β€”β€”β€”
Wheel Issues262β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures25β€”β€”β€”
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)14β€”β€”β€”
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB9β€”β€”β€”
Fuel System9β€”β€”β€”
Gasoline9β€”β€”β€”
Seat-Related Issues7β€”β€”β€”
Lane Departure52β€”β€”
Traction Control System5β€”β€”β€”
Tire Issues4β€”β€”β€”
Door Lock Issues3β€”β€”β€”
Hydraulic2β€”β€”β€”
Firerelated1β€”1β€”
Equipment1β€”β€”β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2014 Ford Explorer. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

πŸ”

Showing 400 most recent complaints of 1,657 total. View all on NHTSA β†—

Transmission / DrivetrainApr 23, 2026

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.

Suspension FailuresApr 21, 2026

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…

Structural ProblemsApr 21, 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 local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that th…

Back Over PreventionπŸ’₯ CrashApr 18, 2026

Back up camera goes blank with black screen

Suspension FailuresApr 15, 2026

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…

Steering DefectsApr 12, 2026

Airbag light is activated and controls do not work.

Structural ProblemsMar 31, 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 dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable …

Structural ProblemsMar 30, 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 vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed …

Electrical FaultsMar 26, 2026

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 …

Structural ProblemsMar 25, 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 the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the rec…

Structural ProblemsMar 24, 2026

The A pillar molding flew off the passenger side of my car while traveling down the interstate.

Structural ProblemsMar 20, 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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall re…

Uncategorized IssuesMar 13, 2026

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…

Electrical FaultsMar 11, 2026

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…

Suspension FailuresMar 11, 2026

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.

Uncategorized IssuesMar 6, 2026

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?

Structural ProblemsMar 5, 2026

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…

Brake SystemFeb 27, 2026

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.

Structural ProblemsFeb 19, 2026

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…

Structural ProblemsFeb 18, 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 60 MPH, the passenger's side windshield exterior A-Pil…

Page 1 of 20

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2014 Ford Explorer.

Recalls for 2014 Ford Explorer

7 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2014 Ford Explorer. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

19V435000Oct 6, 2019
SUSPENSION:REAR

17E048000Invalid Date
WHEELS:HUB

16V245000Invalid Date
SUSPENSION:REAR

20V692000Oct 11, 2020
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

21V537000Invalid Date
SUSPENSION:REAR

20V675000Dec 3, 2021
SUSPENSION:REAR

24V031000Invalid Date
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

2014 Ford Explorer β€” FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2014 Ford Explorer reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. The 2014 Ford Explorer has 1,657 NHTSA owner complaints, 32 crash-related, and 7 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Steering Defects (492 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.

What are the most common problems with the 2014 Ford Explorer?β–Ύ

#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?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2014 Ford Explorer?β–Ύ

The 2014 Ford Explorer has 32 crash-related complaints and 5 fire reports out of 1,657 total NHTSA complaints. 38 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2014 Ford Explorer have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes β€” 7 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2014 Ford Explorer. The largest issue: SUSPENSION:REAR. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

Should I buy a 2014 Ford Explorer?β–Ύ

The 2014 Ford Explorer has severe issues β€” review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Steering Defects issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

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.

Check Your Specific 2014 Ford Explorer

Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.