2014 Ford Explorer Problems
What owners have reported about the 2014 Ford Explorer, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2014 Ford Explorer a good year?
It's one of the worst years for the Explorer. Owners have filed 1,679 complaints with NHTSA, the 5th most of 18 Explorer model years. The most reported problems involve the steering, body and structure and engine.
1,679 complaints 7 recalls, 3 crash risk 5th worst of 18 Explorer years
Top 2014 Ford Explorer problems
Steering problems
498 complaints (30%) name the steering, most often the rack and pinion and electric power assist system.
Body problems
276 complaints (16%) name the body and structure, most often the body and hood.
Engine problems
258 complaints (15%) name the engine, most often the exhaust system and pump.
Suspension problems
103 complaints (6%) name the suspension, most often the rear and lower arm.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (991 of 1,679). The amber line is the middle value, about 68,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2014 Ford Explorer recalls
Roof and pillars
The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach. 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.
Recall 24V031000 · Jan 2024Rear
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. 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.
Recall 21V537000 · Jul 2021Rear toe link may fracture, causing steering loss
Crash riskThe outer section of a rear suspension toe link can break. If it does, the driver can lose steering control, which raises the risk of a crash.
Fix: A dealer will inspect the cross-axis ball joint knuckle attached to the rear toe link and replace it if needed, at no cost to you.
Recall 20V675000 · Mar 2021Axle shaft
Can stall0L or 2.3L engines and front wheel drive. The support bracket for the front drive axle halfshaft may fail. 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.
Recall 20V692000 · Nov 2020Rear toe links may fracture, affecting handling
Crash riskThe rear suspension toe links can break under normal stress. If one fractures, the vehicle's handling can change suddenly, which raises the risk of a crash.
Fix: The dealer will replace the rear suspension toe links and inspect both rear toe link ball joints, replacing the rear wheel knuckles if needed, free of charge.
Recall 19V435000 · Jun 2019Rear, Hub
These bearings assemblies were manufactured without a self retention feature, possibly resulting in the separation of the wheel or wheel end. A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify the distributors of the hubs specifying that they are to only be used on drive axles. It is believed that none of the hubs were purchased from Ford dealers for the incorrect application.
Recall 17E048000 · Aug 2017Rear suspension toe links may fracture
Crash riskSome rear toe links were improperly welded, so they can crack or break. If one fractures, the driver can lose steering control, which raises the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links at no charge to the owner.
Recall 16V245000 · Apr 2016Get an email when your 2014 Ford Explorer gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2014 Ford Explorer, you'll hear about it the same week.
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Explorer years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2014 Ford Explorer problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2014 Ford Explorer a reliable year?
It's one of the worst years for the Explorer. Owners have filed 1,679 complaints with NHTSA, the 5th most of 18 Explorer model years. The most reported problems involve the steering, body and structure and engine.
What are the most common 2014 Ford Explorer problems?
Owners most often report problems with the steering, body and structure, engine and suspension. 498 complaints (30%) name the steering, most often the rack and pinion and electric power assist system.
At what mileage do 2014 Ford Explorer steering problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 63,000–119,000 miles, with a middle value near 90,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2014 Ford Explorer have?
7. Roof and pillars (24V031000); Rear (21V537000); Rear toe link may fracture, causing steering loss (20V675000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2014 Ford Explorer?
Ask for service records covering the steering, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2009, 2026 and 2025 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.