2014 Ford Explorer Complaint Log

I own a 2014 Ford Explorer. When driving home on November 4th the engine coolant light came on and there was white smoke coming from under the hood and the coolant was leaking under the vehicle. I had the vehicle towed to my local mechanic who said that the water pump needs to be replaced. He does not do this type of work so I'm unsure if there is additional damage since he stopped his inspection there. I have to have it towed to another place. I'm seeing this same issue with many vehicles with the same make/model and felt it should be reported. I did contact Ford and made a complaint.

Backup camera works intermittently

I was driving down the interstate and the piece on the side where it covers the windshield blows off, the passenger side now tries to. When it happened i rolled the window down and held onto it until we could pull over.

On the freeway, the Windshield rubber trim came loose from its cover started flapping on the window and top of car and then torn off by wind shear. It flew in the air behind the car and could cause the vehicles behind us to swerve or it could actually hit one of the others cars. Our car was recently inspected. This had no warning.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped, the vehicle jerked, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, the vehicle stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked and then the engine stalled. After several attempts, the vehicle was restarted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, when the contact was able to restart the vehicle, the failure recurred after driving a short distance. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

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 recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, there was an abnormal sound like a rock had struck the windshield on the driver’s side. The contact stopped the vehicle and observed that the trim on the driver's side pillar next to the windshield was loosened and was striking the pillar. The contact took the vehicle to a glass shop and the trim panel was reattached. The contact stated that the passenger’s side trim panel was loosened and that the driver's side panel was loosened again. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the second-row passenger’s side inflatable seat belt and air bag warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the wiring harness needed to be repositioned. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the second-row driver’s and passenger’s side inflatable seat belt and air bag warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the second-row seat belt connector failed and produced codes: B141B, B140D, B141C. The contact was informed that the second-row seat belt wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced Customer Satisfaction Program: 21B11. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number and advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle was vibrating with an abnormal rattling sound coming from the front and the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vibration and rattling were a constant failure and happened at various speeds. Additionally, the contact stated that when he stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle was making a grinding sound while depressing the accelerator pedal. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V692000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Electric power steering failure, cannot drive vehicle steering is hard and stuck. Power steering failure light light on dashboard.

The driver side windshield bar is slowly detaching. The plastic frame between the door and windshield. Also the rubber is coming off. At some point this will completely detach possibly while in movement and could cause a severe wreck if on highway. I've notice this defect on many Ford Explorers. This safety issue needs immediate attention before an accident occurs due to Ford's improper engineering. Even though this is a 2014 I've only put 48,000 miles on the vehicle.

Loss of steering going down the road. Just like previous models of the explorer. Wheel locks up and steering is almost impossible.

The rack and pinion steering gear is failing, it will loose power steering which makes it hard to steer. This part has been replaced five times in a year, they are defected coming from the factory. The dealer is aware of the problem. I have been in contact with Ford about this ongoing issue asking for the manufacturer information but no one knows who makes this part.

When turning the wheel grinding noise and it jerks steering wheel at time was told it was probably the rack and pinion but have to wait to weeks to take it where I bought it from to look at and not until the end of Oct for Ford to look at it several people have this problem too what can I do why hasn't part be recalled

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH and making a right turn, the steering wheel seemed to seize. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the rack and pinion and electric power steering assist needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

under the program of 15N01 the 2014 Ford Explorer is not part of it and it should be as my vehicle is experiencing the same issues. The program currently ends for vehicles manufactured January 2014 and mine was manufactured in April of 2014. I would like this added so my vehicle can be repaired under the program. The make, model and body styling is the same as previous years and has the same parts.

While driving my wife’s vehicle it lost power steering and started hearing loud grinding noise coming from passenger side front. Was going at low speed so was able to get the vehicle off the road. Since losing power steering vehicle wants to pull to the right.

Water pump coolant leak. I’m experiencing this problem and have seen that Fire has known about this issue and hasn’t recalled it and it’s causing engine failure and leaving consumers to fort the 2000 bill to fix since it’s internal. Does needs to recall and fix this issue and replace the pump.

Airbag light came on, had tested by local mechanic, informed left rear airbag and to take to dealer, dealer charged $252 to disagnose air bag in left rear shoulder strap. Since already replaced wiring harnesses under TSB 16-0001 back on 11/1/7/16 thought best to clean contacts of harness connectors and apply dielectric grease for an extra 1/2 labor for an addtitional $99 bringing the total to over $350. Both dealer and Ford refused to cover this repair. I am very dissapointed.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35–40 MPH, the engine was overheating. There was fluid leaking from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the water pump was leaking. Additionally, antifreeze was leaking from the vehicle. The contact was informed that the timing chain and water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 113,535.

Under moderate to heavy acceleration exhaust fumes are pouring into the cabin. The harder you accelerate the more you smell. Gives me a headache every time.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the A-pillar trim started detaching from the vehicle. The contact stated that parts of the trim had already detached and fallen off the vehicle. 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. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 21V537000 (Suspension) and 20V675000 (Suspension). The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the scheduled recall repairs, and the contact was informed that the toe links could not be replaced due to the knuckles needing to be replaced prior to completing the recall repair. The contact stated that the dealer contacted the manufacturer and the manufacturer verbally agreed to complete the recall repair by replacing both parts and scheduled the service for a later date. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the rescheduled appointment and the contact was informed by the dealer that the manufacturer declined the recall repairs as well as replacing the knuckles. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the front driver’s and passenger’s side A-pillar trim panel had become loosened and unsecured on the vehicle. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The contact was informed that parts to repair the vehicle under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE) were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 110,000.

The contact's fiancée owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the steering wheel started jerking and the vehicle lost power steering functionality, nearly causing a collision. The traction control warning light was illuminated, and the message "Steering Assist Fault - Service Required" was displayed. The contact was able to drive to the nearby residence at 10-15 MPH by using physical strength to turn the steering wheel. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 110,739.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the back over prevention camera was malfunctioning. The contact stated that the camera was displaying an upside-down image. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the back-over prevention camera had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.

critical steering loss during normal driving conditions. Steering Rack & Pinion failed without code, appears to be mechanical failure (gear) breaking in the rack and pinion. Similar to the 2013 model year recall, my vehicle was produced in 2014 Feb. Looking at part number my rack and pinion was produced between 2012 and 2014. Possibly affected by the years when their was a recall for similar issue.

The power steering is going out in my vehicle to the point it is now a safety concern and I cannot drive the vehicle. The models made before and after mine are listed as recalled for the same issue, but my vehicle is not.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer for a recall repair and the vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that the next morning when the vehicle was started, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering column became inoperable. The contact stated that he was able to safely drive the vehicle to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with steering gear failure however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

Hello, yes my vehicle is available upon inspection request. Bell Ford(recall performed) and another shop has inspected the vehicle for the power steering issue. *I had a toe link recall completed at Bell Ford in May, 2022. Since then my vehicle has not been driving as smoothly. Please add this recall back to my vehicle. *The radio/ climate control screen updates and sometimes just goes black when I start the vehicle. Sometimes can take up to 5 mins to turn back on. Please add this to the recall list for my vehicle. *Forward collision warning never worked. ***The power steering went out while myself and my daughter were driving on a busy state highway. I was not going over 60 mph per speed limit. 3 alarms went off while driving. My SUV instantly became very hard to handle. There is no power steering. I went to an auto shop and they told me it was electrical, they couldn’t fix it and gave me a print out of the diagnosis. I’ve researched the problem and see this is a common issue and usually happens where it’s not safe to just stop as the vehicle suggests. I have pictures was trying to add but it won’t let me select that option. Please add this to the recall list for my vehicle.

I purchased the vehicle in 2017. The car has 175k miles on it now. A few months ago, the vehicle began making a shuddering noise when turning. Recently, the steering became very hard and heavy. When moving the steering wheel, I began to hear a muffled noise as if something was grinding. The next day, the steering became progressively worse and even harder to turn along with the noise becoming louder. The vehicle was towed to a local shop where the issue was identified as the steering rack and pinion failure as well as the front lower control arms being broken. The shop mentioned that the parts are only available at Ford and the estimate would be more than $4,000 to repair. I was advised that other customers have come in for the same issues recently and to call Ford to see if there were any campaigns (recalls) for this vehicle and issue. I called Ford and they mentioned there were no existing or open recalls for the steering rack and pinion. The call agent mentioned that due to the vehicle no longer under Ford's warranty, all expenses would be the responsibility of the owner.

See attached document for complaint

The contact owned a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering rack failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the steering wheel was independently pulling to the left or the right. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with steering rack failure. The contact was informed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was informed of an unknown recall however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact stated that the vehicle was involved in a crash that was not the owner’s fault, and the crash was not due to the failure. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and two cases were filed. The failure mileage was unknown.

See attached document from complainant

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the exterior A-pillar trim detached and flew off the vehicle. 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 not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

I was traveling down I10 from Houston to San Antonio, somewhere near Luling. I thought a rock hit the windshield, then I few seconds later I heard it again, and then I noticed a black piece of something flapping back and forth along my passenger window. There was no place to safely stop so I reduced my speed, 75 to 60. I traveled until I could find a safe trace to stop. That is when I discovered the rubber molding along the right side of the windshield had pealed away and was flapping , hitting the side of my Explorer, the right mirror, and the passenger window. The mirror and window were so marked up because of the molding flapping I could hardly see through them. I had to continue my trip at a greatly reduced speed. The molding on the right was also loose. Once I arrived at my destination I used painters tape to secure the molding , on both sides of the windshield.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel locked inadvertently. The message "Traction Failure - Stop Safely" and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. There was no further information provided. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the electronic steering rack and pinion were replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the driver's side windshield trim panel separated, struck, and cracked the windshield of the vehicle behind. There was no injury sustained. Additionally, the driver's side windshield rubber detached and started striking the side of the vehicle. The contact veered to the side of the road. A Ford technician met the contact on the side of the road and assisted the contact in securing the rubber into position and tape was applied. The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist because the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

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 at 60 MPH, the driver's side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The contact replaced the A-pillar trim. However, the piece was not the correct size. Most recently, the contact stated that the passenger’s side A-pillar trim became loose. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired after the most recent failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.

Every time while accelerating and RPMs reach above 2500 the cab of the vehicle fills with an odor . After doing a lot of research we have come to realize it is carbon monoxide. There are several open law suits and complaints about this already. When we purchased the vehicle in May of 2021 it was taken to the Ford dealership and they told us everything in the vehicle was fine. The car is available for inspection at any point. No warning lights or anything have come on at all!

Driving on a straight flat road (I95 in North Carolina) the steering locked up and the "advance track" and "traction control" warning lights illuminated as well as "loss of steering control" warning (also noticed that the blinker switch stopped working) . Very difficult to move the steering wheel. Got to the side of the road and called for a tow. The Ford dealer (Liberty Ford, Fayetteville, NC) said the rack and pinion failed and needs to be replaced. It seems this has happened to many other people. Not sure why there is not a recall.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver’s, and passenger’s side exterior A-pillar trims detached and flew off the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was determined that the exterior A-pillar trims needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred approximately a year later. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the air bag warning light intermittently illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to the dealer for an undisclosed unrelated failure, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was included in Ford Customer Satisfaction Program: 21B11 and the contact was advised to call the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the Customer Satisfaction Program: 21B11 had expired and was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became firm and was difficult to maneuver. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was included in a recall and then transferred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Fusion. The contact stated that he became aware that the front passenger’s side floorboard was soaked with water. The contact also stated that water was leaking from the windshield trim panel. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall and advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized. The contact was able to safely stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed as having a fractured steering column rack that needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, another vehicle driving at a high rate of speed abruptly merged into his lane and collided with the contact on the front passenger side of the vehicle, sending the vehicle careening to the shoulder of the roadway and coming to a complete stop after colliding with a guard rail. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard but later towed to a body shop for repair. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnosis. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. All occupants were transported to an area hospital by EMS for treatment. The contact was treated for non-descript injuries to his back and neck; the front passenger was treated for non-descript injuries to his back and neck as well as nerve damage; and the rear passenger was treated for non-descript injuries to his head and neck. Both passengers later required extensive rehabilitation as a result of the injuries they sustained during the accident. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 160,000.

Steering has become hard to turn the wheel. I know there is a recall for steering on the 2013 Ford Explorer but there seems to be the same problem with the power assist steering on the 2014 Ford Explorers. Im afraid this will progress to failure.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, the steering wheel seized and made an abnormal grinding sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

Ever since I purchased my 2014 Ford Explorer, I noticed a foul smell inside the vehicle when accelerating. It seemed fine when driving normally, but when accelerating into traffic or whenever RPMs are increasing, it’s definitely noticeable. At first I thought it wasn’t that big of a deal, until my young step-son was in the passenger seat complaining about how he felt nauseous out of nowhere. So I decided to do a little research and found a TON of articles including the ones in these two links!: https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/ford-explorer-lawsuits-exhaust-leak-carbon-monoxide/ https://6abc.com/amp/ford-explorer-suv-sick-dizzy/3507986/

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the engine coolant temperature warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park the vehicle at a friend's residence nearby and added coolant to the engine. The contact stated that the failure recurred. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the radiator and the water pump to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 132,720.

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 windshield exterior A-pillars and B-pillars trims had detached, causing water to leak inside the vehicle during the rain. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the parts would be available at the end of 2024. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.