Problems · NHTSA complaints

2014 Ford Explorer problems

Owners filed 1,684 complaints about the 2014 Ford Explorer with NHTSA between Aug 2013 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is steering (500).

Complaints
1,684
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
32
Reported by owners
Fires
6
Reported by owners
Injuries
38
People reported injured
Deaths
2
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Steering500
  2. Structure276
  3. Engine198
  4. Suspension103
  5. Electrical system100
  6. Power train80
  7. Engine and engine cooling67
  8. Fuel/propulsion system63
  9. Air bags47
  10. Back over prevention29
  11. Vehicle speed control29
  12. Seat belts28
  13. Visibility27
  14. Visibility/wiper26

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20136
201465
201542
2016116
2017259
2018118
2019148
2020103
2021102
2022138
2023155
2024170
2025200
202662

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Steering

500 reports10 crashes2 fires
“Power Assist Steering fails and becomes very difficult to turn the steering wheel, requiring much force to initiate a turn and requires just as much force to disengage/return the steering to a straight ahead direction. It cuts out unexpectedly and often. Dealer has examined and says cannot be repaired without replacing the whole steering shaft, gear and rack as well as the tie rods. Vehicle only has about 80,000 miles and steering rack and gears should not wear out this soon.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 15, 2026SteeringODI 11771470

Structure

276 reports1 related recall
“Recall issued and notified via mail by Ford for faulty A-pillarsin 2024. A-pillars can fall off vehicle while driving and can cause safety issue. Vehicle was taken to dealer for inspection in March of 2025 to verify issue and was informed that no parts are available. After several visits to service department and phone calls, still no parts available for now 2+ years. Ford apparently has no intention of providing parts for the recall.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 26, 2026StructureODI 11759711

Engine

198 reports
“Vehicle Safety Hazard Report: Toxic Cabin Fumes & Engine Hazard Following Improper Franchise Repair My 2014 Ford Explorer (VIN: [XXX]) was serviced at Sawgrass Ford in Sunrise, FL for an initial internal water pump replacement. Immediately following this repair, the vehicle began emitting heavy white exhaust smoke and filling the passenger cabin with toxic chemical fumes. I returned immediately to Sawgrass Ford to address this severe safety hazard. The service advisor conducted a "courtesy check," explicitly falsely assured me that the vehicle was safe, and released it back to me. Due to the continuous heavy white smoke and toxic interior cabin fumes, the vehicle represents an immediate public road hazard and toxic inhalation danger. I have permanently parked the vehicle to avoid further hazardous exposure and imminent secondary internal engine destruction. The dealership completely failed to diagnose the internal coolant breach after servicing that exact internal system. A formal dealer compliance investigation has been filed with the Florida Bureau of Dealer Services.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 17, 2026Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11771850

Suspension

103 reports8 crashes4 related recalls
“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 link recall has been a failure. There are numerous stories just like mine of secondary suspension issues and burning through tires, especially in the rear, at an alarming rate. To my knowledge Ford has done nothing to correct the issues with the toe link, once and for all. To my knowledge, Ford is not reimbursing owners for the related losses they experience because of the issue with toe links.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 21, 2026SuspensionODI 11732705

Electrical system

100 reports1 crash3 fires
“Sudden and complete loss of power steering assist while vehicle was in operation. Vehicle became extremely difficult to steer, creating safety hazard for driver and child passenger. Inspection revealed 150A EPAS Mega Fuse, Part #L0114875AA, was melted due to electrical short in Power Steering Control Module. This is identical to the defect described in NHTSA Safety Recall 14V316000 / Ford 14S06. Fire risk confirmed by melted/burned fuse condition. Photos of failed component attached. Component is available for inspection. Ford Customer Service denied assistance under Recall 14S06 on 07/10/2026, claiming vehicle was not covered despite physical evidence of the exact defect described in the recall. Vehicle manufacture date is 06/2014. Ford Technical Service Bulletin 15-0082 acknowledges some 2014 vehicles may still have defective modules installed. Vehicle is currently inoperable. Owner has dependent child with medical therapy appointments requiring reliable transportation. Current mileage approximate as vehicle cannot be driven. Request immediate NHTSA investigation and enforcement under federal safety law 49 USC 30120.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 10, 2026Steering, Electrical systemFire reportedODI 11749538

Power train

80 reports1 crash1 fire1 related recall
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 23, 2026Power trainODI 11733412
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.