2014 Ford Explorer Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2014 Ford Explorer ranks 6th worst out of 21 model years, with a complaint index of 75 and an Avoid verdict. Steering complaints dominate (498 complaints, 30% share, median failure mileage 90,000), backed by 6 recall campaigns including rear suspension toe link fractures.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 75/100
- #6 of 21 Explorer years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 1,678
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 6
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 32
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 6
- Injuries
- 38
- Top issue
- Steering
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 19.5
- 17 city / 23.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 38 / 2
Top 2014 Ford Explorer problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Steering498 (30%)
- Other338 (20%)
- Structure & Body286 (17%)
- Engine272 (16%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires127 (8%)
- Electrical System121 (7%)
- Transmission & Powertrain79 (5%)
- Fuel System71 (4%)
- Visibility & Wipers52 (3%)
- Airbags47 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the steering wheel making an abnormal noise on startup, later diagnosed as a bearing needing replacement, with some reporting loss of control after the repair failed to hold.
- Multiple reports describe the lower control arm fracturing or breaking at low speeds, leading to loss of steering control and collisions.
- Some owners describe the steering wheel suddenly becoming hard to turn, then jerking to the side without warning.
- Several complaints describe the brake pedal failing to respond when depressed, especially at low speeds while parking or reversing, resulting in crashes.
- One owner reported a burning odor while accelerating or climbing inclines, later linked by a technician to possible cracks allowing fumes into the cabin.
2014 Ford Explorer recalls
6 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 24V031000Jan 19, 2024Structure & Body1,889,110 vehicles
Structure:body:roof and pillars
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
Risk: A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024 and December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
- NHTSA 21V537000Jul 15, 2021Suspension, Wheels & Tires631,176 vehicles
Suspension:rear
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. 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.
Risk: A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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. Certain vehicles previously repaired will need to return for the new remedy. An interim notification letter notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on September 10, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2022. Owners may contact Ford's customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S32.
- NHTSA 20V675000Mar 12, 2021Suspension, Wheels & Tires454,941 vehicles
Suspension:rear
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin that were previously repaired under a prior recall numbers 16V-245 or 19V-435. The outboard section of a rear suspension toe link may fracture.
Risk: A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle attached to the rear suspension toe link and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S62.
2014 Ford Explorer fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 17 MPG
- Highway
- 23.5 MPG
- Combined
- 19.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,325
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2014 compared with other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2014 Ford Explorer a bad year?
- Among 21 model years of the Explorer, 2014 ranks 6th worst with a complaint index of 75, earning an Avoid verdict relative to other Explorer years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2014 Ford Explorer?
- Steering is the top problem area, with 498 complaints (30% share), 10 crashes, and 2 fires, at a median failure mileage of 90,000.
- Does the 2014 Ford Explorer have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2014 Explorer, covering areas including suspension toe links, a transmission/powertrain support bracket, and structure/body trim.
- How does 2014 compare to other Explorer years?
- 2014 has a complaint index of 75, lower than 2013 (85), 2015 (90), 2016 (100), and 2017 (80), but higher than 2011, 2012, and 2018, all of which rate Caution.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2014 Ford Explorer?
- EPA rates the 2014 Explorer at 19.5 mpg combined (17 city / 23.5 highway), with an annual fuel cost of $3,325.