How common are engine complaints for the 2014 Ford Explorer?

NHTSA lists 272 engine complaints for the 2014 Explorer, making up 16% of the 1,678 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2014 Ford Explorer engine problems?

No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this engine problem area.

At what mileage do 2014 Ford Explorer engine problems usually show up?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this engine problem area is 38,000 miles.

How does the 2014 Explorer compare to other years for engine complaints?

The 2014 Explorer's engine complaints are 16% of its total complaints, lower than the 2016 model year's 22% share but higher than the 2019 model year's 9% share.

Were there any injuries linked to 2014 Ford Explorer engine issues?

NHTSA data tied to this engine problem area records 8 injuries, 2 crashes, and 2 fires.

2014 Ford Explorer Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 272 engine complaints for the 2014 Ford Explorer, 16% of all complaints filed for that year, with a median failure mileage of 38,000 miles. No related recall is listed for this engine problem area.

Engine complaints: 272; 16% of 1,678
Crashes reported: 2
Fires reported: 2
Injuries reported: 8
Median mileage: 38,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report exhaust or exhaust-like fumes entering the cabin, especially when accelerating past roughly 3,200 to 3,500 rpm or when the AC is set to recirculate mode.
Some describe a burning or rotten-egg smell that lingers for minutes and worsens over time, even after a dealer part swap tied to a technical bulletin.
Several owners report sudden engine misfires, bucking, or jerking during acceleration, particularly in wet conditions, requiring a pullover and restart.
At least one owner reported the vehicle shutting off completely while driving at highway speed with no warning.
Reports include black or white smoke coming from under the hood or rear of the vehicle, in some cases developing into a fire.
One owner reported the transmission moving backward instead of forward when shifted into drive shortly after purchase.

When 2014 Ford Explorer engine complaints were filed

First complaint Aug 2, 2013, latest Mar 11, 2026.

272 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2013 Q3 to 2026 Q1; peak 2017 Q3 (26).

Engine recalls for the 2014 Ford Explorer

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Explorer model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201031 (27%)
2011113 (9%)
2012103 (12%)
2013316 (14%)
2014272 (16%)
2015299 (17%)
2016530 (22%)
2017317 (19%)
2018129 (18%)
201926 (9%)
2020162 (13%)
202169 (16%)
202238 (14%)
202313 (12%)
20241 (5%)
202514 (14%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine complaints for the 2014 Ford Explorer?: NHTSA lists 272 engine complaints for the 2014 Explorer, making up 16% of the 1,678 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2014 Ford Explorer engine problems?: No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this engine problem area.
At what mileage do 2014 Ford Explorer engine problems usually show up?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this engine problem area is 38,000 miles.
How does the 2014 Explorer compare to other years for engine complaints?: The 2014 Explorer's engine complaints are 16% of its total complaints, lower than the 2016 model year's 22% share but higher than the 2019 model year's 9% share.
Were there any injuries linked to 2014 Ford Explorer engine issues?: NHTSA data tied to this engine problem area records 8 injuries, 2 crashes, and 2 fires.