2014 Ford Explorer Structure & Body Problems
NHTSA lists 286 Structure & Body complaints for the 2014 Ford Explorer, 17% of its 1,678 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 92,000 miles. A related recall (24V031000) covers A-pillar trim clips that can detach.
- Structure & Body complaints
- 286
- 17% of 1,678
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 3
- Median mileage
- 92,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical body and structure symptoms owners report
- Owners report exhaust odor entering the cabin during or after acceleration, sometimes intermittently even without acceleration.
- Some describe the hood denting or bending easily when closed, which they attribute to thin body panel material.
- Several mention exterior trim panels, including windshield-area panels, coming loose or detaching entirely while driving.
- Owners report abnormal noise from the front end near the bumper when turning the steering wheel, sometimes requiring half shaft replacement.
- One report describes second- and third-row seats collapsing or dropping unexpectedly when a release lever was pressed, causing injury.
- A recall addresses A-pillar trim retention clips that may not engage properly, allowing trim to detach from the vehicle.
When 2014 Ford Explorer body and structure complaints were filed
First complaint Feb 5, 2014, latest Aug 26, 2026.
Structure & Body recalls for the 2014 Ford Explorer
- 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.
Structure & Body complaints by Explorer model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many Structure & Body complaints does the 2014 Ford Explorer have?
- NHTSA lists 286 Structure & Body complaints for the 2014 Explorer, which is 17% of the 1,678 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2014 Ford Explorer related to structure or body issues?
- Yes. Recall 24V031000 covers 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles where A-pillar trim retention clips may not properly engage, allowing the trim to detach. Dealers inspect and replace the A-pillar trim free of charge.
- At what mileage do structure and body problems typically show up on the 2014 Explorer?
- The median mileage at failure for Structure & Body complaints on the 2014 Explorer is 92,000 miles.
- Are structure and body complaints worse in 2014 compared to other Explorer years?
- The 2014 Explorer's 17% share is lower than several other years in this range, including 2017 at 40% and 2019 at 52%, but higher than 2010's 17% and comparable to nearby years like 2011 and 2012.
- Did the 2014 Explorer's structure and body issues cause any crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA data shows 0 crashes and 0 fires tied to these complaints, but 3 injuries were reported.