2014 Ford Explorer Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA lists 79 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2014 Ford Explorer, about 5% of its 1,678 total complaints. Median failure mileage is 75,207 miles, and a related recall (20V692000) covers a front drive axle halfshaft support bracket on 2014-2016 Explorers with 2.0L or 2.3L engines.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 79
- 5% of 1,678
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 75,207 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Owners report the transmission jerking or slipping out of drive into a manual-like mode at low speeds, sometimes requiring the driver to shift to neutral and back to drive to correct it.
- Some describe the vehicle failing to shift into second gear, with RPMs climbing while road speed stays low, leaving the vehicle stuck at reduced speed in traffic.
- Several complaints describe a false or persistent 'transmission not in park' warning even when the gear shifter is correctly in the park position.
- One owner reported the vehicle unexpectedly shifting into reverse while in park, causing it to roll into a tree.
- One report describes a transfer case catching fire and the driveshaft twisting or breaking apart while driving on the highway, with no prior warning signs.
- One complaint describes the vehicle unexpectedly shutting off while driving at highway speed shortly after purchase, with no diagnostic code found.
When 2014 Ford Explorer transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Aug 2, 2013, latest Apr 23, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2014 Ford Explorer
- NHTSA 20V692000Nov 10, 2020Transmission & Powertrain15,587 vehicles
Power train:axle assembly:axle shaft
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Explorer, 2014-2015 Taurus and 2014 Edge vehicles equipped with 2.0L or 2.3L engines and front wheel drive. The support bracket for the front drive axle halfshaft may fail.
Risk: The failed bracket could result in a loss of park function which can cause unintended vehicle movement, and loss of motive power while driving which increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the link shaft bracket, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners received an interim notification detailing safety risk December 8, 2020. A second letter will be mailed when parts become available in January 2021. The recall began February 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S63.
Transmission & Powertrain 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 transmission complaints does the 2014 Ford Explorer have?
- NHTSA lists 79 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2014 Explorer, which is 5% of the 1,678 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a transmission or powertrain recall for the 2014 Ford Explorer?
- Yes. Recall 20V692000 covers 2014-2016 Explorer, 2014-2015 Taurus, and 2014 Edge vehicles with 2.0L or 2.3L engines and front-wheel drive, addressing the front drive axle halfshaft support bracket. Ford dealers replace the link shaft bracket free of charge.
- At what mileage do transmission problems show up on the 2014 Explorer?
- The median mileage at failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2014 Explorer is 75,207 miles, based on NHTSA complaint data.
- How serious are the 2014 Explorer's powertrain complaints?
- Among the 79 complaints in this area, NHTSA data shows 1 crash, 1 fire, and 1 injury linked to reported transmission and powertrain issues.
- How does the 2014 Explorer compare to other years for this problem?
- The 2014 Explorer's Transmission & Powertrain share is 5% of its complaints, lower than the 2020 model year's 40% share and the 2016 model year's 9% share in NHTSA data.