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2014 Ford Explorer
6 recall campaigns and 660 complaints are on NHTSA's register for the 2014 Ford Explorer; the recalls concern structure, suspension and power train.
The component named most often is unknown or other: 255.6 of every 1,000 component mentions for this year, above the 79.5 per 1,000 across all 2014 model-year vehicles and against 54.7 per 1,000 for the Ford Explorer line as a whole.
That is more than the average of 526.7 complaints per model year across the 45 Ford Explorer model years on this register; 14 complaints reported a crash and 1 a fire.
Complaints were received in the largest number in 2017 (259); the most recent in the file is dated 15 May 2019.
NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation has opened 4 investigations naming this model year.
Complaints are consumer reports and have not been verified by NHTSA. Recall text is the manufacturer's Part 573 report as filed with NHTSA. Complaint file through 15 May 2019; recall file through 24 Sep 2026.
Recalls by model year:
Recall campaigns
Defect, as filed: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Filed by Ford Motor Company (manufacturer campaign 24S02).
Defect, as filed: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Filed by Ford Motor Company (manufacturer campaign 21S32).
Defect, as filed: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Filed by Ford Motor Company (manufacturer campaign 20S62).
Defect, as filed: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Filed by Ford Motor Company (manufacturer campaign 20S63).
Defect, as filed: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
Consequence: A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, and inspect both rear toe link ball joints, replacing the rear wheel knuckle(s), if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S17.
Filed by Ford Motor Company (manufacturer campaign 19S17).
Defect, as filed: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured January 17, 2014 to May 31, 2014. The affected vehicles may have improperly welded rear suspension toe links that may fracture.
Consequence: A fracture of the rear suspension toe link may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. The recall began on November 18, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S18.
Filed by Ford Motor Company (manufacturer campaign 16S18).
Each entry links to the NHTSA record. NHTSA states that safety recall repairs are free of charge at an authorised dealer; check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Complaints by component
Component mentions per 1,000 for the 2014 Ford Explorer (black) against all 2014 model-year vehicles in the file (yellow). A complaint can name more than one component.
| Per 1,000 component mentions | 2014 | Explorer line | All 2014 vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unknown or Other | 255.6 | 54.7 | 79.5 |
| Engine | 153.8 | 35.3 | 121.5 |
| Steering | 123.1 | 60.8 | 66.9 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 62.7 | 14.8 | 40.1 |
| Suspension | 58 | 52 | 23.6 |
| Electrical System | 52.1 | 48.9 | 120.8 |
| Component | Mentions | Per 1,000 | Line | All 2014 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unknown or Other | 216 | 255.6 | 54.7 | 79.5 |
| Engine | 130 | 153.8 | 35.3 | 121.5 |
| Steering | 104 | 123.1 | 60.8 | 66.9 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 53 | 62.7 | 14.8 | 40.1 |
| Suspension | 49 | 58 | 52 | 23.6 |
| Electrical System | 44 | 52.1 | 48.9 | 120.8 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 40 | 47.3 | 61.5 | 6.2 |
| Structure | 40 | 47.3 | 83.7 | 39.7 |
| Power Train | 37 | 43.8 | 146.1 | 130.9 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 22 | 26 | 56.8 | 42 |
| Exterior Lighting | 20 | 23.7 | 10.9 | 34.5 |
| Air Bags | 20 | 23.7 | 26.1 | 84.8 |
| Service Brakes | 12 | 14.2 | 6.1 | 56.8 |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 9 | 10.7 | 4.5 | 29.7 |
| Visibility/Wiper | 8 | 9.5 | 3 | 23 |
| Visibility | 8 | 9.5 | 38.9 | 10.4 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 7 | 8.3 | 15.6 | 3.9 |
| Wheels | 7 | 8.3 | 14.5 | 19.7 |
| Seat Belts | 7 | 8.3 | 16.8 | 20.8 |
| Traction Control System | 4 | 4.7 | 0.6 | 1.2 |
| Seats | 3 | 3.6 | 18.6 | 13.2 |
| Tires | 2 | 2.4 | 138.9 | 10.9 |
| Equipment | 1 | 1.2 | 13.2 | 3.5 |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 1 | 1.2 | 12.6 | 5.6 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 | 1.2 | 54.4 | 3.2 |
660 unique complaints, 845 component mentions; 24 injuries and 1 deaths reported by complainants. Complaint narratives are not republished.
Complaints by year received
Investigations
| Action | Type | Subject | Component | Opened | Closed | Recall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PE23001 | Preliminary evaluation | Windshield trim molding Item detachment | structure:body:roof and pillars | 27 Jan 2023 | 8 Feb 2024 | 24V031 |
| EA17002 | Engineering analysis | Exhaust Odor in Passenger Cab | engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe | 27 Jul 2017 | 17 Jan 2023 | — |
| PE16008 | Preliminary evaluation | Ford Explorer Exhaust Odor | engine and engine cooling:exhaust system | 1 Jul 2016 | 12 Sep 2017 | — |
| EA15005 | Engineering analysis | Front Brake Hose Failure | service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings | 28 Sep 2015 | 2 Nov 2018 | — |
Other Ford Explorer model years
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints | Units in campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 NHTSA | 0 | 2 | — |
| 1984 NHTSA | 0 | 1 | — |
| 1985 NHTSA | 0 | 1 | — |
| 1986 NHTSA | 0 | 3 | — |
| 1987 NHTSA | 0 | 3 | — |
| 1988 NHTSA | 0 | 4 | — |
| 1989 NHTSA | 0 | 1 | — |
| 1990 NHTSA | 0 | 12 | — |
| 1991 | 8 | 608 | 1,915,500 |
| 1992 | 4 | 633 | 1,267,784 |
| 1993 | 6 | 936 | 2,574,157 |
| 1994 | 4 | 1,206 | 2,024,373 |
| 1995 | 5 | 842 | 5,837,982 |
| 1996 | 6 | 1,447 | 5,543,470 |
| 1997 | 7 | 1,729 | 6,792,376 |
| 1998 | 9 | 1,955 | 9,567,644 |
| 1999 | 9 | 1,340 | 12,178,996 |
| 2000 | 9 | 936 | 10,560,697 |
| 2001 | 6 | 373 | 10,104,564 |
| 2002 | 4 | 3,266 | 5,511,406 |
| 2003 | 2 | 1,124 | 959,406 |
| 2004 | 0 | 1,285 | — |
| 2005 | 0 | 487 | — |
| 2006 | 1 | 616 | 199,942 |
| 2007 | 1 | 200 | 11 |
| 2008 | 1 | 133 | 1,497 |
| 2009 | 0 | 30 | — |
| 2010 | 1 | 97 | 33,256 |
| 2011 | 6 | 657 | 3,609,175 |
| 2012 | 5 | 410 | 3,607,517 |
| 2013 | 11 | 984 | 5,100,891 |
| 2014 | 6 | 660 | 4,260,351 |
| 2015 | 8 | 635 | 5,716,171 |
| 2016 | 14 | 717 | 5,832,874 |
| 2017 | 13 | 316 | 6,354,133 |
| 2018 | 7 | 52 | 3,905,452 |
| 2019 | 6 | 1 | 3,848,705 |
| 2020 | 33 | 0 | 6,198,017 |
| 2021 | 26 | 0 | 5,838,416 |
| 2022 | 24 | 0 | 4,646,746 |
| 2023 | 15 | 0 | 3,599,589 |
| 2024 | 10 | 0 | 1,814,933 |
| 2025 | 20 | 0 | 1,434,649 |
| 2026 | 14 | 0 | 571,142 |
| 2027 NHTSA | 1 | 0 | 76,748 |
Model years with a single campaign and fewer than 25 complaints have no page here; the NHTSA link opens the agency's record for that year.
All Ford Explorer model years · Ford: 201 model lines
Questions and answers
How many recalls does the 2014 Ford Explorer have?
6 NHTSA recall campaigns name this model year; the most recent, 24V031000, was reported to NHTSA on 19 Jan 2024 and concerns structure:body:roof and pillars. Across all model years the Ford Explorer line has 142 campaigns.
Is there an open NHTSA investigation into the 2014 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA's investigation file lists 4 actions naming this model year; the table above shows each action's opening and closing dates. An action with no closing date was still open when the file was produced.
What component do owners of the 2014 Ford Explorer complain about most?
Unknown or Other: 216 of 845 component mentions (255.6 per 1,000). Next is engine with 130. Complaints are consumer reports and have not been verified by NHTSA.
How do I get a recall repaired?
NHTSA states that safety recall repairs are performed free of charge by the manufacturer's authorised dealers. Each campaign's remedy text above is the manufacturer's statement as filed with NHTSA. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether a specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
Where does this data come from?
NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation recall, complaint and investigation flat files, public domain, downloaded 24 Sep 2026. Complaint counts are unique complaint numbers per make, model and model year; component figures count each component a complaint names. The NHTSA record linked from each campaign is authoritative.
Provenance
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of Defects Investigation flat files (recalls, complaints, investigations), public domain, files dated 24 Sep 2026 (recalls) and 15 May 2019 (complaints). Complaints since 1 Jan 1995. Counts are unique complaint numbers per make, model and model year; per-1,000 rates divide a component's mentions by all mentions for the same group. Errors in processing are corrected at the next daily build; see corrections and the methodology.