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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
51,217 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2014 Ford Explorer electrical problems

electrical problem

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2014 Ford Explorer Owner Comments (Page 1 of 4)

problem #75

Jan 172023

Explorer

  • 127,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the security light was illuminated, and the battery was drained. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the security panel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving, the lights failed to turn on, and the horn was inoperable. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was determined that the electrical system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that there was no longer a dinging sound when the doors were ajar. The interior lights were dim, and the horn was inoperable. The rubber trim was detaching. The moon roof failed to close. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, who determined that water had entered the vehicle through the sunroof and that the wires were wet. The dealer added plastic and glue to the sunroof. Additionally, the vehicle failed to start. There was an abnormal clicking sound while attempting to start the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the compressor needed to be replaced because the compressor was clogged. The manufacturer was contacted, who opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.

- Salisbury, NC, USA

problem #74

Jul 272024

Explorer

  • miles
Steering fault warning message came up service now and stability control lights engaged both on and off, I lost control of my steering and it completely tightened up as I was driving. I was driving 60 miles per hour when this happened. Depending on the severity of the failure, I was completely at risk with colliding with anything on the road. I brought it straight to the dealership where it has been sitting for a week since they are not able to drive it into the garage because the steering is locked up and the wheel will not move even though it will start and engage in drive. They need to actually tow it into the garage to complete diagnostics, I expect from other reports this is an expensive fix, but the risk to my life and others on the road is worth reporting. Ford needs to include this steering fault on the 2014 explorers in a recall. There were no issues with the steering prior to this happening. Ford knows about this issue, how many complaints and near misses is it going to take to fix this problem?

- Clearwater, MN, USA

problem #73

Mar 212024

Explorer

  • miles
Hi there! We received a letter in the mail about a recall on our EXTERIOR A-PILLAR TRIM which did fall off on its own and ripped of the seal that was on it by my windshield we never received a call from the dealership so they can replace this for us and because it fell off everyday that it has rain water has been getting into my car to the point that I have puddles on the floor of the vehicle water got into my dashboard and blew out my A/C Motor and blew out my sunroof motor which it is wide open now we can-??t close it.. I ride around in the suv with it being extremely hot my children are also in the car with us because it is our only means of transportation also the buttons on my radio are messed up due to water getting in-?? I-??ve contacted carvana the place we bought it from about this and they said this is a ford issue because they were suppose to replace this a while back I don-??t know what to do or who to contact we can-??t really afford to fix it on our own.. I am scared that one day I drive it the airbags will just go off because water is going all through my dash when it rains! I don-??t know what else to do!

- College Station , TX, USA

problem #72

Apr 052024

Explorer

  • 136,146 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the driver's side front key less entry keypad detached. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the keyless entry pad needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 136,146.

- Newaygo, MI, USA

problem #71

Jun 092024

Explorer

  • 120,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while the vehicle was idle, the contact noticed smoke coming out from underneath the passenger's side of the hood. The contact stated upon exiting and inspecting the vehicle, she noticed burning plastic falling from underneath the passenger's side of the vehicle onto the ground, and there was fire. The contact poured water underneath the vehicle and opened the hood and poured water at the fire location. The contact was able to extinguish the fire. There were no injuries sustained. No police report or fire department report was filed. The contact added water to the coolant reservoir and drove to the residence. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics, where it was diagnosed that the A/C fan had caught on fire due to a stuck clutch bearing. The mechanics informed the contact that the radiator was damaged and was leaking due to the fire. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

- Springer, OK, USA

problem #70

May 302020

Explorer

  • 40,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH in a parking lot, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. An unknown warning light was illuminated, and the Wheel Drive indicator light was turned off. The contact was able to pull into the parking space. The vehicle was towed to Pep Boys, where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion had failed and needed to be replaced. The part was purchased from the Ford dealer and the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred while driving 6 months later. The vehicle was towed to Pep Boys, where the rack and pinion was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact was able to drive to the residence using added force. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

- Mobile, AL, USA

problem #69

Jan 092024

Explorer

  • 135,839 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Started the car up and all lights and warning lights were going off when I put the car in drive. Shut the car off waited and the same thing occurred. On the 3rd crank the car stated as normal

- Mcdonough, GA, USA

problem #68

Aug 062023

Explorer

  • miles
Hello, yes my vehicle is available upon inspection request. Bell Ford(recall performed) and another shop has inspected the vehicle for the power steering issue. had a toe link recall completed at Bell Ford in May, 2022. Since then my vehicle has not been driving as smoothly. Please add this recall back to my vehicle. radio/ climate control screen updates and sometimes just goes black when I start the vehicle. Sometimes can take up to 5 mins to turn back on. Please add this to the recall list for my vehicle. *Forward collision warning never worked. ** power steering went out while myself and my daughter were driving on a busy state highway. I was not going over 60 mph per speed limit. 3 alarms went off while driving. My SUV instantly became very hard to handle. There is no power steering. I went to an auto shop and they told me it was electrical, they couldn-??t fix it and gave me a print out of the diagnosis. I-??ve researched the problem and see this is a common issue and usually happens where it-??s not safe to just stop as the vehicle suggests. I have pictures was trying to add but it won-??t let me select that option. Please add this to the recall list for my vehicle.

- Glendale, AZ, USA

problem #67

Apr 292019

Explorer

  • 118,277 miles
APIM unit and plastic body components 2014 Explorer, Sync2 v3.10 Symptoms: Malfunction of power window controls, radio controls, rear camera and vent controls. The APIM also controls many other safety functions, such as safety lanes, park assist, backup guides, gps, cruise control, trailer/tow information, and other warnings/features. It is notable that Ford has issued recalls for the APIM due to safety issues in different year Explorer, as well as F150, F250, F350, Escape, Expedition, Fusion and Lincoln models Navigator and MK2 models, to name a few. This has been reported once, I spoke with a Ford representative and he setup an appointment at the dealership that was to setup an appoint for diagnosis before they setup a repair/replacement appointment. An appointment to setup an appointment to setup a diagnosis appointment to setup a repair appointment. Seriously, what is up with that? Finally, plastic window components had to be replaced. Ford issued a recall on these items but it was after we had the repairs completed. They refused reimbursement.

- Hutto, TX, USA

problem #66

Nov 072023

Explorer

  • 114,492 miles
1.Failed Electric Power Assist System 2.Safety risk wild backing up from parking slot at Lowel's 3.Problem confirm at Truck City Ford service department technician 4.Failed components inspected and confirmed at actual road test by Ford Service Technician 5.Warning lite message on dash at time of Failure Only, no advance warning notification Truck City Ford :512-312-0800 15301 South IH35 Buda, TX 78610

- Kyle, TX, USA

problem #65

Jun 142023

Explorer

  • 154,421 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Unknown

- Morgantown , IN, USA

problem #64

Oct 212022

Explorer

  • miles
My 2014 Ford Explorer was manufactured 07/13 and is showing signs of a power steering issue. This started in October 2022 and is ongoing. The power steering seems to go in and out while driving but seems to be fine after the car has sat or not been running. This is happening daily. No warning lights have ever come on during the power steering lose. The car intermittently will get harder to steer and at times the wheel dramatically pulls to the right and then left while it is trying to return to a straight line. This has caused me to go left of center because it is so erratic. Turning from a stop is extremely difficult. I have contacted the dealer and have been told my vehicle does not have a recall for such issue. Through research I see this is a known problem with same vehicles of newer and later years. This is a job that will likely cost 1800 to 2000 and that is not acceptable when FORD has known of this problem. A simple google search reflects many 2014 Ford vehicles with steering issues. If my car does not fit into the original recall - I would like to know what Ford changed as it pertains to EPAS system from 2/28/2012 to the date my vehicle was manufactured in 2013. Thank you In May 2014, Ford Motor Company issued a recall for the 2011-2013 Ford Explorers for a defect in the power steering system. The affected vehicles may experience an intermittent connection in the electric power steering gear, which can cause a loss of the motor position sensor signal resulting in a shut-down of the power steering assist.

- Akron, OH, USA

problem #63

Aug 282022

Explorer

  • miles
The power steering went out and it was discovered the steering rack and pinion need replaced. This is available for inspection upon request. It is unknown when this can be fixed so I am without a car until then. Upon research this is a common problem for this year and model of car. There was no warning messages, I just all of a sudden did not have power steering and was not able to steer my vehicle.

- Council Grove , KS, USA

problem #62

Aug 192022

Explorer

  • miles
Electric Power Steering locked up. Almost killed me my fiance. And my 2 kids.

- Louisville, CO, USA

problem #61

May 212019

Explorer

  • miles
Electric flickering occasionally smells like something burning. No warnings alerted. Interior lights/radio dim or go off or flash. Transmission problems, jerking, loss of power Cabin fills with exhaust fumes especially when stopped Unknown occurrence dates has been happening for at least 2yrs

- Ruther Glen, VA, USA

problem #60

Nov 292021

Explorer

  • miles
While operating my vehicle at approximately 40 mph, I experienced partial loss of steering (hard steering) making the vehicle difficult to control. The partial loss of steering experienced put myself and the safety of others in my vehicle at the and on the roadway at risk for a crash. I immediately took the vehicle into a repair shop to have it inspected to ascertain what the issue was. Upon completion of the inspection, it was determined that the rack and pinion failed and needed to replaced. Prior to the loss of steering, I DID NOT receive any warning indications on my dash about steering issues or steering failures.

- New York, NY, USA

problem #59

May 152014

Explorer 6-cyl

  • miles
Re: 2014 Ford Explorer VIN: [XXX] I am writing to you with a problem with the Ford vehicle described above.. The two problems I am having seem to have been programmed into the onboard computer to fail after a certain time or mileage. I will address each problem individually starting with the most hazardous one first. The onboard navigation system utilizes a SD card program that becomes outdated as time passes. I have received numerous mailing from Ford notifying me that the original navigation system is outdated and that I should update to a current one at a cost to me of $149. The original system works fine for me and I felt no need to upgrade until the system began getting interrupted by prompts to update (see FIGURE 1 below). When the prompt appears the navigation system is no longer operational. The most recent of these interruptions became a serious and hazardous situation. I was driving on the interstate nearing an interchange to switch to a different highway. I was relying on the navigation system to direct me to the correct exit and this is when the prompt appeared. The navigation system was now useless and will only resume normal operation if the vehicle is shut off and restarted. You don-??t do this at 70+ mph! My only option was to use my phone which meant I had to program it and while driving this is dangerous. I feel Ford was being irresponsible by programming the prompts into the onboard computer that disable the navigation system in return for the sale of an updated SD card. Ford was profit motivated in this programmed failure. FIGURE 1 IMG_1978.JPG 75.5kB INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Kingston, TN, USA

problem #58

Jun 152020

Explorer 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 49,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that whenever rained, water would leak into the vehicle through the moon roof. The water then leaked into the moon roof motor causing it to become inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed that the moon roof front drains were clogged. The moon roof motor was replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 49,000.

- Royal Oak, MI, USA

problem #57

Mar 012018

Explorer

  • miles
Airbag light keeps coming on due to faulty wiring, costs 600 to repair. This is second Ford car with this same issue. I was told problem was in back seats. No one ever uses back seats.

- Perkasie, PA, USA

problem #56

Mar 202021

Explorer

  • 150,000 miles
Why has there not been an updated recall on the 2014 Explorer on losing its power steering" I just turned my vehicle on to autonation Ford in burleson, tx to get the rear tow link recall repaired and the associate told me the power steering was not a cause in the recall and that it was something we would have to pay to have fixed. This is not happening due to failure to maintenance or due to lack of taking care of the vehicle. This is a manufacturing issue and the history proves it! there was a recall on the 2011-2013 model for this but now that it is continuing, it is now the owners responsibility" this effects the driving and is extremely dangerous. You have low turning radius, it disengages all the advanced driving modes, it also effects the blinkers. You have to hold the blinker down for it to stay on, you cant just click the lever and it stays in the blinking mode like it is supposed too. If you put cruise control on, the steering can lock up and you literally have to jerk it to get it out out and be able to turn or even swerve. Ford needs to take care of this because you can see by all the complaints and history or reoccurrence, this is a manufacturing defect and not a owner issue. If Ford does not take care of this issue for us and even the thought of it being a chargeable service, I will have no choice but to this to a higher demand to get help and to bring this to the attention to the ones that need act. This is unsafe to me and my family as well as all the other Explorer owners. The manufacturing defect needs to be fixed or offer some sort of solution for the safety of this vehicle.

- Alvarado, TX, USA

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