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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
8 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
6 / 1
Average Mileage:
58,747 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 steering problems

steering problem

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2014 Ford Explorer Owner Comments (Page 15 of 22)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #153

Feb 162020

Explorer

  • 87,000 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 vehicle was previously included in NHTSA campaign number: 16V245000 (suspension) and 19V435000 (suspension), and the steering module was reprogrammed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering assist failed intermittently. The vehicle was taken back to southgate Ford located at ((16501 fort St, southgate, mi 481195), (734)282-3636), where the recall repairs were performed to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering knuckle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 87,000. The VIN was not available.

- Riverview, MI, USA

problem #152

Mar 022020

Explorer

  • 92,000 miles
Vehicle is exhibiting same exact problem as 2013 models under recall, steering gear problem, which was diagnosed by a Ford dealer. Car was built July 2013. Ford refuses to consider repairing even though probability is very high that it contains 2013 parts as there were no significant engineering changes from 2013 to 2014 and is a very early model year build. Contacted Ford on two occasions and was treated badly by customer relations. Requested escalation of complaint and was never called back even though they claim they tried.

- Portersville, PA, USA

problem #151

Feb 212020

Explorer

  • 112,500 miles
While driving approximately 15 mph and negotiating a turn the power steering stopped work and quit assisting in turning the vehicle. Thankfully I was driving and was strong enough to right the vehicle and avoid leaving the road. Might have been a different story for my wife. Took it to local Ford dealer and they claim the power steering gear needs replaced and that this model/year doesn't qualify for any steering related recalls. After some research I found that 2011-2013 explirers have a power steering assist recall. Multiple shops claim that this a very common problem with these newer Ford. At the tune of 2700 bucks for parts and labor I am hoping a recall can happen because this is clearly a manufacturer's issue with these gears.

- Salem, IL, USA

problem #150

Feb 162020

Explorer

  • 94,238 miles

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

I lost all ability to operate the vehicle without warning. Power steering, traction assist, blind spot monitoring, stabilitrac, collision avoidance, and turn signals. Limped the vehicle home and reached the issue... common failure know by Ford Motor Company. This failure could have resulted in a serious roll over or fatality. Vehicle currently at dealer resolving issue. Documents to follow.

- Ridgefield, WA, USA

problem #149

Aug 262019

Explorer

  • 41,483 miles
While stopped with engine idling a warning came on "steering loss stop safely". power steering gone. Tow truck was after some time able to steer it onto the flat bed. Dealer had to replace power steering rack. There is a safety recall for the 2011-2013 & 2015-2017 Explorer. But not the 2014? how many bodies does it take to issue a recall $$$

- Garnet Valley, PA, USA

problem #148

Jan 092020

Explorer

  • 2 miles
Steering gear failing when driving on highway

- Piedmont, SC, USA

problem #147

Jan 282020

Explorer

  • 62,205 miles

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

Power steering randomly failed when I turned the car on to pull it out of garage, power steering assists fault or something, unable to steer the car easily. Read online that this is a pretty common problem with this model year, can happen while driving, all surrounding years have been recalled already. Was lucky I was not on a high speed road or could have had an accident as would not have been able to steer the car.

- Milton, WV, USA

problem #146

Jan 232020

Explorer

  • 117,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving the power steering ceased which made it difficult to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that extra effort was needed to maneuver the vehicle. Koons falls church Ford (1051 E broad St, falls church, va 22044 (703) 241-7200) was contacted and the contact was informed that the repairs would cost $3,000. The manufacturer was contacted and informed of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not subjected to a recall. The failure mileage was 117,000.

- Washington, DC, USA

problem #145

Dec 272019

Explorer

  • 114,000 miles
When backing out of garage steering freezes and can not turn steering wheel. Shows "steering assist malfunction service required". turn of and on will come back on, (last 4 times). This was a problem with 2011-2013 and 2015-2017. For some reason no recall on 2014. Heard the power steering has gone out on people when driving on highway. This is my wifes car. If it happens to her I am sure she will not be able to controll the car. Any accidents or deaths reported because of this" took to dealer because I always have it serviced at dealer. They said it "needs power steering rack and stab links". cost to repair $2,365.77!!!!!! why are 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017 covered with recall but 2014 not covered??????????" help!!!!!

- Warren, OH, USA

problem #144

Aug 032016

Explorer

  • 70,000 miles
When driving the 2014 Explorer, coking over a hill and began braking. Car lost braking capability and began to speed down the hill, and crashed into a tree. One middle occupant on 2nd row came unbuckled and didn't survive. This has been an ongoing trial for 3 years and recently informed that no investigation has been performed on the vehicle other than the edr/cdr. No post vehicle inspection has been performed, no medical reports have been pulled. I have previously for 3 years inquired for help on this matter and have forwarded questions regarding information obtained. I know without a shadow of a doubt I am not liable for this accident and have worked for 3 years trying to obtain information on this vehicle. When I was coming down the hill the car seem to be increased in speed - the report does show that foot was on the brake the entire report and no gas was applied. I turned as far as I could with the wheel and the steering barely steered as well. I would like to save a life somewhere down the line as this has changed my life forever. The occupant on the 2nd row passed away that day from seat belt coming unattached. Medical reports show he was wearing a seatbelt. If there was someone willing to look into this - would be a life changing situation.

- Munford, TN, USA

problem #143

Dec 262019

Explorer

  • 70,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. While driving 35 mph, the steering wheel seized without warning. The contact managed to drive home at low speeds. The vehicle was turned off and restarted, but it did not return to normal. Dave smith Ford, llc (4045 transit rd, williamsville, NY 14221, (716) 634-2000) was contacted and stated that the VIN was not included in a recall. The contact was informed to bring the vehicle in for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired and the failure recurred. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 14V286000(steering). The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

- Akron, NY, USA

problem #142

Nov 012019

Explorer

  • 99,000 miles
Lose of power steering in cold weather; needs 50 degrees or more for power steering to work. No warning lights when power steering is lost.

- Sudbury, MA, USA

problem #141

Nov 242019

Explorer

  • 86,000 miles
Steering wheel fault assist

- Brady, TX, USA

problem #140

Dec 012019

Explorer

  • 96,000 miles
While traveling at about 50 mph on a 4 lane highway, the steering of the car began to be unresponsive. In slippery conditions I reduced the speed and was able to negotiate my return to home. After shutting the car off, I restarted and the steering wheel would not move at all. When the car was being loaded on the tow truck, the front wheels could not be steered at all. Dealer replaced the steering computer but I was told the mechanical steering mechanism had failed also. No one was hurt or accident occurred, but the cascading problem created a dangerous situation.

- Minneapolis, MN, USA

problem #139

Nov 302019

Explorer

  • 87,300 miles
Power steering stopped working and dashboard lit up with warning lights.vehicle was on I-77 doing 70 mph when this happened.

- Claremont, NC, USA

problem #138

Oct 202019

Explorer

  • 68,500 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the steering made a clinking noise while driving at any speed without warning. The vehicle was taken to lewis Ford (888-314-4824, located at #3373 North college, fayetteville, ar 72703) where it was diagnosed that the steering gear box needed to be repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. The contact was provided case number: Cas24964944 and was referred to NHTSA. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 68,500.

- Fayetteville, AR, USA

problem #137

Nov 052019

Explorer

  • 75,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. While operating the vehicle, the steering wheel suddenly became very difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the steering control arm; however, the failure continued. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer where the steering module was reprogrammed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000.

- Elkins, WV, USA

problem #136

Oct 262019

Explorer

  • 130,200 miles
The power steering on my 2014 Ford Explorer stopped working all together while pulling into the driveway of my home off of a city street. Warning lights came on stating traction assist and power steering faults. This happened with out warning and made the vehicle very hard to steer.

- Cushing, OK, USA

problem #135

Oct 032019

Explorer

  • 64,000 miles
After fueling up at the gas station I started driving home when the steering got hard and couldnt make turns easily, on the dash it said 'steering assist fault service required', thankfully I was able to slow down and there wasnt much traffic but I was very scared for a few moments, I had a 1yr old and a 6yr old with

- Alton, TX, USA

problem #134

Sep 202019

Explorer

  • 103,826 miles
Steering assist fault service required message popped up when I started my car. The steering wheel would not turn either direction. Luckily I was in office parking lot and it did not happen while driving or I would not have been able to turn to avoid other cars. I made arrangements to have car towed, but when I started it up again the steering worked as normal. I did not want to chance it happening again so I put in the shop. It was an electrical issue within the steering shaft and had to be replaced. I was lucky that it did not happen while driving, but wanted to report in case it helps others.

- Waxahachie, TX, USA

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