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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
10 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
6 / 1
Average Mileage:
58,290 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 22 of 23)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #31

May 022017

Explorer 4WD 6-cyl

  • 42,988 miles

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

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. While the contact's son was driving 55 mph, the power steering failed. In addition, the "steering loss stop safely" and "service advance trac" warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering gear assembly (power steering rack) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided case number: Cas-12267703. The manufacturer declined to assist the contact since the vehicle was outside of the 36 month or 36,000 mile warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 42,988.....updated 06/21/17 updated 09/15/2017

- Durham, NH, USA

problem #30

Aug 012015

Explorer

  • 53,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the front driver side door failed to lock properly. The dealer diagnosed that the door latch needed to be replaced. The contact informed the manufacturer who requested that the vehicle receive a second diagnostic, which rendered the same results. The vehicle was not repaired. While attempting to leave an auto shop, the power steering failed. The contact was unable to reactivate the power steering and had the vehicle towed to her home. The contact informed the dealer of the failure, but could not drive to the dealer due to the power steering failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures and opened case number: 12284176. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000.

- St Louis County, MO, USA

problem #29

Apr 032017

Explorer

  • 33,000 miles
Vehicle was purchased in April 2014 with a little over 500 miles. The vehicle now has approximately 33,900 miles. A couple weeks ago we noticed a squeaking noise when the steering wheel was turned either way while moving and while not moving. I called on 4-25 for appointment on 4-27. The vehicle was looked over and I received a call on 4-28 stating the steering gear box was bad and need replaced. I was then told my warranty had expired on 4-17 and that they would not cover the bill of $1738. I did research and there were similar issues with this year vehicle as well as recalls on this same vehicle 2011-2013. Sounds to me like Ford has not fixed the issue and should cover these ridiculous costs to those that have had them. I should not have to worry about these types of things on such a low mileage vehicle. Ford will probably be losing our continued business.

- Uniontown, OH, USA

problem #28

Feb 012017

Explorer

  • 38,000 miles

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

Takata recall cuando lo manejo SE mueve mucho ES difcil de controlar a 60 millas parese un bote 🚣 SE mueve de lado a lado como si patinara mas en el freeway ES muy riesgoso

- Redwood City, CA, USA

problem #27

Feb 062017

Explorer

  • 43,000 miles
After a knock was discovered while turning I took the vehicle in to Ford assuming I was under warranty. They identified a code (not available) and diagnosed the problem to be with the "steering gear box assembly", specifically the rack and pinion. After researching the problem on the internet I found multiple occurrences of similar mishaps, some resulting in lock up of the steering component. Ford informed me that we exceeded the mileage portion of the warranty but not the years (vehicle is 2 1/2 years old). They also informed me that because I was out of warranty due to mileage, they wouldn't cover the repairs and quoted $2200 in repairs. $1500 for parts and the rest for labor. I believe this to be a safety issue due to the potential to lock up the steering resulting in collision. I have researched the repair and can obtain the same part number for approx. $650 and labor around $700. There are documented recalls on Ford Explorer up to 2013, but for some reason 2014 is not included.

- Poulsbo, WA, USA

problem #26

Jan 282017

Explorer

  • 53,000 miles
A malfunction of the electric power steering system occurred, the vehicle warning lights for the stability control and the stability control system off turned on on the warning indicator dashboard. This cause a loss of steering assist on my vehicle while I was going up to big bear on highway 330. The vehicle was very difficult to steer and control making it a very unsafe and dangers drive. Luckily I was going at a very slow speed do to traffic conditions. I don't know what could of happen if I was going at the speed limit posted. There is a recall on the 2011,2012, and 2013 regarding this issue "suspension & steering, May 29, 2014" the Ford recall number is 14S06. My car is still in big bear unable to drive anymore steering wheel is stuck now that I parked it.

- Midway City, CA, USA

problem #25

Nov 222016

Explorer

  • 22,000 miles

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

I've had issues with my Ford Explorer not turning well, making noises with the turn, and have taken it into the shop who have said it's a common issue. This is a danger. My other complaint is that there has been a recall (NHTSA recall 16V-245) and have taken my car in to have the repair and they have said they didn't want to use the parts/time to do the fix! I have called on 3 separate occasions for the repair and they state they are not willing to do the repair. I feel like I have a potential danger with my car and Ford sends a letter to cover themselves with the government, and I'm left in the lurch. The government has shown to be ineffective and I'm hoping that my message will be heard by someone.

- Issaquah, WA, USA

problem #24

Sep 292016

Explorer

  • 82,000 miles
I started my vehicle at which time I noticed the steering wheel almost impossible to move left or right. The service advance trac system light was on. It would only move 1/4 of an inch in either directions. I could drive forward and backward however impossible to safely drive as you cannot maneuver the vehicle. On the other occasions this occurred it was after having driven the vehicle parking and then returning a short while later and attempting to leave. The dealership first said was a steering gear which was replaced then said codes need to be cleared then said was a module and then said was another module and as of today do not know what the problem is.

- Lake Elsinore, CA, USA

problem #23

Jun 012016

Explorer

  • miles
In June 2016, I received a manufacturers recall letter for a 2014 Ford Explorer. Recall number: 16S18. Indicating that the rear suspension toe link(s) may fracture due to an improper weld. Resulting in loss of steering control, a difficult steering condition, or rear suspension noise with an increased risk of a crash. It stated that when parts are available, Ford will send a letter to inform us to contact our dealer to schedule repair. Four months have gone by with no word from Ford. I called the local Ford dealer and asked about the timing on this particular recall. Dealer informed me that parts to facilitate repairs were not yet available and that they anticipate a letter to be sent out in January of 2017. My complaint is that 4 to possibly 6 months or more is not a timely completion of work associated with a recall that involves safety issues as serious as loss of steering control. Since the recall repairs have not been timely, my safety officer for the company I work for has informed me that my assigned vehicle can no longer be driven until the recall work has been completed. This has caused a major headache in dealing with the logistics of my job and the need to use that vehicle for my field-related work, where no other vehicle is readily available.

- Everett, WA, USA

problem #22

Sep 222016

Explorer

  • 90,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. While driving approximately 40 mph, the steering wheel seized. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road and was able to resume driving. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V286000 (steering). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

- Greenville, WI, USA

problem #21

Aug 292016

Explorer

  • 48,000 miles

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

With 48,000 miles the power steering failed. The car was turned off and back on and it was still not working. It was driven a short distance and parked. After about 20 minutes of being off the power steering reset. It was driven to the local Ford dealer who stated it needed a software update. They refused to cover the cost stating it was not covered under warranty. The car was not returned for five days.

- Wonder Lake, IL, USA

problem #20

Aug 192016

Explorer

  • 103,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. While driving approximately 25 mph, the power steering failed without warning. The contact towed the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering module failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

problem #19

Aug 052016

Explorer

  • 62,019 miles
Police patro vehicle with loud noise when turning left, sustained complete power assist failure. Vehicle with 62,019 miles. After failure, dealer determined that rack and pinion assembly defective. Repair costs totalling $1065 with dealer assisting with $400 discount. Contacted Ford regional sale representative who will only state that Ford will honor the warranty. ***this is a safety hazard that will get someone killed***

- Montgomery, AL, USA

problem #18

Aug 012016

Explorer

  • 40,000 miles
During my vacation in July 2016, while driving on route 95 interstate, I noticed that the steering was getting hard to control. I continued driving and received a alarm on the dash stating that the traction control is now off, service needed. I proceeded to the first gas station and upon re-starting the vehicle, another alarm on the dash said power steering not working. I had no power steering. I had to be towed to a Ford dealer where they determined it was a bad gear in the steering gearbox and the entire unit would need replaced. Vehicle only has 40,000 miles.

- Parkesburg, PA, USA

problem #17

Jul 252016

Explorer 6-cyl

  • 81,590 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. While driving various speeds, the steering became difficult to operate. There were no warning indicators illuminated. In addition, there were exhaust fumes inside the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 81,590.

- Elkview, WV, USA

problem #16

Jun 142016

Explorer

  • 44,000 miles
I am having a major concern over this recall given the fact that nothing can be done to resolve this issue until the third quarter of 2016. How can Ford allow 75K+ drivers to drive willingly knowing there may be a potential issue with their steering. This is even more so of a concern for me since my family and I are scheduled to travel North 16 hours tomorrow. Heaven forbid but who will be responsible for damages to my vehicle or my family because Ford was not proactively prepared to remedy this issue" who will reimburse me for a rental since I cannot rely on my vehicle I pay good money for and on time every month" this is my very first Ford vehicle I have had for 6 months and this is the 2nd steering issue ive encountered and am very disappointed and concerned. Just three weeks ago I had to have my steering rack replaced. This is just unacceptable!

- Suwanee, GA, USA

problem #15

Apr 262016

Explorer

  • 84,000 miles
I bought a certitified preowned 2014 Ford Explorer in February 2015. Recently every time the Explorer was put in park, an alert would go off, showing transmission not in park. The past few weeks the steering wheel would make a grinding/growling noise when turning towards the left and right. The steering became a little harder to turn and it felt as if it would stick. This was a very scary feeling. I have 5 children and didn't want them in this car. I took the car to the dealership 2 days ago and found out that my electric steering system was locked, the gear shift assembly needed replacing and also a new belt. Total cost $2,309.30. I was devastated. We do not have that kind of money laying around. I called the Ford manufacturer and they gave me a case number to give to the dealership. After speaking with the dealership and giving the case number, they called back later and stated they would give me a $300 discount. Therefore at this time, I had to take a $1500 loan out for the electrical power steering replacement and belt. I will have to go without the gear shift assembly being repaired until we can afford it. My total without replacing the gear shift assembly is $1696.30. After researching the issue, this is nothing new with the Ford Explorer. There were several recalls for the same issue for the 2011 through 2013 models. My 2014 Ford Explorer has a 100,000 mile power train warranty but of course none of this was covered. I am saving my receipts in hopes Ford will do the right thing. If they do not, I will never purchase another Ford. This issues has put my family in danger and in further debt.

- Thicket, TX, USA

problem #14

Mar 252016

Explorer

  • 42,000 miles
Steering first became intermittently sluggish turning at slow speed. Eventually, scraping type noise started coming from what seems like inside steering column when steering. Have not gotten any dash lights. Dealership wants to replace entire rack & pinion assembly for over $1,400. It seems as though if same or similar problem has caused recall for earlier models this could be same issue and recall should be expanded.

- Prairieville, LA, USA

problem #13

Feb 122016

Explorer 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,000 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. While driving approximately 30 mph, the power steering failed and the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel would lock/seize without warning. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering gear assembly failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact informed the manufacturer, who had a case open, and stated that the warranty was no longer active. The contact found that the failure was directly related to NHTSA campaign number: 14V286000 (steering). The approximate failure mileage was 55,000. Updated 04/06/16 consumer stated steering wheel was locking up and was repaired and replaced. Updated 05/29/18

- Tewksbury, MA, USA

problem #12

Jun 252015

Explorer

  • 24,000 miles
My power steering went out on my car luckily while I was parking and not driving. I brought my car to dealership who stated they found the fault on the computer but could not get the power steering to go out on them so it is a wait and see. Also, my neighbor has 2013 with 44,000K miles and it just cost her $1700 to replace power steering. Seems this is still an issue with this model.

- Schererville, IN, USA

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