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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
17,304 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 wheels / hubs problems

wheels / hubs problem

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2014 Ford Explorer Owner Comments

problem #18

Jul 272024

Explorer

  • miles

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

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 #17

Jul 032024

Explorer

  • miles
My steering is making a scretching noise when I try to turn it either way. With it being hard to turn I'm afraid for my safety with driving it and I dont have another vehicle to drive. Yes, I have a quote from a repair shop that my steering rack is going out I didn't notice a warning light as of yet.- this happened about a week ago I have found several complaints about the 2014 Ford Explorer Steering issues so I feel for safety purposes that this should have a recall.

- Oronoco, MN, USA

problem #16

Dec 202021

Explorer

  • miles
N/a

- Gilroy, CA, USA

problem #15

Mar 042024

Explorer

  • miles

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

My 2014 Explorer has developed corrosion on all 4 aluminum wheels causing air loss along the tire bead while driving. Underinflated tires generate heat, tire distortion and catastrophic failure. I had one wheel "repaired" at Tom's Ford in February 2023 at a cost of $187.95. Please see attached and note Ford themselves refer to the rim as rusted. Aluminum wheels should not rust nor corrode. It is my position Ford used dissimilar metals for coating the wheels to enhance appearance and in the process has created a dangerous situation of leaking tires.

- Middletown, NJ, USA

problem #14

Mar 172023

Explorer

  • miles
Lug nuts on wheel, swollen and hard to remove Not able to change or rotate tires, possibly breakage of lug nuts Confirmed by independent service center The vehicle lug nuts have not been inspected First noticed was changing brake pads

- Brook Park, OH, USA

problem #13

Feb 232023

Explorer

  • miles
My Ford Explorer had a rear suspension toe link Recall, and in December I took my vehicle to the Ford dealership to get it fixed. At that time, they did a full vehicle inspection, fixed the part, and told me everything looked great. Shortly after the service, we had a snow storm, and my SUV would fishtail in Icy/snowy conditions. Every time it'd snow, it made me so scared to drive, because I'd essentially not have control over my vehicle. The issue wasn't present when the roads were clear. Within the two months since that service, my back tires have gone completely bald, down to the wires. I recently got in a car accident because my car wouldn't complete a turn and ended up t-boning a Tundra on a residential street. Luckily I was going slow so the damage to the other vehicle was minimal, and no obvious injuries have resulted from the accident. I was able to remove some of the plastic pieces around the fender, in order to still drive it, so I took it to the Ford dealership that originally serviced my car for an inspection. Now that the dealership has inspected my vehicle, they're claiming that it's not on their liability and that they're not responsible for any of the damage. Now the alignment is off on both the front and back, and the strut is bent (whether that's from the accident or not, we don't know). The Manager admitted that when servicing my vehicle they were only allowed to perform a rear alignment, but a front alignment was never suggested or offered to me. When aligning a vehicle (especially in the winter) the whole vehicle should be aligned, not just half. They of course claim zero liability or responsibility, even though I was having issues with it fishtailing shortly after it being serviced at their shop, for a part on the suspension, which affects alignment.

- Aurora, CO, USA

problem #12

Dec 102022

Explorer

  • miles

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

The wheels corrode around edges & Bead mounting area due to improper procedures done during manufacturing. The factory only put clear protection on the outside (visible portion) of the wheel. Thus the elements enter under the clear coating from the un-protected portion of the wheel. As this corrosion expands, it causes the Bead of the tire to leak. The leaking gets more rapid in a short time and causes poor handling & can cause a loss of control. The Ford Customer Forum has Hundreds, if not Thousands of Customer Complaints. The problem is that Ford will not stand behind their product and doesn't care about the Safety Danger to their Customers.

- Amboy, MN, USA

problem #11

Aug 212022

Explorer

  • miles
Lug nuts need to be replaced due to swelling per Ford dealership

- Sequim, WA, USA

problem #10

Dec 222021

Explorer

  • miles
At one point the Explorer was always causing a rear wheel area to squeal really loud while driving. That finally got remedied but after 3 years of taking the vehicle in to 2 different shops. While yhe vehicle was still under warranty I was told there was nothing wrong and they can't reproduce the squeal. Once the warranty expired they said it was due to a seized brake which I ended up paying for the replacement even though they said this was a known issue on the Explorers. Another issue with the 2014 Explorer is water leaking into the rear compartments and the spare tire area in the vehicle. From online sear he's, this is also a known issue with no recalls. More recently, I was trying to get all four of my tires changed, but was told by the tire shop that they can't change my tires due to swollen lug nuts, this is a known issue on Ford's and I have to take it to a mechanic. I called Ted Britt Ford and inquired about the service to replace the lugs with solid metal lug nuts instead of the OEM chrome plated. Parts department told me they are $10 a piece. I went ahead an ordered them through the parts department. When I picked up my vehicle, I was told they don't sell the solid metal lug nuts and only replaced with the chrome plated OEM lug nuts.

- South Riding, VA, USA

problem #9

Nov 162020

Explorer 6-cyl

  • 100,000 miles
Hi my name is [xxx]. I purchased this 2014 Ford Explorer from a certified Ford garage mechanic this summer. The private party purchase was in June 2020 with 89, xxx miles. The seller showed me every repair, oil change, brakes etc. Were done in a Ford garage. Ten thousand miles later the vehicle snapped a toe link lateral arm driving down a smooth highway 60mph! the vehicle swerved and my wife and 2 young kids were in danger.. the vehicle was towed, for the wheel was tipped in and not stable...flat bed tow $100 out of pocket... Ford of hibbing dealer said the vehicle was not recalled and they wouldn't have time to repair for over a month.. they sold me the factory Ford toe link that was the "fix" upgrade... with all the dealers and local auto shops way way behind and short handed I had the vehicle towed again for $100 out of pocket to my garage.. I went to tech school out of high school for auto mechanic and received a 2 year degree and previously was a auto mechanic for 10 plus years.. anyways beyond that point I replaced the toe link in my shop and inspected other points.. after I replaced the link I was able to have the vehicle towed to a local tire and alignment shop in hibbing mn (iron range tire) which they than professionally aligned and tightened the rear suspension. 100 miles later happens again to my wife and kids down the highway!! towed again $100! currently at lundgren Ford dealer eveleth mn. $2800 to replace and repair suspension components! filed a Ford case # [xxx]. Ford refused to cooperate or possibly pay for repair! the service dept manager said the vehicle was serviced regularly at that shop and said service records show the complete rear suspension was replaced in 2019!! 20,000 miles ago! and its already breaking again! its unsafe for my wife and 4 & 6yr old boys! please help! im seriously not wasting time! information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Hibbing, MN, USA

problem #8

Oct 272020

Explorer

  • miles

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

Right tire wiggles while driving. It feels like its about to come off.

- Tulsa, OK, USA

problem #7

Dec 092019

Explorer

  • 72,405 miles
2014 AWD Explorer, 72,405 mi: 12-2019 heard slight grinding fr front left & only heard when decelerating fr approx 30 mph. Recognized sound because it happened on front right 11-2018, 8032 mi earlier. Brought in immediately. Same part failed again on the right & now also on the left front wheel & became embedded in the knuckles on both sides, & techs could not remove bearings w/O destroying knuckles. This is the 3rd wheel hub bearing that failed in this car. Since last part replacement 11-2018, Ford redesigned part due to repeated failure. They will be replacing the right & left front hub bearings w/redesigned part, however, they will not, pay for the $725 fee to replace the knuckles that were ruined & neither will my ext warranty. If the faulty hub bearings did not fail, they would not have caused the bearings to seize into the knuckles, thereby ruining them as well. Ford customer care told me since I am past the original warranty, they will not consider any compensation. Peacock Ford, maitland, fl said they will follow Ford's direction. NHTSA has reports of wheels falling off from this. Service mgr agrees Ford should pay because hub bearings caused it. I opened case with Ford #cas25112513 & service mgr also filed a complaint with Ford asking to cover the additional parts. A week later, no response. I paid the $493.43 to P/U car. Peacock didn't chg for labor. Need Ford to cover any additional damages caused by failure of right & left hub bearings. Paid: 11-2018 $117.48, & 12-2019 $493.43 = $610.91 total for a repeatedly failing part. Ford mfgd faulty part & knows it because they redesigned it. Ford's part caused the failure of other parts which they would not cover. Service mgr agrees w/me but says he needs Ford's authorization. Service mgr., eric langfield: 407-635-8080. Ford customer care case #cas25112513

- Winter Park, FL, USA

problem #6

Dec 092019

Explorer 6-cyl

  • 72,405 miles
2014 AWD Explorer, 72,405 mi: 12-2019 heard slight grinding fr front left & only heard when decelerating fr approx 30 mph. Recognized sound because it happened on front right 11-2018, 8032 mi earlier. Brought in immediately. Same part failed again on the right & now also on the left front wheel & became embedded in the knuckles on both sides, & techs could not remove bearings w/O destroying knuckles. This is the 3rd wheel hub bearing that failed in this car. Since last part replacement 11-2018, Ford redesigned part due to repeated failure. They will be replacing the right & left front hub bearings w/redesigned part, however, they will not, pay for the $725 fee to replace the knuckles that were ruined & neither will my ext warranty. If the faulty hub bearings did not fail, they would not have caused the bearings to seize into the knuckles, thereby ruining them as well. Ford customer care told me since I am past the original warranty, they will not consider any compensation. Peacock Ford, maitland, fl said they will follow Ford's direction. NHTSA has reports of wheels falling off from this. Service mgr agrees Ford should pay because hub bearings caused it. I opened case with Ford #cas25112513 & service mgr also filed a complaint with Ford asking to cover the additional parts. A week later, no response. I paid the $493.43 to P/U car. Peacock didn't chg for labor. Need Ford to cover any additional damages caused by failure of right & left hub bearings. Paid: 11-2018 $117.48, & 12-2019 $493.43 = $610.91 total for a repeatedly failing part. Ford mfgd faulty part & knows it because they redesigned it. Ford's part caused the failure of other parts which they would not cover. Service mgr agrees w/me but says he needs Ford's authorization. Service mgr., [xxx]: [xxx]. Ford customer care case #[xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Winter Park, FL, USA

problem #5

Jan 012016

Explorer

  • miles
Noises coming from front and rear suspension

- Visalia, CA, USA

problem #4

Dec 052018

Explorer

  • miles
My tires are losing air for no reason.they have been inspected and there are no holes in them. I am having to add air every other day. They are also ripping on the sidewall for no reason. This started in August and I am still dealing with this now. Its December 5, 2018. I even looked it up online and the tires that I have were recalled by hancook. Ford has no info on a recall.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

problem #3

Dec 202017

Explorer

  • 60,977 miles
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. While driving 15 mph, the front driver's side wheel detached from the vehicle. The contact was able to maneuver the vehicle to the side of the road. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle operated as intended prior to being serviced at ricart automotive group (4255 S hamilton rd, groveport, oh). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,977.

- Reynoldsburg, OH, USA

problem #2

Feb 012014

Explorer

  • miles
I have had multiple electrical problems with this vehicle and safety issues. Electrical- audio output fails intermittently, power outlets short out, instrument cluster fails (while moving and in park) exhaust- fumes coming inside vehicle (in motion and park) brakes- had to have entire system replaced after complete failure of ABS system (happened multiple times while in motion, once on expressway, all reported to Ford corporate) wheels - lug nuts have been reported multiple times for moisture collecting inside the lug nuts and causing corrosion seat belts - housing case of safety belts pop off idle - when idling with brake depressed and a door opened and closed the idle skips and makes noise washer fluid sensor - failed at 70, 000 miles ac system drains power horribly vehicle was leased January 2014 problems have been consisten since that date, all records are in Ford's system.

- Kent, OH, USA

problem #1

Feb 122014

Explorer 6-cyl

  • 5,677 miles
To avoid hitting another vehicle that illegally came into the lane I was entering (they were driving on the shoulder), I had to take evasive action, which caused me to turn my vehicle into a curb. At the time, I was traveling 15 to maybe 20 mph. After hitting the curb, my vehicle came to a stop and upon inspection I discovered that the lower control arm had completely broken in half. My vehicle was towed to a local dealership, where they subsequently serviced the vehicle, which I picked up on March 15, 2014. However, within 100 miles of driving, multiple system errors occurred, and my steering went out. The dealership is now saying there was apparently an issue with the steering gear assembly, and that they will be able to further diagnose upon replacing that part. My concern is the safety of the vehicle and specifically that I do not think a control arm should snap in half at that speed, particularly in a SUV that has an upgraded suspension as part of the trim package.

- San Jose, CA, USA

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