NHTSA (USA)Medium Risk
At a glance
What can fail
The clips holding the A-pillar trim in place may not be properly engaged, which can allow the trim to come loose and detach from the vehicle.
What the fix does
This page covers 6 recalls, 1661 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2014 Ford Explorer.
18–23 mpg combined
10.2–13.1 L/100km
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Complaints about the 2014 Ford Explorer are dominated by two systems: steering and structure. On the steering side, owners widely report exhaust fumes or carbon monoxide-like odors entering the cabin through the HVAC system, often described as a smell noticed while the vehicle is in motion with the climate control running. The structure category draws a large number of reports about roof pillar trim, specifically the A, B, and C pillar moldings detaching or peeling away while driving, sometimes at highway speeds. Engine complaints are the third most-reported area, with owners describing rough running and occasional stalling. A smaller but recurring thread involves the instrument cluster behaving erratically at startup or cutting out briefly before self-correcting. The pillar trim separation issue stands out for its consistency across reports, with owners describing pieces coming loose progressively until the trim strips are entirely gone.
1,661
Total Complaints
32
Crash-Related
5
Fire-Related
29
With Injuries
By System
The 2014 Ford Explorer has 6 recalls, the most serious being multiple issues with the rear suspension toe links, which can fracture and cause a sudden loss of steering control.
Several of the recalls address the same rear toe link problem from different angles: one covers a broad range of model years, another targets vehicles registered in specific northern and mid-Atlantic states where road conditions accelerate wear, and a third focuses on a narrower production window where the links may have been improperly welded. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue for some affected vehicles, which is why multiple campaigns exist. On the drivetrain side, vehicles equipped with 2.0L or 2.3L engines and front-wheel drive may have a failing support bracket for the front axle halfshaft, which can cause the vehicle to lose drive power while moving or roll away when parked. There is also a structural concern: A-pillar trim clips on certain vehicles may not be properly seated, allowing the trim piece to detach and become a road hazard.
At a glance
What can fail
The clips holding the A-pillar trim in place may not be properly engaged, which can allow the trim to come loose and detach from the vehicle.
What the fix does
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Dealers will inspect the A-pillar trim and replace it if necessary at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Road salt exposure corrodes the cross-axis ball joint, causing it to seize and fracture the rear suspension toe link.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the cross-axis ball joint knuckle and rear suspension toe links at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The outboard section of the rear suspension toe link may fracture in certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles that were previously repaired under recalls 16V-245 or 19V-435.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the cross-axis ball joint knuckle attached to the rear suspension toe link as needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The support bracket that holds the front drive axle halfshaft may fail, potentially affecting vehicle handling and control.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the link shaft bracket at no cost to you once parts become available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear suspension toe links can crack under stress, affecting rear suspension alignment and control.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and inspect the rear toe link ball joints, replacing the rear wheel knuckles if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear suspension toe links may be improperly welded and can fracture, affecting vehicle handling and stability.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.