Ford Explorer problems
1,667 owners have filed defect reports on this one. That's not a small number. No active recalls — patterns come from the complaint record.
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the steering was repaired or replaced.
- 1 fatality report and 1 fire-related complaint on the steering
- Reliability score 6.4/10 — around the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Exhaust smell in passenger compartment while driving; similar to sulfur. Feel safety at risk due to smell causing headaches/nausea; concerned about carbon monoxide or other hazardous materials. Vehicle brought to dealer on 12/13/2021 and issue confirmed. Dealer aware of…
Upon hard acceleration my 2014 Ford explorer has exhaust fumes enter into the vehicle. I tested with both the ac on recirc and recirc off and it happens either way. I have already had the vehicle in the Ford shop with this problem and a tsb was performed with no improvements.…
ABS module is bad with trouble code U3000-49 ABS MODULE internal problem. ABS system is disabled and also Traction Control Function is disabled. ABS module is on Nationwide back order. This is a safety concern as the ABS system is not functioning
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…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2014 Ford Explorer reliable?
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.4 out of 10 based on 1,667 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2014 Ford Explorer has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2014 Ford Explorer?
On the NHTSA data, the 2014 Ford Explorer is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the steering was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 1 fatality report and 1 fire-related complaint on the steering; Reliability score 6.4/10 — around the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What's the most common problem on the 2014 Ford Explorer?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 495 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 91,984 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The steering is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 91,984 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Ford Explorer has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2014 Ford Explorer?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 1,667 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $700, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.