2014 Ford Explorer problems
The 2014 Ford Explorer has 1,672 NHTSA owner complaints on file — not a small number. No active recalls — the patterns come from the complaint record.
The 2014 Ford Explorer has 1,672 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is steering at 496 complaints, typically surfacing around 91,984 miles (~$700 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 Explorer | 1,192 | 1 |
| 2012 Explorer | 822 | 1 |
| 2013 Explorer | 2,224 | 4 |
| 2014 Explorer (this page) | 1,672 | 0 |
| 2015 Explorer | 1,755 | 1 |
| 2016 Explorer | 2,432 | 6 |
| 2017 Explorer | 1,673 | 8 |
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 2 fire-related complaints 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.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings 5 / 5 overall
Driver-assist features on the tested model: Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2014 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2014 Ford Explorer? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- steering — 496 owner reports · tends to show around 91,984 mi · ~$700 to fix
- body — 256 owner reports · tends to show around 100,232 mi · ~$1,500 to fix
- engine — 187 owner reports · tends to show around 60,547 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
- suspension — 82 owner reports · tends to show around 80,911 mi · ~$900 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: steering is flagged critical on this model , showing up around 91,984 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 6.4/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2014 Ford Explorer
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints
Your road ahead on this 2014 Ford Explorer
When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you, what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
- ~34,000 micruise control~$600
- ~35,200 milighting~$250
- ~47,000 miengine~$3,100
- ~58,000 mielectrical~$850
- ~67,784 miairbags~$1,100
- ~79,072 mipowertrain~$2,500
- ~82,000 mivisibility~$350
- ~89,000 misuspension~$900
- ~90,000 misteering~$700
- ~91,000 miseatbelts~$500
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
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 1,672 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 2 fire-related complaints 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 should I check before buying a used 2014 Ford Explorer?
Inspect the steering first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 496 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 91,984 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2014 Ford Explorer a good used car to buy?
It scores 6.4 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 1,672 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is steering. Typical failure occurs around 91,984 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2014 Ford Explorer?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 496 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 1,672 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.