2013-2019 vehicles equipped with a LKS system with customer complaints of steering wheel vibration, steering pull or vehicle drift may be due to an alert and/or steering aid input from the LKS. The LKS system detects unintentional drifting toward the outside of the lane and alerts and/or aids vehicle to stay in the lane. Be sure the customer understands how the lane departure warning feature settings work for Alert (steering wheel vibration) and Aid (steering input toward lane center). Further information on the LKS can be found in the owners manual. If the customers concern is due to the LKS functioning as intended, do not attempt to repair.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Ford Explorer steering problems
critical Owners of the 2014 Ford Explorer have filed 496 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 90,000 miles at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
496
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 Explorer | 4 |
| 2011 Explorer | 738 |
| 2012 Explorer | 357 |
| 2013 Explorer | 832 |
| 2014 Explorer (this page) | 496 |
| 2015 Explorer | 342 |
| 2016 Explorer | 526 |
| 2017 Explorer | 74 |
| 2018 Explorer | 20 |
10crashes
2fires
6injuries
1fatality
When does it fail?
Of the 496 steering complaints filed for the 2014 Ford Explorer, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 496 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Steering accounts for 30% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 12 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
SOME 2010-2016 EPAS EQUIPPED VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT STEERING RELATED NOISES. THE WORKSHOP MANUAL (WSM) DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES HAVE BEEN UPDATED IN SECTION 211-02. WHEN DIAGNOSING AND REPAIRING EPAS STEERING NOISES USE THE UPDATED PROCEDURES.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗LINCOLN/FORD: ONCE PROCEDURE FOR HEATED STEERING WHEEL MODULE PROGRAM COMPLETED, HEATED STEERING WHEEL FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY AND PASSES NETWORK TEST BUT FAILS ON DEMAND SELF TEST. MODEL 2011-15 FUSION F-150, EXPLORER, TAURUS, SUPER DUTY, MKZ, MKC, MKS, MKT, MKX.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗FORD: SOME VEHICLES AND TRUCKS ARE EXPERIENCING A MALFUNCTION WITH THE HEATED STEERING WHEEL BECOMING INOPERATIVE AND ON DEMAND TEST FAILURE. MODEL 2014-15 FUSION, 2011-15 MKX, 2013-15 SUPER DUTY, EXPLORER, TAURUS, MKS, MKT, 2015 F-150, MKZ, MKC, 2011-15 MKX.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2014 Ford Explorers describe sudden, unannounced loss of power steering while driving—at highway speeds, city streets, and low-speed turns. The electronic power steering rack either locks up completely or loses all assist, forcing drivers to muscle the steering wheel with their full strength. Many owners have reported this identical failure in 2011–2013 models, which Ford did recall (14S06/14V286000), yet the 2014 model year was inexplicably excluded despite having the same steering architecture and identical failure symptoms.
Owners report diagnostic codes U2011, U3000, and C1B00 pointing to power steering control module failure. The steering racks are sealed assemblies requiring complete replacement, not repair, at costs of $1,700 to $4,300 depending on labor and dealer. Ford's own parts are perpetually on backorder because so many 2014 Explorers need replacements. One owner's vehicle sat at a dealership for three months waiting for parts to arrive; another waited from May to August.
Separately, rear suspension toe links fracture due to improper welds, causing sudden swerving and unstable handling. Even after replacement under recall, some owners report the new toe links breaking again within weeks or 20,000 miles, requiring a second major suspension repair.
Owners also note issues with grinding steering noise, wheels not returning to center after turns, and in one case, severe torque steer pulling the vehicle to the left under acceleration—all from a vehicle that was supposedly fully serviced at Ford dealerships.
Same Ford Explorer steering reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Electric Power Steering (EPS) Rack & Pinion Failure
Electronic steering rack and pinion assembly loses power steering assist or seizes completely, requiring full replacement. Owners report sudden loss of steering control, grinding/rubbing noises, stiff steering wheel, and locked steering conditions. The failure is the same component recalled in 2011–2013 Explorers (Recall 14S06/14V286000) but the 2014 model is excluded from that recall despite exhibiting identical symptoms.
When: Occurs at various mileages: 34,872 miles; 46,022 miles; 59,363 miles; 63,000 miles; 73,000 miles; 77,000 miles; 80,000 miles; 90,000 miles; 93,000 miles; 100,000 miles; 123,000 miles; 129,000 miles; 131,000 miles; 142,885 miles; 149,000 miles; 175,000 miles. Failures can occur without warning while driving at any speed—highway, city streets, or during low-speed maneuvers. Some owners experience intermittent failures that reset temporarily after engine restart.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power steering assist; Steering wheel becomes extremely difficult to turn or locks up completely; Grinding, rubbing, or screeching noise when turning the wheel; Steering wheel feels sticky or sticks at certain points; Traction control warning light illuminates simultaneously; Dashboard warning messages: 'Steering Assist Fault,' 'Steering Fault – Service Required,' 'Steering Failure – Service Now,' 'Steering Loss Stop Safely'; ETS (Electronic Traction Control) warning light; Intermittent power steering loss that may reset when engine is turned off and restarted; Steering wheel becomes jerky or self-correcting while driving straight
Codes mentioned: U2011, U3000, C1B00, U201149, U300049, U30096, B00A0, B0061
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of entire electric steering rack and pinion assembly required. Ford parts are frequently on backorder due to high volume of failures across model years. Owners report repair costs ranging from $1,700 to $4,285. Labor costs typically $300–$600. The steering rack is a sealed unit; individual internal components are not serviceable. Many dealerships and independent shops are overwhelmed with these repairs and unable to provide timely service. One owner waited three months for parts to arrive. Programming of the new rack is dealership-only and cannot be done by independent shops.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 2011–2013 Explorer Recall 14S06 / NHTSA 14V286000 (Intermittent connection in electric power steering gear). Additional recalls issued for 2015–2017 Explorers and other Ford models (F-150, Flex) with similar EPS issues. 2014 model year excluded from all recalls despite identical failure mode. Ford customer service directs owners to file NHTSA complaints and offers no coverage; some owners report receiving $300 discounts from dealerships. Ford Motor Company has stated that parts on backorder due to high demand. Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) exist but are cited as age- and mileage-limited, providing no remedy for most 2014 owners. One owner reports Ford acknowledged that 2011–2013 recall applies and should have included 2014, but no action taken.
Rear Suspension Toe Link Fracture
Rear suspension toe links fracture due to improper welds or stress, causing loss of steering control and handling changes. Multiple recalls have been issued for this defect (Campaigns 19V435000, 20V692000, 21V537000). Owners report sudden swerving, unstable tires, one-week replacement cycle after initial repair (tie links breaking again shortly after replacement), and difficulty in rear suspension components being replaced repeatedly.
When: Occurs at various mileages: 89,000 miles; 99,000 miles (reoccurrence); 100,000+ miles. Can happen during normal highway driving at 60 mph on smooth road conditions.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle swerves unexpectedly while driving straight; Wheel tipped inward, unstable; Sudden change in handling; Loss of steering control; Abnormal vibration or noise from rear suspension; Tires wearing unevenly or prematurely bald; Vehicle fishtails in icy or snowy conditions; Vehicle unable to complete turns
Repairs/costs cited: Toe link lateral arm requires replacement. Factory Ford upgrade toe link supplied. Complete rear suspension replacement in some cases ($2,800 reported). Repeated failures occur within weeks or months after repair. Owner reports suspension components replaced in 2019 broke again within 20,000 miles. Wheel alignment (rear and front) required after repair; one dealership performed rear alignment only and refused to offer front alignment during recall service, contributing to alignment issues and subsequent accident.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaigns 19V435000, 20V692000, 21V537000 issued for rear suspension toe link fracture. Recall performed but does not resolve underlying structural issue. One dealer initially refused to repair vehicle because it was not recalled; only after owner's persistence was factory upgrade toe link provided. Dealerships claim zero liability for post-repair misalignment issues. One dealership manager admitted they were only authorized to perform rear alignment during recall service, not front alignment.
Steering Rack Grinding Noise & Wheel Return Failure
Grinding, rubbing, or screeching noise from the steering rack when turning the wheel left or right, particularly at low speeds and sharp turns. The steering wheel does not return to center automatically after exiting a turn; driver must manually return the wheel. This condition precedes complete rack failure in some cases.
When: Reported at 68,000 miles and other mileages. Occurs during low-speed turning and sharp turns.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud grinding, rubbing, or screeching noise from front end when turning steering wheel; Noise most noticeable at low speeds and during sharp turns; Steering wheel does not straighten out or return to center when exiting a turn; Driver must manually turn wheel back to center; Wheels overcompensate after manual correction, veering right; Steering becomes progressively harder and heavier over days; Noise becomes louder as condition worsens
Repairs/costs cited: Steering rack requires replacement. One shop estimated $1,650 for rack (Part Number STE633RM) plus $550 labor ($2,200 total). Ford parts retail for approximately $1,417 for remanufactured unit with 2-year warranty. Part is the same unit used in 2011–2015 Explorers but covered under recall only for 2011–2013 models.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford recalls 2011–2013 Explorers for this same rack defect (Recall 14S06) but does not cover 2014 models. No additional manufacturer support provided.
Torque Steer (Vehicle Pulls to One Side Under Acceleration)
Vehicle severely pulls to the left when accelerating from a stop or at highway speed. The vehicle tracks straight under coast/deceleration but pulls forcefully to the left when gas is applied. Left-side tires show abnormal wear on the outside edges in the direction of the pull.
When: Present from early ownership; reported in 2014 and 2015 multiple service visits without resolution.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle pulls severely to the left when accelerating; Vehicle pulls several feet to the left, veering out of lane unless driver compensates; Tracks straight until driver steps on the gas pedal; Worse during highway acceleration; Left-side tires worn on outer edge in direction of pull; Intelligent 4-wheel drive does not correct the pull
Repairs/costs cited: No repair made. Dealership stated the issue was a 'natural characteristic of the vehicle' per Ford engineers and nothing could be done to correct it. Owner disputes this diagnosis, noting other same-model vehicles do not exhibit this problem.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership deferred to Ford corporate engineers who advised the pulling was normal. No corrective action taken despite multiple service visits (10/8/14, 10/18/14, 12/4/14, 1/7/15, 5/18/15).
Backup Camera Failure
Backup camera display goes black or becomes inoperative. In one case, the camera failed shortly after recall toe-link repair service.
When: Reported occurring a couple of weeks before power steering failure in one case; other timing not specified.
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera display turns black; Camera stops working; No video display when reversing
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnostic indicated camera sensors require replacement. One owner noted the camera failure coincided with completion of toe-link recall repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer recommended bringing vehicle in for sensor replacement. No manufacturer-initiated remedy mentioned.
Synthesized from 496 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
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 informed that no investigation has been performed on the vehicle other than the edr/cdr. No post vehicle inspection…
The steering began to make a rubbing sound and then turning became difficult. I also received a traction control failure warning. When the vehicle was taken to the Ford dealership where it was purchased I was told that it’s a common failure of the steering rack (over $2,000 repair) and that there were complaints but no recall. I have since taken the vehicle home and parked it until I decide…
Hello, yes my vehicle is available upon inspection request. Bell Ford(recall performed) and another shop has inspected the vehicle for the power steering issue. *I had a toe link recall completed at Bell Ford in May, 2022. Since then my vehicle has not been driving as smoothly. Please add this recall back to my vehicle. *The radio/ climate control screen updates and sometimes just goes black…
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Ford explorer. While driving 35 MPH, the steering wheel seized without warning. The contact managed to drive home at low speeds. The vehicle was turned off and restarted, but it did not return to normal. Dave smith Ford, llc (4045 transit rd, williamsville, ny 14221, (716) 634-2000) was contacted and stated that the VIN was not included in a recall. The contact was…
Steering gear failure. Ford dealer estimate $2,900 to replace the entire steering gear. A new part is not available, and there is no ETA on re-manufactured parts. The vehicle is unsafe to drive, and therefore unusable. There are recalls on 2011-2013 and 2015-2019 electronic assist steering gear systems for the same exact issue, why was 2014 was excluded, why does the vehicle require the entire…
I have a 2014 Ford explorer sport with a steering issue that needs to be resolved. The steering jars to the left when driving at a speed of 55 or so on curves. If a car is ever coming towards me I hope to god my explorer doesn't decide to mar to the left at that point. Also, the grinding sound coming from the rack is a faulty part that should be a recall at this point as it is a safety issue the…
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving out of the driveway at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the power steering gear was faulty. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, and the dealer replaced the power steering gear and reset the computer. The…
Had steering trouble with your 2014 Ford Explorer?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2014 Ford Explorer?
It's a serious issue. 496 complaints have been filed, including 10 reports involving a crash and 1 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 306 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 63,000 and 119,000 miles, with the median around 90,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 63,000; a quarter make it past 119,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2014/Ford/Explorer.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.