Should I buy a 2014 Ford Explorer with documented wheels problems?

Depends on the price and the specific vehicle. Documented wheels issues should be priced into the purchase — if the seller is asking full retail, negotiate down by the expected repair cost. A pre-purchase inspection from an independent shop tells you whether THIS specific vehicle has already shown the symptoms or not.

2014 Ford Explorer wheels problems

moderate Owners of the 2014 Ford Explorer have filed 13 NHTSA complaints about the wheels at roughly $400 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of September 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See wheels across all vehicles →

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Complaints

Recalls

Avg fix

$400

wheels complaints on the Ford Explorer, by model year
Model year	wheels complaints
2010 Explorer	3
2011 Explorer	4
2012 Explorer	3
2013 Explorer	4
2014 Explorer (this page)	13
2015 Explorer	8
2016 Explorer	37
2017 Explorer	46
2018 Explorer	7

What stands out

Among the 14 model years of Ford Explorer in our records for wheels problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 17E048000 August 28, 2017

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain Wheel Hub Bearing assemblies, part number HB5Z-1104-C, incorrectly listed as being for installation on the rear axles of 2011-2017 Ford Explorer 4X2 vehicles

A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify the distributors of the hubs specifying that they are to only be used on drive axles. It is believed that none of the hubs were purchased from Ford dealers for the incorrect application. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.

Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins

The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering wheels 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.

Service Bulletin 22N01 Mar 2022

Certain 2011-2017 Model Year Explorer Vehicles Rear Wheel Knuckle Replacement Ref 21S32 Submitting Owner Letter

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗

Service Bulletin SSM 48876 Jun 2020

For 2013-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles that require rear wheel knuckle and bushing assembly repairs, dealers are advised to follow Workshop Manual (WSM) Procedures and use service parts recommended by Ford only. Ford has received reports of toe link failures after the installation of non-OEM cross-axial ball joints (aka bushings) in the rear wheel knuckle, and if service of the rear wheel knuckle and bushing assembly is required, the recommended repair is to replace the affected 5B758/9 as an assembly only. Refer to WSM, Section 204-02, and the Ford Service Parts Catalog as needed.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗

Service Bulletin SSM 48821 May 2020

For 2013-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles that require rear wheel knuckle and bushing assembly repairs, dealers are advised to follow Workshop Manual (WSM) Procedures and use service parts recommended by Ford only. Ford has received reports of toe link failures after the installation of non-OEM cross-axial ball joints in the rear wheel knuckle, and if service of the rear wheel knuckle and bushing assembly is required, the recommended repair is to replace the affected 5B758/9 assembly. Refer to WSM, Section 204-02, and the Ford Service Parts Catalog as needed.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.

The failure pattern owners describe

Owners report three major wheel and fastening problems on the 2014 Explorer. Front hub bearings fail repeatedly—some vehicles on their third failure by 72,000 miles—with grinding on deceleration before the bearing seizes into the knuckle, making removal without destroying the knuckle impossible. Ford redesigned the bearing after acknowledging repeated failures but denies warranty coverage for collateral damage like ruined knuckles.

Aluminum wheels corrode progressively around the bead and edge areas due to improper factory coating. The clear protective layer covers only the visible outer surface, leaving the inner bead area unprotected. Water enters under the coating, causing corrosion that eventually causes tire bead leaks. Owners report needing air refills every other day and cite poor handling and loss-of-control risks from underinflated tires. One wheel repair ran $187.95; Ford dealership documents confirm the wheels as rusted.

Lug nuts swell and seize, preventing tire rotations and changes. Multiple owners report discovering seized lug nuts when attempting routine service like brake pad replacement. A front-wheel detachment at 60,977 miles and an ABS/restraint module malfunction causing tire lock and steering loss round out reported failures.

Same Ford Explorer wheels reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017

Failure modes owners describe

Front wheel hub bearing premature failure

Front hub bearings fail prematurely and seize into knuckles, making removal without destroying the knuckles impossible. Ford redesigned the part after repeated failures.

When: Around 72,000–89,000 miles; failures documented at 11-2018 and 12-2019

Symptoms owners cite: Grinding noise on deceleration from 30 mph; Noise only when decelerating; Loose hub at low speeds

Repairs/costs cited: Hub bearing replacement with redesigned part; knuckle replacement $725 (owner not covered); labor free at some dealers. Owners paid $117.48 (11-2018) and $493.43 (12-2019) for repeated repairs.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford redesigned the hub bearing due to repeated failures. Out-of-warranty claims denied. Case opened with Ford (CAS25112513) but no compensation offered.

Aluminum wheel corrosion and bead leaks

Aluminum wheels corrode at edges and bead mounting area due to improper manufacturing protection. Clear coating applied only to visible outer surface; unprotected inner areas allow water ingress, causing corrosion and progressive tire bead leaks.

When: Occurring across fleet; one repair performed February 2023

Symptoms owners cite: Air loss along tire bead while driving; Corrosion visible around wheel edges and bead area; Rapid tire deflation; Poor handling and loss of control risk from underinflated tires

Repairs/costs cited: Wheel repair cost $187.95 at Tom's Ford (February 2023); Ford dealership documentation refers to rims as 'rusted.'

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls issued. Ford does not stand behind the product per complainants.

Deformed and seized lug nuts

Lug nuts swell and seize, becoming impossible to remove without permanent damage. Swelling prevents tire rotation and changes.

When: Noticed during brake pad service and routine tire rotation attempts

Symptoms owners cite: Lug nuts swollen and hard to remove; Unable to change or rotate tires; Potential breakage of lug nuts during removal attempts

Repairs/costs cited: Lug nuts require replacement per Ford dealership. Repair costs not specified.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Case opened with NHTSA. No specific manufacturer response noted.

Wheel detachment

Front driver's side wheel detached from vehicle without warning during low-speed driving.

When: 60,977 miles, occurred without warning

Symptoms owners cite: Wheel detached while driving; No prior warning signs

Repairs/costs cited: Occurred after vehicle was serviced at Ricart Automotive Group; repair details not provided.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified.

Tire sidewall tearing and progressive air loss

Tires lose air progressively with no visible punctures and develop sidewall rips. Issue unrelated to tire defect per owner inspection.

When: August–December 2018

Symptoms owners cite: Rapid air loss requiring refill every other day; Sidewall tearing with no visible holes; Air loss despite inspection showing no punctures

Repairs/costs cited: Owner noted Hancock tire recall exists but Ford has no record of it.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No Ford recall on file per owner.

Wheel wiggle and loose fastening

Wheel exhibits movement while driving, suggesting loose attachment or fastener failure.

When: <UNKNOWN>

Symptoms owners cite: Right tire wiggles while driving; Feels as though wheel is about to detach

ABS and restraint module fault causing wheel lock

ABS and restraint control module malfunction causes front tires to lock and slide, loss of steering control.

When: October 24, 2024

Symptoms owners cite: Front tires lock and slide; Steering wheel became loose and unresponsive; Near loss of vehicle control

Codes mentioned: C0063-64ABS

Synthesized from 13 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.

What owners are reporting 0 most recent

Had wheels 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 wheels problem on the 2014 Ford Explorer?

It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 13 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $400 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.

At what mileage does the wheels typically fail?

Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $400 for wheels 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 wheels?

Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover wheels issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.

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.