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    Ford Explorer

    EPA MPG: 19 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2014 Explorer is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

    The 2014 Ford Explorer has been recalled 7 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2014 Ford Explorer owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Loose exterior trim or moldings

    "The windshield trim cover cracked and flew off the car at highway speed"

    Anonymous A., FL (2014 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)
    Loose interior trim or moldings

    "On the front passenger side door (under the window) the molding on the interior side door has lifted and according to Ford service, cannot be repaired, but needs the panel to be replaced. However, Ford service has yet to provide me with a quote for this service. Ford service center / AutoNation Ford in Frisco (other Ford service centers in the NTx area have provided better service)"

    Anonymous A., TX (2014 Ford Explorer Sport 3.5-L V6 turbo)
    Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

    "The forward edge of the hood paint bubbled up and chipped"

    Anonymous A., FL (2014 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)

    ""Paint is cracking on front edge of hood. Ford had a recall for this issue for the next 2 model years, but not for that of this vehicle.""

    Anonymous A., NY (2014 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)

    "Front hood is peeling again after it was peeling within the initial warranty. This model was made cheaply and after buying you can clearly see were corners were cut to bring down cost. This vehicle has only 68K miles and paint on hood is peeling."

    Anonymous A., VA (2014 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    A/C compressor

    "Air conditioner doesnt cool air"

    Anonymous, MI (2014 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)

    "Not sure if its the compressor the problem was never completely figured out. The passenger side of the front air conditioner (right) slowly started to blow warm/hot air and the problem has been to 3 different car repair shops with no resolution (including ford service)"

    Anonymous A., TX (2014 Ford Explorer Sport 3.5-L V6 turbo)

    "Had to have it replaced twice in last 3 years & it will have to be replaced again"

    Anonymous, IL (2014 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)
    Automatic climate control

    "Heat on passenger side Cold on driver side"

    Anonymous, LA (2014 Ford Explorer Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Other climate system problem

    "The climate control became unable to switch to floor or Defrost mode. We spent about $400 on a new accentuate."

    Anonymous A., WI (2014 Ford Explorer Base 3.5-L V6)

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    What Owners Say

    Other body problem

    "Stitching and seat cracks and tears"

    Anonymous, CO (2014 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)
    Seat controls - power

    ""The driver seat does not move up or down. Will cost approximately $1700 to replace, so we are currently driving with the seat in a less than ideal position.""

    Anonymous A., WI (2014 Ford Explorer Base 3.5-L V6)
    Sunroof

    "Bad motor. Motor was on back order and took a while to obtain. Issue started when purchasing vehicle 18 months ago. Took about 6 months to obtain motor and resolve."

    Anonymous, KS (2014 Ford Explorer Limited 3.5-L V6)
    Tailgate, hatch or trunk

    "2nd time have had to replace motorized Struts"

    Anonymous, WA (2014 Ford Explorer Limited 3.5-L V6)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Catalytic converter

    "We didn't notice anything but had sensor notifications"

    Anonymous A., TX (2014 Ford Explorer Limited 3.5-L V6)
    Muffler

    "Problem started spring 2023. Th seams of both mufflers separated"

    Anonymous A., QC (2014 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)

    "There is a flexible pipe that makes the car loud and leaks. It bangs at tiles bevause it has come loose"

    Anonymous, AR (2014 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)
    Other/unsure

    ""Water pump failed at 143,000 miles""

    Anonymous, KS (2014 Ford Explorer Limited 3.5-L V6)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    12V battery

    ""Thing eats batteries like kids eat PB&J sandwiches. Vehicle computer system continually draws power and before you know it, the radio won't stay on if car is off followed by a completely fried battery...""

    Anonymous, ON (2014 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)
    Alarm or security system (excluding aftermarket systems)

    "Alarm randomly would go off without provocation. Sometimes couple times a week while other times it might be 3-4 months later. This is a 2nd vehicle thats garage stored for winter months while Im traveling"

    Anonymous A., IL (2014 Ford Explorer XLT Unsure)
    Keyless entry

    ""It locked me out and the alarm sounded, lights flashing. It has an after market key fob and and it bypassed the the main unit""

    Anonymous, AR (2014 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Backup or other camera/sensors

    "Camera was working intermittently when vehicle was in warranty - near end of warranty tried to resolve issue. Service visit and reprogramming did nothing - dealer PROMISED to order a new camera under warranty. Camera magically NEVER showed up at dealership. All service personnel have been changed/replaced and now they know nothing about it. How is that for plausible deniability......."

    Anonymous, ON (2014 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)
    External music device interface (e.g., smart phone, MP3 player)

    "USB and Bluetooth connectivity to devices stoped suddenly. Options are no longer available in the vehicles factory installed entertainment system."

    Anonymous A., NY (2014 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Steering linkage (includes rack and pinion)

    "Both sway bar linkages broke. Sway bars were no longer connected."

    Anonymous A., RI (2014 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6 turbo)

    "Issue started a couple months after purchasing with Ball joints and steering was off and pulling to the left. Ball joints were loose at the time. Issue was resolved but occurred again after a few months. Replaced ball joints and issue occurred again after a few months. Found that steering box was bad and replaced in a couple of months after. Issue has not occurred again with ball joints or steering."

    Anonymous, KS (2014 Ford Explorer Limited 3.5-L V6)

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    What Owners Say

    Transmission rebuild or replacement

    ""At 60000 miles transmission started slipping going from 15 to 25 MPH, then it was fine. Two independent mechanics said trans needed to be replaced""

    Anonymous, CA (2014 Ford Explorer Limited 3.5-L V6)

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    What Owners Say

    Sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor)

    "An oxygen sensor failure caused my car to completely stop on I-295 in Jacksonville, Florida during morning rush hour. I was barely able to coast to the emergency lane and was nearly hit by traffic moving 60-70 mph. It was terrifying!!! It happened with no warning whatsoever."

    Anonymous A., GA (2014 Ford Explorer XLT 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    What Owners Say

    Premature brake wear

    "Breaks wear fast"

    Anonymous, WA (2014 Ford Explorer Limited 3.5-L V6)

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Seals and/or weather-stripping

    "All the doors weather stripping is cracked and coming off. Ill have to replace it along with all the other million things I've had to replace."

    Anonymous A., CA (2014 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    What Owners Say

    Driveshaft or axle

    "I keep hearing a clonking sound when driving. Don't know if its another engine mount or drive shaft, drive line or what? I've replace shocks & struts, stabilizers and bearings, control arms & bushings. And now I don't know what is wrong??"

    Anonymous A., CA (2014 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    2014 SUVs Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Ford vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
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    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA
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    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
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    Engine Major
    NA
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    Engine Minor
    NA
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    Engine Cooling
    NA
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    Engine Electrical
    NA
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    Transmission Major
    NA
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    Transmission Minor
    NA
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    Drive System
    NA
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    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
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    NA
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    NA
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    NA
    NA
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
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    NA
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    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    STRUCTURE
    Jan 19, 2024
    A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
    What should you do:
    Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 2, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 24V031000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 1889110
    SUSPENSION
    Jul 15, 2021
    A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Exposure to road salt can cause the cross-axis ball joint to corrode and seize, resulting in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.
    What should you do:
    Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle, and replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall numbers 16V-245, 19V-435, and 20V-675. Certain vehicles previously repaired will need to return for the new remedy. An interim notification letter notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on September 10, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2022. Owners may contact Ford's customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S32.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V537000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 631176
    SUSPENSION
    Mar 12, 2021
    A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin that were previously repaired under a prior recall numbers 16V-245 or 19V-435. The outboard section of a rear suspension toe link may fracture.
    What should you do:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle attached to the rear suspension toe link and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S62.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 20V675000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 454941
    POWER TRAIN
    Nov 10, 2020
    The failed bracket could result in a loss of park function which can cause unintended vehicle movement, and loss of motive power while driving which increases the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Explorer, 2014-2015 Taurus and 2014 Edge vehicles equipped with 2.0L or 2.3L engines and front wheel drive. The support bracket for the front drive axle halfshaft may fail.
    What should you do:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the link shaft bracket, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners received an interim notification detailing safety risk December 8, 2020. A second letter will be mailed when parts become available in January 2021. The recall began February 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S63.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 20V692000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 15587
    SUSPENSION
    Jun 10, 2019
    A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
    What should you do:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, and inspect both rear toe link ball joints, replacing the rear wheel knuckle(s), if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S17.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V435000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 1194173
    SUSPENSION, WHEELS
    Aug 28, 2017
    A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    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. These bearings assemblies were manufactured without a self retention feature, possibly resulting in the separation of the wheel or wheel end.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17E048000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 630
    SUSPENSION
    Apr 26, 2016
    A fracture of the rear suspension toe link may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured January 17, 2014 to May 31, 2014. The affected vehicles may have improperly welded rear suspension toe links that may fracture.
    What should you do:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. The recall began on November 18, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S18.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V245000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 75364
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