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2014 Ford Explorer: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists six recall campaigns for the 2014 Ford Explorer: four for suspension (filed 2016–2021), one for the body structure (filed 2024) and one for the powertrain (filed 2020). Owners have filed 1,679 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the steering. For comparison, owners filed 2,235 for the 2013 and 1,797 for the 2015 Explorer. In NHTSA crash tests it earned 5 stars overall, with a 16.9% rollover risk.

Summary reviewed by Recalls & Safety Desk · Oct 6, 2026 How we write summaries Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls 6campaigns 4 suspension · 1 structure · 1 power train Source: NHTSA Complaints 1,679filed Owner reports, 2010–2019 shown Source: NHTSA ODI Crash tests 5★overall ★★★★★ Frontal 5★ · Side 5★ · Rollover 4★ Source: NHTSA NCAP Fuel economy 23mpg combined $2,840/yr at this week's prices Source: EPA · EIA Specs 2 L 4-cyl· 6-speed automatic 6 engine and transmission configurations Source: NHTSA vPIC
Compare

Recalls (6)

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2014 Ford Explorer. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 2014 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 24V031000 Filed Jan 19, 2024

Exterior A-Pillar Trim May Detach

Structure · body · roof and pillars
Official NHTSA text
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.
Consequence
A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024 and December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
20.8% repairedof 1,889,110 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 24V031000
Listed for 2014 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 21V537000 Filed Jul 15, 2021

Rear Suspension Toe Link Fracture

Suspension · rear
Official NHTSA text
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.
Consequence
A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
66.8% repairedof 631,176 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 21V537000
Listed for 2014 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 20V675000 Filed Mar 12, 2021

Rear Suspension Toe Link Fracture

Suspension · rear
Official NHTSA text
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.
Consequence
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
77.6% repairedof 454,941 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V675000
Listed for 2014 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 20V692000 Filed Nov 10, 2020

Link Shaft Brackets May Fracture

Power train · axle assembly · axle shaft
Official NHTSA text
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.
Consequence
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.
Remedy
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.
68.2% repairedof 15,587 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V692000
Listed for 2014 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V435000 Filed Jun 10, 2019

Rear Suspension Toe Links May Fracture

Suspension · rear
Official NHTSA text
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.
Consequence
A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
64.1% repairedof 1,194,173 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V435000
Listed for 2014 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 16V245000 Filed Apr 26, 2016

Rear Suspension Toe Link may be Improperly Welded

Suspension · rear
Official NHTSA text
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.
Consequence
A fracture of the rear suspension toe link may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
79.6% repairedof 75,364 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 16V245000

PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.

Which Explorer years had the most recalls?Best & worst years →Every recall for the Ford ExplorerAll model years →Where is the VIN on my car?VIN location guide →

Owner complaints (1,679)

1,679 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The steering is mentioned most often.

32involved a crash
6involved a fire
38injuries reported
2deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2014 Ford Explorer, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 1,679.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2014 compares with other Explorer years

Best and worst Explorer years →
115 1,197 829 2,235 1,679 1,797 2,458 1,696 731 298
2010201120122013201420152016201720182019
This year (2014)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Crash tests: 5 stars overall

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crashDriver 4★ · Passenger 5★★★★★★
Side crashDriver 5★ · Passenger 5★★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
RolloverRollover risk 16.9%★★★★☆
Front seat of a modern car with the seat belt buckled across the passenger seat
Compare fairly. Compare stars only between vehicles of similar size and weight. Ratings apply to the tested configuration.

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), 2014 Ford Explorer suv fwd, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 23 mpg combined

23
mpg combined
20
city
28
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$2,900
CO₂ tailpipe
391 g/mi
EPA class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle

What it costs you to run

$2,840per year
$237per month
652gallons a year

Miles ÷ 23 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.

EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.

Specs by configuration

2014 Ford Explorer configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
2 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive20 / 28 / 23$2,900391
3.5 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive17 / 24 / 20$3,350450
3.5 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive17 / 24 / 20$3,350450
3.5 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automaticAll-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19$3,550471
3.5 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automaticAll-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19$3,550471
3.5 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automaticAll-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18$3,700488

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 2014 Explorer for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All Explorer years

Where to next

Which Explorer years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →2015 Ford Explorer report1,797 complaints · 8 campaigns →2013 Ford Explorer report2,235 complaints · 11 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

2014 Ford Explorer FAQ

How many recalls does the 2014 Ford Explorer have?

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns: 24V031000 (structure), 21V537000 (suspension), 20V675000 (suspension), 20V692000 (power train), 19V435000 (suspension), 16V245000 (suspension). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2014 Ford Explorer problems?

Owners filed 1,679 complaints with NHTSA. Steering (498), Unknown or other (337), Structure (276) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 2014 Ford Explorer get?

EPA rates the 2 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automatic version at 20 city, 28 highway and 23 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

What safety rating did the 2014 Ford Explorer get?

NHTSA rated the 2014 Ford Explorer suv fwd 5 stars overall, with 5 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 4 stars rollover (16.9% rollover risk).

How does the 2014 Explorer compare with other years?

Among the 2010–2019 Ford Explorer model years at least five years old, the 2010 drew the fewest complaints (115) and the 2016 the most (2,458). The 2014 drew 1,679. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Summary reviewed on Oct 6, 2026.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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