2014 Ford Explorer Complaint Log

While driving on [XXX] in Atlanta, GA, my 2014 Ford Explorer suddenly lost all power steering without warning. The dash displayed: “Steering Assist Fault – Service Required”, and the steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn. I was in the vehicle with my wife and [XXX] daughter, and we were traveling at highway speed. We were extremely lucky to be in the right lane at the time — otherwise, I may not have been able to safely maneuver or exit traffic. This could have easily led to a catastrophic crash. I was barely able to keep control of the vehicle and managed to pull over onto the shoulder. A few days before this incident, I noticed a brief steering warning, but the system reset on its own. After the highway event, I had the vehicle scanned and received the following diagnostic codes: U2011:00-49 and U3000, indicating a Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) failure. This is the same exact failure that led to Recall 14S06 for 2011–2013 Ford Explorers, but my 2014 model is not currently included — despite having the same EPS system and failure pattern. The component is still in the vehicle and available for inspection. I have not yet had it inspected by a Ford dealer or a certified mechanic but intend to do so. I am submitting this complaint to request an investigation and to express my deep concern for the safety of my family and others who may be driving 2014 Explorers with the same defective system. This is a dangerous, recurring problem that demands immediate attention. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife driving at an undisclosed speed, the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 135,000.

The contact’s daughter owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving on the highway at 55 MPH, the steering wheel seized, and the power steering assist was disabled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off and restarted the vehicle however, the power steering assist feature was still inoperable. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the rack and pinion was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, 2 years later the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 35 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and the steering wheel became stiff. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The driver pulled over, restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle regained power steering functionality and the warning lights turned off; however, the failure reoccurred. The local dealer was not contacted and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 129,000.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the steering became difficult to turn. The message “Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that an unknown part had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact recently became aware that the trim on the passenger’s side A-pillar was loose. The contact stated that several dealers were contacted but was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that one dealer suggested that tape be used to hold the trim piece securely in place. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

On [XXX] I was driving on the freeway when both A pillars came loose and the rubber trim was damaged. I had to pull over and buy some electrical tape from the gas station to somehow secure them so that I can get home. While I was looking into the repair I came across information that there is a current safety recall for the A-Pillars for the Ford Explorer and my vehicle was one of the affected vehicles. Manufacturer recall # 24S02 and NHTSA Recall # 24V031. I contacted two Ford Dealerships Performance Ford located in 2000 E. Garvey Ave West Covina, CA. 91791 and also Chino Hills Ford 4480 Chino Hills Pkwy. Chino, CA. 91710. Both businesses gave me the excuse that they did not have parts for the repair but aftermarket parts are available with other vendors. I explained that my vehicle is actually one of the affected vehicles and I was concerned with not just the pillars flying completely off but also possibly water damage since the seals that go with the A-Pillars were damaged. They had nothing to say other than they will contact me when parts become available this recall is over a year old. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Swollen lug nuts FORD OEM

When I was going down the highway at 60mph around a small curve and the steering wheel snatched hard, the car reduced the speed I was traveling (as if the brakes were engaged) and I lost ability to control. The Traction control light on the dashboard flashed several times so I pulled over. The light went away and I proceeded to drive at a slow speed (it happened again at 40mph). I was concerned about wrecking the vehicle due to this issue so I had my husband come and pick me and my small child up. The next day he drove it with no issues BUT it has done it several times now. I started reading up on this vehicle and in fact others with the same make and model have had the same issues.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver’s and passenger’s side exterior A-pillar trims became loose and almost detached from the vehicle. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owned a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, black smoke started to come from the rear end of the vehicle. The contact pulled to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact noticed the smoke continued and that black smoke was now coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact opened the hood of the vehicle and noticed a fire starting near the engine on the driver's side, closer towards the windshield. The fire department arrived and was able to extinguish the fire. The fire diagnosed a mechanical error was the cause of the fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and deemed totaled. The contact had not sustained any injuries and did not need medical assistance. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and a complaint was made. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a safety complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

The windshield trim recall is taking a long time to correct. I had a piece fall off while driving which could have damaged another vehicle and caused a incident.

When turn left or right the steering did not want to turn right away, and when it did it was sudden release.

The backup camera doesn’t work. When I put it in reverse the camera goes blank or is very distorted where you can’t see

Windshield rubber falling out and breaking apart.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the driver's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim had detached. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

My vehicle has dual A/C , front and rear. The rear A/C can only be turned on from the touchscreen. My touchscreen went out about a week ago. I called the dealer to ask if there was another way to turn on the rear A/C and the answer was no. I asked what I had to do and the answer was to schedule an appointment so they could check it but I was going to get charged. I live in deep south Texas and it gets very hot down here. The rear A/C is a must. I don't think it's right that i have to spend thousands of dollars to replace my touchscreen just to be able to turn on my rear A/C unit. My passengers have been feeling lightheaded when riding in the back seats without A/C. Ford needs to put a button apart from the touchscreen to turn the rear A/C on and off.

A frame pieces have detached and were flapping/ flying onto the highway. We are now missing both sides of A Frame pieces and replacements for the recall are not available.

I was driving my explorer in a residential area when my power steering assist went out, causing me to not be able to control the steering wheel. I had 3 passengers in the vehicle at the time. I came close to crashing into a ditch but was able to stop the vehicle. It terrified me and my passengers. I struggled to steer it to a restaurant parking lot. After my power steering stopped working, and alarm went off on the dash and said "steering assist fault" needs serviced. I had the explorer towed to AschenBach Ford in Wytheville, Virginia. The Ford service department said that the bar and all electrical steering needs replaced. There was a recall for some 2014 Ford Explorers with this same problem but my VIN is not apart of those recalls and I feel it should have been because that's what happened to my vehicle. It's recalls 14S06/14V-286.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, an unknown windshield exterior A-Pillar trim detached. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the driver's and passenger’s side A-pillar trim had blown off the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Noticing a problem with the steering and wheel suspension that is affecting other Ford explorers between 2018 and 2025. Engine oil blow by. Causing oil to leak and ending up under the carriage and on the back of the vehicle. Rear camera problems.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the front windshield. The contact stated that the driver's side A-pillar trim had detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that on another occasion, the passenger's side A-pillar trim loosened. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired after the most recent failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle was lost power steering functionality. The message "Steering Fault" was displayed. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the electric power steering gearbox had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that assistance could not be provided because the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.

My 2014 Explorer back up camera goes blank with a blacked screen while trying to back up. When in reverse the camera goes blank back on then blank again. This problem has caused several near misses while backing up.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. In addition, the contact stated that the steering wheel was stiff. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with rack and pinion failure. The contact was informed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,564.

See attached document for complaint.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The steering assist disabled warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the steering gear. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

Ford is recalling vehicles going back as far as 2015 for rear camera issues. We have a 2014 Explorer that has also had the camera go bad recently. on/off intermittently like something loose somewhere (like the descriptions of the current recall). Adding this in case there's others and their recall needs to be expanded. Ford wants $200 just to "look" what might be wrong. The date below is just when it started approximately.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced hard start-ups, and the engine was revving high while idling, with the check engine warning light remaining illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the timing chain, crankshaft, and cam shaft sensors were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 84,000.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not yet made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the driver's side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

All my dash lights turn off u can drive it but all my dash light is off the abs light its on

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact stated the steering wheel had seized. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while turning and almost caused a crash. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed electronic steering rack. The contact was informed that the electronic steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the windshield trim was fractured. The contact stated that the trim was flapping. The dealer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact used sealant to prevent the fractured windshield trim from detaching and separating from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was130,000.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

I have noticed Ford has recalled the back up camera for many makes and models however, my back up camera will not work when the car is hot. The make and Model is 2014 Ford Explorer Sport. Would this be considered?

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

ABS module. Indicater lights on ,tracktion control not on, warning lights to check brakes ABS systems. Ford cannot get parts to repair. Ford dealer cannot repair Leaving no brake assistance

The A-pillar trim piece on the passenger side became unattached from the vehicle and flew off at approximately 55 mph. With no remedy still identified, what is my recourse?

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the driver's side A-pillar trim blew off the vehicle. The contact lost the passenger’s side A-pillar trim a year ago. The contact called a dealer and was advised that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

A EXTERIOR A-PILLAR APPLIQUE MOLDING INSPECTION CAUSE: . 24S02 EXTERIOR A-PILLAR APPLIQUE MOLDING INSPECTION 854019 W 0.00 0.00 0.00 FC: PART#: COUNT: 0 0 TPARTS CLAIM TYPE: AUTH CODE: 854019 0 0 TLABOR 146072 parts ordered

Recalled part flew off car while on the freeway.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a distorted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure limited driving visibility, preventing the driver from safely operating the vehicle. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at slow speeds, the contact was almost involved in two slow speed parking lot crashes. The contact was able to stop the vehicle before the crashes. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The failure mileage was unknown.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the front driver's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim detached and started banging against the windshield and the mirror, and peeled off the paint. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the spindle rod, steering gear assembly, fuse, hex nut, and bolt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,745.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on the passenger’s side windshield had started to detach. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and the dealer stated that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.