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    Ford Explorer

    EPA MPG: 19 mpg

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

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    We expect the 2025 Explorer will have about average reliability when compared to the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2022 and 2023 models.

    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.

    Exhaust

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

    What Owners Say

    Catalytic converter

    "Both cats needed replacing, about 6-months of each other. Vehicle had about 70k miles."

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

    "Both catalytic converter needed to be replaced, but I was advised by the dealer that this is irregular, and to just change one until the remaining defective one causes driving issues. I believe it could be related to an earlier faulty spark plug issue that lasted a year or so"

    Anonymous, ON (2014 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)
    Exhaust leaks

    "Flex pipe cracked and sheered off. Needed to replace the y-pipe and flex pipe unit."

    Anonymous, MB (2014 Ford Explorer Limited)
    Other exhaust system problem

    "replacement of flexible connection"

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

    "Engine mount failures. Replaced several times, seems to be working just fine now."

    Anonymous, CO (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

    "Screen would stay permanently on the backup camera. Kind of distracting. Id have to put it in park or shut down entire car. It started a few years ago. Lately I havent seen it but it will come and go for long periods of time. No idea why. As far as the sinking to my phone, thats been awful as well and even Ford updates that I have done. Ive done nothing and those were done through the dealership."

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

    "Multiple times, under warranty, camera would not display. Was brought in and firmware was updated - problem not identified. Just before warranty expired vehicle brought in for full check up. Again mentioned the camera - dealer experienced problem - could not identify the cause. SERVICE MANAGER PROMISED TO REPLACE CAMERA FOR FREE. Nothing heard from dealership - after a few weeks checked with them, told camera was held up in US. A month after that, checked again - told camera coming but held up in US somewhere else. Long story short - Service manager either quits or is fired, no one knows anything about camera and it HAS NEVER BEEN REPLACED. This is the caliber of Ford service??"

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

    "Camera picture is reversed."

    Anonymous, GA (2014 Ford Explorer XLT 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Display screen goes blank

    "Almost every time driving/reverse screen goes blank... I suspect electrical connector weather contaminated at tailgate"

    Anonymous, UT (2014 Ford Explorer Limited 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

    "Replacement of compressor and refill refridgerant"

    Anonymous, QC (2014 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)
    Other climate system problem

    "Driver side does not blow cool air"

    Anonymous, CT (2014 Ford Explorer 3.5-L V6)
    Refrigerant leaks

    "Rear air conditioner line leaks at drivers side rear. Confirmed by private mechanic dye test. This is shortly after vehicle was at dealership for a pre warranty expiration FULL CHECK UP. Solution for repair? Either pay a ton of cash to have Explorer ripped apart and the line changed OR pinch off the rear air conditioner line and lose rear a/c forever.........."

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

    Noises And Leaks

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

    What Owners Say

    Air or water leaks

    "There is a design flaw in the drains from the sunroof. They get easily clogged and then water drains into the driver and/or passenger footwell. You have to take it somewhere to get the drains blown out. Annoying!"

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

    "Sunroof leaked and didn't drain so water accumulated and submerged the motor so approx. $2000 to repair and replace motor."

    Anonymous, NY (2014 Ford Explorer Sport 3.5-L V6 turbo)

    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

    Seat controls - power

    "It just suddenly stopped working. It was the passenger seat in the front will no longer go backwards."

    Anonymous A., IL (2014 Ford Explorer XLT 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

    Warning lights

    "Check engine light on and off intermittently, transmission not in park when off and exiting, tire pressure warning intermittently also just comes on and I've stopped checking the tires at this point but still scary when alarm goes off as traveling along at high speeds, remote start doesn't function if check engine light decides to act up."

    Anonymous, NY (2014 Ford Explorer Sport 3.5-L V6 turbo)

    Paint And Trim

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

    What Owners Say

    Loose interior trim or moldings

    "inside front door panel loose on top"

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

    Steering And Suspension

    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

    Power steering

    "Steering assist is driven by two electric motors which stopped working leaving me without power assist"

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

    Brakes

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

    What Owners Say

    Other brakes problem

    "Worn brake line, leaking. Belt tensioner broke"

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

    Engine Minor

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

    What Owners Say

    Oil leaks

    "Several engine oil leaks."

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

    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.

    Engine Major

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

    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.

    Transmission Major

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

    Transmission Minor

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

    Engine Cooling

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

    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.

    2014 SUVs Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Ford vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
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    Overall Reliability Verdict
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    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
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    Engine Major
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    Engine Minor
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    Engine Cooling
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    Engine Electrical
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    Transmission Major
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    Transmission Minor
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    Drive System
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    Fuel System/Emissions
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    Exhaust
    NA
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    Steering and Suspension
    NA
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    Brakes
    NA
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    Climate System
    NA
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    Build Quality
    NA
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    Electrical Accessories
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    Body Hardware
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    Paint/Trim
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    Noises/Leaks
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    In-car Electronics
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    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 over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 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. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    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 July 18, 2024. 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
    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
    Oct 30, 2020
    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
    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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