The 2014 Ford Explorer sold over 200,000 units and earned a perfect five-star safety rating from the NHTSA. But the SUV is saddled with recalls, complaints, and investigations over suspension issues, fractured toe links, and potential carbon monoxide exhaust leaks.
Key Points
- The 2014 Ford Explorer SUV has been recalled six times, and four recalls were for the same rear suspension toe link fracture.
- In addition to three investigations over front brake hose failure and a carbon monoxide odor, numerous complaints have also been lodged over a problem with mysterious exhaust fumes.
- From a total of nearly 1,000 complaints, almost 100 relate to the suspension and improper welds of its toe links
- Consumer Reports gave the 2014 Ford Explorer a two-star (out of five) rating for both owner satisfaction and reliability.
- So, although the 2014 Ford Explorer is a reliable sport utility vehicle, it does come with a few significant issues.
2014 Explorer has Six Recalls, with Four Covering the Same Problems with Fractured or Improperly Welded Toe Links
The 2014 Ford Explorer is a three-row SUV capable of seating seven in a pinch. It came in four trim levels and was offered in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The 2014 model of the popular SUV currently has six recalls and nearly 1,000 complaints registered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The main focus of the complaints centers on engine issues, suspension problems, steering failures, and exhaust odors.
Of the six NHTSA recalls, five of them are over similar issues with the rear toe links or other suspension components, involving either possible improper welds or random fractures. A toe link keeps the rear wheel at the correct angle to facilitate proper steering. A broken toe link could result in a loss of steering. Over 2.3 million vehicles built from 2011 to 2017 have been included in these recalls, with the Explorer being the most prominent. As for the fix, techs are to inspect the cross-axis ball joints, link-shaft bracket, rear-suspension toe links, and replace them if necessary.
Power Steering Problems and Water Pump Failure are Among Top Consumer Complaints about 2014 Explorer
The NHTSA has registered over 150 complaints regarding the Ford Explorer’s engines. Water pump failure is reportedly a common problem, with the coolant sometimes leaking into the oil and causing additional failures and expensive fixes, with some estimates exceeding $4,000. A cracked exhaust manifold is a frequent issue as well and contributes to an exhaust smell leaking into the cabin.
One of 2014 Ford Explorer’s more concerning problems is the vehicle’s steering. Some owners report having experienced scary situations where the power steering either became difficult to manage or failed altogether. Also, some drivers mention hearing a loud squeak from under the hood when turning the steering wheel. Faulty power steering is a very common topic in the over 250 complaints pertaining to the steering.
Two of the 2014 Ford Explorer’s Three NHTSA Investigations Focus On a Problem with Exhaust Odors Entering the Cabin
The 2014 Ford Explorer was the subject of three NHTSA investigations, including two over reports that some owners have experienced exhaust odors in the vehicle, leading to illness and crashes. (The third investigation was over problems with front brake hose failure.)
The exhaust odor investigation has found that carbon monoxide levels in the cabin “may be elevated in certain driving scenarios.” This might be caused by reported exhaust manifold leaks or when the SUV has a heavyweight load causing the rear suspension to sag. The NHTSA complaints cover 2011 to 2017 Explorers.
2014 Ford Explorer has Some Reported Issues but is Overall a Capable SUV that Vehicle History Reviewers Give a 4.4 Out of Five Stars
Although the IIHS has concerns with the 2014 Explorer’s performance in small overlap crashworthiness, where the SUV earned a “Marginal” rating for driver impact, and a “Poor” rating for passenger impact, the SUV is nonetheless a safe and reliable vehicle that earned a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA.
With an SUV reaching eight years of age, you would expect some problems to crop up. The 2014 model year’s potential issues with steering, engine, and exhaust odors have been addressed and fixes established. So, while only 51% of the owners in a Consumer Reports study say they would buy the SUV again, many of the real owner reviews on Vehicle History highly recommend the SUV, with nearly 650 reviews giving it an average of 4.4 out of five stars.
Photos: Ford
