What 1,671 owners told NHTSA about the 2014 Ford Explorer Police Intercept

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving out of the driveway at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the power steering gear was faulty. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, and the dealer replaced the power steering gear and reset the computer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

NHTSA ODI 11498128

Water pump has a leak need to be replaced

NHTSA ODI 11497619

The vehicle was placed in park with the engine running. No one was in the vehicle when, on it's own, it came out of park and rolled down our driveway, coming to a stop after hitting a tree. A person or cat could have easily been on the driveway and run and killed. It subsequently cost $10751.42 to repair the damage to the rear tailgate. No previous issues had been noted prior to this incident. This occurred in July 2001 and was submitted to our insurance company where we paid a$1000 deductible and caused our rates to go up. We have contacted Ford without any success.

NHTSA ODI 11497492

My 2014 Ford Explorer was manufactured 07/13 and is showing signs of a power steering issue. This started in October 2022 and is ongoing. The power steering seems to go in and out while driving but seems to be fine after the car has sat or not been running. This is happening daily. No warning lights have ever come on during the power steering lose. The car intermittently will get harder to steer and at times the wheel dramatically pulls to the right and then left while it is trying to return to a straight line. This has caused me to go left of center because it is so erratic. Turning from a stop is extremely difficult. I have contacted the dealer and have been told my vehicle does not have a recall for such issue. Through research I see this is a known problem with same vehicles of newer and later years. This is a job that will likely cost 1800 to 2000 and that is not acceptable when FORD has known of this problem. A simple google search reflects many 2014 Ford vehicles with steering issues. If my car does not fit into the original recall - I would like to know what Ford changed as it pertains to EPAS system from 2/28/2012 to the date my vehicle was manufactured in 2013. Thank you In May 2014, Ford Motor Company issued a recall for the 2011-2013 Ford Explorers for a defect in the power steering system. The affected vehicles may experience an intermittent connection in the electric power steering gear, which can cause a loss of the motor position sensor signal resulting in a shut-down of the power steering assist.

NHTSA ODI 11495520

Power Steering Assist Service Required error displayed on dash. Problem occurs intermittently upon starting. Vehicle inspected by Ford dealer but inspection was inconclusive. Safety concern if power steering module fails while driving.

NHTSA ODI 11495028

2014 Ford Explorer Sport. Have owned vehicle since new. Electric power steering module failed, first exhibiting a squealing noise on movement, then mechanical clunking when turning, followed by difficulty steering and finally seizure on arrival to Ford repair dealer. Seizure confirmed by Ford service center. Replacement part on back-order, suggesting high replacement rates. I will attempt to keep steering unit after replacement of new unit by Ford. Had been driving on freeway at 65mph in the minutes before steering seizure at dealer. Dangerous safety issue: vehicle is family car and used for school run daily, 30min commute each way on freeway at 65mph. Intermittent warnings from vehicle management system in days before failure: 4WD, cruise control, etc. No open recall on vehicle, but very similar to other year recalls on Ford Explorers, ref. NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000.

NHTSA ODI 11494392

The Exhaust manifold/catalytic converter is cracked causing excessive exhaust fumes which leak into the cabin area exposing passengers to carbon monoxide.

NHTSA ODI 11493979

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the power steering failed to operate as needed, without warning. The contact's husband was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with an electric power steering failure. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer since the parts for the repair were on back order. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA ODI 11493639

While driving the vehicle the power steering stopped working. There is no warning light on the dash and indication anything was wrong.

NHTSA ODI 11492852

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the “Steering Malfunction” message was displayed, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who indicated that the electronic power steering rack was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.

NHTSA ODI 11490572

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while making a left turn, the steering wheel seized. The contact used force to loosen the steering wheel. The vehicle was not diagnosed; however, the contact believed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not under recall. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 124,000. The consumer had to wait 4 months for the parts to fix the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11490308

The vehicle makes a grinding noise when turning the steering wheel. The electric power steering component is failing and can cause a complete loss of power steering which can result in a crash, and a potentially serious one if the loss occurs at a high rate of speed. A mechanic that reviewed the problem has stated that he is aware of several other vehicles experiencing the same problem. There were s zero warning indicators or messages prior to the steering making noise. The worse the noise gets, the more difficult it becomes for the vehicle’s operator to turn the wheel.

NHTSA ODI 11490093

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle started to shake and the engine overheated. The check engine warning light and the temperature gauge warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to coast the vehicle off the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to Midas where it was diagnosed again that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was guaranteed a 2-year warranty, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

NHTSA ODI 11489729

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at approximately 75 MPH, the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact then stated that the following day, while her husband was reversing out of the driveway, the steering wheel seized as an unknown steering warning light was illuminated. The contact's husband drove back into the driveway and the vehicle was no longer operable. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering gear assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting the parts for the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000. The contact stated that the recall applies to model years 2011 to 2013 but not to their 2014 model.

NHTSA ODI 11489616

I have a 2014 Ford Explorer sport. I notice the airbag light went on. I ran my obd scanner, initially it gave B00A0 and B0061 error codes. After a couple weeks, my EPS doesn’t work after I turned the engine on, it won’t turn left or right. It went away after turning off and back on. It happened again after couple of days, i was leaving the gas station and the message went on and i tried to restart the engine twice, but it still didn’t fix it, but i had to leave cause there are people behind me waiting. I tried to drive forward and just end up blocking the way cause I couldn’t turn the steering wheel and people are getting upset. Thank God it worked after the 3rd restart. Then 3rd time it happened, it didn’t went away after how many times i turn off and on the engine. When I scanned it error code C1B00 came out and a message on the dashboard saying steering assist failure service required. Then i tried again after few mins later same message pops out as well as collision warning not available and service advance trac. I took it to the mechanic, said it was the clock spring that need to be replaced. But as soon as I picked it up from the mechanic after they change the clock spring, same problem reappeared. The first couple of time, a restart fix it but on the 3rd time the power steering just disabled again. This time the mechanic said it needs a new rack and pinion and it’s on back order and no idea when they will have it available.

NHTSA ODI 11489295

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was stalling and while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The vehicle lost motive power and failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that she received assistance from a bystander to move the vehicle to the side of the roadway and noticed a puddle of water coming from underneath the engine. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that while driving up a hill, the vehicle was stalling and the parking brake was activated. The vehicle lost motive power and failed to restart. The vehicle was left on the side of the roadway to be towed; however, the contact's husband was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000.

NHTSA ODI 11488045

Completely and suddenly lost power steering. It appears to be a major issue with Explorers. A recall was made for explorers up to 2013, but the problem persists in additional year models. It is a very expensive repair and it appears to be a manufacturing flaw.

NHTSA ODI 11487377

I have several issues that I have had with the ford explore. This is my second ford explore. The passenger air was not assemble correctly and now is coming apart. The seat belt on the driver sit gets stuck. The car door panels have come undone which is not typical with any other vehicle expect explore. The brakes on the car are difficult to use to the suspension issue. When I have taken my car to the dealer they have not been helpful. They won’t provide a temporary vehicle while my car is getting fix and that not acceptable. I need someone to help me with these issues at no cost. This is my second explore and I love my car but I hate that it has issues that were not fix from the moment the car was sold.

NHTSA ODI 11487217

Loss of steering in my 2014 Ford Explorer. Traction light’s and “Steering Loss” came on warning me to “Stop Safely”

NHTSA ODI 11486590

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the passenger’s side windshield trim molding detached from the windshield. The vehicle was not diagnosed however, the contact was informed that the adhesive used to secure the molding had melted. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 110,660.

NHTSA ODI 11486700

I was driving home from dropping my kids off at school. I was on a main road and I lost the power steering on my vehicle while I was driving, I had to turn off the road a make a few more turns to get home. When the power steering went out a light went on saying my ETS and warning my PAS was out. I did not get this warning PRIOR to losing power steering. The warning came after I had lost power. My car had to be towed to the Ford dealer in town. They informed me I needed a steering rack due to PSCM failure but they were unable to find the part and had no idea when they could fix it. I contacted a dealer 2 hours away and and was told they could get it in 1-2 weeks. I had to tow the car to them. It then sat in their lot from May 27th to August 31, 2022, waiting to get the part in. Final repair bill was $2300, on top of the towing charges and the first dealer charges to “ diagnose”. The car had 77,000 miles and is a 2014 Ford Explorer. The safety issue is my greatest concern, losing power steering with no warning, while on a busy road you need to turn off of, could have easily caused a major accident. To find out this is a known problem with Ford Explorers and nothing has been done to fix the issue across the model years affected is beyond concerning. And the fact that it took 3 months to even get the part in to fix the vehicle. And the numerous other people who have had the same issue, tells me this is something that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later, before someone is gravely injured.

NHTSA ODI 11486559

The back up camera does not always work. You may want to back up and find the camera does not work. Makes the process difficult and dangerous. Other times it might start as you back up then all of a sudden it stops working. Providing a in motion safety issue. Then there times it just doesn’t work. When the driver is use to use in it makes the driver uncomfortable and dangerous.

NHTSA ODI 11486293

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the steering wheel became firm and required excessive force to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed her of an existing recall for the steering wheel. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure and the dealer confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact then stated that on another occasion while driving out of her driveway, the steering wheel became firm and she was unable to turn the steering wheel. The contact stated that the vehicle was inoperable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

NHTSA ODI 11485693

Car has been hard when turning since last year.also, on highway while traveling at 55mph car drifting from side to side.

NHTSA ODI 11485216

Clicking noise from inside steering gear.

NHTSA ODI 11485048