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

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel would turn in the opposite direction of the driver input. The contact stated that the steering wheel made an abnormal noise. Occasionally, the vehicle intermittently lost power steering assist functionality. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The dealer and manufacturer were contacted and the contact was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 117,677.

NHTSA ODI 11465156

While operating my vehicle at approximately 40 mph, I experienced partial loss of steering (hard steering) making the vehicle difficult to control. The partial loss of steering experienced put myself and the safety of others in my vehicle at the and on the roadway at risk for a crash. I immediately took the vehicle into a repair shop to have it inspected to ascertain what the issue was. Upon completion of the inspection, it was determined that the rack and pinion failed and needed to replaced. Prior to the loss of steering, I DID NOT receive any warning indications on my dash about steering issues or steering failures.

NHTSA ODI 11464655

Steering gear is grinding and showing signs of the same condition that the 2013 models were recalled to repair. Is it possible the steering equipment in the 2014 vehicle was manufactured doing the period the suspect gears were built?

NHTSA ODI 11464668

1. power steering system. Yes. 2. The steering becomes hard to steer while it is making the noise. 3. I have not taken it to the dealer yet. 4. No. I can't afford to get it fixed yet. 5. No. Several weeks ago. The steering becomes hard to steer and makes a lot of noise when it happens. It usually corrects itself after it happens. It is getting to the point where it is happening more frequently. I am at the point where I need to get it fixed but I can't afford the repair cost.

NHTSA ODI 11464233

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH and entering the highway exit ramp and turning right, the power steering failed to operate properly. The contact stated that extra effort was needed to steer the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to his residence. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.

NHTSA ODI 11464058

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn to the left. The contact accidentally struck the curb; however, there were no injuries. There were no warning lights. There was minor damage to the front end of the driver's side. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximately failure mileage was 75,000.

NHTSA ODI 11464077

The contact's father owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension) the dealer performed a complete inspection of the vehicle and informed the contact that the mass air flow sensor needed to be serviced and the coolant system needed to be flushed. The contact stated that the dealer completed the service and the recall repair however, upon picking up the vehicle and returning to his residence, the contact's father noticed that there was mechanical fluid leaking from the vehicle onto the ground. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that engine needed to be flushed and the timing chain and water pump needed to be replaced. The dealer also informed the contact that the vehicle was not drivable and he would be responsible for the cost of the repair. The contact's father declined to cover the repair as the failure was due to a technician error. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact's father then took the vehicle back to his residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and contacted the dealer who advised that they would not cover the repair of the vehicle. The manufacturer informed the contact that they could not force the dealer to repair the vehicle and referred the contact to NHTSA. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 56,556.

NHTSA ODI 11463340

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 80 MPH, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was overheating. The contact pulled over and had the vehicle towed to a dealer. While at the dealer, the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective water pump. The dealer acknowledged that the failure was a known issue; however, there was no recall associated with the vehicle. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was driven to the residence and remained unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.

NHTSA ODI 11463264

I was traveling from Florida to Georgia on Sunday, May 1, 2022. I left Homosassa Springs, FL at 7:00 AM. At around 3:30 PM, I was traveling on Hwy 515, Jasper, GA. The traffic was heavy on the two lane road, speed limit was between 45 mph and 55 mph. I was traveling 45 mph when my car started driving very strange. I noticed it in the steering wheel, I pulled into the Jasper Walmart parking lot and could barely steer my car and then a message came on my dashboard stating that my electrical power steering system had shut down! Good Grief, I had just come through nightmare traffic through Atlanta...what if it had happened then! I researched this problem with the Ford power steering system. I saw that NHTSA investigated this issue in 2012 and found that this power steering problem posed a legitimate safety risk. A recall was made on 2011-2013 Ford Explorers built from 5/17/2010 thru 2/28/2012 based on an intermittent connection in the electric power steering gear. I truly believe for the safety of us who are driving a 2014 Ford Explorer and those on the roadway with us, that the NHTSA needs to investigate this further. Is Ford still using the same power steering component? Since what happened to me is the same problem investigated, it appears that they are. I filed Case #[XXX] on Monday, May 2, 2022 because I think FORD is responsible for this repair. My 2014 Ford Explorer has 59,363.9 miles, driven by an older (80 on May 9) female. I am a very safe and cautious driver. I have taken excellent care of my car with consistent service requirements. This vehicle has not been abused. Your consideration for my request to investigate this issue is appreciated. Thank you [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI 11463106

I was pulling into a parking space turning my steering wheel to the right when steering seized up causing me to barely miss the concrete pole in the garage. The error message "Steering Assist Fault" popped up.. Turned car off left it as is since was difficult to turn wheel. When I went back to turn car off it reset itself and I was able to drive it without issues, but now very cautious in case I am driving on the road and this happens. There are two recalls 21S32 and 19S17 on my vehicle for "replacement of rear suspension toe links" It appears after researching that this defect can cause "a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash"

NHTSA ODI 11460847

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, it was discovered that the driver’s side front window pillar trim molding had come unsecured and was nearly dislodged from the vehicle. The contact indicated that duct tape was used to secure the trim piece back to the vehicle to prevent it from separating from the vehicle while driving. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 37,000.

NHTSA ODI 11460668

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving over bumps in the roadway at various speeds, a jolt could be felt from the rear end of the vehicle. The contact then received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension) which she linked to the failure. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer for the repair; however, upon return of the vehicle, the contact was informed that she needed to replace a knuckle assembly on the toe link that was not covered under a recall. The contact was assured that the vehicle was safe to drive and she was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The contact then stated that while driving 65 MPH, she drove over a bump in the roadway and the entire rear end of the vehicle slid into the opposite lane of traffic and almost caused an accident. The contact then read her service report which stated that the recall was not serviced since the assembly knuckle was not replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The contact was then transferred to the NHTSA to file a complaint. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 108,000.

NHTSA ODI 11460486

I have been trying to get the recall done for a year and a half only to be told the parts are not available. Just got a letter from Ford that parts were available so I called for appointment. Guess what! No parts. Year and a half and still no parts. This is a real safety issue. There have been known s accidents caused by this part failure yet after all this time I'm told no parts. Crazy!!

NHTSA ODI 11460525

Took to dealership to fix previous recall issues and was told clunking noise when turning right is do to needing new rack and pinion system. Previous recall for this excludes the 2014 explorer but covers the 2013 thru 2017.

NHTSA ODI 11459960

When driving the Ford Explorer 2014, the power steering seems to be faulty, when turning corners or pulling out of parking spaces the steering wheel is very hard to turn. Re: safety it is very hard to steer and very dangerous, seems like it has a mind of its own. Been inspected by a Ford Dealer in Brattleboro and have been informed that i need to replace the Rack & Pinion Assembly R&R. I have been reading different websites and have noticed that ford explorers from 2013 to 2017 apart from 2014 have been recalled due to steering issues and there are many comments and complaints re: other ford explorers 2014 owners having steering issues. No warning lights have come up on the desk board.

NHTSA ODI 11459716

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and an appointment was scheduled; however, the appointment was rescheduled for a later date. 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. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11459573

Hello, my vehicle as I’m driving it jolts. Now it doesn’t happen all the time but , I’ve have noticed it.

NHTSA ODI 11458489

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the engine was making loud noises, and then the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled over safely to the side of the road. No warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel; however, a message was displayed to shift the vehicle into park (P). The state patrol arrived on the scene and contacted the towing company. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed with water pump failure. The contact was also informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.

NHTSA ODI 11457638

Went to start my 2014 Explorer on and it struggled 3 times before turning on. It showed a "Check Brake System" light in the dashboard for a quick second but other than that the car seemed to be ok. I turned on my information panel to check the temperature gauge and it was normal. Kept it on that while driving my kids to school to make sure if I had to pull over I could. I immediately brought it to Hemborg Ford in Norco, CA. When I first brought it in and they popped my hood my coolant tank was below the recommended line and the service advisor immediately said it's most likely my water pump. They had my SUV for over 24 hours for testing and sure enough it's the water pump. Ford decided to install the water pumps INSIDE the engine rather than outside. This is a very dangerous move as the coolant and oil can mix which can cause a vehicle to shut down unexpectedly. Thankfully I trusted my intuition and took it in when I noticed something off and didn't ruin my engine or overall car. I was quoted $2900 to fix this issue. $2500 in LABOR and $400 in PARTS. This is because the job can take up to 14 hours to complete start to finish due to the location of the pump. This is ridiculous. We need something done. Soooooo many people are paying thousands of money out of pocket for something that shouldn't even be a problem. Look at all these complaints: https://www.vehiclehistory.com/articles/all-about-the-ford-explorer-water-pump-recalls

NHTSA ODI 11456920

The Water Pump failed unexpectedly, no warnings or alarms.

NHTSA ODI 11456900

The vehicle has such a strong propane smell at times.

NHTSA ODI 11456316

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while her husband was driving 55 MPH, the steering wheel seized and could not be turned. The contact stated that the "Steering Loss Stop Safely" warning light was illuminated. The contact's husband pulled off the roadway and stopped the vehicle. The vehicle was towed back to the contact's home and later towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed and it was determined that the steering gear box needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

NHTSA ODI 11455897

my wife own's a 2014 ford explorer and we been having problems with the power steering assist fault. on 5/7/2021 we had a message display on the dash saying power steering assist fault while she was on the way to work. when this happens you have no steering and goes into manual steering and is hard to steer. she got the vehicle off to the shoulder of the road and turned vehicle off and restarted it and power steering message went away. she took it to our local ford dealer and the scanned it for the problem and they gave her a code of C1BOO and code U3000 and both codes ford manufacturer says it is a information code saying doesn't require parts or to be diagnosed or replaced. now on 2/23/2022 the same problem happened while taking my 7 yr old daughter to school and message on the dash came on saying power steering assist fault service and she had no previous warning and the steering locked up while going down the road. so we took it back to the ford dealer again and they quoted us a price of 2175 before tax to have it repaired. yes it has 90,000 miles on the vehicle but the first time we took it in it had a extended warranty. so i called ford customer complaint and they told me there was nothing they could do cuz the vin# had no recalls on it and i told them someone is going to get seriously injured if not killed. there is page after page of this problem happening to other ford explorer owners and its pretty pathetic that ford has been having this problem with the explorer's since 2011 for what i have been reading.

NHTSA ODI 11455932

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10-12 MPH and coming to a stop, the steering wheel seized. The contact stated that the failure almost caused a crash. The contact quickly veered to the emergency lane and turned on the hazard lights. The traction control warning light and the warning message "Steering Loss. Stop Safely" illuminated. The vehicle was being towed to the dealer and had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist because the VIN was not included. The manufacturer referred the contact to NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ODI 11454474

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while pulling into a parking spot, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.

NHTSA ODI 11452824