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

Upon attempting to pick up my child from school the car began to jerk, hiss, and click. The vehicle gave no warning and recently (2 weeks ago) had was serviced for an oil change. The transmission is the issue. The vehicle is available for inspection. The severe jerking occurred when I was driving at 55 mph which significantly impacted my driving as I abruptly loss power. The vehicle is currently at a repair shop, Harrison’s Transmission in Easton, MD. The vehicle has not been evaluated by insurance, police or manufacturer. There was no warning lights or system notifications prior to the transmission failure.

NHTSA ODI 11452914

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse from the residence, the steering failed to turn either to the left or the right. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 97,658. Vehicle has not been repaired.*JB THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, BUT BELIEVED IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN. THE CONSUMER REFERENCED RECALL 14V28600.

NHTSA ODI 11452555

Was pulling up to gas pumps when steering failed/locked. Was able to stop vehicle to avoid collision with pumps. Steer Assist Fail warning light came on. Shut vehicle off and warning light went out and steering came back. Brought vehicle home and used other to go to work. Was told by dealer that the Steering Rack is faulted and needs replacement at 71000 miles. The 2014 Steering racks fail at between 60000-80000 miles just as the 2011-2013 Explorers do and need to be recalled before someone is killed.

NHTSA ODI 11452220

While driving I noticed the power steering had failed. The steering was difficult and jerky while making turns and while coming out of turns. With the steering inconsistent the vehicle would on occasion not come out of the turn on it's own and put myself and my family at risk of an accident. The vehicle was brought to Salem NH Ford and the problem was found to be the steering rack and lower steering u-joint, shaft assembly, and pinion. There were no warning lights on the dash. Repairs for vehicle totaled $3,346.31

NHTSA ODI 11451355

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V537000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall was unavailable. The contact called the local dealer who stated that the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11451136

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while turning the steering wheel there was an abnormal knocking and ticking sound detected. The maintenance warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and was provided a fee for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number 21V537000 (Suspension). The manufacturer was contacted but no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 122,000.

NHTSA ODI 11450191

It’s a dang shame you spend thousands of dollars for a Ford Explorer and because the people that built it were not very smart the people that own them are having to pay thousands of dollars to replace the water pump. And Ford will not recall this or help with the cost. No warning lights come on and then we are stuck with the cost. I will never own another Fire in my life time.

NHTSA ODI 11449753

Engine water pump leak the pump is internal and can potentially cause engine damage. Steering some times the power assist fails and you have to turn-off and restart the car to get the steering to work

NHTSA ODI 11448667

My steering started going out when I was merging infront of a truck. I was almost run off the road and hit by the truck at the same time but I muscled it.. it started working again for a second then went completely out saying power steering disabled pull over safely. I finally got to a place where I could pull over. Called a tow truck and my car has been sitting at the shop for months because Ford won't send the parts that were ordered. In looking up ways to get the parts I saw that there were so many other complaints of the same exact problem. I then looked up to see if there was a recall and the make and model was part of a recall but in looking up the VIN# it didn't show a recall. This issue could have killed me and from the other reports I've read it almost killed many others with the same car as well. Power Steering was inoperative. Code U3000 (control module) stored. Replace PCSM and program. PCSM is integrated into the steering rack. Integral part of the steering gear assembly. Includes lower subframe Program PCM. Is what the mechanic has put on the service order. My car was towed to the mechanic on 11/3/21. The part was ordered but Ford has yet to fill the order. The date today is 1/12/22

NHTSA ODI 11447182

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was abnormal noise of metal being dragged. The vehicle was shaking and while making a turn the steering wheel was difficult to turn. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the link shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign number 20V692000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 139,840.

NHTSA ODI 11447035

Re: 2014 Ford Explorer VIN: [XXX] I am writing to you with a problem with the Ford vehicle described above.. The two problems I am having seem to have been programmed into the onboard computer to fail after a certain time or mileage. I will address each problem individually starting with the most hazardous one first. The onboard navigation system utilizes a SD card program that becomes outdated as time passes. I have received numerous mailing from Ford notifying me that the original navigation system is outdated and that I should update to a current one at a cost to me of $149.00. The original system works fine for me and I felt no need to upgrade until the system began getting interrupted by prompts to update (see FIGURE 1 below). When the prompt appears the navigation system is no longer operational. The most recent of these interruptions became a serious and hazardous situation. I was driving on the interstate nearing an interchange to switch to a different highway. I was relying on the navigation system to direct me to the correct exit and this is when the prompt appeared. The navigation system was now useless and will only resume normal operation if the vehicle is shut off and restarted. You don’t do this at 70+ mph! My only option was to use my phone which meant I had to program it and while driving this is dangerous. I feel Ford was being irresponsible by programming the prompts into the onboard computer that disable the navigation system in return for the sale of an updated SD card. Ford was profit motivated in this programmed failure. FIGURE 1 IMG_1978.JPG 75.5kB INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI 11446306

Steering Gear Failure. Mileage: 119,000 - ERROR MSG: "Steering Wheel Default. Seek immediate attention". Visiting family over the holidays in a different State - December 23th. Complete Steering shutdown. There are already recalls by Ford on their 2011-2013 for this very problem. - This was a very early 2014 model Sept/Oct. of 2013. Ford dealer quoted greater than > $2500.00 to replace. No Parts availability - Amazing that other owners of 2014 Explorers have the exact same steering problem just within the past 2-3 months on this site. Please Ford !!!!! - Time to include 2014 as part of an earlier recall for SAME EXACT PROBLEM for previous 3 model years

NHTSA ODI 11445949

Exhaust smell in passenger compartment while driving; similar to sulfur. Feel safety at risk due to smell causing headaches/nausea; concerned about carbon monoxide or other hazardous materials. Vehicle brought to dealer on 12/13/2021 and issue confirmed. Dealer aware of similar complaints across this vehicle type; TSB is available, so Ford is aware, however not catagorized by Ford as a safety issue. Dealer "reset" HVAC system, installed plugs on tailgate and installed tape on rear body module. Dealer stated additional repairs may be necessary as these "fixes" don't always work. No warning lamps, messages or other notifications. Issue first began November 27, 2021.

NHTSA ODI 11445729

At one point the Explorer was always causing a rear wheel area to squeal really loud while driving. That finally got remedied but after 3 years of taking the vehicle in to 2 different shops. While yhe vehicle was still under warranty I was told there was nothing wrong and they can't reproduce the squeal. Once the warranty expired they said it was due to a seized brake which I ended up paying for the replacement even though they said this was a known issue on the Explorers. Another issue with the 2014 Explorer is water leaking into the rear compartments and the spare tire area in the vehicle. From online sear he's, this is also a known issue with no recalls. More recently, I was trying to get all four of my tires changed, but was told by the tire shop that they can't change my tires due to swollen lug nuts,this is a known issue on Ford's and I have to take it to a mechanic. I called Ted Britt Ford and inquired about the service to replace the lugs with solid metal lug nuts instead of the OEM chrome plated. Parts department told me they are $10 a piece. I went ahead an ordered them through the parts department. When I picked up my vehicle, I was told they don't sell the solid metal lug nuts and only replaced with the chrome plated OEM lug nuts.

NHTSA ODI 11444870

Steering gear failure. Ford dealer estimate $2,900 to replace the entire steering gear. A new part is not available, and there is no ETA on re-manufactured parts. The vehicle is unsafe to drive, and therefore unusable. There are recalls on 2011-2013 and 2015-2019 electronic assist steering gear systems for the same exact issue, why was 2014 was excluded, why does the vehicle require the entire steering gear after only 7 years of use, and why wont Ford take responsibility for a known failing and dangerous product. Ford CRC case # CAS34688035 has refused to take responsibility or assist.

NHTSA ODI 11444752

PCSM Power steering module. Sensor on Rack and pinion. Can inspect if needed. Steering goes out at random. Can be driving at any speed and loose all steering elements and traction control. Complete loss of steering occurs occasionally. Ford confirmed the issue and stated it was recalled in 2011-2013 models but not 2014, $2500 fix. Three lights appeared as all steering was lost on highway: Terrain management system fault, Power steering assist fault, service advanced track.

NHTSA ODI 11443298

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the “Steering Wheel Default, Seek Immediate Attention” warning message was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was 168,075.

NHTSA ODI 11443140

****** DUPLICATE VOQ ****** THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE IT IS AN INADVERTENT DUPLICATE OF ODI# 11442983*DJR ***** DUPLICATE VOQ ******

NHTSA ODI 11442984

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the "Steering Wheel Default, Seek Immediate Attention" warning message was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was 168,075.

NHTSA ODI 11442983

I am writing to notify you of the problems I am experiencing with my 2014 Ford Explorer VIN # [XXX] and to request help to resolve these problems with the vehicle in a timely manner. I purchased the vehicle 8 months ago (March 2021) from Bomnin Chervrolet of Manassas. I began having trouble with the heat temperature on the right passenger side of the vehicle. I took my vehicle to Sheehy Ford Lincoln of Gaithersburg Maryland for recall repairs and my husband explained to service what we have been experiencing with the vehicle. He was told the Carbon monoxide is due to a leak in the manifold and the transfer case was about to go. I have been in contact with my finance company about what has been going on with the vehicle and they instructed me to reach out to the dealership where it was purchased. Which I did and unfortunately, they aren't willing to assist in the major problems with the vehicle. I was told on Monday November 29, 2021 they will be willing to repair heat temperature and that's it. The problems with the truck is the radio touch screen which controls heat, music, seat warmers and so forth isn’t working, temperature on right passenger side, back up camera, carbon monoxide coming thru vents, manifold, and the transfer case needs to be replaced because its about to go; if it hasn't gone already. The truck wont back up without making loud grinding noises and stalling. These problems my family are having substantially impairs the use and valve of my vehicle and creates a serious safety hazard to my family. After explaining to the dealer that I am on a fixed income of just SSI and needed my vehicle for appointments and everything; they isn't willing to repair the major safety. It's very hard to understand why anyone would sell my family a 2014 Ford Explorer knowingly aware of its history from November 16, 2018 from a previous owner of Carbon Monoxide concerns, still this vehicle was sold to my family. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI 11442653

Recently started experiencing a weird noise coming from the front end near the wheel area. The noise was also physical since I could feel it through the steering wheel. I did take it to a manufacturer locally they could not duplicate the issue. I explained to them that they needed to keep it longer than a couple hours in order to duplicate the problem. I did feel like the dealer did not inspect my vehicle long enough by keeping it and driving it.

NHTSA ODI 11442669

My 2014 explorer is having the same steering fault assist recall problem the 2013 has. The power steering stops working and has happened while driving and now it is constantly popping up. Ford won't fix it under the recall.

NHTSA ODI 11441574

When turning the steering wheel, you can hear a terrible squeaking noise coming from the front end of the vehicle in the center. Over time the squeaking gets worse and worse. Steering the vehicle is becoming harder to control, when letting off the gas, the whole steering wheel will stay straight but the actual wheels are quickly do a hard pull to the right. This is extremely unsafe and is likely to cause an accident. Yes the problem has been reproduced by a service center. They told me this is the same issue with the 2013 (1 year older) and there was a recall on that year, however not the 2014, even though the same part was used in the 2014 also. There are no warning lamps, or messages. They have been gradually getting worse since I purchased the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11440485

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V435000 (Suspension) and 21V537000 (Suspension) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer and another dealer, John Kennedy Ford of Pottstown (3189 W Ridge Pike, Pottstown, PA 19464) were made aware of the issue and informed the contact that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect on NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V435000 (Suspension). VIN tool confirms parts not available on NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (suspension).

NHTSA ODI 11440042

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the oil extremely low warning message was illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with a blown head gasket. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000. When the engine failed there was absolutely no warning indication. My car is regularly in for oil changes at the dealership between 5-6K miles and there was no indication that there may be coolant in the oil when it was changed. No warning signs indicated on the console except for right before the engine went which was "Extremely Low Oil". Consumer stated climate control system in the rear of the cabinet turns on by itself. Additionally, in the morning or anytime when car is auto started consumer can smell a pungent order like sulfur in the heating system.

NHTSA ODI 11439789