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

After having the Water Pump exchanged (on 9/8/21) and a multi-point inspection done, and finding no issues, we went on a road trip. While driving on freeways, we noticed that while in a gentle curve of the road to the left, the steering wheel would not return to the neutral position when the road straightened. As we drove home, it became worse, to where we we would have to forcefully turn the wheel to straighten back to neutral. Returned Explorer to dealership 9/21/21. They finally were able to figure out it was the Rack and Pinion that needed replaced. We got the Explorer back on 10/13/21. Please hold Ford responsible for this issue as they have not fixed the problem that was on other years and this is no different.

NHTSA ODI 11438389

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle, the vehicle started to overheat. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was sludge in the engine. The contact was informed that there was coolant leaking into the engine oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 133,553.

NHTSA ODI 11438016

The electric power steering is failing. Turning the steering wheel is becoming more difficult. I fear it will completely stop working. Earlier 2013 models have recalls for this. There has not been a recall for the 2014 model. I am bringing it to the Ford dealer 10/26/2021

NHTSA ODI 11437814

Air bag light came on, when I took it in to get looked at they said the wiring harness is faulty and it has been reported by ford as a common issue on this vehicle. As of right now due to the faulty wiring harness rear air bags will not deploy in an accident. They will not cover the expenses of changing it and are charging $600 for the harness plus the labor.

NHTSA ODI 11436266

Torque converters failed without notice or warning. Could lead to complete transmission failure and risk passengers and other drivers safety. Dealer has confirmed the issue. Manufacturer has denied any sort of coverage or assistance. Vehicle has less than 52,000 miles and will now require a complete transmission replacement. Faulty engineering and manufacturing. Unacceptable.

NHTSA ODI 11436109

I have a 2014 Ford Explorer I bought used. On the passenger side the door panel is pulling away from the door and the armrest. After researching I found out this was covered under a recall so I contacted Ford. The lady I online chatted with told me to set up an appointment at my local Ford dealer to have it fixed that it would be covered under the recall 17N04. I contacted the dealer and they said the would order the part. A few weeks went by and I called to see if the part was in. The dealer informed me Ford would not cover the repair because my recall was over the years, but it was still under the mileage of the repair. They took photos and Ford still refuses to do anything the fix the problem. I then took it to a car repair business and they told me there was nothing they could do to fix it, that it was a design flaw on Fords part and it would need a new door skin. Is there anyway you can help me? I understand the years of the warranty are up but I also understand I have not exceeded the mileage on the recall and now I am stuck with an unrepairable door panel. Sure hoping there is something you can do.

NHTSA ODI 11435041

In failure while driving on highway and it was found that the issue was due to a faulty water pump

NHTSA ODI 11434164

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would jerk upon depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact then called a dealer and he was informed that they would charge a diagnostic fee for inspecting the vehicle however, the contact declined. The manufacturer also was notified of the failure and referred him to NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000. The VIN was unavailable.

NHTSA ODI 11434124

7/20/2020 and before, dashboard light came on with message "check charging system" then steering wheel locked up, turned off engine, waited 2-3 seconds, turned back on and its okay. Kept doing this once in a while, bought new battery, message kept coming on. 07/28/2021 message came on saying "something is draining the juice out of battery". This message came on after we bought a new battery. Told Ford company when getting oil change, they said my battery is charged okay. They don't know whats causing it.

NHTSA ODI 11433470

On August 14th, whilst on vacation in New Mexico, the steering of my 2014 Ford Explorer completely seized in the middle of the road, and left us helpless. Thankfully, we were on a relatively quiet side street in Taos. Just a few days earlier we were traveling up and down the steep winding roads to the top of Pikes Peak. We are thankful that this malfunction did not happen during this time, as the results could have been catastrophic. I have since read related safety recall notices for this issue, and the symptoms described in thse notices are exactly as I experienced. I am very surprised that my vehicle is not covered by any of the safety recalls. The failed rack and pinion was sent back to Ford for analysis. It is a sealed unit so the Ford mechanics at Capitol Ford in Sante Fe were unable to comment.I have attached a photo of the part. For reference with the cost of towing, repairs, car rental and flights, my outlay has been approximately $4,500. I have the necessary documentation to support this figure.

NHTSA ODI 11432591

About 2 weeks ago my steering wheel started making a noise whenever I turned the wheel both parked or moving. Since then it has progressed into a loud grinding noise. The wheel is sticking while driving on the highway and I have to force it to move at times. It does not return freely anymore on it's own to a straight forward position. After having the vehicle inspected atva local suspension shop, they told me it's dangerious and I could loose my steering entirely while driving and to have the rack and pinion replaced. I can see this is a common problem with this model and there was a similiar recall a few years prior for a similar problem. I don't think the proper improvements to the rack and pinion where ever applied in later models and there should be another recall or the prior recall should be extended. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI 11432049

Internal water pump failure. coolant mixing with oil. vehicle shut down unexpectedly while in motion.

NHTSA ODI 11431154

Exhaust Manifold leaking. Causing Exhaust smell in cab.

NHTSA ODI 11430838

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact had to turn the steering wheel with force to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that the cruise control was disabled, and the traction control warning light was illuminated when the failure occurred. The contact drove the vehicle home. The contact started the vehicle the following day and the power steering warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 143,310. Consumer stated the following morning steering locked up and was taken to the dealer. Dealer stated power steering needed to be replaced. While loading power steering broke free but makes a lot of noise. Consumer has not driven the vehicle since the failure and has noted 2014 Explorers were not included in the recalls.

NHTSA ODI 11430744

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and occasionally at start-up, the vehicle would suddenly lose power steering functionality. The power steering assist fault warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle several times the power steering regained normal function. The contact stated that recently the power steering failed to reset. The dealer was contacted and stated that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and referred the contact to NHTSA to file a complaint. The approximate failure mileage was 162,423.

NHTSA ODI 11430636

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal knocking noise would emit from the rear suspension without warning. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension) however, the vehicle was not included in the recall. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

NHTSA ODI 11430283

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the power steering failed, and the steering wheel became very difficult to turn in either direction. 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 139,000.

NHTSA ODI 11427855

Power steering stopped while driving

NHTSA ODI 11427360

Steering is loose, and makes a sharp jerk to one side multiple times while driving and I am unable to keep control where the vehicle could crash.

NHTSA ODI 11427241

I had recently reported a catastrophic failure of the power steering system while driving this 2014 Ford Explorer. After researching the issue with the recalls for 2011-2013 Explorer (recall 14V286000) the same component, the PSCM steering module failed with our vehicle (which was the reason for the recall on these vehicles). After the dealership replaced the rack and pinion steering system, the technician contacted me to say that the vehicle was still not working properly and that they had contacted Ford for tech support. Ford had informed the dealership that they had to re-program components which included the PSCM. The failure of this component led to the failure of our steering system. Why was the 2014 Explorer NOT included in the recall for this issue that is still a problem? Many are experiencing this same dangerous issue with the 2014!

NHTSA ODI 11426771

Had new tires put on my 2014 Explorer. They are showing wear on the rear ones. Now it handles very poorly on roads that are grooved. Need to have both have hands on the wheel with a good grip to keep it on the road. Feels like the rear is trying to pass the front. Going back to the Ford dealer next week. Hopefully they can repair this problem. Perhaps recall 21S31 will address this.

NHTSA ODI 11426801

The power steering assist on the vehicle produces a loud grinding noise when the steering wheel is turned in either direction. Additionally, the steering assist is sporadic during lane changes and turning corners. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic shop and they were able to replicate the same issues with the steering, namely loud grinding during the steering process and sporadic steering assistance. The vehicle has not been inspected by a dealership at this point and the independent mechanic advised to have a Ford dealership repair the vehicle since they have to complete some computer programming. Currently there has not been any warning lights or messages displayed and problem began about 2 weeks ago.

NHTSA ODI 11426694

Power steering is hit and miss. At time’s, near impossible to turn the wheel and other times it’s fine. (This is all within full rotation of the wheel). 100% chance of the steering almost locking up and 100% it will be fine in certain spots. This problem arose rather quickly, within about 2 weeks. Looking online, these same symptoms are causing others to have their steering completely lock up due to the electronic steering fail. I’ve had this vehicle about a month and a half and I would say the steering is about 15% power steering and 80% no power.

NHTSA ODI 11426563

Weather stripping on wind shield falls apart and becomes a projectile while driving.

NHTSA ODI 11426503

Power steering is failing but no codes or any indication of what is failing other than tight steering and grinding noise.

NHTSA ODI 11426399