10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 10 / 1
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 6 / 1
- Average Mileage:
- 58,359 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
« Read the previous 20 complaints
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.
- Queen Creek, AZ, USA
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.
- Berkeley Springs, WV, USA
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.
- Snellville, GA, USA
****** duplicate voq ****** this complaint is being marked for deletion because it is an inadvertent duplicate of ODI# 11442983 ***** duplicate voq ******
- Snellville, GA, USA
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.
- Snellville, GA, USA
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.
- Lexington, KY, USA
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.
- Green Bay, WI, USA
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.
- Mira Loma, CA, USA
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
- Orland Park, IL, USA
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.
- Katy, TX, USA
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.
- Grand Prairie, TX, USA
Power steering stopped while driving
- Temple, TX, USA
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.
- Plainfield, IL, USA
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.
- Davenport, IA, USA
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.
- Toledo, OH, USA
Power steering is failing but no codes or any indication of what is failing other than tight steering and grinding noise.
- Amarillo, TX, USA
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 3 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the power steering assist failure message was displayed. The vehicle was towed and was diagnosed but not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the Vin was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and the contact was informed that the Vin was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
- Independence, OH, USA
Vehicle started making a grinding noise when turning and a slightly throbbing feedback through the wheel. We stopped driving immediately. According to the dealership the power steering module is failing needs a total replacement. Parts are on back order do to so many others needing same issue. 12-13 and 15-17 Explorers all had recalls do to this same part. However the 2014 models were not because of this I am out the $2700 even though Ford knows there is an issue. I am a single customer and have no power to show how bad for safety this is.
- Portland, OR, USA
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel stiffened while making a turn with a screeching sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed that the electronic steering rack and pinion was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.
- San Clemente, CA, USA
- Jacksonville Beach, FL, USA