Body problems of the 2014 Ford Explorer - part 2

89 problems related to body have been reported for the 2014 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2014 Ford Explorer based on all problems reported for the 2014 Explorer.

36 Body problem

Failure Date: 12/22/2021

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.

37 Body problem

Failure Date: 05/19/2021

The right side a pillar windshield molding flew off at highway speed on the interstate, this molding was not showing any signs of being loose prior to it coming off. The one one the drivers (left) has been loose for some time but is still holding on.

38 Body problem

Failure Date: 04/15/2021

Ford service action #17n04. Ford will not complete this service action due to mileage. The driver door panel is peeling back so far that air catches in it and is pushed back by air when driving on the highway with the window down. The door panel gets pushed into the driver and is a safety hazard.

39 Body problem

Failure Date: 03/15/2021

Drivers side pillar trim has flown off the car at hiway speeds twice now. This is a very dangerous incident, that keeps happening and Ford will not acknowledge that there is an issue.

40 Body problem

Failure Date: 10/08/2020

I have a 2014 Ford Explorer XLT, recently my passenger side weather strip along the front windshield blew off while driving on a highway. My driver side did the same about 3 months ago. The plastic trim piece along the front windshield, driver side is lifting also, I have tried to re-glue several times but does not seem to last. This should be fixed by Ford, I have read a lot of complaints about this. These pose a safety issue if the plastic trim piece blows off on the highway.

41 Body problem

Failure Date: 10/01/2020

The windshield outside pillar/trim molding of a 2014 Ford Explorer, flew off car while driving (65mph) on the highway. This is the second incident within less than a year. And from what I gathered from dealership and online research, it's a very well known problem.

42 Body problem

Failure Date: 06/24/2020

Yesterday I was driving down the freeway and the windshield side panel and rubber flew off while I was driving. The plastic piece hit the car behind me. Very scary and unsafe. This is going to cost me over 500$ to replace and this is an expensive car. I also maintain my car well and take care of it. This is not something that should happen. The windshield repair shop said they see this problem on my car all the time. This is unacceptable and dangerous. Ford should have to fix this problem before it causes a major reck and someone dies.

43 Body problem

Failure Date: 04/17/2020

The driver door panel had buckled and coming off. Recall 17n04 but because it after 5 years they wont cover. This not fair when they knew this was an issue.

44 Body problem

Failure Date: 02/26/2020

Tl- the contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and idling with the defroster turned on the rear hatch window suddenly shattered. The cause of the failure was not determined the local dealer west herr Ford(5025 camp rd. Hamburg NY) and manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 84,000. Jft.

45 Body problem

Failure Date: 11/20/2019

Driver side exterior door handle came off when door was opened while stationary.

46 Body problem

Failure Date: 10/30/2019

My panoramic sunroof/moon roof shattered for absolutely not reason randomly tonight while sitting stationary in the driveway (not parked under anything!). Thank goodness I had my visor closed or it would have shattered all over my 2 children.

47 Body problem

Failure Date: 08/19/2019

Door panel has popped off the top of interior drivers side door and is also pulling away on arm rest. This was a previous recall by Ford but ours did not occur until after the recall end date and Ford would not replace door panel unless your showed the defect. Ford refuses to fix even though they know its a flaw.

48 Body problem

Failure Date: 08/05/2019

Windshield molding on both sides has just blown off while I am driving on the freeway and the driver side passenger door molding has also flown off while drive in the canyon. I have had all threes panels blow off while I was drive with in 3 months and I am so mad about it because they are so expensive to replace. Not only are they expensive if it rains it is going to rain straight into my car this is a horrible hazardous problem that needs to be fixed. I am lucky that one of those panels didnt hit someone elses car and cause damage or worse because those are big thick molding that could really cause major damage to someone else and their vehicle. I have had other Ford vehicles and I bought this one really excited and has been nothing but disappointing. So long story short 3 different panels/molding flew off my car in the canyon or freeway on 3 different occasions and it is so dangerous.

49 Body problem

Failure Date: 06/09/2019

Drivers side (windshield outer moulding trim pillar) flew off while driving on the freeway nearly hitting cars behind me continuing to rubber flap poundingon window and mirror until rubber flap also flew off.

50 Body problem

Failure Date: 04/29/2019

Apim unit and plastic body components 2014 Explorer, sync2 v3. 10 symptoms: malfunction of power window controls, radio controls, rear camera and vent controls. The apim also controls many other safety functions, such as safety lanes, park assist, backup guides, gps, cruise control, trailer/tow information, and other warnings/features. It is notable that Ford has issued recalls for the apim due to safety issues in different year Explorer, as well as f150, f250, f350, escape, expedition, fusion and Lincoln models navigator and mk2 models, to name a few. This has been reported once, I spoke with a Ford representative and he setup an appointment at the dealership that was to setup an appoint for diagnosis before they setup a repair/replacement appointment. An appointment to setup an appointment to setup a diagnosis appointment to setup a repair appointment. Seriously, what is up with that? finally, plastic window components had to be replaced. Ford issued a recall on these items but it was after we had the repairs completed. They refused reimbursement.

51 Body problem

Failure Date: 04/20/2019

I was driving on the highway and heard a scraping sound similar to the sound of ice scraping across the windshield before it flies off. The next morning I noticed that the trim around the windshield was gone. I thought it was just my car but I am now seeing more Explorers with the same problem. I called a Ford dealer and was told that there is no recall and that I would have to pay for the repair.

52 Body problem

Failure Date: 02/20/2019

While driving on the freeway on 2 occasions, the a-pilar trim pieces have flown off of both the driver and passenger side. This nearly caused a collision for the vehicles driving around me. I also learned that possibly secondary to the trim pieces flying off, the vehicle is now collecting water on be floorboard which has led to a mold infestation in the vehicle. Ford said the aforementioned described items are not a manufactured or warranty repair. Now my 5 month old child is exploded to mold because Ford cannot locate where the vehicle is leaking from.

53 Body problem

Failure Date: 11/25/2018

Tl the contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the front windshield trim detached from the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 141,000.

54 Body problem

Failure Date: 11/01/2018

The black windshield moulding on the driver came loose. This is the second time this happened. I was on the highway.

55 Body problem

Failure Date: 08/25/2018

The plastic covering on the drivers side window pillar flew off while going through an automated car wash. After inspecting the passenger side I noticed it is loose also and will probably fly off at some point also.

56 Body problem

Failure Date: 08/17/2018

Tl the contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the driver's side front door panel detached from the door frame. The vehicle was taken to the soo motors Ford (391 3 mile rd, sault ste. Marie, mi 49783, (906) 632-2278) who informed the contact that the door panel needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the repair was no longer covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA to file a complaint. The approximate failure mileage was 93,382.

57 Body problem

Failure Date: 06/09/2018

I was driving on the interstate and both pieces of the windshield trim flew off within 10 minutes of one another. Luckily one was partly detached and I was able to keep it from flying and hitting another vehicle, but the other one flew off. Luckily, it did not hit another vehicle, but easily could have hit a vehicle behind or beside us.

58 Body problem

Failure Date: 04/29/2018

The a-pillar exterior molding fell off. This was the second time such a part falling off. This time it was the driver side. The first time was a year ago on the passenger side. The a-pillar exterior molding fell of on the freeway at high speed. The car was essentially a high-speed road hazard to public safety, because the pointed hard plastic molding became a projectile that can seriously hurt some car or people behind.

59 Body problem

Failure Date: 12/12/2017

For about 8 months I have been suffering from dizziness spells that happen quite often, nausea , headaches, blurred vision, and anxiety that is brought on from these symptoms. I have been to the doctor countless times attempting to figure out the problem of the cause of my sickness. Before I followed up on the recall I wasn't aware that my car was being recalled for carbon monoxide concerns. But it all makes sense the majority of time I feel these symptoms is either when I'm driving or have finished driving. (next dr's visit I will request they do lab work for potential carbon monoxide poisoning. ) of course all the symptoms linger because obviously it stays in my system. I feel like my car is making me really sick. I am afraid to drive my car that I have had for 2 years.

60 Body problem

Failure Date: 11/17/2017

While driving down the interstate around 70mph) the trim along the windshield on the driver's side suddenly snapped and flew off.

61 Body problem

Failure Date: 10/21/2017

Exhaust fumes in cabin when accelerating at higher speeds, especially when entering interstate and passing cars at higher speeds.

62 Body problem

Failure Date: 09/02/2017

Vehicle has 40k miles on it. Strange vibration coming from passenger side. All of the sudden the window molding/trim from the windshield files off! causing motor vehicles behind us to swerve! got out and checked, sure enough the drivers side molding is loose to. This could be a huge safety issue. Had it repaired, guy at the dealer told us it was a known problem. Was doing approx 75 mph on I 75. It was very scary.

63 Body problem

Failure Date: 08/11/2017

I am writing to you in regards to physical illness that I have suffered as well as my passengers from my 2014 Ford Explorer police interceptor package. Starting back when I first purchased the vehicle at approximately 59,000 miles, I have experienced an exhaust odor in the cabin shortly after accelerating over 3,000rpms. This issue has been investigated at my local dealership twice, with the technician confirming the smell. After this work was performed, I still to this day am suffering from exhaust fumes and physical illness directly related to my Ford Explorer. All repair orders from involved Ford dealerships are in my possession confirming exhaust fumes are still entering the cabin. From the time I took ownership in October 2016, I have experienced physical illness when driving the vehicle for more than 1 hour at a time. I get extremely lightheaded and nauseated, which has caused me to frequently stop the vehicle and vomit. My passengers in the vehicle have also experienced similar symptoms when riding in the vehicle. When this happens, I stop at a safe location and remove myself to fresh air, and the symptoms soon pass and I am able to drive again. Recently, I have traveled from massachusetts to vermont in my Explorer. The mostly highway driving trip it was me as well as my girlfriend. After around an hour of driving at 60mph, my girlfriend and I were feeling very dizzy and became nauseated, so I opted to stop and relax at a rest stop for fresh air prior to continuing my trip to vermont. I have installed a carbon monoxide detector in my vehicle, which has activated more than one occasion while driving. At this time I am negotiating with Ford's office of general counsel to perform a buyback of my Explorer and replace it with a different vehicle.

64 Body problem

Failure Date: 08/06/2017

The window trim on both sides of the front windshield became loose and then flew off of the vehicle while driving. The car has 3500 miles. Why is this not a recall? others have had this same issue I have learned by reading these forums.

65 Body problem

Failure Date: 07/10/2017

The car is little under three years old and the door panel is coming apart around the window. Another issue is the smell of carbon dioxide when I accelerate. And another issue is the hood is showing rust spot (showing oxidization).

66 Body problem

Failure Date: 06/23/2017

Windshield trim pieces have blown off multiple times and had to be reattached by body shop. Located trim piece on side of highway. Likely put drivers in rear in danger due to flying debris. No warning was given of the faulty pieces coming free from the SUV.

67 Body problem

Failure Date: 06/15/2017

The electronic power steering rack has failed on our vehicle. This I have seen is a problem Ford has had in the past and has still not remedied the problem. The out of pocket costs are $2500. 00 . The steering is unsafe and is allover the road. Further to this the power seat motor failed and they want $2500 to repair it . This I feel is very unfair and gouging.

68 Body problem

Failure Date: 03/23/2017

The driver side windshield trim flew off my vehicle while I was driving on the highway at approximately 70mph. This is the second trim piece that has ripped off my vehicle while driving. The passenger side blew off about a year ago when I was driving on the highway. I am worried that a large piece of plastic flying off my car at high speeds may hit another vehicle on the road and cause and accident or injure someone. I googled "Ford Explorer windshield trim problems" and there is a lot of complaints online. The dealership wants to charge me $290 to fix it but I feel like this problem is dangerous and is not something that should occur with normal wear and tear on the vehicle. Attached are photos of my car and the Ford estimate so you can see the parts numbers. Thank you for your help.

69 Body problem

Failure Date: 03/16/2017

Passenger side windshield trim peeling back and separating from the windshield, heavy vibration noise occurs at speeds over 15 mph, at 65 it is deafening. No accident, no rough travel, this is a soccer mom car, that goes to school, supermarket and home. No rough history of washes. . Read more...

70 Body problem

Failure Date: 03/03/2017

Driving on the highway going about 65 miles per hour, passenger windshield side panel flew off the my 2014 Ford Explorer truck that could have caused damages to other vehicles behind me or even an accident. I just bought the vehicle from a dealership about 2 months ago. I notified the dealership and was told the part is not under extended warranty and I would have to pay over $200 to get the panel replaced.


Other Structure related problems of the 2014 Ford Explorer


Explorer Service Bulletins
Explorer Safety Recalls
Explorer Defect Investigations