general problems of the 2014 Ford Explorer - part 1

Ptu failure, due to no maintenance service recommended for ptu, ptu failure has been a ongoing issue due to the position of the ptu,location of changing fluid and no mileage recommended for regular service or recommended regular service in the owners manual.

The water pump is having issues with going out after the first cold snap of the year. This car was just purchased by us back in March of 2025. The car was inspected by the dealership prior to purchase as well as our personal mechanic. After further research this is a known issue especially in 2011-2020 models with economists engines. There have been class action lawsuits regarding this as well.

Ptu (transfer case) failure during a drive when I was making a safe left turn across traffic and the car quit moving forward with oncoming traffic inbound. Mazda has recalled this part but Ford has not. There are so many failures the part is out of stock for months. The ptu design was set up for failure as a non serviceable part.

When I was going down the highway at 60mph around a small curve and the steering wheel snatched hard, the car reduced the speed I was traveling (as if the brakes were engaged) and I lost ability to control. The traction control light on the dashboard flashed several times so I pulled over. The light went away and I proceeded to drive at a slow speed (it happened again at 40mph). I was concerned about wrecking the vehicle due to this issue so I had my husband come and pick me and my small child up. The next day he drove it with no issues but it has done it several times now. I started reading up on this vehicle and in fact others with the same make and model have had the same issues.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that when she had stopped for fuel and had placed the vehicle in park (p) and had turned the vehicle off. The contact stated that she was at the rear of the vehicle on the passenger side by the gasoline port, she had inserted the fueling nozzle into the gas filler tube when the vehicle began to roll backwards. The contact stated she pulled the fuel nozzle out of the port and then attempted to enter the vehicle through the front passenger door but was unable to get into the vehicle. The contact said that the vehicle rolled backward down the inclined gas station driveway and rolled into the roadway and stopped. The contact stated that she was shaken and was not sure if the front passenger door had struck her. The contact stated that she felt pain on her right side from the right side of her face to her hip, but she had not received medical attention. The contact was asked if she had set the parking brake and she reported that she had not. The vehicle had not been taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic signal, the signal changed, and the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle moved forward but failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 10 mph. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle and was able to drive back to the residence. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 15 mph. The contact stated that prior to the failure he observed that when the vehicle was shifted into park(p), a warning illuminated that read "not in park" several times. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 20v692000 (power train). The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Power transfer unit failed while driving on highway. Not a serviceable part as manufacturer claims it is a lifetime fluid. Approximate date.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the failed steering assist warning light illuminated. The steering column seized. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed rack and pinion and the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure reoccurred two weeks later. The vehicle was scheduled to be towed back to the dealer in a couple of days. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving or pulling off from a stop sign, the vehicle jerked and there was smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. No warning lights was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic who performed a diagnostic and stated the passenger side axle seal of the transfer case was leaking and recommended the transfer case be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 86,000.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 mph the vehicle would vibrate and he heard an abnormal rattling noise from the front and the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vibration and rattles were a constant failure and happened at any speed. Additionally, the contact stated that when he stopped for a traffic signal the vehicle was making a grinding noise as he depressed the accelerator to gain forward momentum. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 20v692000 (power train). The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Under moderate to heavy acceleration exhaust fumes are pouring into the cabin. The harder you accelerate the more you smell. Gives me a headache every time.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 10 mph, the steering wheel seized and made an abnormal grinding sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer . The contact stated that while driving at 45 mph, the transmission warning light illuminated and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to restart the vehicle but the failure reoccurred. . The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle hesitated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring for approximately six months. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to duplicate the failure. There was no warning light illuminated and the mechanic was unable to retrieve a fault code. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer. The dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA hotline. The manufacturer informed the contact that the warranty on the vehicle had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Power steering will fail sporadically when at highway speeds or city speeds and show error code. Advance trac awd system disabled, traction control disabled, unsafe.

2014 Ford Explorer XLT with 102,858 miles. All previous recalls have been repaired. Over a period of past 2 weeks, I noticed a steady increase in an intermittent lurch as I drove. It happened more often, so I took to mountaineer Ford on Jan. 13, 2023. They determined the transmission was failing, saying a new replacement would cost $7,500. Unable to afford that, I declined for the time being. On the way home, it suddenly got so much worse - grinding and lurching - I was not sure I'd make it before it failed completely. Thankfully, I made it but I consider the car no longer drivable.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that on multiple occasions while accelerating at 30-40 mph, the vehicle started to sputter and the engine misfired. The contact then stated that on other occasions while accelerating approximately 60-65 mph, the vehicle failed to properly respond. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the torque converter failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 17v427000 (power train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided the contact with customer satisfaction program: 20n07 and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.

Check engine light came on at approximately 79000 miles for timing components that will cost over $4000 to repair.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while at a stop light, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. The contact restarted the vehicle and the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission was slipping. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and a case was filed. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 96,000.

The transmission failed without warning while traveling down the highway. The vehicle is currently being diagnosed but cost of repair is unknown at this time.

My 2014 Ford explore set fire and lost control of steering on the highway the transfer case set fire, which made the driveshaft explode and twist. There were no warning signs of this. And we are very lucky that we were not hurt in this we have lost so much money and time there is no way that this was not due to a recall when I contacted Ford they pretty much told me the car was totaled and I was going to have to pay a lot of money depending on how much damage the fire did.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound, and then there was smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle and underneath the hood. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transfer case connected to the transmission was broken. The dealer informed the contact that the transfer case and transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 107,361.

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.

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.

Transmission failed on my 2014 Ford Explorer. I was made aware that the Ford dealer has seen a lot of transmission failures. I have to have a new transmission. Is Ford going to pay for this since they are aware of this issue?.

Tl the contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 6 mph approaching a turn, she heard an abnormal sound coming from the passenger's side front wheel. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 20v692000 (power train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,695.

I was driving down the road and I heard a loud grinding noise. I slowed down some but then when I tried to re apply gas it just revved up and would not go forward more. I was almost in an accident with people behind me. I was able to roll over to the side of the road. I put my car in park and heard the grinding again. I turned the car off and called my husband. When I restarted the car it would not go forward, backward or anything. It is a link shaft bracket failure that there is already a recall in place for but my truck was built 4 months before the date the recall begins for. We had the vehicle towed home and it just rolled off the tow truck like it was in neutral when it was supposed to be in park.

My pto went out at 75000 miles. I own Ford stock so I know they will take a hit. They need to fix inferior engineering. I had an aftermarket warranty but after investigating things can be done to fix blatant stupidity. If I was to traverse a hill on snow I could easily start sliding backwards without awd. Please make Ford fix this or are you going to create more cars like late 70 or early 80s were they were junk. Here's an idea when a car has a known defect like this force dealerships to list it. I like Ford it is only american car company that has some quality. Please protect the american public not to say the municipalities paying for all the interceptors that are breaking. All were saying is give us a fair deal and I will always buy american. This isn't a belt or windshield wiper motor. 1500 bill at 75000 miles. If you going to let them sell crap just let the american public know so we can protect ourselves.

Tl the contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the driver's side front door failed to latch securely when closed. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to lock the door securely. The contact stated that the door ajar and transmission not in park warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was shifted into park and the door slammed shut to start and drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to earnhardt Ford (7300 w. Orchid ln, chandler, az 85226, (480) 893-0000) and the contact was informed that the door latch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The approximate failure mileage was 98,500.

The water pump in my 2014 Ford Explorer 3. 5l v6 engine began leaking coolant. The water pump had to be replaced at 79,000 miles. I became aware of this problem after getting an oil change. The coolant reservoir had to be filled and I was informed of a possible coolant leak. Two weeks after getting the coolant filled, my radiator fan began running fast and loud. I brought it into the shop and was told I had a leaking water pump. There was only one inch left of coolant in the reservoir after just being filled up. I was then told it would take 14-16 hours of labor to replace the water pump which itself costs less than $150. I was referred by the shop to the dealership because the work needed was extensive and because it involved a Ford part. The dealership refused to pay for the repairs and referred me to Ford. The dealership confirmed the water pump leak. Basically, the engine had to be taken apart to replace the water pump, because the pump is made part of the engine itself. I believe the Ford engine and the water pump is defective. The gaskets or bearings in the water pump fail and there are weep holes in the water pump which allow coolant to leak into the engine and mix with the engine oil. My vehicle was out of the manufacturer's warranty. I spent $1,839. 82 to fix a single water pump! there should be an investigation into this manufacturing and design defect due to the burden it places on the public. There are also safety issues caused by this due to vehicles being so affected by the coolant leaks the engines shut down completely while in use. I understand this has happened to many, many other Ford 3. 5l v6 engines. I have the my vehicle repair records if you would like to review them.

Electric flickering occasionally smells like something burning. No warnings alerted. Interior lights/radio dim or go off or flash. Transmission problems, jerking, loss of power cabin fills with exhaust fumes especially when stopped unknown occurrence dates has been happening for at least 2yrs.

While driving approximately 45 mph I noticed a loud scraping noise from the front of the vehicle. Additionally the car felt like it was being help back when attempting to accelerate. I had the car towed to a Ford dealership where they diagnosed a faulty power transfer unit ($2,000 repair). The car had 81,000 miles and was never used for towing.

Vehicle stationary, attempt to engage transmission in park results in error message "transmission not in park".

My wife was driving like every other day, and she lost power/acceleration, and she pulled off the main road to a side road, and from there it would not move. Our 2014 Ford Explorer, 2. 0l i4 had a front right drive axle break off for no reason and jam itself into the transmission. All the techs at Ford have never seen this before, and have no reasons why it would do that. It took three techs to get it out. Now resulting in transmission damage. We are just over 100k miles, but this doesn't make sense due to there be no real reason or event we can trace this to. Ford did not let us see the damage or pictures of it. Would they be coving?.

Driver door ajar light is constantly coming on. The indoor lights do not power down for a few minutes. The alarm bell rings periodically while in motion indicating the door is ajar. The doors will not lock. This happens periodically on the highway as well as driving around town. When in park, the alarm bell will beep twice to indicate the door ajar signal is on, but the door is locked. This has happened several times within the last six months.