The most commonly reported problems for the 2014 Explorer fall into four broad areas: transmission and driveline concerns, electrical and infotainment glitches, steering and suspension issues, and HVAC/air-conditioning faults. These categories cover the bulk of owner complaints for this model year.
Understanding these issues can help buyers evaluate a used 2014 Explorer, guide maintenance decisions, and set expectations for potential repairs. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of the main trouble spots, how they tend to present themselves, and practical steps to diagnose or prevent them.
Mechanical and driveline concerns
Below is a look at the primary mechanical categories most cited by owners, with specifics listed for clarity.
Transmission and driveline
Issues frequently mentioned by owners involve shifting behavior and driveline feel. If present, you might notice rough shifting, hesitation, shudder at certain speeds, or occasional hard engagements when moving from Park into Drive.
- Rough or delayed transmission shifts, especially during acceleration or at highway speeds.
- Torque-converter-related shudder or slipping, occasionally requiring service or replacement.
- AWD/drive-system noises or vibrations that correlate with speed or load.
Maintenance and early diagnosis can help prevent more expensive repairs. If you observe persistent shifting irregularities, have the transmission inspected by a qualified technician and review the service history for stage-related bulletins or recalls.
Engine and powertrain
Powertrain concerns on some 2014 Explorers center on misfires, reduced power, or rough operation, which can be linked to ignition components or fuel delivery in certain engines.
- Engine misfires or rough idle, occasionally accompanied by illuminated check-engine lights.
- Reduced power or hesitation during acceleration, notably under load or at highway speeds.
- Oil leaks or coolant seepage around engine seals or valve covers in some units.
Owners should review service records for ignition components (such as spark plugs or coil packs) and monitor for oil or coolant leaks. Addressing early symptoms promptly can prevent further damage.
Electrical and interior issues
Electrical reliability and infotainment behavior are frequent concerns in this model year, with technology-heavy trims often more prone to glitches.
Electrical system and infotainment
Many complaints center on the factory infotainment and electrical network, which can affect usability and reliability on a daily basis.
- MyFordTouch or equivalent infotainment glitches, freezing screens, or unresponsive touch controls.
- Warning lights activating for unrelated faults, battery drain, or charger/alternator concerns.
- Bluetooth, USB ports, or smartphone integration disconnects or poor pairing quality.
Software updates, component replacements, and careful inspection of wiring harnesses are common remedies. If these problems recur, a dealer diagnostic can assess fault codes and determine the appropriate fix.
Interior usability and components
Inside the cabin, some owners report issues with hardware and comfort items that affect daily use.
- Power window or door-lock failures, or sluggish door operation.
- Seat adjustment or memory features malfunctioning, particularly on higher-trim models.
- Gauge cluster or instrument panel intermittently losing illumination or behaving erratically.
Interior electrical problems often share underlying wiring or module faults; timely diagnostics can prevent further wear on affected components.
Chassis, suspension and safety systems
This category covers steering feel, suspension wear, and braking-related concerns that impact handling and safety.
Steering and suspension
Steering and ride quality can degrade with age, mileage, or wear of suspension components. Many complaints focus on feel, noises, or alignment changes.
- Electrical power steering assist faults or intermittent stiff steering, especially in colder weather.
- Wear-related noises from rear suspension components, control arms, or bushings.
- Occasional alignment drift or uneven tire wear indicating worn linkage parts.
Regular inspection of steering rack, tie rods, control arms, and bushings helps catch wear before it affects handling or safety.
Brakes and tires
Brakes and tire-related concerns are commonly documented as part of routine wear or sensor-related faults.
- Brake pulsation or noise from rotors; ABS sensor or wheel-speed sensor faults can trigger warning lights.
- Abraded tires or unusual wear patterns signaling alignment or suspension issues.
- Unresponsive brake pedal feel in extreme conditions if components wear or sensors are faulty.
Addressing braking or tire concerns promptly reduces risk and preserves stopping performance. Regular brake inspections and proper tire maintenance are advised.
Buying tips and maintenance guidance
If you’re evaluating a used 2014 Explorer, use this checklist to focus on the most common risk areas and plan preventive care.
- Request full maintenance history, focusing on transmission service, ignition components, and any electrical work.
- Check for dealer recalls and service campaigns by VIN, especially for transmission, MyFordTouch, and safety systems.
- Test drive with attention to shifting smoothness, transmission response, steering feel, and braking performance.
- Inspect for oil or coolant leaks around the engine and around the transmission area; look for lingering smells or stains.
- Evaluate the infotainment system’s responsiveness and confirm climate control and A/C cooling performance.
When in doubt, have a trusted technician perform a pre-purchase inspection that includes a diagnostic scan for stored fault codes and a visual check of critical components.
Recalls and maintenance reminders
Recalls and factory updates can address some of the above issues, but not every vehicle will have the same history. Always verify recall status for your specific VIN and track any required service with a dealer.
- Check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall database for your VIN to identify active or past campaigns.
- Ask the seller or dealer for a record of software updates, particularly for the MyFordTouch system and any transmission-related bulletins.
- Maintain regular maintenance intervals (oil changes, fluid flushes, brake service) using Ford-approved fluids and parts.
Staying current with recalls and service updates can reduce the likelihood of frustrating failures and preserve the SUV’s reliability over time.
Summary
The 2014 Ford Explorer is a capable family SUV, but owners frequently report issues in four broad areas: transmission and driveline behavior, electrical and infotainment reliability, steering and suspension wear, and HVAC/braking performance. These concerns vary by vehicle history and mileage, and many can be mitigated with timely diagnostics, preventive maintenance, and staying current with recalls and software updates. Prospective buyers should prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection and a complete service history to gauge how well a specific example has been cared for.
What are the biggest problems with a 2014 Ford Explorer?
Owner Reported Trouble Spots
- Paint/Trim. Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.
- Climate System.
- Body Hardware.
- Exhaust.
- Electrical Accessories.
- In-car Electronics.
- Suspension/Steering.
- Transmission Major.
How many miles does a 2014 Ford Explorer usually last?
Average Lifespan of a Ford Explorer
With proper care, a Ford Explorer can typically last between 200,000 and 250,000 miles.
Which year Explorer to stay away from?
Transmission problems rank among the most expensive issues with the Explorer. Early models, particularly the notorious 2002-2005 years, suffered from failures in the five-speed automatic transmission. Symptoms include rough shifting, slipping between gears, delayed engagement, or complete failure to move.
Is 2014 a good year for a Ford Explorer?
Among the 366 owners who provided feedback on the 2014 Ford Explorer for Kelley Blue Book, consumer sentiment is mostly positive, with 75% recommending the vehicle. As a whole, consumers found the vehicle's comfort and styling to be its strongest features and value to be its weakest.