FaultScore

2014 Ford Explorer driver assist problems

49 of the 2,043 complaints about the 2014 Ford Explorer are about the driver-assist systems — 2% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 85,000 miles.

B

49

Complaints

5

Crashes

0

Fires

0

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Camera 13 26.5%
Back Over Prevention 12 24.5%
Automatic Emergency Braking 5 10.2%
Warnings 4 8.2%
Blind Spot Detection 3 6.1%
Warnings 3 6.1%
Adaptive Cruise Control 3 6.1%
Assist 3 6.1%
Rearview System Braking 3 6.1%

Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance across every Ford Explorer year

2012 13 1.9%
2013 59 8.5%
2014 49 7.1%
2015 133 19.2%
2016 22 3.2%
2017 18 2.6%
2018 33 4.8%
2020 215 31.1%
2021 67 9.7%
2022 42 6.1%
2023 22 3.2%
2025 19 2.7%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Rye, CO Crash

BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING

Back up camera goes blank with black screen

NHTSA complaint #11732118 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Elmhurst, NY

BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN HAVING AT ISSUE WITH THE REVERSE CAMERA SINCE THE BEGINING OF LAST YEAR. IT STARTED AS BEING DISTORTED TO FULLY NOT TURNING ON AT ALL WHEN IN REVERSE. I NOTICED THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE SAME ISSUES IM HAVING WITH MY REVERSE CAMERA BUT IT BEGINS WITH MODEL YEAR 2015. MY VEHICLE IS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. I HAD MANY INCIDENTS OF ALMOST HITTING PEDESTRIANS WHEN IM IN REVERSE TO MAKING INPACT WITH OTHER VEHICLES BEHIND ME. CAN THIS RECALL BE REVIEWED AND ADD ADDITIONAL MODEL YEARS AS THIS HAS BECOME A SAFETY ISSUE FOR ME AND MY FAMILY. THANK YOU.

NHTSA complaint #11716705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 140,000 miles Columbia, NJ

BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the camera image showed a reversed image, and there were lines through the camera screen, and occasionally the camera was off. The contact stated that the image was distorted, so the contact covered up the camera. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA complaint #11708739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Waynesburg, PA

BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

My uncle has a 2015 Ford Explorer and he received recall 25V695 for the rear camera issues blurry/ wavy and going completely black and not being useful. Almost have backed into a few things when it goes out in the middle of reverse. I believe this is a huge safety concern and my vehicle should be added to the list of affected. Not that they are going to do anything, I took mine in a year ago for the A=pillar trim flying off and they said they still don't have parts that I could either just park it or take the trim off and drive around that way. smh. Can you please help so I can feel more safe when I back up?

NHTSA complaint #11699463 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Waynesburg, PA

BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING

My uncle has a 2015 Ford Explorer and he received recall 25V695 for the rear camera issues blurry/ wavy and going completely black and not being useful. Almost have backed into a few things when it goes out in the middle of reverse. I believe this is a huge safety concern and my vehicle should be added to the list of affected. Not that they are going to do anything, I took mine in a year ago for the A=pillar trim flying off and they said they still don't have parts that I could either just park it or take the trim off and drive around that way. smh. Can you please help so I can feel more safe when I back up?

NHTSA complaint #11699463 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 90,000 miles Fargo, ND

BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while reversing, the rear-view camera briefly displayed an image, and the message "Rear-view Camera Unavailable" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rearview camera needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall; however, the model year was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA complaint #11698203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Denver, NC

BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

The rear back uo camera. The camera will randomly flip the screen when backing up & lose the lines or the screen goes black and nothing appears. It has not been confirmed byxa dealership yet. There were no warnings. There has been a recall for the 2015 explorer and up. Can the 2014 explorer be added to the recall aswell?

NHTSA complaint #11694998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 80,000 miles Flowood, MS

BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing, the back-over prevention camera system independently powered on and off. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA complaint #11692039 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 92,000 miles Lodi, WI

BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing, the back-over prevention camera displayed a black screen. In addition, the error message indicated that the back-over prevention camera was unavailable. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure description; however, the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

NHTSA complaint #11691711 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 70,000 miles Culver City, CA

BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the rear-view camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the image displayed on the screen was inverted, making it difficult to safely maneuver the vehicle. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was referred to the manufacturer for further assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA complaint #11687427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Riverdale, GA

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

When starting my vehicle the parking brake alarm is going off stating that my parking brake is engaged which it is not once I drive about a mile or 2 the alarm goes off but everytime I restart my vehicle he resets the process.

NHTSA complaint #11687036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Spring Hill, FL

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

Lose of controlled of the Steering will driving

NHTSA complaint #11685497 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 80,000 miles Virginia Beach, VA

BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger’s and driver's side A-pillar trim fractured and detached. The contact stated that the dealer arrived at the residence and inspected the vehicle; however, the contact was informed that parts were not available. The contact purchased the parts from Amazon; however, the contact had to apply tape to hold the parts in place. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the driver's side B-pillar trim had fractured and detached. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V347000 (Structure); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. Additionally, the back-over prevention camera screen displayed a black screen and an error message to call the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA complaint #11684572 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cape Coral, FL

BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a distorted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure limited driving visibility, preventing the driver from safely operating the vehicle. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at slow speeds, the contact was almost involved in two slow speed parking lot crashes. The contact was able to stop the vehicle before the crashes. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11665818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 50,000 miles Hilliard, OH Crash

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the rearview camera would display a distorted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure had obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. Due to the failure, the contact stated that they had been involved in two low-speed, parking lot accidents. The contact stated that no injuries were reported in either incident. Unknown if a police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. However, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA complaint #11663978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Eagle, ID

BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the back over prevention camera failed to operate as needed while the vehicle was shifted into reverse, and the image displayed was distorted. The contact stated that over time the failure worsened, and the screen went blank. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the vehicle was kept for three days for the repair. The contact went back to retrieve the vehicle and was informed that the part needed to repair the vehicle was unavailable and that the vehicle could not be repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the VIN for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11663710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

West Columbia, SC

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

ABS module. Indicater lights on ,tracktion control not on, warning lights to check brakes ABS systems. Ford cannot get parts to repair. Ford dealer cannot repair Leaving no brake assistance

NHTSA complaint #11656709 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Petaluma, CA

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

In February of 2024 I received a recall notice for this vehicle with respect to defective A-pillar applique trim clip attachments around the windshield. The recall stated that parts would be available the latter half of 2024 and that we would be notified when we could schedule our SUV to be fixed. We did not hear from Ford for many months. When winter approached, we called to see what the status was of the parts for this recall. We were told the parts were not available until December. Unaware that this flaw could cause severe water leaking, my wife drove the car as usual. The recall notice even states that there is no reason to stop driving the vehicle. When the first rains hit in November, the car leaked A LOT of water around the windshield and came through the top console. So much water leaked into the floor carpet areas had standing water. We had never experienced any leakage issues before and we're not properly notified that this was the potential issue or that it should not be driven in the rain. We STILL do not have any date for the fix on our SUV. We cannot drive it when it is raining, and in fact, have to cover it with a large tarp so water does not leak inside again. The leak having run down through the electrical system at the top of the inside of the windshield has caused problems. The sun roof now does not work and is now stuck in a partially open position. the rearview camera now works intermittently and the main computer console has gone black a number of times. We seem to have been able to air out the wet carpet smell that prevailed for some time. Needless to say, this is ridiculous. It has been a YEAR since the recall notice was sent. My wile and I are incredibly angry about this situation. Your dealership has done nothing to help us and has only said that we have to contact Ford directly ourselves. I would appreciate your passing this email along to Ford Customer Service in Dearborn, Ml and to your Service department. I will also be sending a copy to the National Highway Traffic Safety Admini

NHTSA complaint #11647570 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

New Iberia, LA Crash

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

Lane keeping system malfunction. Steering assist malfunction. I have no power steering and it’s hard to control vehicle. Ford diagnosed that I need a new steering rack and sensor.

NHTSA complaint #11623742 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 160,000 miles Stratford, OK

BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera displayed an inverted image. 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 file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

NHTSA complaint #11618550 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

New Iberia, LA Crash

LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

My steering system needs to be replaced. While driving, my steering became very hard to control. My vehicle sways and I wrecked bc of it. Ford said it’s the steering gear that needs to be replaced for $2600. My driver and lane keeping assist lights came on when this started happening. My car needs a new sensor because of the wreck as well. This has prevented me from attending to everyday activities such as work. I have lost so much money and will probably lose everything I have like my home because of this. Ford needs to fix this now!

NHTSA complaint #11615137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

New Iberia, LA Crash

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

My steering system needs to be replaced. While driving, my steering became very hard to control. My vehicle sways and I wrecked bc of it. Ford said it’s the steering gear that needs to be replaced for $2600. My driver and lane keeping assist lights came on when this started happening. My car needs a new sensor because of the wreck as well. This has prevented me from attending to everyday activities such as work. I have lost so much money and will probably lose everything I have like my home because of this. Ford needs to fix this now!

NHTSA complaint #11615137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Portland, TN

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

ABSModule part number DB5z2C219B. Part not available from supplier due to issue that has not been resolved. Vehicle not driveable due to possible break failure could occur.

NHTSA complaint #11606622 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Portland, TN

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

ABSModule part number DB5z2C219B. Part not available from supplier due to issue that has not been resolved. Vehicle not driveable due to possible break failure could occur.

NHTSA complaint #11606622 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 85,000 miles North Massapequa, NY

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while reversing the vehicle, the rearview camera displayed a distorted image. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

NHTSA complaint #11605580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

College Station, TX

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

Hi there! We received a letter in the mail about a recall on our EXTERIOR A-PILLAR TRIM which did fall off on its own and ripped of the seal that was on it by my windshield we never received a call from the dealership so they can replace this for us and because it fell off everyday that it has rain water has been getting into my car to the point that I have puddles on the floor of the vehicle water got into my dashboard and blew out my A/C Motor and blew out my sunroof motor which it is wide open now we can’t close it.. I ride around in the suv with it being extremely hot my children are also in the car with us because it is our only means of transportation also the buttons on my radio are messed up due to water getting in… I’ve contacted carvana the place we bought it from about this and they said this is a ford issue because they were suppose to replace this a while back I don’t know what to do or who to contact we can’t really afford to fix it on our own.. I am scared that one day I drive it the airbags will just go off because water is going all through my dash when it rains! I don’t know what else to do!

NHTSA complaint #11603919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Buffalo, NY

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

Lost of power steering while driving and ABS not engaging only flashing lights when getting close to object in front of you at higher speeds. Car inspection at oil change shows seized u joint for steering shaft

NHTSA complaint #11603097 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 124,024 miles Clarksville, TN

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing, the back over protection camera failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that while driving forward, the back over prevention camera image remained on the screen. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 124,024.

NHTSA complaint #11584789 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Katy, TX

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

Control arm on Ford 2014 explorer are prone to failure, causing vehicle to lose steering. Control arms rub excessively against brake components, also causing failure to both brakes, ABS, and sensors related to wheel speed. Failure is due to the manufacture. Strong action is need to prevent further road accidents if not addressed.

NHTSA complaint #11573329 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Glendale, AZ

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

Hello, yes my vehicle is available upon inspection request. Bell Ford(recall performed) and another shop has inspected the vehicle for the power steering issue. *I had a toe link recall completed at Bell Ford in May, 2022. Since then my vehicle has not been driving as smoothly. Please add this recall back to my vehicle. *The radio/ climate control screen updates and sometimes just goes black when I start the vehicle. Sometimes can take up to 5 mins to turn back on. Please add this to the recall list for my vehicle. *Forward collision warning never worked. ***The power steering went out while myself and my daughter were driving on a busy state highway. I was not going over 60 mph per speed limit. 3 alarms went off while driving. My SUV instantly became very hard to handle. There is no power steering. I went to an auto shop and they told me it was electrical, they couldn’t fix it and gave me a print out of the diagnosis. I’ve researched the problem and see this is a common issue and usually happens where it’s not safe to just stop as the vehicle suggests. I have pictures was trying to add but it won’t let me select that option. Please add this to the recall list for my vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11562070 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2014 Ford Explorer problems

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