2014 Ford Explorer · symptom sheet
Power steering cuts out or goes heavy
- 301owner reports
- 92,350median miles
- $2,200median quote
- 3involved a crash
Newest report Sep 23, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
493 of the 1,607 complaints on this car are about the steering system. 301 of those describe power steering loss, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2014 Explorer.
Tick what matches of 301 reports
Power steering loss on other Explorer years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025, 2026.
What this problem usually is
Power steering loss is the steering wheel suddenly going heavy, usually with a warning on the dash. Nearly six in ten complaints in this group mention a warning light or message, and almost two thirds mention driving or highway speed rather than parking.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the steering rack (80 reports), the EPS motor or module (33 reports) and the column (7 reports).
Recalls and investigations
No recall on the steering system covers the 2014 model year as of Oct 2, 2026.
NHTSA investigations into the steering system on the Explorer
Electric power steering failure. Closed jun 12, 2014, led to recall 14V-286.
Vehicle rollaway allegations. Closed aug 19, 2009.
Steering knuckle separations. Closed oct 29, 1999.
None of these investigations covers the 2014 model year.
What owners paid
47 of the 301 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $1,696 to $2,500.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 66,000 and 120,000 miles, from the 199 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“1.Failed Electric Power Assist System 2.Safety risk wild backing up from parking slot at Lowel's 3.Problem confirm at Truck City Ford service department technician 4.Failed components inspected and confirmed at actual road test by Ford Service Technician 5.Warning lite message on dash at time of Failure Only, no advance warning notification Truck City Ford :512-312-0800 15301 South IH35 Buda, TX 78610”
Filed Nov 9, 2023 · 114,492 miles
“Vehicle lost all power steering, traction control, and AdvanceTrac features due to electronic steering gear failure(ASE certified diagnosis). Very dangerous, and costly problem for a vehicle with only 100k miles.”
Filed Aug 29, 2022 · 100,000 miles
“Power Steering and Terrain Managment Sysyem Fault, Left me trapped in a completely different state, Vehicle only has 55,588 Miles on it, I haven't yet gotten it checked, but will update my complaint as soon as I do”
Filed Jul 19, 2022 · 55,588 miles
“Power steering stopped working, no warning lights or messages appear in the dashboard. Vehicle only has 44,000 miles on it. No power assist while i was driving and vehicle suddenly started going to the left, had to jam on brakes before i hit a vehicle parked on the left side if the street. Vehicle has not been looked at yet.”
Filed Jun 15, 2022 · 44,000 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 3 of 301 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Taking it to a shop? How to describe this problem so it gets found
Other problems on this car
- Trim or a body panel comes off while driving 162 reports
- Windshield cracks or distorts 116 reports
- Suspension noise, struts or alignment 102 reports
- A/C blows warm or the compressor fails 80 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 79 reports
- Steering wheel clicks, clunks or grinds when I turn 64 reports
- Airbag warning light or recall 45 reports
- Engine overheats or leaks coolant 45 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 39 reports
- Steering sticks, feels notchy or jerks 35 reports
- Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 32 reports
- Seat belt or seat problems 31 reports
- Water leaks into the cabin 31 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 27 reports