2014 Ford Explorer · symptom sheet
Steering wheel clicks, clunks or grinds when I turn
- 64owner reports
- 80,000median miles
- $1,500median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Jun 9, 2026 · checked Sep 29, 2026
493 of the 1,607 complaints on this car are about the steering system. 64 of those describe steering noise.
Tick what matches of 64 reports
Steering noise 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: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025, 2026.
What this problem usually is
Owners in this group hear a click, pop, clunk, grind or squeal when they turn the steering wheel. Some say it started within weeks of buying the car. Others describe a knock that comes with a stiff or sticky wheel.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the steering rack (40 reports) and the column or coupler (5 reports).
Recalls and investigations
No recall on the steering system covers the 2014 model year as of Sep 29, 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
27 of the 64 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $650 to $2,000.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 58,530 and 100,000 miles, from the 39 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 1 service bulletin or notice for the 2014 Ford Explorer that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
SOME 2010-2016 EPAS EQUIPPED VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT STEERING RELATED NOISES. THE WORKSHOP MANUAL (WSM) DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES HAVE BEEN UPDATED IN SECTION 211-02. WHEN DIAGNOSING AND REPAIRING EPAS STEERING NOISES USE THE UPDATED PROCEDURES.
What owners wrote
“Steering noise. Steering will randomly lock up or extremely difficult to gain control. My car is a 2014 Ford Explorer bought new. 2011-13 & 2015-16 have recalls for steering issues realted to same symptoms and safety risk. Ford will not recall or procide cistomer care for this known safety risk for 2014 models.”
Filed Sep 9, 2024
“When turning the wheel grinding noise and it jerks steering wheel at time was told it was probably the rack and pinion but have to wait to weeks to take it where I bought it from to look at and not until the end of Oct for Ford to look at it several people have this problem too what can I do why hasn't part be recalled”
Filed Oct 4, 2023
“While driving my wifeâs vehicle it lost power steering and started hearing loud grinding noise coming from passenger side front. Was going at low speed so was able to get the vehicle off the road. Since losing power steering vehicle wants to pull to the right.”
Filed Sep 26, 2023
“Loss of power steering, electric steering assist is making noise when turning steering wheel. My mechanic said that i need new Gear Assembly, he also said that there is a recall for this for a Ford Explorer years 2011-2013 and 2015-2017 but for some reason there is no recall for 2014 even that its the same part”
Filed Apr 14, 2023
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 64 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
- Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 301 reports
- 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
- 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