2014 Ford Explorer · symptom sheet
Steering sticks, feels notchy or jerks
- 35owner reports
- 90,000median miles
- $1,696median quote
- 2involved a crash
Newest report Jun 9, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
493 of the 1,607 complaints on this car are about the steering system. 35 of those describe sticky steering.
Tick what matches of 35 reports
Sticky steering 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: 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025, 2026.
What this problem usually is
Sticky steering is a wheel that catches or hangs for a moment before it turns, then moves in a small jerk. It's different from a wheel that's simply heavy: owners here describe a notch, and many say it's worst when making small corrections at highway speed.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the steering rack (16 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
9 of the 35 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $1,200 to $2,173.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 77,000 and 120,000 miles, from the 21 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“Steering has become stiff and not responsive, feels like it catches and then frees up. There are no waring lights or trouble codes to the issue.”
Filed Feb 2, 2024
“Traveling at high speed the vehicle will either stay in a locked position while making turns or will have a jerking motion. The cause is Power steering failed completely. Resolution is the entire system needs to be replaced rack and pinion and ecu needs to be flashed due to complete electric power steering.”
Filed Jun 5, 2023
“Steering has become âstickyâ and did not feel right, felt completely unsafe to drive. Steering made a grinding type of noise when turning the wheel. Took my vehicle to my mechanic for inspection. Mechanic inspected and confirmed the âsteering rackâ needs replacement. I will be replacing the steering rack asap. No warning lights.”
Filed Jan 2, 2023
“Steering is loose, and makes a sharp jerk to one side multiple times while driving and I am unable to keep control where the vehicle could crash.”
Filed Jul 30, 2021
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 2 of 35 reports involved a crash and 2 people were hurt. 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
- 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
- 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