2014 Ford Explorer · symptom sheet
Suspension noise, struts or alignment
- 102owner reports
- 85,000median miles
- $900median quote
- 7involved a crash
Newest report Sep 19, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
102 of the 1,607 complaints on this car describe suspension.
Tick what matches of 102 reports
Suspension 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, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025, 2026.
What this problem usually is
Suspension complaints are mostly about noise and handling: a clunk over bumps, a car that pulls to one side, a ride that bounces or leans more than it used to. The more serious reports describe a part breaking or coming loose, and that's where the recalls in this group are concentrated.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the control arm (8 reports) and the struts or shocks (5 reports).
Recalls and investigations
4 recalls on the suspension system cover the 2014 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
Exposure to road salt can cause the cross-axis ball joint to corrode and seize, resulting in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.
The outboard section of a rear suspension toe link may fracture.
The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
The affected vehicles may have improperly welded rear suspension toe links that may fracture.
All 7 recalls on the 2014 Ford Explorer, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the suspension system on the Explorer
Front suspension stabilizer bar link. Closed nov 30, 2000, led to recall 00V-402.
Whl separation/torque loss. Closed aug 31, 1992.
None of these investigations covers the 2014 model year.
What owners paid
7 of the 102 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $100 to $990.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 44,000 and 110,000 miles, from the 47 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“EXTERIOR A-PILLAR APPLIQUE TRIM CLIP ATTACHMENTS ARE NOT PROPERLY ENGAGED DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OR REPAIR. REAER TOE LINK REAR TIRES TILTED INWARD due to potential fractures from corrosion or broken welds on TOE LINK.”
Filed Mar 11, 2026
“Noticing a problem with the steering and wheel suspension that is affecting other Ford explorers between 2018 and 2025. Engine oil blow by. Causing oil to leak and ending up under the carriage and on the back of the vehicle. Rear camera problems.”
Filed May 18, 2025
“Iâm still waiting for the current recall to be corrected. The suspension is worn out. Replaced rear shocks, front struts, lower control arm. This is the worse automobile Iâve ever owned. If possible, I will never buy another ford. The carâs rear back up camera has been replaced and has stopped working again.”
Filed Jan 27, 2025
“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.”
Filed Feb 22, 2024
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 7 of 102 reports involved a crash and 3 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 Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
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
- 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