2014 Ford Explorer electrical system problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

50 owners have reported electrical system problems with the 2014 Ford Explorer, 5% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 127,000 mi.

Electrical System complaints
50
Crashes
1
Fires
3
Injuries
0
Related recalls
0
Median mileage
127,000 mi

Specific components reported

Electrical System covers: Battery, wiring, infotainment, instrument cluster, communication and software.

ComponentComplaints
Electrical system48
Electrical system:adas:driver monitoring:camera/sensor1
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel1
Electrical system:instrument panel:speedometer/odometer1

Electrical System complaints across Ford Explorer years

22005122007362010332120127250201458682016745420181718420204739202213220242492026
Electrical System complaints by model year. The 2014 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k10k–30k230k–60k260k–100k11100k–150k4150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

  1. Filed Jul 10, 2026TNFireElectrical SystemSteering
    Sudden and complete loss of power steering assist while vehicle was in operation. Vehicle became extremely difficult to steer, creating safety hazard for driver and child passenger. Inspection revealed 150A EPAS Mega Fuse, Part #L0114875AA, was melted due to electrical short in Power Steering Control Module. This is identical to the defect described in NHTSA Safety Recall 14V316000 / Ford 14S06. Fire risk confirmed by melted/burned fuse condition. Photos of failed component…
    NHTSA complaint #11749538 · source
  2. Filed May 23, 2026MNElectrical SystemOther / UnknownSteering
    My pillar are coming off to the point when it rains water get inside my car. It’s messed up my system in my car. I can’t close my sun roof and water comes down from my lights that’s above my head where you put your sunny sunglasses in. I been calling around and still haven’t got no where.
    NHTSA complaint #11739722 · source
  3. Filed May 19, 2026INElectrical System
    Backup camera failed, screen turns black or freezes when the car is put in Reverse. While driving or in reverse the screen becomes pixelated with red, green stripes. The camera is unuseable which creates a safety hazard. A recall is currently active for Ford 2015 explorers but not 2014 ford explorers. It is the exact problem the 2015 explorers are experiencing. The recall needs to be expanded to include the 2014 models.
    NHTSA complaint #11738738 · source
  4. Filed Mar 26, 2026INElectrical SystemOther / Unknown
    The back up camera turns black when the car is in reverse. Other times the screen has red, yellow, green horizontal stripes displayed which make the screen hard to see any objects behind me. This is the same problem ford has experienced with other explorer models and there is an activr recall for those models. My car is a 2014 model and is experiencing the same problems.
    NHTSA complaint #11727200 · source
  5. Filed Mar 11, 2026AZElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    When I'm driving on the freeway. I could be on flatland and it will stall, I could be going down a hill and it stalls, I could be on a regular road, turning a corner, hitting a bump. And it stalls when I'm on the freeway, I have to get over very scary happens all the time when It happens I coast, I put it into park, i turn it off, and it restarts immediately every time. This is constantly happening. IHave a video and picture but it will not upload on this.But it says hell…
    NHTSA complaint #11723535 · source
  6. Filed Jan 19, 2026MIFireElectrical System
    On January 8, 2026, my 2014 Ford Explorer (VIN: [XXX] ) caught fire without warning. The vehicle was parked in my garage prior to departure. When I pulled the vehicle out to leave, I noticed something burning on the garage floor. I briefly returned inside to extinguish that small fire, and when I turned back, the vehicle itself was on fire. I immediately moved the vehicle onto the grass away from a nearby tree to reduce the risk of further damage or spread. The fire…
    NHTSA complaint #11711929 · source
  7. Filed Oct 19, 2025NJElectrical System
    The back up camera blackouts every so often. Backing out of a parking spot then the screen blacked out and almost hit a person that walked behind the vehicle. No, it hasn’t been inspected but there is a recall on backup cameras from Ford, on several different models from 2015 to 2023 which my 2014 explorer is experiencing. No warning at all. It just started to blackout. It started couple months ago.
    NHTSA complaint #11694351 · source
  8. Filed Sep 5, 2025138,000 miNJElectrical System
    Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to obtain an extended warranty plan, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 75,000. Later, the contact was informed that the mileage was 138,000 at the time of purchase.
    NHTSA complaint #11685228 · source
  9. Filed Jul 3, 2025OHElectrical SystemVisibility & Wipers
    •Rearview camera view and alerts •Inspection unknown • Hit mailbox •Dogded backup accidents in parking lots ▪︎Dogded backup accidents out of hard to see drive ways •Not taken to dealer no recalls for my year •Not inspected by anyone •No warning lamps •Alerts would just stop (checked settings it was on) •Camera would freeze first occasionally •Progressed to going black •Camera goes in and out •Beeping works then stops •No rhyme or reason to what stops or freezes and when or…
    NHTSA complaint #11671195 · source
  10. Filed Jun 7, 2025TXElectrical System
    My vehicle has dual A/C , front and rear. The rear A/C can only be turned on from the touchscreen. My touchscreen went out about a week ago. I called the dealer to ask if there was another way to turn on the rear A/C and the answer was no. I asked what I had to do and the answer was to schedule an appointment so they could check it but I was going to get charged. I live in deep south Texas and it gets very hot down here. The rear A/C is a must. I don't think it's right that…
    NHTSA complaint #11665552 · source
  11. Filed May 28, 2025VAElectrical SystemSteering
    I was driving my explorer in a residential area when my power steering assist went out, causing me to not be able to control the steering wheel. I had 3 passengers in the vehicle at the time. I came close to crashing into a ditch but was able to stop the vehicle. It terrified me and my passengers. I struggled to steer it to a restaurant parking lot. After my power steering stopped working, and alarm went off on the dash and said "steering assist fault" needs serviced. I had…
    NHTSA complaint #11663420 · source
  12. Filed May 9, 2025TXElectrical System
    Problem with sunroof leaking. had car 11 years, at dealership 5 times water coming in from headliner soaking all electrical...radio, AC/heater, sunroof controls. Currently, sunroof is open and will not close. Repair 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and today 5-9-25
    NHTSA complaint #11659967 · source

Other 2014 Ford Explorer problem areas

Back to all 2014 Ford Explorer problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology