2014 Ford Explorer steering problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

353 owners have reported steering problems with the 2014 Ford Explorer, 38% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 111,000 mi.

Steering complaints
353
Crashes
5
Fires
2
Injuries
1
Related recalls
0
Median mileage
111,000 mi

Specific components reported

Steering covers: Power steering, steering column and wheel, loss of steering assist.

ComponentComplaints
Steering341
Steering:rack and pinion5
Steering:electric power assist system4
Steering:column1
Steering:gear box (other than rack and pinion)1
Steering:linkages:tie rod assembly1

Steering complaints across Ford Explorer years

120073171832012453353201419535520165317201882820206920221222024912026
Steering complaints by model year. The 2014 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

2Under 10k310k–30k930k–60k5160k–100k81100k–150k29150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

  1. Filed Sep 23, 2026NYSteering
    My 2014 Ford Explorer experienced a serious electric power steering failure. While driving, the vehicle displayed “Power Steering Assist Fault” and the steering became extremely difficult to turn due to loss of steering assistance. I was driving with my child in the vehicle when this occurred. I believe this created a potentially life-threatening situation. If I had needed to make an emergency maneuver or avoid another vehicle or obstacle, I may not have been able to control…
    NHTSA complaint #11766275 · source
  2. Filed Sep 17, 2026LASteering
    Steering simply shutoff and locked up while driving. I seen there's a recall on 2013 Ford exploers but not for 2014 even though its the same problem. Now im without a vehicle and it will be a expensive repair.
    NHTSA complaint #11765142 · source
  3. 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
  4. Filed Jun 9, 2026WASteering
    While sitting at a stop light, waiting to turn, the steering wheel went stiff, then I was forced to make the turn without the power steering. it started working again but made a very loud grindy noise. the noise has not gone away. I took it to a shop, and they assesed everything, and stated the power steering rack has a fault code, and that the inner tie rods are loose, along with they can hear the power steering rack motor making a lot of noise. while going down the road…
    NHTSA complaint #11743063 · source
  5. 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
  6. Filed May 22, 2026CASteering
    When driving, the steering wheel became less responsive. The next day, we drove a few hundred miles and got gas. After turning the car back on, the steering became even less responsive, resulting in a lot of force being needed to be used in order to turn the vehicle. In addition to this, the car was extremely difficult to keep straight, making driving on a single-lane road extremely dangerous. We have dropped the car off at the dealership and are waiting until Monday or…
    NHTSA complaint #11739633 · source
  7. Filed Feb 6, 2026131,000 miMNTowedSteering
    The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The failure had occurred while taking a minor child to school. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with an electric power steering assembly failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was driven to the…
    NHTSA complaint #11716311 · source
  8. Filed Nov 14, 2025140,000 miCTSteering
    The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH and turning to the left, the steering wheel started shaking, and he felt the rear end of the vehicle start sliding to the right. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel was stuck in the direction that it was turned and had to be manually returned to center. The contact stated that the failure was more frequent while turning to the left.…
    NHTSA complaint #11699419 · source
  9. Filed Nov 11, 2025GASteering
    Loss of steering. Driving down the road the my completely locks up while in drive. Was told it was faulty rack and pinions.
    NHTSA complaint #11698841 · source
  10. Filed Oct 5, 2025MNSteering
    Steering gear failure and faulty eps module. Second event. The full assembly and eps failed, and fatal crash was avoided.
    NHTSA complaint #11691446 · source
  11. Filed Sep 30, 2025FLSteering
    1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Electronic Steering Gear failed causing the steering to "stick" at certain points of steering, and causing a loud rubbing noise. The steering is also more "loose" and feels insecure. Yes it is available for inspection. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The failure of the electronic steering gear can cause unexpected failure of steering ability…
    NHTSA complaint #11690541 · source
  12. Filed Aug 4, 2025131,590 miALSteering
    The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 65 MPH, the power steering assist feature was disabled, and the steering wheel became very difficult to turn. The messages "Service Advance-trac" and "Steering Loss - Stop Safely" were displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not…
    NHTSA complaint #11678243 · source

Other 2014 Ford Explorer problem areas

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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