2014 Ford Explorer transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

• Recall 20V692000Nov 10, 202015,587 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

  Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Explorer, 2014-2015 Taurus and 2014 Edge vehicles equipped with 2.0L or 2.3L engines and front wheel drive. The support bracket for the front drive axle halfshaft may fail.

  Risk: The failed bracket could result in a loss of park function which can cause unintended vehicle movement, and loss of motive power while driving which increases the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the link shaft bracket, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners received an interim notification detailing safety risk December 8, 2020. A second letter will be mailed when parts become available in January 2021. The recall began February 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S63.

What owners say

1. Filed Apr 23, 2026NCTransmission & Drivetrain

   issue with driving between speeds of 25 to 45 mph. Believe that there is a problem with the torque converter as it feels as though it's shuttering during those speeds. speeds of 50 or higher miles per hour feel fine while driving.

   NHTSA complaint #11733412 · source
2. Filed Feb 10, 2026NMOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   PTU failure, due to no maintenance service recommended for PTU, PTU failure has been a ongoing issue due to the position of the PTU,location of changing fluid and no mileage recommended for regular service or recommended regular service in the owners manual

   NHTSA complaint #11717080 · source
3. Filed Jan 28, 2026SCTransmission & Drivetrain

   The water pump is having issues with going out after the first cold snap of the year. This car was just purchased by us back in March of 2025. The car was inspected by the dealership prior to purchase as well as our personal mechanic. After further research this is a known issue especially in 2011-2020 models with economists engines. There have been class action lawsuits regarding this as well.

   NHTSA complaint #11714039 · source
4. Filed Sep 30, 2025NCTransmission & Drivetrain

   PTU (transfer case) failure during a drive when I was making a safe left turn across traffic and the car quit moving forward with oncoming traffic inbound. Mazda has recalled this part but ford has not. There are so many failures the part is out of stock for months. The ptu design was set up for failure as a non serviceable part

   NHTSA complaint #11690564 · source
5. Filed Aug 27, 2025124,000 miCOSeats & Seat BeltsTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after routine maintenance at a local independent mechanic, the second-row seat belt warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact attempted to buckle the rear second-row driver’s side passenger’s seat belt; however, the warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the same independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed and DTC: B141B-13; was retrieved. The local dealer was not…

   NHTSA complaint #11683451 · source
6. Filed Aug 1, 2025SCTransmission & Drivetrain

   When I was going down the highway at 60mph around a small curve and the steering wheel snatched hard, the car reduced the speed I was traveling (as if the brakes were engaged) and I lost ability to control. The Traction control light on the dashboard flashed several times so I pulled over. The light went away and I proceeded to drive at a slow speed (it happened again at 40mph). I was concerned about wrecking the vehicle due to this issue so I had my husband come and pick me…

   NHTSA complaint #11677806 · source
7. Filed Jul 10, 2025MTTransmission & Drivetrain

   Power Transfer Unit Failed while driving on highway. Not a serviceable part as manufacturer claims it is a lifetime fluid. Approximate date

   NHTSA complaint #11672520 · source
8. Filed Jun 26, 2024130,000 miOHTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle jerked abnormally. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the torque convertor was starting to fail. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was…

   NHTSA complaint #11596953 · source
9. Filed Apr 18, 2024111,000 miLA1 injuredTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after refueling and had placed the vehicle in park (P) and had turned the vehicle off. The contact stated that she was at the rear of the vehicle on the passenger side by the gasoline port, she had inserted the fueling nozzle into the gas filler tube when the vehicle began to roll backward. The contact stated she pulled the fuel nozzle out of the port and then attempted to enter the vehicle through the front…

   NHTSA complaint #11583754 · source
10. Filed Apr 17, 202490,000 miPATransmission & Drivetrain

    The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic signal, the signal changed, and the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle moved forward but failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 10 MPH. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle and was able to drive back to the residence. The contact stated that the vehicle…

    NHTSA complaint #11583509 · source
11. Filed Apr 10, 2024108,000 miPATowedTransmission & Drivetrain

    The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering assist warning light illuminated. The steering column seized. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a rack and pinion failure. The contact was informed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure reoccurred two weeks later. The vehicle was scheduled to be towed back to the dealer in several days. The…

    NHTSA complaint #11582230 · source
12. Filed Mar 11, 202486,000 miCTTransmission & Drivetrain

    The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving or pulling off from a stop sign, the vehicle jerked and there was smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic who performed a diagnostic test and stated that the passenger’s side axle seal of the transfer case was leaking and recommended that the transfer case be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer…

    NHTSA complaint #11576671 · source

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