Makes›Ford›Explorer›2014

2014 Ford Explorer

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2014 models.

Ford Explorer
Pictured: Ford Explorer (sixth generation) IMG 6063. Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV AWD Base/Xlt/Limited/Sport, 4dr SUV FWD Base/Xlt
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.5L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl turbo
Horsepower
290–365 hp
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline, FFV
MPG (best)
23 combined · 20 city / 28 hwy
Length
197.2 in
Curb weight
4,557–4,731 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
6 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 23 MPG combined — 24% better than the average 2014 standard SUV (18.6 MPG).
  • Strong performanceUp to 365 hp, versus about 270 hp for similar 2014 models.
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints1,613 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 105 for similar models — most often about the steering.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 24 similar 2014 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2014 Ford Explorer is a standard SUV offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.5L 6-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 197 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,731 lb (4dr SUV AWD Base/Xlt/Limited/Sport).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 28 highway), 24% better than the 2014 standard SUV average of 18.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1613 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.

What changed for 2014

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2013 Explorer — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2013; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2013 Explorer →

Trims, performance & features

Engine290 hp3.5L 6-cyl
Engine365 hp3.5L turbo 6-cyl
DriveAWD/4WD · FWD

Trims

XLTLimitedSport

Built in: Chicago, Illinois

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2014 Explorer configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV AWD Base/Xlt/Limited/Sport197.2 in78.7 in70.5 in112.6 in66.9 / 66.9 in4,731 lb54/46
4dr SUV FWD Base/Xlt197.2 in78.7 in70.5 in112.6 in66.9 / 66.9 in4,557 lb54/46

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Explorer FWD2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive20 / 28 / 23+24%$2,900391
Explorer 2WD FFV FFV3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive17 / 24 / 20+8%$3,350450
Explorer FWD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive17 / 24 / 20+8%$3,350450
Explorer AWD FFV FFV3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19+6%$3,550471
Explorer AWD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19+6%$3,550471
Explorer AWD3.5L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18+1%$3,700488
6/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
6/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $2,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.6 MPG2014 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2014 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2014 Ford Explorer.

Similar 2014 standard SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2014 Ford Explorer (this car)23 MPGNot rated6
2014 Toyota Land Cruiser15 MPGNot rated4
2014 Toyota 4Runner19 MPGNot rated7
2014 Toyota Highlander28 MPGNot rated4
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee25 MPGNot rated18
2014 Chevrolet Tahoe17 MPGNot rated4
2014 GMC Yukon17 MPGNot rated3

Recalls (6)

Structure › Body › Roof And Pillars · Jan 19, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V031000 · 1,889,110 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
Risk
A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024 and December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
Suspension › Rear · Jul 15, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V537000 · 631,176 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. 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.
Risk
A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle, and replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall numbers 16V-245, 19V-435, and 20V-675. Certain vehicles previously repaired will need to return for the new remedy. An interim notification letter notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on September 10, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2022. Owners may contact Ford's customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S32.
Suspension › Rear · Mar 12, 2021

NHTSA campaign 20V675000 · 454,941 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin that were previously repaired under a prior recall numbers 16V-245 or 19V-435. The outboard section of a rear suspension toe link may fracture.
Risk
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle attached to the rear suspension toe link and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S62.
Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft · Nov 10, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V692000 · 15,587 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Suspension › Rear · Jun 10, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V435000 · 1,194,173 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
Risk
A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, and inspect both rear toe link ball joints, replacing the rear wheel knuckle(s), if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S17.
Suspension › Rear · Apr 26, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V245000 · 75,364 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured January 17, 2014 to May 31, 2014. The affected vehicles may have improperly welded rear suspension toe links that may fracture.
Risk
A fracture of the rear suspension toe link may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. The recall began on November 18, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S18.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2014 Ford Explorer is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

1,613Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
29Involved a crash
6Involved a fire
32Injuries reported
40,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Steering482
Unknown Or Other335
Structure179
Engine177
Suspension96
Electrical System92
Structure › Body88
Power Train68
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/11: 1224/12: 725/01: 2025/02: 2625/03: 1925/04: 1625/05: 1325/06: 1725/07: 2125/08: 1525/09: 1725/10: 1925/11: 1425/12: 326/01: 1026/02: 826/03: 1126/04: 626/05: 826/06: 426/07: 326/08: 226/09: 426/10: 624/1125/0225/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 26

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2014 Ford Explorer buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Steering — 482 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  3. Structure — 179 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
  4. Engine — 177 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 40,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2014 Ford Explorer. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Explorer years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Explorer23–Not rated20
2026 Explorer24198.8 inNot rated1542
2025 Explorer24198.8 in★★★★★22109
2024 Explorer24198.8 in★★★★★1021
2023 Explorer27198.8 in★★★★★15113
2022 Explorer27198.8 inNot rated25273
2021 Explorer27198.8 in★★★★★27456
2020 Explorer28198.8 in★★★★★351,249
2019 Explorer22198.4 in★★★★★6300
2018 Explorer22198.4 in★★★★★7737
2017 Explorer22198.4 in★★★★★141,713
2016 Explorer22198.4 inNot rated142,484

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →