Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2014 Ford Explorer owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was turned off, there was an abnormal dinging sound heard. The instrument panel lights were dimmed. While driving at approximately 40-45 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle drove roughly. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a tire center, and the spark plugs and coil packs were replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact thought there was water in the fuel tank. The contact added a fuel treatment. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that there were electrical issues. The contact called a local dealer regarding the warranty on the vehicle. The dealer informed the contact that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. …
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would jerk upon depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact then called a dealer and he was informed that they would charge a diagnostic fee for inspecting the vehicle however, the contact declined. The manufacturer also was notified of the failure and referred him to NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000. The VIN was unavailable.
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the transmission warning light illuminated. The contact's wife was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the throttle body assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
My vehicle just stops and the Terrain management system fault comes on no matter what speed I'm going. It's been doing it off and on for three years now. The dealership can't figure out why. I'm thinking after doing some research that it's the throttle body.
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. While attempting to park the vehicle, the vehicle accelerated independently when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact crashed into a building. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained neck and back pain, but did not receive medical attention. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to a body repair shop and was diagnosed for the failure. The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact that they would review the case and get back to the her. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.
Tl* the contact owned a 2014 Ford Explorer. While reversing at approximately 10 MPH on an incline, the brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond without warning. As a result, the vehicle accelerated and the contact crashed into a tree. The contact sustained a fractured back and hand injury that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 36,185.
Quick acceleration was required because of another vehicle crossing into my lane. I stepped on the accelerator and all of a sudden my vehicle began accelerating by itself even though my foot was not touching the accelerator pedal. I stepped on the brakes and it began to slow down.....however, when I let off the brake the acceleration continued and the engine RPM jumped very high. I stepped on the brakes again and the vehicle began to slow. I then let off the brakes again and then once again the vehicle began accelerating fast and the RPM skyrocketed. I was able to stop my vehicle and put it into park. While the engine was still running I released the brake pedal. The engine RPM jumped extremely high again. I tapped the accelerator pedal with my foot a couple times and it released off of the floor. I turned the ignition off. I waited a couple seconds and then turned the engine back on. …
I bought my 2014 Ford Explorer in November of 2015. I noticed a rotten egg/ exhaust smell as the weather became warmer. Anytime I would accelerate up a hill or accelerate on a flat stretch of road during the summer months was when the smell is the worst. I have to roll down all of the windows. I no longer allow my children to ride in the third row because they would complain on the longer car rides of having a headache. I have taken this to the dealership on 3 occasions now. They have told me they have tried to reproduce my complaint, and have failed to do so. I am currently going to that the service manager on a ride tomorrow to reproduce this smell. The smell has been so bad at times that I personally have felt like I was going to be sick. There is something seriously wrong with the explorers having this smell. Something needs to be done. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start and stalled intermittently. The vehicle started only after the battery was charged. The contact also stated that the heating system became inoperable and the check engine, service traction, and battery warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was unable to be started or diagnosed. The dealer diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the throttle body failed. The throttle body was replaced and reprogrammed, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 47,412.
Driving on freeway 70 MPH alert left side of dash bright red steering system failure stop car safely . Loss of power to steer the vehicle . No control , traction . Another alert in yellow system failure service asap . Alert red again steering system failure stop care safely . Unable to steer the vehicle. Turned car off tried to reset unable no steering mechanism . Had to have car towed unable to drive. Steering wheel seemed locked and not able to turn right or left. Code from dealers said 3500 bucks to fix steering mechanism failure. No way to override or re program . Car failed while driving . Scary
Acceleration complaints in other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are acceleration problems on the 2014 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 2014 Ford Explorer, 2% of the model year's 1,682 complaints. The component named most often is throttle (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2014 Ford Explorer acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for the 2014 Ford Explorer, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2014 Ford Explorer acceleration problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 30,000 miles, and 48% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to speed control & acceleration problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.