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 the second-row passenger's side inflatable seat belt and air bag warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the wiring harness needed to be repositioned. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the second-row driver's and passenger's side inflatable seat belt and air bag warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the second-row seat belt connector failed and produced codes: B141B, B140D, B141C. The contact was informed that the second-row seat belt wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced Customer Satisfaction Program: 21B11. …
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the air bag warning light was blinking off and on. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the vehicle needed to be taken to a dealer for assistance. The contact stated that the dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the second-row seat belt harnesses had an electrical issue which was preventing the air bags from functioning as needed in the rear seat harnesses and the passenger and driver's frontal air bags. The dealer referenced Technical Service Bulletin Number: 16-0001 as a possible fix to repair the vehicle. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair but declined to pay for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
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 contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to the Customer Satisfaction Program: 21B11; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.
My steering wheel is like using manual steering, it is very hard to turn it seems to get stuck in certain positions, easier in another spot when turning, then gets stuck again. It is very hard to turn, no lights on the dashboard, no error codes. This is a huge safety concern if I am driving and can no longer steer my vehicle safely. I see so many other complaining about this problem with 2014, why is there no recall? This is putting people at risk or crashing which could cause fatality! Secondly, my back seat belt doesn't work it will not latch any more, and I have seen so many complaints about that as well, but again Ford will not recall it. So I have a seat in my vehicle that cannot be used by anyone as it is a safety concern if there was an accident.
I have several issues that I have had with the ford explore. This is my second ford explore. The passenger air was not assemble correctly and now is coming apart. The seat belt on the driver sit gets stuck. The car door panels have come undone which is not typical with any other vehicle expect explore. The brakes on the car are difficult to use to the suspension issue. When I have taken my car to the dealer they have not been helpful. They won't provide a temporary vehicle while my car is getting fix and that not acceptable. I need someone to help me with these issues at no cost. This is my second explore and I love my car but I hate that it has issues that were not fix from the moment the car was sold.
Ford explorer had known issues with connectors under the rear passenger seats which they did a recall for certain VIN numbers. They said it only effected certain VPN which were from a specific factory in Chicago I have the same issue and my VIN is not listed and Ford and the dealership will not do anything to help fix the problem. If I pay out of pocket they want 500 dollars to fix it. The issue is Certain 2014-2016 Model Year Explorer Vehicles 2nd Row Inflatable Seat Belt - In all of the affected vehicles, the air bag light may illuminate as a result of a worn or damaged connection to the rear inflatable seat belt connector and if the light is on that means the air bags will not work.
I finally was able to get an appointment for my toe links. I also recall getting the run around on a seat belt notification for issues with the second row from the dealership when I originally called. Since the vehicle was going to be in the dealer I brought back up the seat belt notification. Both the dealership and Ford customer service claim there is no such recall or Customer Satisfaction Program. I cannot believe a critical safety product they have no record of or that such a safety program would expire. HELP!
Airbag light came on, had tested by local mechanic, informed left rear airbag and to take to dealer, dealer charged $252 to disagnose air bag in left rear shoulder strap. Since already replaced wiring harnesses under TSB 16-0001 back on 11/1/7/16 thought best to clean contacts of harness connectors and apply dielectric grease for an extra 1/2 labor for an addtitional $99 bringing the total to over $350. Both dealer and Ford refused to cover this repair. I am very dissapointed.
The driver's side seat belt latch does not automatically latch when you put the seat belt into it. I have to press the release button to get it to latch. If I don't press the release button to latch it, the seat belt won't stay latched. The dealership said they can repair it for $700 but I don't feel that I should have to pay for a safety device that is supposed to work especially since it has not been modified or damaged in any way.
Both middle seat, air bag seat belts stopped working. The buckle will not click to lock on either seat belt. The dashboard shows an airbag light that just stays on. The car has not been hit or been in any accident at all. I understand there is a recall or soon to be a recall on other Ford Explorer 2014 vehicles, where the wiring is faulty for these air bag seat belts. The dealer said mine is not included. It is a safety failure.
Seat Belt complaints in other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are seat belt problems on the 2014 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the seat belts of the 2014 Ford Explorer, 2% of the model year's 1,682 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2014 Ford Explorer seat belt problems?
No. NHTSA lists no seat belts 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 seat belt problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 7 injuries and 2 deaths to seat belts 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.