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A 2014 Ford Explorer owner recently encountered a frustrating and costly dilemma that many other car and truck owners face daily, which he shared on a Reddit r/FordExplorer forum post titled “My 2014 Ford Explorer Is Obsolete, Dealer Says They Don’t Support It Anymore. Are We Just to Expect That Cars Now Have a 10-Year Lifespan?”
After his 2014 model died and was diagnosed with a failed wiring harness, the local Ford dealership informed them that the part was no longer available — and that Ford no longer supports their vehicle for replacement components.
While this may come as a shock to many drivers who expect parts availability beyond 10 years, it highlights a growing issue with manufacturer support for aging vehicles in today’s auto industry.
10 years is the average. Harnesses, interior parts and trims are the first to go obsolete.” ―Broken8Dreams
Why the OP’s Ford Explorer May and May Be Not Considered “Obsolete”
In the past, cars built to last 100,000+ miles were often serviceable for decades, largely because a surplus of OEM parts was manufactured.
Today, however, car manufacturers no longer maintain such surpluses— especially for complex components like wiring harnesses.
Wiring harnesses don’t wear out often in large numbers. If only a small number of vehicles require the part, Ford may choose not to continue producing it due to low profitability.
The popular Explorer model has shifted toward more electronic and sensor-based systems. As newer models adopt updated technologies, legacy wiring and electronic systems become outdated and incompatible with newer parts.
In that sense, the OP’s dealer was not incorrect in stating that his Explorer is “obsolete” in the broadest use of the word.
However, the OP’s dealer is also wrong in that a lack of OEM parts does not make something like a 2014 Ford Explorer obsolete. It may render the vehicle inoperable, but strictly speaking, it is not obsolete, especially since the owner finds value in their vehicle.
The Bigger Picture: Are We Moving Toward Throwaway Cars?
Unfortunately, for the OP and car owners worldwide, their situation illustrates a broader trend: newer vehicles, while more advanced, are also more prone to obsolescence.
As supply chains tighten and manufacturers shift their focus to electric vehicles and software-defined platforms, owners of vehicles 8 to 12 years old may increasingly find themselves unsupported.
In a sense, car owners who want to hang onto their ICE vehicles today are essentially becoming vintage car owners, facing the same common problem that car restoration mechanics and enthusiasts have faced for years: finding OEM parts to keep that old girl original and on the road.
Related article: Ford Explorer Common Problems Warning
How to Avoid This Problem Today and Tomorrow
Aside from vintage vehicle enthusiasts, how can we avoid this problem over the next 10 years?
Basically, it comes down to these considerations before buying your next vehicle, new or used:
Options for Explorer (and other make and model) Owners Facing a No-Part Situation
Being told your car is no longer supported doesn’t necessarily mean it’s time to send it to the junkyard. Here are several traditional avenues owners can explore:
1. Used Parts from Salvage Yards―Wiring harnesses and similar parts can often be sourced from junkyards, particularly from vehicles that were totaled but not damaged in the engine bay or interior. Sites like Car-Part.com, LKQ, or local salvage yards are good starting points for finding used parts.
2. Aftermarket Solutions―Some third-party suppliers or rebuilders may offer compatible or remanufactured harnesses. You’ll need to verify compatibility and quality, but this route can work when OEM sources dry up. For example, I use CJ Pony Parts for some of my vintage Ford parts needs. However, it is a good idea to search forum groups focused on your model to find out what members have used and recommend or advise against using.
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3. Specialty Rebuilders
Some shops specialize in repairing or rebuilding wiring harnesses, especially for classic or discontinued vehicles. They may be able to restore your existing harness or custom-build one based on your original.
4. DIY Repairs
If the damage is localized (such as the OP’s fuse panel), skilled DIYers can sometimes make repairs using wire diagrams and soldering techniques. That and the availability of affordable 3D printing services online can be an attractive option to keep things as “original” as reasonably possible.
5. Independent Shops and Forums
A local independent mechanic may have more flexibility or creative repair strategies than a dealership. Online forums specific to Ford Explorers or the 5th-generation model (2011–2019) can be an invaluable resource for advice, wiring diagrams, and part sourcing tips.
Somebody commented on here the other day that Ford will only support parts for 10 years after a vehicle is manufactured, so that kind of lines up.
I would take it somewhere else. Maybe CarMax, just because they probably have the biggest network of dealerships and service centers, that doesn’t belong to a car manufacturer or a new car dealership network.” ―inactiveuser0
Two Non-Traditional Resources I Go To For Parts Or Workarounds
What has worked for me that I stumbled upon in the past few years are two additional resources for parts or workarounds others may not have considered:
The Guy Behind the Counter: While the odds are that if you go to your local auto parts store, they will not have the part you need for an older model, sometimes there are older car model parts, dust-covered and stuffed away on the back shelf. But more importantly, if the employee has been around for a while and is a gearhead, they can be your go-to resource for knowing a person who knows a person who is into the same model you have.
The Guy on the Phone: I have had the best phone service from the employees at Petronix Performance Brands who from what I have observed are all experienced mechanics who actually ask you exactly what you are trying to accomplish and then find a solution for you either through what their company offers or what they used personally with an identical or similar model vehicle.
For example, I wanted to switch an old vehicle from points to electronic ignition, which Petronix specializes in. During ordering parts, we got to talking about my model originally used a resistance wire to knock the voltage down from 12 volts to 6 volts so as not to fry the points and I was complaining about needing to tear under the dash to identify the resistance wire and replace it with a non-resistance wire to feed to the electronic ignition. The rep on the phone then told me he has faced that problem as well with old Fords he has worked on and that Petronix actually sells a bypass relay and wire kit that ties into the resistance wire without having to remove it!
Since then, I have found it extremely helpful to talk to their service reps about electrical system problems on cars for advice―whether they had a part for the problem or not.
And finally…
Being told your 2014 Ford Explorer is “no longer supported” for parts like a wiring harness feels wrong — especially when the rest of the vehicle may be in good condition. But it is what it is― a sign of the times. By turning to used parts, specialty repair services, or independent mechanics, owners still have options — but it does require more effort, research, and creativity than simply calling the dealership.
Video For Ford Owners
That all said and done, here is an informative video from one YouTuber who explains how he finds parts for older model Ford trucks:
Finding Parts for Your Old Truck ― How I Get Parts & One Trick I Use to Obtain Hard to Find Parts
For additional automotive parts-related articles, here are a three for your consideration:
- Junk Parts from China Warning by Toyota Mechanic
- EVs Will Create New Job Opportunities with Gas-Only Trucks
- Common Mistake Ford Truck Owners Make Upgrading Their Engine
Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati who currently researches and restores older vehicles, often incorporating engine modifications for improved performance. He also covers modern cars—including EVs—with a focus on DIY mechanics, tool use and selection, and other topics related to automotive repair. Follow Tim on Twitter (@TimBoyerWrites), Facebook, and his blog, Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair, for daily updates and insights on new and used cars and trucks.
Image Source: Deposit Photos
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Source: torquenews.com
