2013 Ford Explorer
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 2,234 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 26 Explorer model years with reports.
Of the 2013 reports, 44 involved a crash and 11 involved a fire. 61 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Structure, body, roof and pillarsJan 19, 2024
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.
A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 24V031000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearSep 22, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2013 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. These vehicles may be equipped with a cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) replacement part that could seize, and result in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealer will inspect for the presence of a CABJ. If a CABJ of any design is found, the dealer will inspect the tightness of the CABJ, and replace the CABJ, knuckle, and/or toe link as necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters were mailed November 10, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 17, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S43.
Campaign 21V746000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearJul 15, 2021
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.
A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 21V537000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearMar 12, 2021
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.
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 20V675000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearJun 10, 2019
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.
A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 19V435000 on NHTSA.gov
Wheels, hubAug 28, 2017
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain Wheel Hub Bearing assemblies, part number HB5Z-1104-C, incorrectly listed as being for installation on the rear axles of 2011-2017 Ford Explorer 4X2 vehicles. These bearings assemblies were manufactured without a self retention feature, possibly resulting in the separation of the wheel or wheel end.
A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify the distributors of the hubs specifying that they are to only be used on drive axles. It is believed that none of the hubs were purchased from Ford dealers for the incorrect application. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 17E048000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasolineDec 2, 2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Explorer Police Utility, Taurus, Taurus Police Interceptor, Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may crack, allowing fuel to leak.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. The recall began on December 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 13S04-S1.
Campaign 15V812000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, doorMar 24, 2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the interior door handle return spring may unseat, resulting in interior door handle that does not return to the fully stowed position after actuation.
If the interior door handle return spring is unseated, the door may unlatch in the event of a side impact crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four of the interior door handles and either repair or replace them, free of charge. The recall began on July 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S11.
Campaign 15V171000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, electric power assist systemMay 29, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured May 17, 2010, through February 28, 2012. The affected vehicles may experience an intermittent connection in the electric power steering gear, which can cause a loss of the motor position sensor signal resulting in a shut down of the power steering assist.
If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist it will require extra steering effort at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) software, free of charge. If a vehicle shows a history of a loss of motor position sensor signal when the vehicle is brought in for the recall remedy, its steering rack assembly will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on July 23, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S06.
Campaign 14V286000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkagesJun 26, 2013
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Ford Explorer, Taurus, and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured November 29, 2012, through December 12, 2012. In the affected vehicles, with sufficient door openings and closings, the child safety locks may change from an activated position to a deactivated position without notice.
If the child lock is deactivated, the door could be unlocked and opened from the inside which could lead to personal injury to an unrestrained child.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will test the safety locks. If necessary, the locks will be replaced free of charge. The recall began on August 2, 2013. Ford's recall number is 13S07. Owners may contact the Ford customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 13V270000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasolineMay 31, 2013
Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Taurus, Flex, Fusion, Police Interceptor Sedan and Police Interceptor Utility vehicles; and certain model year 2013 Lincoln MKS, MKT, and MKZ vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may develop a crack, allowing fuel to leak.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S04.
Campaign 13V227000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, tank assemblyMar 27, 2013
Ford is recalling certain model year 2012 Taurus, Lincoln MKS, and model year 2013 Explorer vehicles manufactured July 19, 2011, through March 15, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the fuel tanks may have a marginally sealed seam in the side of the tank. As a result, the fuel tanks may not provide the expected strength in the event of an impact. The tanks may also leak.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel tanks and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2013. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S03. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 13V109000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
290 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Oct 8, 2022
The water pump failed and left my family stranded in northern New Mexico. This issue overheats the engine making the vehicle un-drivable. Super dangerous and apparently very common in ford explorers.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH and parking the vehicle, she heard a loud noise coming from the engine fan and the temperature gauge was rising. The contact stated that while her brother was inspecting the vehicle, he noticed a leak underneath the vehicle, and the radiator fluid was low. The contract called two local dealers: Fort Mill Ford (801 Gold Hill Rd, Fort Mill, SC 29708: (803) 948-8202) and Rock Hill Ford (1884 Canterbury Glen Ln, Rock Hill, SC 29730: (803) 573-4302) and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,650.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 16, 2022
As stated in the 2 of the articles in this year make and model range 2013-2018 Ford explorer. The car has been up to date with maintenance, after a couple thousand miles after the oil changed was. I then took the car to a mechanic shop and was told the water pump and thermostat were failing. I stopped driving the car and decided to take it to a ford dealer. After visiting Palmetto Ford in Miami. I was told the car did not have an open recall for this vin and they did not cover it. It is evident that the problem has been present in many ford explorers in this year and has been a safety concern since the car overheats while on the road. I will need to have a recall placed on my vin number so that i can take this to a ford dealer and get it resolved asap so that i can get back to my normal living as I do not have a transportation and happen to be losing time from work and spending money in rides. My vin number is provided in this report Vin: [XXX] 2013 Ford Explorer Limited Recall 16v925000 (engine and engine cooling) https://www.bing.com/search?q=2013+ford+explorer+water+pump+recall&cvid=744c57e549d049c2bbcd35d89655cedd&aqs=edge.0.0l3.8405j0j1&pglt=41&FORM=ANNTA1&PC=U531 https://www.carproblemzoo.com/ford/explorer/water-pump-problems.php#:~:text=The%20contact%20reference%20manufacturer%20recall%20number%3A%2016s46%20campaign,not%20assist.%20The%20failure%20mileage%20was%20approximately%2065%2C000. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 3, 2022
My water pump failed while driving which made the car overheat and instantly shut off while driving. I have maintained the engine. The internal water pump is leaking the coolant into the motor. Why an internal water Pump?
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, the coolant warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer who diagnosed a failure with the water pump. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 123,000.
Engine, Aug 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the coolant warning light illuminated on the instrument panel as the vehicle hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle would not accelerate above 35 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who discovered a leak in the water pump. The contact called two dealers and was informed that there were no recalls on her vehicle for the water pump and was given an estimate for repair. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that on multiple occasions she noticed that the coolant level was low. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the internal water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to call the NHTSA hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 111,000.
Engine, Jun 21, 2022
Water pump failure - engine overheating and leaking coolant. Potenential to cause catastrophoic damage to engine. Not safe. Appears to be common with 2013 Ford Explorers. Many of the same cases and complaints found online but I cannot find the recall.
Engine, Jun 6, 2022
While driving, the vehicle will drop out of drive, the engine will run roughly, the engine will not respond to accelerator pedal inputs. The service engine light will illuminate. If I coast to the side of the road, turn off the vehicle, then restart it, it runs normally as if nothing has gone wrong. The first four times this happened, no codes were set in the computer. This occurs at varying speeds and varying conditions. The last two times it occured, I had already driven the vehicle for 2 hours on the highway (70-75 mph). Once I left the highway, I drove for another 50-60 miles and then the issue recurred. Finally today, the vehicle set a P2111 code, which indicates an issue with the throttle actuator system. This is a dangerous situation. Each time it happend I was in traffic, sometimes heavy. Luckily I was able to quickly pull off safely and no crash occured, but a collision certainly could have happened.
Engine, May 2, 2022
Unknown, heater started blowing cold air, and realized was low on coolant. Filled up coolant but noticed was leaking coolant when came home from work and parked car. Cannot locate leak as of yet but seems to be leaking from water pump as it is not a hose issue that I can feel or see. From research, it seems like Ford has had several complaints and failures with the water pump but no recall. If this part is continuing to fail, why has it not been recalled? This presents danger to the engine, car, and families in it. The pump is also located inside the engine making repairs with labor come around 2-4K. This should be covered by Ford due to failure rates reported and poor design choices made by Ford.
Engine, Apr 27, 2022
I was driving down the road and my engine overheat alarm light went off. Tried replacing the thermostat and this did not help the situation. Then noticed coolant fluid leaking. Tried replacing the coolant fluid and it was coming out as fast as I was putting it in. My safety was put at risk due to this occuring while I was driving down the road with no warning. I carry my children in the car. I was able to slowly get my car back to my house and I had a mechanic come out and take a look and was told it was my water pump that had failed.
Engine and engine cooling, Other or unspecified, Apr 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford explore. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH the vehicle engine stop warning lights turned on. The engine started overheating and the contact pulled over and added water. The contact drove the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture was notified. The failure mileage was 72,000
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light would remain illuminated and the vehicle would sputter and fail to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the water pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the high engine temperature warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to inspect the vehicle and became aware that all the coolant had leaked out of the radiator. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Engine, Mar 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that she was able to coast safely off the road and assess the vehicle. The contact stated that there was water on the ground as well as leaking from her vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and remained with the independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the water pump failed and caused the engine to fail to operate as needed. The dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 127,000.
Engine, Feb 26, 2022
WATER PUMP LEAK INSIDE THE ENGINE, CAUSING COOLANT AND OIL TO MIX. CAR OVERHEATS
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 26, 2022
Carbon monoxide levels in the cab. Persistent 10ppm co2 in the cab of the vehicle. Peak at 30ppm. The recall for this issue had previously been completed. 2nd issue was a valve allowed oil to infiltrate the intake which resulted in odor in the vehicle
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while her son was driving 45 MPH, the engine overheated. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven home and the contact added antifreeze to the engine however, the liquid poured out. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was provided a service date in May 2022. The contact was informed that the water pump, timing chain, and other unnamed parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 183,460.
Engine, Feb 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the engine failed. The contact mentioned that there was coolant going onto the engine. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact called the dealer to notify them of the issue. The vehicle was not repaired. No further information was available.
Engine, Jan 17, 2022
While on the highway July 2021 a red warning light flashes, I didn’t get to see exactly what it said, it went away. Shortly after that I stopped at a Walmart service location off the highway, but by then the light wasn’t on and the mechanic said “they don’t do anything regarding engines”. Then about a week later it flashed again then I was ready and able to take a picture (attachment #1) it said “engine coolant over temperature”. I called several repair shops and dealerships and had gotten a few estimates (attachment #2). One place added a lot of coolant (Grease Monkey) and that seem to get me going and I didn’t see the light again until about 3 to 4 weeks later. Then my husband and I had to start checking my coolant level daily to see if more coolant had to be added which most times it did. The high cost for repair - is in getting to the water pump - which I’m being told by at least 4 people can take 11 to 12 hours of labor. One repair place said “I may be better off by getting rid of the SUV”. I previously had a 2003 Ford Explorer (original owner) kept it for 10 years then upgraded to a 2013 Ford Explorer (original owner) and thought I could do the same, however costly problems started in 2021. Ford is aware of all of the water pump related issues and should have a recall and/or make repairs free of charge. This has been apparently going on for 10+/- years. In October 2021 once while on a rural highway in Colorado about 30 minutes from home my car ran hot and stalled on me and my son who is disabled and cannot walk. We putt putted over to a restaurant lot, had to let the car cool down to then add water. After that we almost made it home before the light came on again, we were about 3 minutes from home. That was very scary to be driving in traffic and your car stalls. My car has been sitting for the last 4 months because of the cost for needed repairs.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 16, 2021, fire
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated they had taken their vehicle to a local dealer for a crack in the water pump which the dealer repaired, After the repair, the contact noticed a burning abnormal odor when turning on their heat from their a/c unit, which caused the contact and his passenger to become light-headed and dizzy. The contact drove to a local hospital where it was confirmed that the reason for the symptoms was due to high level of carbon monoxide levels. The contact called the local dealer about the abnormal odor but the dealer informed the contact they would not be able to fix the issue and inform the contact to reach out to the manufacturer for the failure. The contact decided to take the vehicle's independent mechanic who diagnosed the failure as small oil leaks around the engine that contribute to the odor coming into the interior of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made of failure. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.
Engine, Jul 21, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, the instrument cluster showed that the engine was overheating. The vehicle stalled and was not drivable. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the water pump and engine were needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 2, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, he started to smell exhaust fumes inside of the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while inspecting the vehicle, he noticed the exhaust manifold was faulty and leaking. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 169,234.
Engine, Mar 26, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WATER PUMP WAS LEAKING COOLANT AND WATER CAUSING THE ENGINE TO OVERHEAT. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE WATER PUMP HAD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO AN UNKNOWN FORD RECALL REGARDING THE WATER PUMP HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA FOR ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Engine, Mar 15, 2021
THE POORLY PLACED WATER PUMP. 2013 FORD EXPLORER XLT WITH THE WATER PUMP INSIDE ENGINE. JUST GOT THE CAR 6 MONTHS AGO HAS 107900 ON IT. YESTERDAY STARTED LEAKING COOLANT. HAVE TO TAKE TO THE FORD DEALER TODAY.