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, Sep 10, 2019
THE ENGINE BEGAN LEAKING COOLANT CAUSED BY THE WATER PUMP SEAL FAILING. WE HAVE HAD SEVERAL OTHERS THAT ALSO HAVE HAD WATER PUMP FAILURES.
Engine, Sep 3, 2019
ENGINE RATTLES UPON STARTUP FOR ROUGHLY 2 SECONDS. THIA IS A KNOWN ISSUE THAT THE TIMING CHAIN STRETCHES AND REPLACEMENT OF TIMING CHAIN AND PHASERS IS NEEDED.
Engine, Aug 23, 2019
I OWN AT 2013 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS I HAVE TAKEN MY EXPLORER TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE WE KEEP SMELLING EXHAUST WHEN WE ACCELERATE . THE DEALERSHIP HAS MADE ATTEMPTS TO REPAIR THE LEAK BUT AS OF TODAY IT'S STILL DOING IT. I CALLED FORD TODAY TO SEE IF HAS ANY MORE INFORMATION THEY COULD PASS ALONG TO REMEDY THIS PROBLEM AND THEY ONLY REFERRED ME BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE SULFUR IS SO BAD SOMETIMES WE HAVE TO ROLL DOWN THE WINDOWS FOR FRESH AIR WHICH IS NOT ALWAYS GOOD WHEN THE WEATHER IS BAD. IT HAPPENS WITH THE AIR/HEAT IS ON AND WHEN IT'S NOT ON. I'M AT A LOSS NOW ON HOW TO GET THIS REPAIRED AS IT SEEMS NO ONE KNOWS EXACTLY WHAT IS CAUSING IT AND NO ONE IS TAKING OWNERSHIP OF THE PROBLEM.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Aug 14, 2019
I HAVE A 2013 FORD EXPLORER AND HAVE BEEN RECENTLY EXPERIENCING RANDOM, DANGEROUS STALLS DUE TO A FAULTY THROTTLE BODY. I HAVE HAD THE THROTTLE BODY CLEANED TWICE AND IT CONTINUES TO FAIL, LEAVING OUR CAR IN A "LIMP-HOME MODE" IN DANGEROUS ROAD CONDITIONS. IT USUALLY STALLS WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A LOW IDLE POSITION, SUCH AS SITTING AT A STOPLIGHT AND THEN ACCELERATING. HOWEVER, IT HAD ALSO STALLED WHILE TRAVELING HIGHER SPEEDS AND THEN ACCELERATING. ONCE I PULL OFF THE ROAD, THE CAR ENGINE SHAKES VIOLENTLY UNTIL I'M ABLE TO PUT IN PARK AND THEN TURN THE IGNITION OFF. AFTER A FEW SECONDS THE ENGINE WILL USUALLY RESTART AT NORMAL IDLE AND PROPER ENGINE FUNCTION IS RESTORED UNTIL THE NEXT THROTTLE BODY FAILURE.
Engine, Aug 13, 2019
VEHICLE LOSES POWER WHEN ACCELERATING UP HILL OR ON FLAT SURFACE. TAKE OFF POWER IS DIMISHED AND VEHICLE WILL SOMETIMES DIE UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN ACCELERATING.
Engine, Aug 12, 2019
FRONT MANIFOLD CRACK THAT IS ALLOWING EXHAUST FUMES TO ENTER THE VEHICLE.
Engine, Jul 12, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. AFTER RESTARTING THE ENGINE, THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY. DURING THE FAILURE, THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY BECAME INOPERABLE AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000.
Engine, Jun 12, 2019
WHILE DRIVING, ENGINE STALLS, WITH INABILITY TO ACCELERATE, REQUIRING VEHICLE TO BE STOPPED, TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED. A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT THEN APPEARED, WHICH AFTER TAKING VEHICLE TO LOCAL DEALERSHIP WAS DETERMINED TO BE A FAULTY THROTTLE BODY WHICH I WAS TOLD HAS BEEN COMMON IN FORD VEHICLES/MAKES/MODELS
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 12, 2019
THE VEHICLE BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP MANY TIMES BECAUSE CARBON MONOXIDE FUME INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THIS HAVE CAUSE MANY HEALTH PROBLEMS TO ME AND MY WIFE (SUCH AS HEADACHES, DROWSINESS ETC.).
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 22, 2019
VEHICLE EXPERIENCING INTERMITTENT ENGINE SHUT OFF UNDER ALL DRIVING CONDITONS WHICH EXHIBITS A SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN THE VEHICLE ABRUBTLY LOSES TOTAL POWER WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAS RECENTLY BEEN AN ISSUE IN THE PAST TWO WEEKS WHILE MY WIFE AND KIDS WERE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 70 MPH IN TRAFFIC. VEHICLE STARTED BACK UP ONCE THE IGNITION WAS TURNED COMPLETELY OFF AND WAITED A FEW MINUTES TO START THE VEHICLE BACK UP. THIS SCENARIO OCCURRED ON THE FREEWAY, IN TOWN DRIVING AND WHILE STOPPED AT TRAFFIC LIGHT. CONTACTED LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AND ALL THEY SAID WAS TO BRING IT IN. I HAD A MECHANIC CHECK IT OUT AND HE WAS UNABLE TO RETRIEVE ANY ENGINE CODES WHILE RUNNING AN ECU SCAN. THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS NOTED ONLINE WITH OTHER FORD EXPLORER OWNERS WHO HAVE ATTRIBUTED IT TO A "TERRAIN MANAGEMENT" FAULT. THIS IS THE SAME DIAGNOSIS MY LOCAL MECHANIC CAME UP WITH. THIS RESULTS IN THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE TO RECEIVE A THROTTLE POSITION IN THE WIDE OPEN INDICATION CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING OPERATED IN OAHU, HAWAII. I AM CURRENTLY DEPLOYED TO THE MIDDLE EAST SO I AM VERY CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY WHILE THIS IS THE ONLY MODE OF TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE TO THEM.
Engine, May 10, 2019
WE HAVE NOTICED A CAR EXHAUST ODOR IN OUR VEHICLE WHILE AT A STANDSTILL. THE ODOR COMES AND GOES AND WE ARE NOT SURE WHAT IS CAUSING IT. IT SEEMS THAT CAR EXHAUST IS COMING INTO THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE CAR'S VENTILATION SYSTEM. THE DEALER SHIP COULD NOT FIND THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE DID HAVE THE FORD CARBON MONOXIDE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM COMPLETED.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Jan 29, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING OR BEING DRIVEN, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN ABNORMAL SULFUR ODOR INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED TAMIAMI FORD (1471 AIRPORT PULLING RD N, NAPLES, FL 34104, (239) 643-3673) AND SCHEDULED A SERVICE APPOINTMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED IN DECEMBER OF 2017 PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V812000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,636.
Engine, Jan 10, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING, EXCESSIVE EXHAUST FUMES AND A FUEL ODOR ENTERED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUFFERED HEADACHES AND DIZZINESS DUE TO THE EXHAUST FUMES. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT RECEIVED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KENNY ROSS FORD SOUTH (LOCATED AT 3200 LIBRARY RD, CASTLE SHANNON, PA 15234, (412) 881-0001) WHERE THE MECHANIC STATED THERE WAS A DEFINITE ODOR IN THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, HE WAS UNSURE IF IT WAS CARBON MONOXIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
Engine, Jan 5, 2019
TWICE BRING TO THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT CARBON MONOXIDE LEAK IN CABIN? MAKING SICK NAUZIA FEELING I'LL? NOW LOOK LIKE MY LUNGS ARE SWALLOWING? PLEASE TELL ME WHAT TO DO
Engine, Dec 18, 2018
TIMING CHAIN STRETCH. $3,000 TO FIX IT
Engine, Nov 29, 2018
EXHAUST FUMES INSIDE VEHICLE CAUSING NAUSEA AND HEADACHES. HAPPENING CONSISTANTLY FOR THE LAST 3YRS
Engine, Nov 29, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING IN A HIGH TRAFFIC AREA FOR OVER THIRTY MINUTES, THE CONTACT FELT DIZZY AND LIGHT HEADED. THE SYMPTOMS RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WELSH MOTORS FORD (330-549-3925, LOCATED AT 13760 WOODWORTH RD, NEW SPRINGFIELD, OH 44443) WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S SYMPTOMS RETURNED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER SEVERAL TIMES. THE DEALER LATER DIAGNOSED THAT THE GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AGAIN, THE CONTACT'S SYMPTOMS RETURNED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DURING A FOUR HOUR ROAD TRIP, ONE OF HER FAMILY MEMBERS SUFFERED THE SAME SYMPTOMS. NO ONE RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DUCT TAPE ON THE EXHAUST FELL OFF. THE DUCT TAPE WAS REPLACED, BUT THE SYMPTOMS CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE SITUATION AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,700.
Structure, Engine, Nov 1, 2018
WE RECENTLY BEGAN SMELLING A PUNGENT 'SULFUR' OR 'ROTTEN EGG' LIKE SMELL THAT COMES AND GOES IN THE INTERIOR CABIN OF OUR EXPLORER WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. TYPICALLY THIS SEEMS TO OCCUR WHILE OR JUST AFTER DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS/ACCELERATING. WE BELIEVE THIS IS IN LINE WITH OTHER INSTANCES PEOPLE HAVE HAD IN EXPLORERS OF POSSIBLE EXHAUST LEAKS INTO THE INTERIOR CABIN SPACE OF THE VEHICLE. WE HAVE 83,000 MILES ON OUR 2013 AWD 3.5L EXPLORER LIMITED. WE TOOK OUR VEHICLE TO A FORD DEALER UNDER CUSTOMER SERVICE SATISFACTION PROGRAM SERVICE # 17N03, BUT THEY STATED OUR SPECIFIC VIN DOES NOT APPLY TO THIS SERVICE & THUS WOULD NOT COVER THAT SERVICE FIX FOR THIS ISSUE.
Engine, Nov 1, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, EXHAUST FUME ODOR WAS DETECTED INSIDE THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ROLLED THE WINDOWS DOWN AND HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE EMERGING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER QUIRK FORD (540 SOUTHERN ARTERY, QUINCY, MA 02169) WHERE THEY DETERMINE THAT THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,239. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Engine, Sep 26, 2018
THREE TIMES IN THE LAST 2 WEEKS I'VE HAD EITHER GASOLINE OR EXHAUST FUMES INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I WAS ACCELERATING ON EITHER A CITY STREET OR HIGHWAY UPHILL AND THE A/C WAS ON.
Engine, Sep 23, 2018
IN SUMMER 2015 WE BEGAN SMELLING EXHAUST IN THE VEHICLE WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS ON. IT STARTED OUT AS A MILD SMELL AND CONTINUED TO GET WORSE OVER TIME. WE MENTIONED IT TO OUR SERVICE ADVISOR MULTIPLE TIMES WHO COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE ISSUE. AFTER MANY ATTEMPTS, WE GOT THE DEALERSHIP TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE AND ADMIT THERE WAS AN ISSUE BUT UNFORTUNATELY THEY COULD NOT FIX IT. AS TIME WENT ON, THE SMELL WAS PRESENT ALL THE TIME WHETHER OR NOT THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS ON. IN EARLY 2018, WE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO PERFORM THE FORD AUTHORIZED FIX FOR THIS KNOWN ISSUE (SEALING HOLES, REPROGRAM THE A/C, ETC.). HOWEVER, THE SMELL NEVER WENT AWAY AND WE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE BACK TWICE TO HAVE IT VERIFIED. THIS LAST TIME THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD WAS CRACKED AND THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT FORD WOULD DO AND THAT WE HAD TO PAY FOR A REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE HAS 95K MILES ON IT CURRENTLY.
Power train, Structure, Engine, Sep 9, 2018
SMELL OF EXHAUST INSIDE CABIN UNDER HARD ACCELERATION. THIS VEHICLE HAD THE FORD COMPLEMENTARY REPAIR DONE IN JULY. DEFECT STILL OCCURRING.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 10, 2018
MY EXPLORER HAS AN ISSUE WHEN STOPPED AND IN DRIVE WITH THE AC ON THE CAR PULLS/LUNGES FOWARD AS IF I HIT THE GAS/ ALSO WHEN IM PARKED AND THE AIR CON IS RUNNING AT SOME POINT THE ENGINE GOES DOWN BELOW 500 RPMS THEN KICKS UP TO 700 TO COMPENSATE THEN KICKS DOWN TO BELOW 500 , OVER AND OVER AGAIN. IF REV THE ENGINE A BIT, THEN IT GOES BACK DOWN TO NORMAL IDLE AND ITS FINE FOR MAYBE 10 MINUTES THEN DOES IT ALL OVER AGAIN. THIS CAN BE A SAFETY ISSUE AS THE CAR PULLS ITSELF FOWARD WITH NO HUMAN INTERACTION. THERE IS MULTIPLE WEBSITES DECLARING THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE FOR THIS CAR. GOOGLE 2013 EXPLORER ROUGH AC IDLE YOU WILL SEE LOTS OF PEOPLE COMMENTING ON IT.
Engine, Mar 21, 2018
THERE IS AN EXHAUST LEAK ON THE VEHICLE ALLOWING TOXIC FUMES INTO THE CABIN.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 5, 2018, fire
MY WIFE AND I TOOK A TRIP FOR A BABY SHOWER, IT WAS ABOUT A 2.5 HR DRIVE. ON THE WAY THERE, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON. THERE WERE NO OTHER WARNINGS OR INDICATIONS OF AN ISSUE. WE MADE IT FINE TO OUR DESTINATION, DROVE AROUND TOWN A LITTLE BIT, AND STAYED THE NIGHT. THE NEXT DAY WE HEADED HOME (ANOTHER 2.5 HR TRIP). THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON THE ENTIRE TIME, BUT THERE WERE NO ABNORMAL NOISES OR ODORS, OR ANY OTHER INDICATION THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE. WHEN WE GOT HOME, WE PARKED THE CAR, TURNED IT OFF, UNLOADED, THEN TURNED IT ON TO BACK IT INTO THE GARAGE AND TURN IT OFF AGAIN. AFTER SITTING IN THE GARAGE FOR 10 -15 MINUTES, THE CAR EXPLODED, SHAKING THE HOUSE AND CATCHING THE ENGINE BAY ON FIRE. THE ENGINE BAY WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES, CAUSING FIRE/SMOKE DAMAGE TO OUR GARAGE AND EVERYTHING IN IT. AN INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATOR STATED THAT THE COOLING FAN HAD FAILED, WHICH CAUSED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, HOWEVER THAT SEEMS LIKE NOT A SUFFICIENT REASON TO WHY THE ENGINE EXPLODED. WE ARE UNSURE WHAT THE ROOT CAUSE WAS, BUT SOMETHING HAD TO HAVE GONE VERY WRONG FOR THE CAR TO EXPLODE IN THE GARAGE, IGNITION OFF, AND STATIONARY AND THE ONLY INDICATION BEING A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT EVEN IF THE COOLING FAN DID FAIL. THIS ALL HAPPENED JUST OVER A WEEK AFTER AN OIL CHANGE AT A FORD DEALERSHIP. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION THAT COULD HAVE VERY LIKELY ENDED UP IN INJURY OR DEATH.