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, Jul 31, 2017
EXHAUST ENTERS THE CABIN DURING HEAVY ACCELERATION AT MEDIUM TO HIGH SPEED. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE WE PURCHASED THE CAR NEW IN 2013.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 31, 2017
THE VEHICLE WAS TESTED AND FOUND TO HAVE 10 PPM OF CO IN THE INTERIOR.
Engine, Jul 28, 2017
EXHAUST FUMES WHEN I ACCELERATE, NOT FLOOR BOARDING IT BUT JUST REGULAR ACCELERATION THAT YOU SMELL IN THE CABIN. I BROUGHT IT TO FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT WAS NOTHING. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE I GOT THE VEHICLE IN 2015 OCTOBER.
Engine, Jun 30, 2017
ROTTEN EGG/SULFUR SMELL IN CABIN DURING HARD ACCELERATION / C02 INFILTRATION CAUSING PASSENGER HEADACHES / NAUSEA. WHEN ACCELERATING TO HIGHWAY OR FREEWAY SPEEDS OR ACCELERATING TO PASS A VEHICLE THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT SULFUR SMELL IN THE CABIN. THE SMELL IS SIGNIFICANTLY WORSE WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONING IS ON AND IN RECIRCULATE MODE, BUT IS PRESENT REGARDLESS OF AC OR RECIRC MODE (CAN BE WHEN VENT OR HEAT IS ACTIVE ALSO).
Engine, May 23, 2017
MY VEHICLE IS EXHIBITING THE EXHAUST SMELL IN THE CABIN CONCERN. IT HAS BEEN VERIFIED BY THE TECHNICIAN AT JONES FORD IN NORTH CHARLESTON, SC. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED IN JANUARY 2017. IT CURRENTLY HAS 58000 MILES ON IT. FORD IS TELLING ME THAT THEY WILL NOT COVER THIS ISSUE UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY I PURCHASED FROM THEM.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 24, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL EXHAUST ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. UPON ACTIVATING THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT, THE EXHAUST ODOR BECAME STRONGER AND SPREAD THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 5, 2017
THERE IS A CONSISTENT SMELL OF SULFUR OR GAS COMING INTO THE CAR THROUGH THE VENTS. I WAS LIGHT HEADED AND DIZZY WHILE DRIVING. STOPPED AND ROLL THE WINDOWS DOWN. THIS WAS NOT JUST ONCE BUT FORD IS DOING NOTHING ABOUT THE PROBLEM. I SEARCHED FOR RECALLS AND THEY SAID THERE IS NO RECALL ON MY FORD EXPLORER FOR THIS ISSUES. PLEASE ADVISE AS TO WHAT I AM TO DO?
Engine, Apr 4, 2017
SINCE PURCHASING OUR FORD EXPLORER NEW EXHAUST FUMES FILL THE CABIN WHEN ACCELERATING (INCREASE IN RPM). AFTER LONG TRIPS CAUSES HEADACHES AND DIZZINESS. IT'S BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE FOR 4 YEARS. WE HAVE HAD THE FORD SERVICE BULLETINS FOR THIS ISSUE PERFORMED AND PROBLEM REMAINS.
Engine, Apr 2, 2017
I HAVE BEEN EXPERINCING EXHAUST FUMES INSIDE THE VEHICLE WHEN I ACCELLARATE AT A HIGH R.P.M.
Engine, Mar 28, 2017
'TAKATA RECALL' STRONG SMELL OF SULFUR,ENGINE OIL AND GASOLINE.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 22, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL EXHAUST ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INHERENT TO THE MODEL VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 18, 2017
WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE USED AND WITH 48 HOURS NOTICED AN EXHAUST SMELL INSIDE CABIN WHEN SITTING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT OR STOP SIGN.
Engine, Mar 13, 2017
STRONG PROPANE GAS SMELL WHILE DRIVING.
Engine, Mar 7, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. AFTER THE CONTACT RETRIEVED THE VEHICLE FROM THE DEALER FOR REPAIRING AN EXHAUST ODOR INSIDE THE CABIN, THE FAILURE STILL OCCURRED. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED BY THE MECHANIC THAT THE SECOND STEP OF THE REPAIR PROCESS NEEDED TO BE PERFORMED BECAUSE THE FIRST STEP FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,216.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 28, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EMITTED AN EXHAUST ODOR THAT CAUSED THE CONTACT AND OTHER PASSENGERS TO HAVE HEADACHES. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, BUT IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. A CERTIFIED MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS AN EXHAUST FAILURE, BUT THE EXACT CAUSE OF FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 22, 2017
THE SMELL OF EXHAUST FILLS THE VEHICLE SOMETIMES WHEN IT IS IN MOTION.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 22, 2017
CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM. THERE IS A PUNGENT ODOR COMING FROM THE SYSTEM AT VARIOUS TIMES, USUALLY WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER IS OPERATING. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE AND THE SOURCE HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED. THE ENGINE WILL BEGIN RUNNING ROUGH AT IDLE, BOTH IN DRIVE AND PARK, AS THOUGH IT WERE GOING TO STALL. THE PROBLEM WAS CHECKED AND COMPARED TO ANOTHER NEW VEHICLE, WHICH HAD NOT BEEN PURCHASED, AND IDENTIFIED AS BEING "NORMAL". MOST RECENTLY BOTH CATALYTIC CONVERTERS FAILED. THEY WERE REPLACED AND IT DOES NOT APPEAR TO HAVE CORRECTED ANY OTHER ISSUE.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 16, 2017
STRONG EXHAUST/GASOLINE SMELL INSIDE THE CABIN WHILE DRIVING WITH WINDOWS CLOSED AND THE AIR CONDITIONING ON.
Engine, Feb 15, 2017
I HAVE HAD MY CAR BACK TO FORD BECAUSE WHEN YOU ACCELERATE THE SMELL OF EXHAUST COMES BACK INTO THE CAR. THE LAST TIME I HAD IT THERE THEY SAID THIS IS THE LAST WAY THAT FORD WILL ALLOW THEM TO FIX, WELL IT DID NOT FIX IT. MY GRANDDAUGHTER GETS DEATHLY SICK WITH PROJECTILE VOMITTING WHEN SHE RIDES IN MY CAR. I HAVE MADE THE COMMENT TO THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT IF I PUT A PARAKEET IN MY CAR IT WOULD DIE, I GET NO REPLY. WHEN I DRIVE MY CAR I TRY NOT TO ACCELERATE TO MUCH(HAHA). MY MOTHER DOES NOT LIKE TO RIDE IN MY CAR SHE IS ELDERLY AND SHE DOES NOT NEED TO BE SMELLING THAT. I HAVE DRIVEN FORD EXPLORERS FOREVER AND THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I HAVE EVER HAD PROBLEMS WITH A CAR LIKE THIS. FORD DOES NOT TAKE ME SERIOUS ABOUT THIS MATTER AND WHEN MY KIDS COME TO TOWN WE CAN'T DRIVE MY CAR CAUSE OF MY GRANDDAUGHTER GETTING SO SICK, I DON'T WANT TO HARM HER OR ANYONE ELSE.
Engine, Feb 15, 2017
EXHAUST FUMES WHEN ACCELERATING.
Engine, Feb 14, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT NOTICED AN ABNORMAL ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN. UPDATED 05/09/17*LJ *CN
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 14, 2017
THERE IS AN EXHAUST SMELL (LIKE BURNT HAIR) INSIDE THE CABIN WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATES, ESPECIALLY A HARD ACCELERATION AND OFTEN WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONING IS ON. CERTIFIED DEALER CANNOT IDENTIFY CAUSE OF ISSUE OR HOW IT OCCURS.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 14, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT NOTICED STRONG FUMES INSIDE THE VEHICLE WHICH CAUSED NAUSEA AND HEADACHES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000. UPDATED 06/02/17*LJ
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Feb 13, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT NOTICED AN ABNORMAL EXHAUST ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN. UPDATED 05/10/17*LJ *CN
Engine, Feb 10, 2017
I AM HAVING SOME ISSUES WITH MY 2013 FORD EXPLORER AND FORD DEALERSHIP.. IN THE NUT SHELF APPARENTLY THEY HAVE BEEN SOME ISSUED ALREADY RECORDED ABOUT THE SMELL OF EXHAUST IN THE CABIN ESPECIALLY ON THE HIGHWAY IF YOU TRYING TO GET ON OR PASS SOMEONE ETC..' I HAVE BEEN TELLING FORD IN TALLASSEE (WHERE WE PURCHASED THE CAR) AND LONG LEWIS IN PRATTVILLE THE SAME THING' THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY NEVER HEARD OF SUCH AND THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY CAR' ANYWAY MY CAR IS BACK IN TALLASSEE AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP' NOW THEY SAID YES IT IS AN ISSUE BUT MY EXTENDED WARRANTY WON'T COVER IT B/C IT'S AN UPDATE AND NOT A PART THAT NEEDS TO BE FIXED' THE UPDATE IS $1300' NEEDLESS TO SAY I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO PAY FOR IT RIGHT NOW.. THE MAIN ISSUE IS THAT OF COURSE, FORD IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT WON'T ISSUE A RECALL' THE MUFFLER EXHAUST GOES INSIDE THE CABIN I/O OUTSIDE WHICH IS WHY THE SMELL IS SO BAD'. ME AND MY FAMILY HAVE BEEN BREATHING CARBON MONOXIDE EVERY TIME WE GET IN THE CAR.. ESPECIALLY LONG RIDE, WE ALL GET HEADACHES'. COUPLE YEARS AGO I STARTED BEING WITH HEADACHES AND MIGRAINES AND HAVE BEEN PUT ON MEDS' I NEVER HAD MIGRAINES BEFORE WE GOT THE CAR' COINCIDENCE??? DON'T THINK SO.