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: steering
835 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Mar 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while his wife was driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred mostly in cold weather. The driver took the vehicle to the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
Steering, Mar 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while reversing out of the driveway, the steering wheel was firm and difficult to turn. The power steering assist warning light illuminated the following day. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed with power steering assist failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.
Steering, Mar 4, 2022
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? While driving home and turning on to our street I lost control of Power Steering. Was very difficult to steer - scary. Yes available for inspection, although we have an appt to check it and repair estimate on March 10, 2022 with Cutter Ford. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Scary. This is my wife's vehicle, It's a blessing that wife was not driving vehicle home from work in traffic on the H-1 freeway in Hawaii. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? There was a recall for 2013 Explorers in June 2014. Dealer Manager had denied any recall for my VIN. was not any help to , seem like he didn't care there was a recall on Ford 2013 Explorer. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Not yet, Dealer with Cutter Ford appt March 10, 2022 Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Lamp illuminated as soon as problem occurred saying " POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT"
Steering, Feb 21, 2022
Vehicle has lost ability to steer and several warning light illuminated indicating power steering problem. Diagnosis revealed the problem is a failed rack and pinion.
Steering, Feb 21, 2022
There is an open recall for 2011-2013 Explorers (#14V286000) for the exact cause of the submission of this complaint. My family and other's lives were at risk when my explorer lost power steering capabilities while driving. The power steering was completely disabled almost making it impossible to navigate. The vehicle had to be towed because it was such a hazard to drive with local traffic. Upon the loss of the power steering a "power steering assist" light illuminated on the dash. The local Ford dealership noted that this was a known problem and the 2013's were actually recalled for this exact issue. Once they looked up my VIN number they noted that mine was not included even though it is textbook for the other 2013 explorers which noted the same problem that caused this recall. Ford has not been of any help and instructed I submit this complaint here. The repair is not an affordable cost to swallow when there is an open recall for the exact problem on the SAME years, but for some reason mine was not included.
Steering, Feb 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving, the power steering and advanced tract warning lights illuminated. The steering wheel failed to move. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Steering, Feb 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 2 MPH in a parking lot, the vehicle rolled forward and power steering assist fault warning light illuminated. The contact was able to safely pull over and had to have the vehicle towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the power steering control module replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that she had researched online and found NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) which was similar to the failure experienced. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure however, the contact was informed that the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Steering, Feb 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing out of the driveway, the steering wheel locked up. The contact was unable to turn the steering wheel in either direction. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed and remained at the dealer. The contact was informed that the power steering assist failed and would be an out-of-pocket expense. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure. The contact was provided with a case number. The failure mileage was 59,800.
Steering, Feb 1, 2022
I was stopped in the middle median waiting to make a left turn. Once there was a gap with on coming traffic I started to make the left turn and I lost control of the vehicle, not sure what happened in the moment. Once I gripped the steering wheel to try and regain control before I jumped the curb and hit the apartment building that was in front of me I was able to park the vehicle and assess the situation. I looked down and noticed the warning light that said “Power steering fault.” I had the vehicle towed to the nearest Ford dealership and they have diagnosed the problem as needing to replace the whole “steering rack.” This is a $2300 repair. Under further investigation I have become aware that there is already a recall “14S06” for this exact problem, but due to my build date being out by a couple months my Explorer is not covered. I have read online many other experiencing the same concern I am having, and their Explorers are not covered as well. This is a huge safety concern and could cause accidents relating to injury/death. This needs to be addressed immediately!
Steering, Jan 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH and making a turn, the steering wheel inadvertently lost power steering assist functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact turned off the vehicle and as he restarted it, the steering wheel regained power steering assist functionality. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle; however, the failure reoccurred upon starting the vehicle the next day. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring intermittently while driving. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised the contact that he would be responsible for the cost of the repair since the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Jan 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving, the speedometer failed to provide the vehicle's speed. Additionally, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the power steering assist message was displayed. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer to be inspected. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
Steering, Jan 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the power steering became inoperable. The steering fault warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.
Steering, Jan 9, 2022
Driving on freeway interchange from one freeway to another am alarm went off that my steering had faulted out. The steering wheel was almost impossible to turn and I nearly hit the retaining wall. Vehicle was almost uncontrollable.
Steering, Dec 18, 2021
I came out of Lowes and got into my vehicle and when I tried to back it out, I could not turn my wheels and the message on the instrument panel stated, "Power Steering Assist Fault". I shut of my engine and restarted the Explorer and after a few seconds I was able to steer my vehicle. I am afraid to drive the Explorer because I have two car seats in the car that carry two children. My Explorer was made in the Chicago plant in March of 2013, but my vin number appears not to be included in the ones to be covered.
Steering, Dec 9, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to regain steering functionality. The contact stated that the All-Terrain System and Forward Collision warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic and the contact was informed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
Steering, Dec 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the power steering assist fault warning message would appear on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle while driving at various speeds. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer where they confirmed that the electrical power steering was defective. The contact was informed that his vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.
Steering, Nov 27, 2021
Right rear brake caliper has failed twice. Tire shop diagnosed problem both times. We’ve replaced the caliper and brakes on the car the first time and are in the process of getting parts to fix again Started hearing loud popping noise from front end and now we have a grinding noise when turning steering wheel. When driving the vehicle the steering catches when turning right or left causing it to feel like it isn’t stable. The car feels like it wanders on straight stretches and you have to fight the steering. Husband diagnosed rack and pinion. Problem now is we can’t get parts
Steering, Nov 8, 2021
Electric power steering inop. POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT displayed.
Steering, Nov 4, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to turn and with an abnormal sound. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated she was able to drive to her residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. Vehicle has been sold.*JB
Steering, Nov 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle was jerking. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering assist before the driver lost control of the vehicle. The traction control warning light was illuminated along with the service power steering message displayed. The driver sustained injuries to her arm however, no medical attention was provided. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 188,000.
Steering, Oct 22, 2021
Power steering assist fault. Lost power steering while driving.
Steering, Oct 22, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the rack and pinion replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
Steering, Oct 19, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the power steering assist fault message displayed, and the steering wheel was very difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering rack was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA campaign 14V286000 (Steering). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 134,000. THE CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DO TO NOT BEING MANUFACTURED AT A PARTICULAR PLANT.
Steering, Oct 8, 2021
1. Water Pump leaking, Explorer ran hot, needs new water pump and transmission cooling line. 2. Steering suspension has a left and right popping sound, while turning steering wheel. 3. Steering knuckle has play in it while parked and engine is off.
Steering, Oct 7, 2021
The steering got harder to steer and it is almost impossible to turn when you are pulling out