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, Sep 23, 2019
POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT WARNING AFTER TURNING ON CAR AND PUTTING IT IN DRIVE. . I HAD NO POWER STEERING. TURNED OFF CAR THEN RESTARTED AND THEN I COULD DRIVE.
Steering, Sep 23, 2019
WHEN TURNING THE TRUCK MAKES A ROARING NOISE AND DOES NOT RETURN STEERING BACK TO STRAIGHT DIRECTION. HARD TO TURN WHEEL MANUALLY. FORD DEALER DIAGNOSTIC CLAIMS STEERING HAS AN INTERNAL FAILURE AND MUST BE REPLACED FOR SAFETY. ELECTRIC RACK AND PINION STEERING POSSIBLE DELAYED DEFECT!. EXPLORER HAS LESS THAN 66,000 MILES ON IT.
Steering, Sep 20, 2019
MY POWER STEERING GOES OUT AND THROW THE "POWER STEERING FAULT" ERROR MESSAGE ON MY DASH MULTIPLE TIMES WHEN EITHER I AM BACKING UP, STARTING TO TAKE OFF, WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. IT DID IT ONE TIME ABOUT A YEAR AGO AND I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST A FLUKE BUT NOW IT IS HAPPENING ALL THE TIME. AND I HAVE GOOGLED THE PROBLEM AND APPARENTLY THERE IS A RECALL ON ONLY CERTAIN MODELS BUT IT SEEMS LIKE THERE SHOULD BE SEVERAL MORE LISTED THE MORE I LOOK AT HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS I AM.
Steering, Sep 19, 2019
2013 FORD EXPLORER LTD STARTED HAVING ISSUES WITH POWER STEERING. WARNING ICONS CAME UP ON LOWER RIGHT DASHBOARD, SHOWING LACK OF TRACTION CONTROL, THEN TEXT WARNINGS "SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW" AND "SERVICE ADVANCED TRAC". AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE AND TRYING TO USE IT AGAIN FOUND STEERING ESSENTIALLY LOCKED. STEERING WHEEL CAN BE TURNED WITH A LOT OF EFFORT, BUT VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO BE DRIVEN. CONTACTED FORD TO FILE OFFICIAL COMPLAINT. THEY MAINTAIN THEIR OFFICIAL LINE THAT VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL. I'M THE ORIGINAL OWNER, HAVING BOUGHT THE 2013 MODEL AROUND OCT 2012. HAVE ALWAYS MAINTAINED THE VEHICLE PROPERLY. VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS 177,000 MILES, BUT IS CURRENTLY USELESS, AS I CAN'T EVEN SELL IT IN CURRENT STATE. FORD REP'S ONLY RESPONSE (AT 1-866-436-7332) WAS TO HAVE IT TOWED TO NEAREST FORD DEALER, WHOM WILL THEN CHARGE ME $135 TO "DIAGNOSE" A PROBLEM THEY ARE FAMILIAR WITH AND DEMAND AROUND $2K TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. PLEASE ADVISE IF THERE'S A CHANCE FORD WILL DO THE RESPONSIBLE THING AND RECALL THESE VEHICLES BEFORE MORE PEOPLE GET KILLED DRIVING THEM. I WOULD HAT TO HAVE TO THROW AWAY OVER $40,000 INVESTED IN THIS CAR.
Steering, Sep 12, 2019
I WAS HEARING A GRINDING NOISE WHEN TURNING. IT GOT TOO LOUD AND TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE RACK AND PINION HAS TO BE REPLACED. IT GOT SO BAD THAT I COULD POTENTIALLY LOSE STEERING CONTROL WHEN DRIVING. I'M CONCERNED THIS IS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE AND THIS FAILURE SHOULDN'T HAPPEN IN THIS LOW MILEAGE. I ONLY HAVE ABOUT 77K MILES ON MY EXPLORER AND I'VE BEEN DRIVING IT GENTLY.
Steering, Sep 11, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY BECAME INOPERABLE.THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION AND THE "POWER STEERING ACCESS FAILURE" MESSAGE DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PAOLI FORD (100 WEST LANCASTER AVE, PAOLI, PA) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SCCM MODULE AND STEERING GEAR FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER (CAS-24160629) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000 (STEERING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,480. *AS*DT *TR*JB
Steering, Aug 28, 2019
LOSS OF POWER STEERING AT LOWER SPEEDS OR WHEN STATIONARY WITH THE STEERING LOCKING OUT AT HIGHER HIGHWAY SPEEDS CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL
Steering, Aug 28, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. ON AUGUST 21, 2019, THE STEERING WHEEL ASSIST AND TRACTION WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. WHEN THE CONTACT TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING WHEEL RETURNED TO NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WOOLWINE FORD-LINCOLN (LOCATED AT 3080 US 49, COLLINS, MS 39428, (601) 765-4461) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000. *TR
Steering, Aug 28, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE POWER STEERING COMPLETELY FAILED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER, TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CHAPMAN FORD (1255 COLUMBUS AVE, MARYSVILLE, OH 43040, (937) 642-0015) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE REPLACED THE POWER STEERING MODULE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INSTRUCTED THE CONTACT TO KEEP ALL RECEIPTS FOR THE REPAIR IN THE EVENT THAT HER VEHICLE BECAME INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.
Steering, Aug 22, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN INTO THE DRIVEWAY, THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONED. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION AND THE SERVICE POWER STEERING MESSAGE DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO FRENCHIES FORD (216 EAST ORVIS ST, MECCENA, NY) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY AND STEERING SHAFT WERE FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Steering, Aug 22, 2019
2013 FORD EXPLORER SPORT - MY VEHICLE IS HAVING DANGEROUS STEERING ISSUES. MY VEHICLE IS APPEARS TO BE EXPERIENCING AN INTERMITTENT POWER STEERING FAILURE. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT ANY SPEED THERE APPEARS TO BE STEERING LOSS. THERE ALSO APPEARS TO BE LOSS OF STEERING WHEN AT DIFFERENT STEERING ANGELS. IT APPEARS TO SHUT DOWN THE POWER THAT IS BEING SENT TO THE POWER STEERING ASSIST. THIS FAULT HAPPENS WHEN IN ANY LOCATION, HIGHWAY, PARKING LOT, LOCAL STREET, CITY STREET, ETC. THE ISSUE HAPPENS RANDOMLY AT ALL SPEEDS AND SOMETIMES WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY. THE MOST DISCOURAGING ASPECT OF THIS PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE IS THAT FORD HAD RECOGNIZED THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM WITH THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE OF MINE, THAT WERE ONLY BUILT JUST MONTHS BEFORE MINE. IT IS ALSO DISAPPOINTING TO SEE THAT FORD IS NOT EVEN LOOKING INTO THE ISSUE (AS TOLD BY CUSTOMER CARE REPRESENTATIVE IN THE PHILIPPINES).
Steering, Aug 19, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS REVERSING OUT OF HIS DRIVEWAY, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL RIGHT TO LEFT AND NOTICED A VERY LOUD ABNORMAL, WINDING NOISE. ALSO, THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRIC RACK AND PINION FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. TERREBONNE FORD LINCOLN (339 ST CHARLES ST, HOUMA, LA 70360, (985) 876-5100) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.
Steering, Aug 17, 2019
VEHICLE HAS BEEN THROUGH 4 STEERING RACKS EACH TIME IT IS REPLACED THE VEHICLE HAS LEFT THE SERVICE SHOP ONLY TO RETURN IN LESS THAN 24 HOURS. STEERING TIGHTENS UP RENDERING THE VEHICLE ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE. DASHBOARD DISPLAYS WARNINGS SUCH AS POWER STEERING FAILURE, SERVICE POWER STEERING, POWERTRAIN LOCK, ETC. THIS HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING. ONCE I WAS ON A BACK ROAD, ONCE ON A HIGHWAY AND ONCE ON A SERVICE ROAD JUST MILES FROM THE DEALERSHIP
Steering, Aug 15, 2019
THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING SUDDENLY BECAME INOPERABLE WHILE DRIVING
Steering, Aug 12, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WARNING INDICATOR FLASHED. COOK COUNTY FORD (1000 S HUTCHINSON AVE, ADEL, GA 31620, (229) 896-7411) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WOULD BE NEEDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA TO FILE A COMPLAINT. THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000. *TT
Steering, Aug 7, 2019
POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET.
Steering, Aug 6, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. FERRARIO AUTO TEAM (LOCATED AT 2472 CORNING RD, ELMIRA, NY 14903, (855) 468-5337) WAS CONTACTED BY PHONE AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000.
Steering, Aug 6, 2019
WHEN DRIVING THE STEERING BECAME IMPOSSIBLE FOR MY WIFE TO STEER THE CAR. POWER STEERING ASSIST LIGHT CAME ON ALONG WITH ADVANCE TRAC LIGHT. THIS HAPPENED ON 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE FIRST TIME WE WERE TRAVELING DOWN A HIGHWAY AND THE SECOND TIME SHE WAS PARKING IN THE GARAGE. SHE WAS UNABLE TO PARK THE CAR STAIGHT IN THE GARAGE. WE TOOK THE CAR TO HERMAN FORD IN LUVERNE, MN TO BE REPAIRED. WE WERE TOLD THE PROBLEM IN THE STEERING GEAR. THROUGH MY RESEARCH FORD HAS RECALLED OTHER EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. FORD IS TELLING ME THAT MY CAR DOES NOT FALL UNDER THE RECALL. THIS PROBLEM CREATES A DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN IT OCCURS.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 5, 2019
WHEN TRAVELING LONG DISTANCES, USUALLY OVER AN HOUR, THE WARNING FOR POWER STEERING AND SERVICE ADVANCE TRAC COMES ON. THE POWER STEERING WILL LOCK UP AND WILL BE DIFFICULT TO DRIVE AFTER VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED AND ONCE ITS STARTED BACK UP AGAIN.
Steering, Jul 29, 2019
DRIVING THE CAR SATURDAY THE 20TH OF JULY, RUNNING REGULAR ERRANDS, THE CAR WAS FINE. WOKE UP SUNDAY MORNING TO GO TO CHURCH AND THE STEERING STARTED GRINDING WHEN I TURN THE WHEEL. TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC AND HE SAID IT WAS THE STEERING GEAR AND ONLY FORD CAN FIX THAT, BUT WHO HAS 1600.00.
Steering, Jul 23, 2019
WHILE TRAVELING IN A FORWARD DIRECTION ON A CITY STREET, AN ALERT FOR POWER STEERING MALFUNCTION APPEARED. A FEW SECONDS LATER, THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM COMPLETELY FAILED AND THE STEERING LOCKED UP. I WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT. A QUICK RESEARCH OF THE FORD EXPLORER POWER STEERING RESULTED WITH A LARGE FORUM OF PEOPLE WITH SAME PROBLEM. THE DEALER MY VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO STATED I WAS THE SECOND ONE IN A WEEK. A RECALL WAS DONE FOR THIS SPECIFIC ITEM WAS DONE, BUT FOR ALL WHEEL/4 WHEEL DRIVE ONLY. I FEEL THIS PARTICULAR PRODUCT IS UNSAFE, ESPECIALLY SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION.
Steering, Jul 23, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. SHORTLY AFTER THE CONTACT PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, THE EPS WARNING INDICATOR FLASHED, INDICATING A POWER STEERING FAILURE. WILSON FORD LINCOLN (328 MAIN ST, LOGAN, UT 84321) SCHEDULED A DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT FOR AUGUST 5, 2019. THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE SAME FAILURE AS THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE12017 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,000.
Steering, Jul 22, 2019
WHILE OPERATING 2013 FORD EXPLORER ON HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH THE RIGHT WHEEL SUDDENLY TURNED 45 DEGREES RIGHT CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO UNEXPECTEDLY VEER TO RIGHT TOWARDS CURB AND PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY. A VISUAL INSPECTION SHOWED THE OUTER TIE ROD DISCONNECTED FROM OUTER TIE ROD CONNECTOR WITHOUT WARNING. MECHANIC DETERMINED THE MALE THREAD ON OUTER TIE ROD "WORKED" IT'S WAY OUT OF THE FEMALE OUTER TIE ROD CONNECTOR. THE METAL THREADS ON THE END OF THE TIE ROD WERE STRIPPED ALLOWING OUTER TIE ROD AND TIE ROD CONNECTOR TO SLIDING IN AND OUT FREELY WITHOUT ANY ROTATION(LOOSENING/TIGHTENING) OF TIE ROD END. FORTUNATELY NO PERSONAL INJURY WAS SUSTAINED BY ANYONE INVOLVED. AT TIME OF THE INCIDENT THE VEHICLE HAD APPROXIMATELY 40,000 MILES AND WAS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION RECEIVING REGULAR SERVICE. I BELIEVE THE OEM EQUIPMENT ON THE VEHICLE IS DEFECTIVE AND RUNS THE RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH IF IT WERE TO FAIL AT HIGHWAY SPEED. I CONTACTED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE TO EXPLAIN INCIDENT AND THEY SIMPLY STATED THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THEY DID NOT SEEM TO BE INTERESTED IN THE DETAILS OF MECHANICAL FAILURE AS THEY DID NOT CONNECT ME WITH A TECHNICIAN. CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE TOLD ME IF THEY WOULD MARK IT AS A SIMPLE TIE ROD FAILURE AND IF ENOUGH PEOPLE "COMPLAIN" THEY WOULD CONTACT ME. OUT OF ABUNDANCE OF CAUTION I REPLACED BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT TIE RODS AND TIE ROD ENDS TO PREVENT FURTHER FAILURE. REPAIRS COST INCLUDING LABOR EXCEEDED $750 PHOTOS OF FAILED PARTS ATTACHED PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR FURTHER INFORMATION/QUESTIONS.
Steering, Electrical system, Jul 17, 2019
THE STEERING BECAME SO BAD IT WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AND COULD EASILY HAVE CAUSED A BAD ACCIDENT. I DID NOT LET MY WIFE DRIVE IT. LOCAL AUTO REPAIR SHOP SAID IT IS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE IN THE STEERING SO I DROVE IT UNSAFELY TO FORD DEALER WHO TOLD US IT IS AN ISSUE WITH THE STEERING GEAR. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN IN A 2013 VEHICLE WITH A LITTLE OVER 100K MILES
Steering, Jul 15, 2019
MY 2013 EXPLORER LOSSES POWER STEERING DUE TO MECHANICAL MALFUNCTIONING WHILE DRIVING THE CAR. IT WAS DISCOVERED THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM HAD FAILED DUE TO OVERHEATING. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER, MY VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL 14V286000 WHICH WAS NOTED MAY 29, 2014. I REPAIRED THE CAR AT THE COST $2,600.00. I CONTINUE TO HAVE ISSUES WITH THE POWER STEERING.