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, Feb 11, 2019
DRIVING POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON ALMOST CRASHED COULD NOT TURN WHEEL. CALLED FORD SAID NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL BUT ALL OTHER FORDS ARE DON'T HAVE A LOT OF MILES THIS NEED TO BE COVERED UNDER THE POWER STEERING RECALL
Steering, Suspension, Electronic stability control (ESC), Feb 10, 2019
ISSUE ALREADY REPORTED.SEE NHTSA LD.NUMBER 11174395.VEHICLE IS AWD. CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM FRONT AXIL AREA ONLY. CURRENT MILAGE86644.
Steering, Jan 29, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING GEAR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S COMPUTER SOFTWARE WAS PREVIOUSLY UPDATED AT BLAKE UTTER FORD (215 US-75, DENISON, TX 75020, (800) 481-9321). THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL AND DID NOT OFFER FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Steering, Jan 28, 2019
POWER STEERING TURNED OFF WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD! AND THEN THE WHOLE CAR DIED
Steering, Jan 25, 2019
STARTED TO MAKE A WEIRD NOISE WHILE TURNING/STEERING, THEN STARTED TO FEEL TIGHT OR JERK WHEN TRYING TO STEER, ESPECIALLY AT LOWER SPEEDS. BROUGHT TO FORD AND WAS TOLD THE STEERING RACK NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, AND OF COURSE EXTENDED WARRANTY WILL NOT COVER IT. IT WOULD BE AROUND $2,000 TO REPLACE. RESEARCHED THAT A LOT OF EXPLORERS HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM BUT ONLY A CERTAIN AMOUNT MADE THE RECALL LIST. WILL NOT DRIVE UNTIL CAN AFFORD TO FIX BECAUSE IT FEELS UNSAFE ESPECIALLY WHEN THERE ARE CHILDREN IN THE VEHICLE.
Steering, Jan 24, 2019
WHILE DRIVING ON US HIGHWAY 190 EAST, I LOST FULL CONTROL OF MY STEERING WITHOUT ANY WARNINGS (LOST OF POWER STEERING). I WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN PROPER CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, SINCE I WAS OPERATING THE VEHICLE AT LOW SPEED (35MPH) AS I WAS SLOWING TO MAKE RIGHT TURN OFF OF HIGHWAY ONTO A PARISH ROADWAY WHEN THE STEERING HAD FAILED.
Steering, Jan 24, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED AND THE STEERING WHEEL COULD NOT BE TURNED IN EITHER DIRECTION. AFTER RESTARTING THE ENGINE, THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Steering, Jan 22, 2019
THE VEHICLE STEERING ASSIST IS NOT FUNCTIONING. CAN'T DRIVE THE VEHICLE DUE TO NO POWER STEERING. UNSAFE TO DRIVE.
Steering, Jan 21, 2019
ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED. CAUTION LIGHTS CAME ON 2 MILES FROM THE HOUSE. AFTER PARKING THE SYSTEM FAILED COMPLETELY.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jan 20, 2019
LIKE RECALL NUMBER 14S06, MY EXPLORERS POWER STEERING ASSIST IS INTERMITTENT AND WILL SOMETIMES WILL NOT WORK AT ALL. I'VE CHECKED WITH A LOCAL DEALER AND THEY SAY THAT IT IS NOT A RECALL UNDER OUR VIN. THIS VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING WITH BOTH OF OUR YOUNG CHILDREN IN THE CAR.
Steering, Jan 17, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO TURN OFF AND RESTART THE VEHICLE FOR IT TO OPERATE NORMALLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHILE THE TRAC CONTROL MALFUNCTION WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PREMIER FORD INC (5001 GLENWOOD RD, BROOKLYN, NY 11234, (888) 381-4515) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000 (STEERING). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.
Steering, Jan 14, 2019
TOTAL LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING. THE STEERING IS MAKING A WHINING AND GRINDING NOISE.
Steering, Jan 10, 2019
I AM EXPERIENCING LACK OF POWER STEERING ESPECIALLY AT LOWER SPEEDS AND CANNOT CONTROL MY STEERING. I NOTICED THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUES BUT MY VIN NO. IS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH IT SO I AM BEING REFUSED HELP.
Steering, Jan 9, 2019
WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN POWER STEERING WAS LOST. CAUSED A SHARP PULL TO THE RIGHT, AND NEARLY CRASHED, I WAS GOING SLOW ENOUGH I HAD TIME TO STOP BEFORE IMPACT. SEVERAL WARNINGS CAME IN THE SCREEN SUCH AS POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT.
Steering, Jan 5, 2019
SUDDEN POWER STEERING LOSS WHILE IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET. NEED TO REPLACE THE RACK.
Steering, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jan 4, 2019
WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE AT A SLOW SPEED MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP.
Steering, Jan 3, 2019
VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. POWER WASH TURNED ON AND VEHICLE WAS PUT IN REVERSE. THERE WAS A SUDDEN COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND A MESSAGE APPEARED SAYING POWER STEERING ISSUE. CAR HAD TO BE TOWED INTO THE DEALER BECAUSE I WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE IT. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THE CAR NEEDS A NEW POWER STEERING RACK. THERE IS A POWER STEERING RACK RECALL #14V286000 BUT I AM TOLD THAT EVEN THOUGH THAT IS FOR VEHICLES BETWEEN 2011-2013, MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED. THIS IS A SCARY ISSUE SINCE WE TRAVELLED OVER 9 1/2 HOURS THE DAY BEFORE, ON MAJOR HIGHWAYS AT AN AVERAGE SPEED OF 65-70-MPH. THANKFULLY, THIS DID NOT OCCUR UNTIL THE NEXT DAY, WHEN WE WENT TO START OUT AND HAD NOT EVEN BACKED UP OUT OF OUR SPOT YET.
Steering, Jan 2, 2019
ELECTRONIC STEERING LOCKS UP WHILE DRIVING. VERY DANGEROUS. I BELIEVE THE DATES OF THE 14V286 CAMPAIGN GO BEYOND 02/28/2012 DATE OF MANUFACTURE AT THE CHICAGO ASSEMBLY PLAN. I CALLED FORD, AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NEVER A RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE'S STEERING. MY PROBLEMS MATCH EVERY PROBLEM I SAW OTHERS REPORTING ONLINE. I BELIEVE THAT FORD IS ATTEMPTING TO LIMIT THE DATES OF THE ISSUE. BECAUSE MY STEERING IS LOCKING UP AND ACTS TIGHT WHILE DRIVING AND EVEN WHEN STATIONARY, I BELIEVE THIS IS A MAJOR CONCERN AND REPLACEMENT OF THE STEERING UNIT SHOULD BE COVERED. THE FORD RECALL WAS 14S06. TO REITERATE, WHEN IN MOTION, THE STEERING IS TIGHT AND FEELS LIKE IT IS LOCKING UP. IT TAKES FORCE TO SET FREE. I FEEL LIKE I COULD DIE ON THE ROADS. FORD WILL NOT HELP.
Steering, Dec 21, 2018
WHILE TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE MY VEHICLE SWAYED INTO ANOTHER LANE INVOLUNTARLY. I WENT INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND I WAS INITIALLY TOLD MY ALIGNMENT WAS DUE. I EXPLAINED THE ISSUE AND ASKED IF IT WAS THOROUGHLY CHECKED. I WAS TOLD YES. I LEFT THE DEALERSHIP ONLY TO HAVE MY VEHICLE ALMOST FLIP OVER WHILE TURNING. I WENT BACK IN AND AFTER CHECKING I AM TOLD THE STEERING GEAR FAILED.
Steering, Dec 18, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMALLY LOUD GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AREA. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN LEFT AND REQUIRED EXCESSIVE FORCE TO TURN LEFT AND RIGHT. SUNSET FORD (11700 GRAVOIS RD, ST. LOUIS, MO 63127, (314) 843-4431) WAS NOTIFIED AND A DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE12017 (STEERING) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000 (STEERING), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURE WAS THE SAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
Steering, Dec 16, 2018
LOSS OF POWER STEERING AT LOWER SPEEDS, REQUIRES ME TO WORK HARDER TO TURN THE VEHICLE.
Steering, Dec 15, 2018
WHILE DRIVING STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT AND MADE NOISE WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL AT 30 MPH.
Steering, Dec 5, 2018
MY EXPLORER LIMITED 2013 HAS THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM DAMAGED, LOCKED AND I ALMOST HAD A HORRIBLE ACCIDENT WHEN IT LOCKED WHILE DRIVING. I LEARNED ABOUT A RECALL FOR THIS KNOWN ISSUE, HAD A CHAT SESSION A COUPLE OF DAYS AGO AND WAS INFORMED THAT MY VEHICLE DID NOT FALL INTO THE RECALL DATES RANGE FOR BARELY 6 MONTHS. I CONTACTED FORD AGAIN FOR RECONSIDERATION? IT IS EVIDENT THAT MY PROBLEM IS DUE TO A DEFECTIVE PART EXACTLY THE SAME AS THE ONE COVERED BY THE RECALL. I HAD READ A LOT OF INFORMATION ON LINE AND THE PROBLEM DESCRIBED IS IDENTICAL TO MINE. NO DOUBT THAT MY CAR WAS EQUIPPED WITH THE SAME DEFECTIVE PART EVEN THOUGH IT IS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL DATES.
Steering, Dec 4, 2018
THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING. LOCAL REPAIR SHOP INDICATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING SYSTEM FAILED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.
Steering, Dec 3, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH IN A PARKING GARAGE, THE STEERING LOST POWER AND THE POWER STEERING ASSIST INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND THE POWER STEERING RESUMED ONCE IT WAS RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RAY PEARMAN LINCOLN (256- 536-7451 (LOCATED AT 2501 BOB WALLACE AVE SW, HUNTSVILLE, AL 35805) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING GEAR BOX NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 112,000.