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, Aug 12, 2018
I WAS DRIVING ON A TOLL ROAD, STARTED TO NOTICE MY STEERING WHEEL BECOMING TIGHT, MY SERVICE POWER STEERING ASSIST LIGHT CAME ON. I PROCEEDED TO EXIT AND WHEN I TURNED MY WHEEL LOCKED UP AND MY VEHICLE SHUT DOWN AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO FORD SERVICE CENTER. I WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL IT WAS LOCKED UP. I AM WAITING FOR DIAGNOSTIC BUT DEALER HS ALREADY STATED MY VIN IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE STEERING COLUMN RECALL. CONTRARY TONWAIT YOU HAVE POSTED IN THIS SITE MY YEAR MAKE MODEL HAS BEEN RECALLED. PLEASE ADVISE MY CARE IS AT 66000 MILES AND THIS IS A KNOW DEFECT . SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE WITH A THE REPORTS AND COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME THING COMING INTO YOUR WEB SITE .
Steering, Aug 7, 2018
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ON THE HIGHWAY AND MY WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON SAYING "SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW" I LOST COMPLETE CONTROL OF THE POWER STEERING AND IT BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. I WAS TOLD BY FORD THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THESE CARS WITH THE SAME EXACT ISSUE BUT MY CAR WAS 3 MONTHS OUTSIDE OF THE RECALL DATES
Steering, Aug 6, 2018
I WAS DRIVING MY WIFE'S VEHICLE WHEN THE POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING. I WAS DRIVING ON A 45 MPH ROAD HEADED TOWARDS THE THRUWAY. LUCKILY I HAD TIME TO AVOID THE ON-RAMP AND PULL INTO A PARKING LOT. CALLED MY LOCAL MECHANIC AND HAD TO DRIVE 15 MIN SO HE COULD SCAN FOR CODES, IT WAS A LONG LIST. HE CLEARED THEM AND I DROVE IT HOME,IT SEEMED OK. MY 2013 EXPLORER IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST AT THIS TIME.
Steering, Jul 30, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF THE DRIVER. WHILE DRIVING AND MAKING TURNS, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DRIVER POWERED OFF THE ENGINE, RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE NORMALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE CONTACT CALLED SAM PACK'S FIVE STAR FORD CARROLLTON AT (972) 242-6415 (LOCATED AT 1635 S INTERSTATE 35E, CARROLLTON, TX 75006) WHERE AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000.
Steering, Jul 29, 2018
WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING CONTROL RESULTING IN HAVING TO MANUALLY STEER THE VEHICLE. WARNING LIGHTS FOR SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW, SERVICE ADVANCE TRAC, SERVICE STABILITY CONTROL ALL CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A FORD DEALER, DIAGNOSED AS EPAS STEERING RACK AS IT IS AN INTEGRATED SYSTEM. WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A RECALL WHICH RESULTS IN A $2000 REPAIR, REPLACING THE DEFECTIVE PART WITH THE SAME PART THAT IS SUBJECT TO FAURE AGAIN.
Steering, Jul 27, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (BO BEUCKMAN QUALITY FORD, 15675 MANCHESTER RD, ELLISVILLE, MO 63011, (800) 401-6441) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,509.
Steering, Jul 27, 2018
TAKATA RECALL MY NAME IS [XXX], I OWN A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE POWER STEERING ASSIST LIGHT SHOWED UP ON THE MESSAGE BOARD RESULTING IN LOSS OF POWER STEERING. I RESEARCHED RECALLS AND FOUND THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THIS IN 2011- 2013. I TOOK IT TO DEALER AND THEY WOULDN'T FIX IT FREE OF CHARGE UNDER RECALL. MY COMPLAINT IS IF FORD KNEW THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THIS THEN WHY WEREN'T THEY ALL FIXED. I BROUGHT MINE USED AND WAS UNAWARE OF A RECALL. THERE WAS AND STILL IS A PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES APPARENTLY. EVENTUALLY SOMEONE IS GOING TO BE SERIOUSLY HURT WHEN THIS HAPPENS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CC *TR
Steering, Jul 23, 2018
TAKATA RECALL. MY CAR STARTED MAKING AN AWFUL GROWLING SOUND. SHORTLY AFTER, I WAS HAVING TROUBLE STEERING. IT DOESN'T TURN WELL. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT MY STEERING RACK NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE DONE A LOT OF RESEARCH AND WAS TOLD THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THIS VEHICLE. THE COST IS AROUND $1700 TO BE REPLACED BY FORD. I AM ALSO STILL MAKING PAYMENTS ON MY VEHICLE. THIS HAS BEEN RECALLED IN OTHER EXPLORERS, WOULD WHY NOT ALL?
Steering, Jul 18, 2018
MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT . LUCKILY I WAS IN A PARKING LOT. OTHERWISE IT COULD HAVE BEEN TRAJIC.
Steering, Structure, Jul 14, 2018
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE NEW FROM THE FORD DEALER IN 2013. FIRST ISSUE, FRONT EDGE OF HOOD THE PAINT HAS BEEN BUBBLING AND COMING OFF. RUST IS UNDERNEATH. FORD REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. SECOND ISSUE AND MOST IMPORTANT, WE HAVE BEEN LOSING THE POWER STEERING FUNCTION WHILE DRIVING, THIS HAS CAUSED ERRATIC STEERING AS THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SEEMS TO TURN ON AND OFF. THE STEERING WILL BIND AND WHEN YOU TRY TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE AND OVER COMPENSATE AND THE ELECTRIC STEERING RE-ENGAGES, I'M ALL OVER THE ROAD. MY VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL AND FORD REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE ISSUE OTHER THAN FIX IT FOR $1900-$2300.
Steering, Jul 13, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN AND MADE AN ABNORMAL GRINDING NOISE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (AUFFENBERG FORD O'FALLON, 115 REGENCY PARK, O'FALLON, IL 62269, (618) 632-0090), BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Steering, Electrical system, Jul 9, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED ON OTHER OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO PACKEY WEBB FORD (1815 OGDEN AVE, DOWNERS GROVE, IL 60515, (630) 598-4700) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE STEERING RACK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXHIBITING THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 14V286000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,754.
Steering, Jul 5, 2018
WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION (PARKING), ERROR POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT AND SERVICE ADVANCETRAC ERROR ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. NO LONGER ABLE TO STEER CAR, THE CAR DID NOT DEFAULT INTO MANUAL STEERING MODE. THE CAR WILL ONLY GO STRAIGHT. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER REPORTED THAT THE MODULE IN THE STEERING GEAR LOST COMMUNICATION AND THAT THE ENTIRE STEERING GEAR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AS A RESULT. NHTSA ISSUED RECALL ID #14V286000 ON SOME FORD EXPLORER VEHICLES FOR SOME STEERING GEAR FAILURES, HOWEVER THE FORD DEALER STATES THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THAT RECALL IN THEIR OASIS SYSTEM.
Steering, Jul 5, 2018
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH THE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO TEMPORARILY LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. WE LIMPED THE VEHICLE TO THE NEAREST EXIT. WE ARE BEING TOLD BY THE FORD DEALERSHIP THAT THIS IS A "COMMON OCCURRENCE" HOWEVER, OUR VIN IS NOT PART OF ANY RECALL "YET". THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND TO NOW KNOW THAT IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE THAT FORD IS NOT ADDRESSING IS EVEN MORE UPSETTING. WE ARE NOW NEEDING TO TOW THE VEHICLE SEVERAL MILES HOME AND ATTEMPTING TO HAVE IT REPAIRED DURING A HOLIDAY WEEK. VACATION HAS BEEN CANCELLED, BUT THANK GOODNESS WE ARE STILL ALIVE. WAY TO GO FORD....
Steering, Jul 3, 2018
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING FAILURE. WHILE DRIVE THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO CONTROL.I WAS DRIVING 45 MILES PER HOUR WHEN MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP CAUSING ME TO STEER OFF THE ROAD.THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST.
Steering, Jul 3, 2018
MY 2013 FORD EXPLORER LOST THE POWER STEERING AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE. THE STEERING STARTED FEELING INCONSISTENT AND THEN THE WARNING LIGHT TO SERVICE POWER STEERING CAME ON ALONG WITH TRACTION CONTROL WARNING. I TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP AFTER TALKING TO FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE. THIS IS WHAT THEY RECOMMENDED. THE DEALERSHIP SAID MY VEHICLE IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY ALMOST 1900.00 TO HAVE THE POWER STEERING FIXED IN MY EXPLORER. THIS SEEMS INSANE TO ME SINCE THERE HAVE BEEN SO MANY COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME THING HAPPENING TO SO MANY FORD EXPLORERS AND ESCAPES. I FEEL THAT MY EXPLORER ALSO WAS GIVEN A FAULTY PART AND SHOULD BE REPLACED BY FORD AT NO CHARGE TO ME.
Steering, Jun 30, 2018
MY VEHICLE (2013 FORD EXPLORER) LOST IT'S POWER STEERING, WHICH BASED ON THE OWNER'S MANUAL IS ELECTRIC POWER STEERING AND DOES NOT HAVE A MECHANICAL UNIT WITH FLUID. I DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND A RECALL OF 1.1 MILLION VEHICLES FOR POWER STEERING UNITS EXISTS WHICH INCLUDES THE SAME MAKE MODEL AND YEAR AS MY VEHICLE. I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE TO MY DEALERSHIP AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT ALTHOUGH THERE IS A RECALL ON THE SAME MAKE MODEL AND YEAR AS MY VEHICLE, THAT MY VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I WAS CHARGED $223 FOR A DIAGNOSTIC FOR THE DEALERSHIP TO TELL ME THAT THE POWER STEERING UNIT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1600. AFTER DOING MORE RESEARCH ONLINE, I HAVE FOUND THAT THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE WITH THE SAME VEHICLE AND PROBLEM. I FEEL LIKE ANY VEHICLE OF THE SAME MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR AS THOSE THAT WERE RECALLED FOR POWER STEERING SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE POWER STEERING. IN ADDITION, I FOUND THROUGH MY RESEARCH THAT THE RECOMMENDED $1600 REPAIR DOES NOT GUARANTEE THAT THE SAME PROBLEM WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. I CURRENTLY HAVE A LOAN ON MY VEHICLE AND I'M NOT SURE I'M INTERESTED IN PAYING FOR SUCH A REPAIR THAT I BELIEVE SHOULD BE COVERED BY FORD, SINCE THERE WAS A RECALL ISSUED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM ON VEHICLES OF THE SAME MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR. I ALSO FEEL LIKE THE DEALER WHICH I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC OVERCHARGED ME FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC WHEN THEY KNEW WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS IN THE FIRST PLACE. IN THE RECALL NOTICE THAT I READ IT STATES THAT "LOSS OF POWER STEERING IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND SINCE IT IS HARDER TO STEER AT LOWER SPEEDS THERE IS AN INCREASED CHANCE OF GETTING IN AN ACCIDENT". I FEEL LIKE SUCH A SAFETY CONCERN SHOULD BE COVERED BY THE DEALERSHIP SINCE IT IS OCCURRING WITH SO MANY VEHICLES AND THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE SAME PROBLEM WHICH INCLUDES VEHICLES OF THE SAME MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR.
Steering, Jun 20, 2018
I BOUGHT THE 2013 FORD EXPLORER IN MAY 2013. I EXPERIENCED MY FIRST POWER STEERING LOSS ABOUT 6 MONTHS BACK. ALMOST WRECKED IT WITH FAMILY IN MY CAR. IT WAS PRETTY SCARY. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON AND IT STARTED WORKING AGAIN. WHEN I TOOK THE EXPLORER TO FORD FOR AN OIL CHANGE I MENTIONED THE ISSUE WITH THEM AND THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG, I EVEN CALLED FOR TO LET THEM KNOW THE ISSUE BUT DID NOTHING. ALSO, KEEP IN MY MIND I WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. MY POWER STEERING WOULD CONTINUE TO GO OFF AND ON EVERY NOW AND THEN BUT ON MAY 2018 THIS POWER LOSS REPEATED SEVERAL TIMES AND I WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THEY WANTED TO CHARGE OVER $2600 TO FIX IT. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT SAME ISSUE FOR 2013 EXPLORERS BUT FORD SAID MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL I CALLED FORD TO SEE WHAT THEY CAN DO AND THEY WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING BECAUSE I WAS OUT OF WARRANTY NOR DID THEY CARE . I KNOW THERE WAS A RECALL ON POWER STEERING BEFORE BUT THEY SAID MY EXPLORER WAS NOT PART OF IT.
Steering, Jun 13, 2018
MY 2013 FORD EXPLORER STARTED MAKING A SCRUBBING SOUND WHILE TURNING, IT SLAP FELT 'STICKY' WHILE STEERING LEFT OR RIGHT. THE NEXT DAY AN ALERT BADGE CAME ON TO 'SERVICE POWER STEERING.' MY HUSBAND STOPPED AT THE GAS STATION AND AFTER CRANKING THE CAR BACK UP THE STEERING IS LOCKED DOWN AND WILL NOT TURN EITHER WAY. I CHECKED MY VIN ON THIS WEBSITE AND IT SAYS IT IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL.
Steering, Traction control system, Service brakes, Jun 12, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE DROVE OVER A POTHOLE AND INTO SOME BUSHES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT TWO UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATORS AND THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER (AL PIEMONTE FORD, 2500 W NORTH AVE, MELROSE PARK, IL 60160) STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000 (STEERING). THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE PAD, ROTORS, AND ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING GEAR NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000.
Steering, Jun 8, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONED AND BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (TUSCALOOSA FORD, 6500 INTERSTATE PWY, COTTONDALE, AL) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING COLUMN WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000 (STEERING). THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000. *TT *JS
Steering, May 30, 2018
I PICKED UP MY CAR FROM THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP, WHO HAD JUST REPLACED BRAKES AND ROTORS, DONE A ALIGNMENT, AND REPLACED A CIRCUIT BREAKER ON 5/16/2018. I THEN TOOK SAID CAR ON A ROAD TRIP DOWN THE EAST COAST. WHEN I FIRST GOT ONTO THE HIGHWAY, I FELT MY CAR PULLING EVER SO SLIGHTLY TO THE RIGHT. I ASSUMED THE ALIGNMENT WAS OFF AND DIDN'T THINK ANYMORE OF IT UNTIL I TRIED TO GO ACROSS THE GEORGE WASHINGTON BRIDGE, WHERE MY CAR BEGAN TO BECOME INCREASINGLY MORE DIFFICULT TO STEER AND HANDLE. SEVERAL WARNINGS CAME ACROSS THE DASHBOARD, INCLUDING 'SERVICE POWER STEERING', ALONG WITH TWO TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE. I PULLED OFF INTO THE NEAREST SERVICE STATION ON THE NJ TURNPIKE, WHERE I COULD NO LONGER STEER THE CAR (AS I WAS DECREASING SPEED), AND THE RED WARNING FLASHING 'SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW' APPEARED. I PUT MY VEHICLE IN PARK, AND COULD NOT MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL AT ALL. I HAD TO HAVE MY CAR TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP TO BE SERVICED, RENT A CAR, AND DRIVE BACK HOME. IT IS ABSURD THAT 196,000 OTHER EXPLORERS WERE RECALLED FOR THIS PROBLEM, BUT MINE WAS NOT (ALONG WITH ABOUT 150+ OTHER CASES I RESEARCHED BEFORE REPORTING THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE 77,000 MILES ON MY CAR, EXTENDED AND POWERTRAIN WARRANTIES, AND HAD TO PAY $2000 PLUS NJ STATE TAXES OUT OF POCKET FOR A PROBLEM THAT SHOULD HAVE NEVER HAPPENED. THIS IS MY FIRST FORD, AND IT'S DISAPPOINTING THAT THEY AREN'T INCLUDING THESE OTHER AFFECTED VEHICLES WITH THE SAME ISSUE IN A RECALL.
Steering, May 29, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME STIFF WHILE TURNING AND REMAINED IN THE POSITION OF THE TURN. HALL FORD LINCOLN IN NEWPORT NEWS, VIRGINIA WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE RACK AND PINION AND THE STEERING MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), May 22, 2018
POWER STEERING DOES NOT WORK AT TIMES ON START UP. COULD GO OUT AT HIGH RATE OF SPEED AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. SHOULD BE A RECALL
Steering, Apr 27, 2018
STEERING COLUMN IS SUPPOSEDLY DAMAGED BY "ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS" ACCORDING TO DEALER SERVICE. I AM NOT SURE HOW THE ENVIRONMENT GETS IN THERE BUT THEY WON'T COVER IT EVEN WITH THE FORD PREMIUM CARE WARRANTY PACKAGE. THE VEHICLE IS ONLY 5 YEARS OLD 59,000 MILES. CAN'T TURN STEERING WHEEL EASILY, IT SKIPS SOMETIMES. THEY SAY THERE IS RUST AND CORROSION IN THERE AND ALMOST $1000 TO REPLACE AFTER PAYING OVER $2600 FOR THIS SUPER PACKAGE WARRANTY. IT COST ME $135 FOR THEM TO TELL ME THEY WOULDN'T COVER ANY OF IT!! I CAN'T BELIEVE FORD IS NOT DOING ANYTHING ABOUT THIS ISSUE THAT IS PRETTY COMMON AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH. PEOPLE NOT TO BE ABLE TO TURN THEIR STEERING WHEEL COULD TURN INTO A MAJOR ISSUE. IF I GET INTO AN ACCIDENT FOR NOT BEING ABLE TO TURN WHEN THEY WOULDN'T COVER ANYTHING BETTER BE SURE I WILL BE GETTING A LAWYER.