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, Jan 11, 2016
WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70MPH ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY THE POWER STEERING SHUTDOWN AND THE VEHICLES STEERING BECAME EXTREMELY STIFF TO THE POINT YOU COULD HARDLY TURN THE STEERING WHEEL.I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO FORD TO HAVE IT INSPECTED , THEY INFORMED ME NOTHING WAS WRONG AND ALL IT NEEDED WAS TO BE RESET. WITHIN 10 DAYS OF LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE THE VEHICLE AGAIN STARTED TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM NEARLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO FORD ONCE AGAIN, THIS TIME THEY HAD ADVISED THAT THE ENTIRE POWER STEERING ASSEMBLY NEED TO BE REPLACED . WITHIN DOING RESEARCH 2011-2013 FORD EXPLORERS HAVE THIS SAME POWER STEERING ISSUE, UNDER RECALL. FORD REFUSES TO FIX MY VEHICLE UNDER THE RECALL DUE TO VIN RESTRICTIONS. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND NEGLIGENT TO SAY THE LEAST.
Steering, Suspension, Electronic stability control (ESC), Nov 13, 2015
I WAS BACKING UP FROM PARKING SPOT IN A CITY GARAGE AND WHEN I PLACE THE CAR IN DRIVE MY POWER ASSISTED STEERING (EPAS) FAILED. I GOT THE POWER STEERING FAULT ERROR, ADVANCETRAC ERROR AND TERRAIN MANAGEMENT ERROR. THE CAR WAS TOO DIFFICULT TO MANUALLY STEER ACTUALLY NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE. IT TOOK ALMOST 1 HOUR AND 2 GROWN BIG MEN TO MANUALLY STEER IT OUT OF THE GARAGE SO THAT IT COULD BE PUT ONTO A FLAT BED TOW TRUCK. FORD CLAIMS THAT MY VIN# NUMBER IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL (14S06) FOR THIS ISSUE. THE DEALERSHIP THAT I HAD IT TOWED TO HAS QUOTED ME AROUND $2,000 TO REPLACE THE STEERING RACK. THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY HAZARD AND FORD NEED TO TAKES RESPONSIBILITY AND CORRECT THIS ISSUE.
Steering, Nov 11, 2015
WHILE DRIVING AND MAKING A TURN THE POWER STEERING LOCKS UP WITH AN ERROR CODE STATING "POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT" IN MY EXPERIENCE THIS HAPPENED WHEN BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND NOW IT HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING AND MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN TO CROSS A BUSY INTERSECTION. THE ONLY THING THAT RELEASES THE STEERING IS TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND RESTART THE VEHICLE. MY VEHICLE DOES NOT FALL UNDER THE RECALL HOWEVER, IT'S THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM YET, FORD "HAS NEVER HEARD OF IT" I HAVE CHILDREN AND I FEAR THAT FORD WON'T FIX THE PROBLEM OR DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT UNTIL IT'S TOO LATE AND WE ARE IN A FETAL ACCIDENT. I REFUSE TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE AS IT'S UNSAFE AND I WILL NOT PUT MY KIDS LIFE AT RISK. HELP!!
Steering, Oct 23, 2015
DRIVING VEHICLE THROUGH INTERSECTION, TURNING, , LOST POWER STEERING, AND TEMPORARILY LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE. WAS ABLE TO MUSCLE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. DISPLAY MADE A CHIME NOISE, AND STATED "POWER ASSIST FAILURE" ( OR SOMETHING TO THAT EFFECT). I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF ROAD, TURNED OFF VEHICLE, WAITED 2 MIN, STARTED IT AGAIN AND IT WORKED FINE. FOUND THERE IS A RECALL "14S06" FOR EXACT MODEL AND YEAR WITH EXACT DESCRIPTION OF MY FAILURE. TOOK VEHICLE TO CLOSEST FORD DEALER, THEY SAID IT IS COVERED UNDER RECALL AND THERE WOULD BE NO CHARGE AS THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. AFTER NUMEROUS CALLS BACK AND FORTH WITH DEALER AND FORD, FORD CLAIMS THIS VIN IS NOT COVERED. I HAVE PAPERWORK FROM THE DEALER THAT SHOWS PART NUMBER NEEDED IS FOR THE STEERING GEAR # DB5Z-3504-NE, WHICH IS THE PART NUMBER IN THE RECALL. I AM UNABLE TO FIND A VIN # LIST AS IT APPEARS FORD DOES NOT HAVE ONE AND THEY DECIDE WHEN YOU CALL WHO GETS THE RECALL AND WHO DOES NOT. THERE IS NO TRANSPARENCY IN SUCH AS SYSTEM. IF FORD KNOWS OF THIS ISSUE WITH THIS YEAR AND MODEL AND KNOWS IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE THAT HAS RESULTED IN ACCIDENTS, PER NHTSA, WHY AM I BEING REJECTED FOR THE EXACT SAFETY ISSUE ON THE EXACT MODEL AND YEAR? CAN YOU PLEASE HELP?
Steering, Aug 5, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE SERVICE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON THREE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND REBALANCED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
Steering, Jun 26, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN AND SEIZED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE VEHICLE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING RACK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000.
Steering, Jun 24, 2015
I HAVE A FORD EXPLORER THAT WAS PART OF THE 14S06 RECALL. BEFORE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM A FORD DEALERSHIP IT WAS OWNED BY ENTERPRISE RENTAL, AFTER THEY TURNED THE CAR IN TRI COUNTY FORD SHOWS THEY PERFORMED THE RECALL ON THE VEHICLE IN 2014. THEY SAID THEY DID THE SOFTWARE DOWNLOAD ON THE EPS. I HAVE SINCE LOST STEERING ASSIST ON MY VEHICLE A NUMBER OF TIMES SO I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THIS RECALL ON MY VEHICLE. AFTER CALLING FORD THEY AUTHORIZED A LOCAL DEALER TO LOOK AT IF AND FIGURE OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS AT NO CHARGE. THE FORD DEALERSHIP SAYS THAT THEY CAN NOT CONNECT TO THE STEERING GEAR AND THAT PER THE RECALL IT SHOULD BE REPLACED. FORD IS REFUSING TO COVER THE RECALL AND BECAUSE THEY SAY THAT THE RECALL HAS ALREADY BEEN DONE (SOFTWARE DOWNLOAD) AND AT THE TIME OF THE RECALL BEING PERFORMED THERE WERE NO DTC CODES SO THE DOWNLOAD SHOULD HAVE FIXED IT. IF IT WOULD HAVE SHOWED CODES AT THE TIME OF THE SOFTWARE DOWNLOAD THEY WOULD HAVE REPLACED THE STEERING GEAR AT THAT TIME. I FEEL THAT THIS SHOULD BE COVERED AS IT PART OF THE RECALL I HAVE ONLY OWNED THE CAR FOR LESS THAN 3 MONTHS AND THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION. AFTER COMPLAINING TO FORD SAID THEY WOULD COVER 1/2 OF THE COST OF REPAIRS. BUT DUE TO THIS BEING A SAFETY RECALL I FEEL IT SHOULD BE COVERED 100%
Steering, Traction control system, Jun 12, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER AND THE SERVICE ADVANCE TRACTION CONTROL AND SERVICE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000 (STEERING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. MA 08/11/15 UPDATED 10/20/2017*CN
Steering, Jun 5, 2015
I ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR DUE TO STEERING. THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE WAS WOBBLY AND HAD NO TRACTION. THE TIRES ARE IN GOOD SHAPE. I HAVE BEEN HAVING SO MUCH TROUBLE OUT OF THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE. IT HAS BEEN BALANCED AND ALIGNED 4 TIMES, NEW BRAKE PADS, AND ROTORS TURNED. NO ONE CAN FIGURE OUT WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE STEERING OR THE TIRE. IT BEGINS TO SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY. I HAVE HAD IT RE-BALANCE AND EACH TIME NO ONE CAN FIGURE OUT WHY IT KEEPS PULLING TO THE RIGHT. I DON'T KNOW IF IT IS MOTOR RELATED, STEERING OR THE TRANSMISSION. SO FRUSTRATED. I JUST BOUGHT THE CAR LESS THAN 3 MONTHS AGO.
Steering, May 28, 2015
ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WE HAD NOTICED DIFFICULTY STEERING IN OUR 2013 FORD EXPLORER. ON NOV 18, 2014 THIS PROBLEM NEARLY CAUSED A CRASH, PROMPTING US TO TAKE IT TO OUR DEALERSHIP PRIOR TO A LENGTHY THANKSGIVING TRIP. OUR DEALERSHIP WENT THROUGH MULTIPLE SYSTEMS CHECKS WITH NO RESOLVE. THEY CONTACTED THEIR REPRESENTATIVE FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTION. THE VEHICLE REMAINED AT THE DEALERSHIP FROM NOV 24,2014 UNTIL THE DEALER DECIDED TO PURCHASE IT FROM US MARCH 6, 2015. WE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH FORD 12/19/14 CASE # CAS-5717020 AND THE BBB 12/11/15 CASE # FRD15122601. FORD MAINTAINED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE, YET MADE OVER 7 ATTEMPTS TO FIX IT. THEY FURTHER STATED THAT WE CHOSE NOT TO RETRIEVE THE VEHICLE - BUT EACH TIME FORD SAID IT WAS FIXED AND WE WENT TO GET IT - THE DEALER INSISTED IT WAS NOT SAFE. THE DEALER FINALLY PURCHASED IT FROM US JUST TO GET US OUT OF IT AND PRESERVE OUR RELATIONSHIP. WE ARE CONCERNED THAT THE VEHICLE IS STILL IN SERVICE. WE WERE MADE TO FEEL STUPID REGARDING THE COMPLAINT. AND WE ARE OUT SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS! SEEING THIS MOST RECENT RECALL REGARDING A STEERING PROBLEM THAT FORD WAS AWARE OF IN JUNE 2014 MAKES ME ANGRY AND SICK THAT THE VEHICLE COULD HAVE KILLED US, AND IS LIKELY OUT THERE WITH A LESS EXPERIENCED DRIVER WHOSE LIFE AND THE LIVES OF THOSE AROUND THEM ARE IN DANGER!! I HAVE ALL THE INFORMATION REGARDING THIS VEHICLE, AND IT CAN ALSO BE FOLLOWED THROUGH THE CASE NUMBERS. PLEASE HELP US GET THIS CAR OFF THE ROAD!! MY HUSBAND IS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT, HE IS A CHIEF OF POLICE, A SENIOR INSTRUCTOR, SPECIALIZED IN SPEED DETECTION AND DRIVER TRAINING, AND PURSUIT TACTICS TRAINING (PIT). THIS WAS PURCHASED AS A FAMILY TRAVEL VEHICLE, IT SHOULD NOT REQUIRE SOMEONE WITH SPECIALIZED DRIVER TRAINING TO HANDLE.
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Mar 28, 2015, crash
EXITING FROM PARKING LOT AND SPEED OF ABOUT 15 MPH ON A STRAIGHT ROAD, NO POT HOLES, AT ABOUT 100 FT FROM THE PARKING EXIT, IT HIT AN ELECTRIC POST. LEFT FRONT SUSPENSION, FENDER, WHEELS,PILLARS, ROCKER & FLOOR, RADIATOR SUPPORT, FRONT LAMPS, HOOD,STEERING ROCK, CRADLE, TRANSMISSION TRANSFER CASE, FRONT DOOR AND MANY MORE DAMAGE. ALL ARE IN LEFT SIDE. I CHECKED THE VIN BUT IT IS NOT ON RECALL FOR POWER STEERING PROBLEM HOWEVER I SUSPECT POWER STEERING WAS THE CAUSED OF ACCIDENT. IT IS A MAJOR DAMAGED AND THE INSURANCE IS NOT YET DECIDED IF REPAIR OR TOTAL WRECK. I ASKED THE FORD DEALERSHIP TO SEE ON THE DIAGNOSTIC COMPUTER OF THE VEHICLE BUT UP TO NOW THEY HAVE NOT YET CHECK. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Mar 11, 2015
DASH DISPLAYED SERVICE ADVANCETRAC. TRACTION CONTROL WAS DISABLED AND STABILITY CONTROL WAS DISABLED AND INDICATORS LIT IN DASH. DIFFICULT TO STEER DUE TO PARTIAL LOSS OF POWER STEERING. DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEER RACK UNIT NEEDS TO GE REPLACED. *TR
Steering, Feb 12, 2015
2013 FORD EXPLORER. A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR PREVIOUS FORD VEHICLES, REGARDING A STEERING DEFECT. HOWEVER, THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. *TA THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE RECALL SHOULD BE EXPANDED. *JB
Steering, Jan 28, 2015
THE POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE TRAVELING AT 45 MPH. I COULD STEER MANUALLY BUT IT WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO MAINTAIN A STRAIGHT LINE. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Electronic stability control (ESC), Dec 7, 2014
WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY, MY STEERING BEGAN TO FEEL TIGHTER AND TIGHTER, WITH THE WHEEL HARDER TO TURN. SOON IT BEGAN TO REQUIRE A "PUSH" TO MAKE THE MOVEMENT OF THE WHEEL BEGIN. I PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY AND THE DASH ALERTS CAME ON. ONE SAID, "SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW" AND ONE INDICATED THAT THE TRACTION CONTROL FUNCTION WAS OFF. THE MANUAL SAID I SHOULD SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND IT WOULD RESET THESE. INSTEAD, THE STEERING LOCKED ENTIRELY. NO DEALERS WERE STILL OPEN THE NIGHT BEFORE THANKSGIVING, SO I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A SHOP I'VE USED. THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE COMPUTER HOOKUPS NECESSARY SO I TOWED IT AGAIN TO ANOTHER SHOP. THEY "CLEARED" THE CODES, AND FOUND THE VEHICLE DID NOT MALFUNCTION AGAIN. THEY ALERTED ME TO THE RECALL, FORDS #14S06 THIS RECALL INCLUDED EXPLORES MADE BETWEEN MAY OF 2010 AND FEBRUARY 28, 2013. MY EXPLORER WAS MADE VERY SOON THEREAFTER, WITHIN DAYS, IN FACT. GIVEN THAT TIMING AND THE FACTS THAT INDICATE THAT MY VEHICLE SUFFERED THE SAME DEFECTS THE RECALL ADDRESSES, I FEEL MY VEHICLE REPAIR SHOULD BE COVERED BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY. FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND THE LOCAL DEALER ADVISE ME THAT SINCE MY VEHICLE IS NOT WITHIN THE PARAMETERS OF THE RECALL, THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO FOR ME. I HEREBY SUBMIT MY PETITION FOR AN NHTSA INVESTIGATION INTO WHETHER FORD HAS MET IT'S OBLIGATIONS IN THIS MATTER. I HEREBY REQUEST THE RECALL MANAGEMENT DIVISION OF THE NHTSA TO ENSURE THAT THE SCOPE OF THE RECALL [FORD #14S06] IS ADEQUATE. I FEEL THE SCOPE FELL SHORT, IN MY CASE, BY A FEW DAYS, LEAVING MY VEHICLE DANGEROUSLY UNPROTECTED. I CANNOT REPAIR THIS DEFECT MYSELF. THERE IS NO DIAGNOSIS AVAILABLE FOR ME. THE DEFECT MAY BE IN THE SENSOR, OR IN THE POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE, OR IN THE STEERING "RACK". THE LOCAL FORD DEALER ADVISES ME THAT THERE ARE NO "RACKS" AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME ANYWHERE. THE NHTSA IS MY ONLY HOPE.
Steering, Air bags, Aug 29, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH AND MAKING A SHARP LEFT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION AND REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000.
Steering, Jun 10, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE BECAME INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 9,500.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, May 31, 2014
STEERING POWER SUPPORT STOPPED WITHOUT WARNING DURING A TURN AT LOWER SPEED. CAR BECAME ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO CONTROL (TURN OR STEER). FAULT LIGHTS INCLUDED STABILITY, TRACTION, AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL ERRORS CAME ON AS THE STEERING POWER SUPPORT TERMINATED. FUSE AND MECHANISM WERE UNDAMAGED. TURNING THE CAR ON AND OFF DID NOT REMOVE THE FAULT. VEHICLE DID THIS ANOTHER 3 TIMES, INCLUDING ONE AT HIGH SPEED OF 70 MPH ON HIGHWAY IN FAT LEFT LANE. HAD TO ALLOW FOR VEHICLE TO MERGE ACROSS 4 LANES OF INTERSTATE TRAFFIC TO SHOULDER AND EVENTUALLY SLOW DOWN. ALL COMPONENTS OF VEHICLE THEN TURN OFF AND MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO TURN OFF AND ON VEHICLE ARE REQUIRED WITH PROLONGED TERMS OF VEHICLE BEING LEFT OFF. *TR
Steering, May 30, 2014
STEERING POWER SUPPORT STOPPED WITHOUT WARNING DURING A TURN AT LOWER SPEED. CAR BECAME ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO CONTROL. FAULT LIGHTS INCLUDED STABILITY, TRACTION, AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL ERRORS CAME ON AS THE STEERING POWER SUPPORT ENDED. FUSE AND MECHANISM APPEAR UNDAMAGED. TURNING THE CAR ON AND OFF DID NOT REMOVE THE FAULT. *TR
Steering, Jan 21, 2014
POLICE VEHICLE - ATTEMPTING TO CATCH UP TO A VEHICLE, POWER STEERING WENT OUT.. WAS UNABLE TO STEER AND WARNING LIGHT STATED POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILURE. DEALER SAID THEY SHOW NO FAULT CODES AND GAVE IT BACK TO US. SEE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINS OF THIS SAME NATURE ON FORD FORUMS. *TR
Steering, Dec 30, 2013
TL- THE CONTACT OWNS 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO MALFUNCTION WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, BUT HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 400. RK
Steering, Dec 21, 2013
I WENT TO SUBWAY TO GET SOMETHING TO EAT AND GOT BACK IN CAR TO LEAVE AND THE STEERING ASSIST FAULT SERVICE REQUIRED LIGHT CAME ON AND STEERING WHEEL IS VERY TIGHT. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON AND IT'S NOT RESETTING. I HAVE A TOW TRUCK ON THERE WAY RIGHT NOT. I LIVE IN NORTH DAKOTA AND HAD THIS HAPPENED ON A HIGHWAY GOING A HIGH RATE OF SPEED WOULD HAVE BEEN VERY SCARY. THIS CAR IS NOT EVEN 3 MONTHS OLD AND HAS UNDER 5,000 MILES ON IT. THIS IS VERY DISTURBING AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. *TR
Steering, Dec 3, 2013
I WAS CHANGING LANES FROM THE LEFT TO THE RIGHT. WHEN I WENT TO STRAIGHTEN OUT IN THE LANE THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING FAILED, WHILE THE WHEEL WAS CUT TO THE RIGHT. LUCKILY, I WAS ABLE TO USE BOTH MY HANDS TO FORCE THE WHEEL BACK. I FOUND IT DIFFICULT TO STEER THE WHEEL AND I AM A 34 YEAR OLD CONSTRUCTION WORKER. IF MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE CAR, SHE WOULD OF CRASHED INTO THE PERSON WHO WAS WALKING ON THE SIDEWALK. *TR
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 31, 2013
I HAVE A 2013 EXPLORER SPORT WHICH I PURCHASED NEW FROM THE DEALER 2 MONTHS AGO. ON THE MORNING OF 8/15/2013 I WAS TURNING LEFT INTO A PARKING LOT AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP ON A ROAD, GOING LESS THAN 10MPH. AS I ACCELERATED AND TURNED MY WHEEL LEFT THE POWER STEERING FAILED COMPLETELY MAKING IT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN THE WHEEL AND THE WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASH CAME ON FOR THE ADVANCETRAC AND THE STABILITY CONTROL. I WAS ABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE INTO A PARKING SPOT AND PUT IT IN PARK. I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF, WAITED A MINUTE OR TWO AND TURNED IT BACK ON WITHOUT RESOLUTION OF THE SYMPTOMS. I LOOKED UP THE WARNING LIGHTS IN THE OWNERS MANUAL AND IT SAID TO HAVE IT SERVICED IMMEDIATELY. I HAD MY EXPLORER TOWED TO THE CLOSEST FORD DEALER. THE DEALERSHIP STATES THAT THEY HAVE DRIVEN THE VEHICLE OVER 100 MILES IN THE PAST WEEK AND A HALF WITHOUT THOSE PROBLEMS OCCURRING AGAIN. I'VE READ SEVERAL ARTICLES ABOUT FAULTY EPAS SYSTEMS, NONE FROM 2013 EXPLORERS YET. THE FORD ENGINEERS HAVE TOLD THE DEALERSHIP TO RETURN THE VEHICLE TO ME AND 'SEE IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN'. I ASKED THE DEALERSHIP TO PUT ANOTHER 200 MILES OR SO ON THE VEHICLE TO SEE IF THE PROBLEM OCCURS AGAIN WHILE I SEEK INFORMATION FROM FORD. *JS
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 2, 2013
DRIVING VEHICLE AND CROSS TRAFFIC SYSTEM FAILURE TURNS ON, ADVANCETRAC SYSTEM FAILURE, STABILITY CONTROL FAILURE AND TRACTION CONTROL FAILURE OCCUR. VEHICLE BEGINS TO DECELERATE AND TRANSMISSION GOES FROM AN ILLUMINATED "D" TO BLANK. VERY HARD TO MANEUVER VEHICLE. VEHICLE STRUGGLES TO GAIN SPEED AFTERWARDS. THE ONLY RESOLUTION I HAVE FOUND IS TO PULL OVER IF POSSIBLE AND TURN ON VEHICLE AND RESTART. THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES IN THE PAST TWO WEEKS. *TR