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, Power train, Wheels, Jun 26, 2013
VEHICLE BEGINS TO VIBRATE AND CAN NOT BE DRIVEN OVER 35 MPH DURING OR AFTER SNOW STORMS WITH WET HEAVY SNOW ON ROAD (SOMETIMES CAUSED BY SALTING ROADWAY). WHEEL WELL OPENING AROUND ALL FOUR TIRES ARE SO SMALL AND ENCLOSED, SNOW ACCUMULATES INTO SOLID ICE AROUND ALL FOUR TIRES AND BOTH AXLES BEGIN TO VIBRATE VIOLENTLY. DRIVER EITHER STOPS EVERY 8-10 MILES ALONG SIDE BUSY HIGHWAY TO CHOP ICE OUT (TAKES ME 40 MINUTES FOR ALL FOUR TIRE OPENINGS), SLOWS HIGHWAY TRAFFIC DOWN TO 30 MPH, OR GOES TO FORD DEALER. LOCAL DEALER SEES 6-10 OF THESE VEHICLES A DAY AND CHOPS ICE OUT AT NO CHARGE AND MAKES NO WORK ORDER HISTORY. TRAVELING AT ONLY 35 MPH WHEN TRAFFIC IS GOING 55 OR 70 MPH IS DANGEROUS. STOPPING EVERY 8-15 MINUTES ALONG BUSY HIGHWAY TO CHOP ICE WITH BACK TO PASSING TRAFFIC IS DANGEROUS. DEALERS DO NOT INFORM POTENTIAL BUYERS OF THE ICE PROBLEM. FORD HAS THIS DESIGN DEFECT PROBLEM WITH MORE THAN ONE MAKE OF VEHICLE, KNOWS ABOUT THE COMPLAINTS, BUT WILL NOT SPONSOR A SOLUTION. PERSONALLY, ALONG WITH CLEARING THE ICE ON M-115 AS I GO TO A DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENT IN TRAVERSE CITY, CHOPPING ICE HURTS MY BONE ON BONE SHOULDERS AND THE LOWER THREE VERTEBRAE OF MY BACK THAT NO LONGER HAVE A DISC BETWEEN THEM. THE SLIPPERY SIDE OF ROAD IS DANGEROUS FOR MY TWO ARTIFICIAL HIPS AND IS SIMPLY NOT SAFE TO MY PERSON AND SLOWS DOWN SOME PASSING VEHICLES THAT MAY SLIP AND SLIDE INTO ME OR ONCOMING TRAFFIC OF THE ONLY 2 LANE HIGHWAY. NORTHERN MICHIGAN IS GETTING UNNECESSARILY MORE DANGEROUS IN THE WINTER TIME. THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE INCIDENTS AND THE INCIDENT DATE ABOVE IS ONLY APPROXIMATE.
Steering, May 17, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SPORADICALLY OVER-STEER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PERFORMING TO STANDARDS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,700. *TR
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), May 13, 2013
I WAS MAKING A U-TURN NOT EVEN GOING MORE THAN 15 MPH AND MY 2013 FORD EXPLORER SPORT'S, WHICH ONLY HAS 6050 MILES ON IT, POWER STEERING SUDDENLY STOP WORKING AND ALL ACROSS THE DASH, WARNING LIGHTS LIT UP, STABILITY CONTROL FAULT, POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT, TERRAIN MANAGEMENT FAULT, TRACTION CONTROL FAULT. I LOST POWER STEERING AND SLOWLY STEERED INTO THE NEAREST GAS STATION. I TURNED OFF MY ENGINE AND THEN RESTARTED IT, THE POWER STEERING WORKED AGAIN AND SOME OF THE WARNING LIGHTS WENT OFF, EXCEPT THE TERRAIN MANAGEMENT AND STABILITY CONTROL LIGHTS, I TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE A SECOND TIME AND ALL THE WARNINGS LIGHTS WENT OFF, I WENT STRAIGHT THE DEALERSHIP AND IT IS THERE NOW. THE SERVICE ADVISOR HAD SAID HE HAS SEEN THIS HAPPEN ONCE AND THEY REPLACED THE POWER STEERING GEARS AND SYSTEM. I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT THIS WILL HAPPEN AGAIN AND I WILL LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AND HURT MYSELF AND MY FAMILY AND OTHER PERSONS. LUCKILY I WAS IN SLOW TRAFFIC AND A GAS STATION WAS NEARBY, AND I DID NOT HAVE MY FAMILY IN THE VEHICLE. FORD NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE WITH THE EXPLORERS AND FIX THESE SAFETY ISSUES ASAP! *TR
Steering, Suspension, Power train, May 8, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM COULD HAVE BEEN WITH THE STEERING, AXLE OR THE TRANSMISSION. THE DEALER DID NOT HAVE SPECIFICS PERTAINING TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 2,000. *TR
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Apr 26, 2013
I EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING, AS WELL AS STABILITY CONTROL, TRACTION CONTROL, AND TERRAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS ERRORS. I WAS STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION WAITING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN. ONCE I STARTED MOVING TO MAKE THE TURN (@ 5 MPH), A NUMBER OF BEEPS WENT OFF, WARNINGS WERE DISPLAYED ON THE VEHICLE INFORMATION SCREEN, AND I LOST POWER STEERING. AFTER PULLING OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH NO POWER STEERING, I TURNED OFF THE CAR AND THEN RESTARTED. AT THIS POINT THE POWER STEERING WAS WORKING, BUT THE TRACTION CONTROL AND TERRAIN MANAGEMENT ERRORS WERE STILL HAPPENING. AFTER A MINUTE, THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT WENT OFF. THERE WAS STILL AN ERROR WITH THE TERRAIN MANAGEMENT. AFTER GETTING HOME SAFELY 90 MINUTES LATER, I RESTARTED IT AGAIN, AND ALL SYSTEMS SEEMED TO BE WORKING, WITH NO ERRORS REPORTED. *TR
Steering, Apr 17, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE THE ENGINE WAS STARTED AND ALSO, WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEED. THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHILE THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SHOULDER TO RESTART THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE THEN FUNCTIONED NORMALLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000 AND THE APPROXIMATE MILEAGE WAS 8,000. UPDATED 5/24/13 *CN
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Apr 3, 2013
WHILE ACCELERATING UNDER FULL THROTTLE THE VEHICLE STEERING BECOMES ERRATIC AND THE VEHICLE WANTS TO WEAVE SIDE TO SIDE WITH NO INPUT FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. I AM EXTREMELY CONCERNED THAT THIS WILL EVENTUALLY CAUSE ME TO HAVE MOTOR VEHICLE COLLISION WHEN TRYING TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE, GET UP TO SPEED ON FROM A HIGHWAY ON RAMP, OR WHILE TRYING TO AVOID ANOTHER SITUATION. I WOULD LIKE THE NHTSA AND FORD TO EVALUATE THEIR 2013 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED 4WD FOR UNINTENTIONAL STEERING SWAY UNDER FULL ACCELERATION. *TR
Steering, Power train, Engine, Mar 14, 2013
I DROVE MY RECENTLY ACQUIRED AND NEW FORD EXPLORER SPORT FOR FIRST TIME ON THE HIGHWAY ON MARCH 4, 2013. WHEN ACCELERATING TO PASS A TRUCK, I LOST CONTROL OF FRONT END TO POINT OF SWIRLING AND NEAR COLLISION WITH THE TRUCK. I DON'T CONSIDER THIS A FLUKE AS SAME HAPPENED A WHILE LATER DURING SAME HIGHWAY TRIP. I'M VERY FAMILIAR WITH HIGH HORSEPOWER PASSENGER VEHICLES AND SPORTS CARS FOR THAT MATTER. I AM ALSO VERY FAMILIAR WITH HIGHER AND ALLOWABLE SPEEDS HAVING DRIVEN AND HANDLED SPORT CARS AND PASSENGER VEHICLES ON GERMAN AUTOBAHNS WHILE LIVING IN EUROPE. IT IS MY EXPERIENCE AND BELIEF THAT THE COMBINATION OF CHARACTERISTICS (WEIGHT BALANCING IN COMBINATION WITH SIGNIFICANT HORSEPOWER, POSSIBLY LARGE TIRE SIZE, TRACTION AND FOUR WHEEL/FRONT WHEEL DRIVE ASPECTS, THRUST ETC.) MAKE THIS VEHICLE, THE FORD EXPLORER SPORT, EXTREMELY DANGEROUS ON HIGHWAY WHILE ACCELERATING AT ALLOWABLE SPEEDS. A LOCAL DEALERSHIPS' EXPERT (READ: DEALER IS AN INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR) IN INDIANA CONFIRMED MY OBSERVATIONS AND BELIEFS AND USED TERM "SQUIRLYNESS" TO DESCRIBE VEHICLES' HANDLING WHEN ACCELERATING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. FORD INDICATES THAT VEHICLE OPERATES AS DESIGNED, I CONTENT THE DESIGN IS BAD, CAUSING THIS FORD EXPLORER SPORT VERSION TO BE VERY DANGEROUS. IN MY MIND IT IS ENTIRELY FORESEEABLE THAT ACCIDENTS WILL HAPPEN TO UNSUSPECTING DRIVERS OF THIS VEHICLE BASED ON THE VEHICLE CHARACTERISTICS. OBVIOUSLY THIS IS SOMETHING THAT WILL NOT BE ADMITTED TO BY FORD DUE TO PRE-EMPTIVE LIABILITY ASSUMPTION IN CASE OF ACCIDENTS. I OFFERED FORD TO TAKE THIS NEW VEHICLE BACK. ONCE AGAIN I UNDERSTAND THAT THEY WOULD NOT AS THIS WOULD IMPLY ADMITTANCE OF SAFETY CONCERNS REGARDING THE FORD EXPLORER SPORT VERSION. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Dec 10, 2012
AS I WAS TURNING LEFT AT A LIGHT, MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT COMPLETELY IN THE CAR. I LOOKED DOWN AT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND IT WAS BRIGHT YELLOW AND SAID ADVANCE TRAC FAILURE. IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT FOR ME TO CONTROL THE SUV AND IT TOOK EVERY OUNCE OF UPPER BODY STRENGTH IN ME TO PULL INTO A PARKING LOT. I BARELY AVOIDED A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH ANOTHER SUV AS I TURNED INTO THE LOT. I PULLED INTO THE BACK OF THE LOT AND PUT THE SUV IN PARK AND TURNED IT OFF. UPON TURNING IT BACK ON THE POWER STEERING WAS WORKING AGAIN. I WAS VERY SHOOK UP SINCE I HAD MY 6 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WITH ME AS WELL. I HOPE SOMEONE LOOKS INTO WHAT IS CAUSING THIS TO HAPPEN. MY BRAND NEW CAR IS AT THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AND WHEN I DROPPED IT OFF THIS MORNING I WAS TOLD THAT THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A THING HAPPENING TO ANYONE. *TR
Steering, Nov 1, 2012
POWER STEERING FAILURE WHILE BACKING UP AND DRIVING. TURNING VEHICLE OFF AND ON CAUSES POWER STEERING TO WORK. VERY HARD TO STEER, NOT SAFE TO DRIVE... DEALER IS PUTTING A HOLE NEW POWER STEERING UNIT IN... *TR