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: structure
438 reports, newest first. Show all
Structure, Other or unspecified, Feb 2, 2023
I've had to replace the windshield trim panel piece three times because they keep flying off.
Structure, Feb 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger's side windshield trim detached. Additionally, the driver's side door handle had also detached. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 131,000.
Structure, Feb 1, 2023
MY WINDSHIELD TRIM ON BOTH SIDES OF MY WINDSHIELD KEEP FLYING OFF!!!! FORD DEALERS SAY THEY'VE NEVER SEEN THIS BUT YET I DRIVE AROUND TOWN AND SEE PLENTY OF FORD EXPLORERS WITH THEM MISSING!!! THIS IS RIDICULOUS. IVE BOUGHT REPLACEMENT PARTS THAT WILL NOT EVEN STAY ON!!
Structure, Feb 1, 2023
Drivers side windshield trim panel detached and flew off which driving.
Structure, Feb 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, there was a loud sound outside the vehicle, and an airborne object was seen on the driver’s side of the vehicle. The contact stated it was later discovered that the driver’s side front windshield trim panel had detached from the vehicle. The contact purchased the replacement part from the dealer and the dealer replaced the part. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Structure, Visibility, Feb 1, 2023
Rubber weatherstripping around windshield glass is coming off and hitting the windshield. I had the car inspected by Safelite Auto Glass and they said the windshield needs to come out so they can replace all the surrounding parts that are coming off and they will also have to replace the windshield, since it will probably break when they take it out. It will cost $759.67 to repair. Insurance will only cover it if there is a chip in the windshield the size of a dollar bill. I understand you are already investigating this problem and I need to know if you are going to recall my car before something worse happens. I don't want to have an accident because windshield parts are flying off my car and hitting others.
Structure, Jan 31, 2023
Three times, we have had to replace the front windshield pillar trim…twice is flew off during driving on the Interstate. It seems the weatherstripping peels back first and started flapping in the wind, and then the pillar trim rips off.
Structure, Seat belts, Jan 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that rainwater was leaking into the cabin of the vehicle from the passenger’s and driver’s side third-row roof seat belts anchors to the seat belts, and onto the floor of the rear of the vehicle. The contact placed a blanket on the folded third-row seats and the trunk floor; upon returning to the vehicle, the blanket was soaking wet. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Structure, Aug 26, 2021
I recently had a deeply concerning issue occur with my 2013 Ford Explorer. While I was driving on the freeway my passenger side windshield trim flew off my car (No previous damage to the trim, it was not lifting before the incident).... almost hitting the vehicle behind me. In my eyes this should be a safety concern for the company and replaced by the manufacturer for the safety of their consumers (I reached out to Ford corporate, but they said nothing could be done). This is dangerous for the people driving around vehicles having this issue as a large piece of windshield trim can hit their windshield going 60 mph on a freeway or cause someone to swerve to not get hit by a flying object on the freeway. Upon reading up on the issue this is not uncommon so something should be done before someone is harmed.
Structure, Aug 20, 2021
Front windshield trim has flown off on the highway on three separate occasions.
Structure, Aug 20, 2021
Water entering the body of the vehicle through the third row seatbelt opening. Fills spare tire wheel.
Structure, Aug 6, 2021
My body seams sealer next to the lift gate hinge is cracked ans leaks water into rear of car and mold grew on carpet. Call all local dealers and body shops. None know how to fix
Structure, Jul 19, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated she noticed a small leak entering through the seat belt and ending into the wheel well. The contact stated approximately 6 months later, she started to smell a moldy odor and the leak was much larger. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Structure, Jun 25, 2021
Passenger door ajar warning signal stays on even when the door is shut which is causing all my lights to stay on and my car not locking because the door is saying it’s ajar when it is not.
Structure, Mar 6, 2021
DRIVER SIDE WINDSHIELD A-PILLAR MOLDING FLEW OFF, I BELIEVE WE WERE ON THE HIGHWAY, BUT NO TRUE WAY TO KNOW WHEN. THE INNER PILLAR MOLDING APPEARS TO BE CRACKED ON A FEW PLACES AS WELL.
Structure, Jan 13, 2021
THE SEALS FOR THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR FAIL CAUSING WATER TO LEAK INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND DOWN THE BACK SEAT BELTS AND POOLING IN THE SPARE TIRE AREA OF THE TRUNK. THIS ALSO CAUSES MILDEW AND MOLD IN THE CARPETING.
Electrical system, Structure, Visibility/wiper, Dec 16, 2020
MY EXPLORER HAS BEEN PARKED FOR A FEW DAYS, AFTER OPENING THE PASSENGER SIDE, I NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A LARGE PUDDLE OF WATER SITTING THERE ON THE FLOOR LINEAR AND ON THE FLOORING ITSELF. I CHECKED THE MOON ROOF, IT WAS CLOSED, NO VISIBLE WATER SO THAT IS NOT POSSIBLE. I CHECKED THE SIDE DOOR AND SEALS, NO ISSUES. I NOTICED THAT WATER WAS FROM THE TOP PART OF THE PASSENGER SIDE INNER FOOTING AREA COMING DOWN SO I CHECKED THE WINDSHIELD AREA. AND AS ASSUMED, WATER WAS CREEPING IN FROM THE WINDSHIELD AREA DUE TO BAD CAULKING JOB/DEFECTIVE ENGINEERING CAUSING WATER (RAIN/SNOW, ETC) TO CREEP IN AND SOIL THE ELECTRICAL AREA AND THE FLOORING.
Electrical system, Seat belts, Structure, Dec 9, 2020
WATER LEAKING IN THROUGH 3RD ROW DRIVER SIDE SEATBELT, LEAKS DOWN TO POWERFOLD ELECTRICAL WIRING, AND ACCUMULATES UNDER SEAT/CARPET AND INTO SPARE TIRE WELL. THE WATER COMING INTO CONTACT WITH THE ELECTRICAL WIRING CAN CAUSE GREAT HARM TO NY CHILDREN WHO SIT BACK THERE. THE WATER ON CARPET CAUSES MOLD AND MILDEW WHICH IS A HAZARD TO OUT HEALTH. THE WATER IN SPARE TIRE WELL CAN CAUSE RUST AND SUBSEQUENT EXHAUST FUMES TO ENTER INTO CABIN.
Electrical system, Structure, Oct 24, 2020
LEAKS FROM POOR QUALITY WELDS ABOVE REAR TAILGATE. CREATES MOLD IN CARPET ABS SPARE TIRE INSULATION. KNOWN PROBLEM ON VEHICLE. ADDITION LEAKS IN SUNROOF DUE TO POOR DRAINAGE CAUSING MOTOR TO FAIL. PAINT BUBBLE FAIL ON HOOD (KNOWN ISSUE ON EXPLORERS AND EXPEDITIONS)
Structure, Oct 13, 2020
THE DRIVER CAR DOOR LATCH BROKE OFF AND DRIVER DOOR DOESN'T CLOSE PROPERLY. THE DOOR FLYS OPEN WHILE IN MOTION ESPECIALLY ON TURNS AND I HAVE TO HOLD IT CLOSED WITH ONE HAND WHILE TRYING TO DRIVE WITH MY ONLY OTHER HAND. CANNOT GET IN OR OUT OF THE VEHICLE! I HAVE TO CLIMB IN THROUGH THE PASSENGER OR BACK SEAT TO PUSH THE DOOR FULLY OPEN SO I CAN GET IN TO DRIVE. THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT STAYS ON AND THE DOOR CAN OPEN WHILE IN MOTION. FORD SAID THE RECALL HAS EXPIRED 7/2020 AND REFUSES TO FIX MY CAR DOOR HANDLE, VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION I WANT TO SELL THIS VEHICLE AND THE NEW OWNER WILL THEN BE IN DANGER HOWEVER FORD REFUSES TO COVER THIS DEFECT WITH THEIR DOOR HANDLES THAT ALREADY HAD A RECALL ON IT. PLEASE HELP ME MAKE OTHERS AWARE OF THIS DANGEROUS SITUATION AND ANY NEW CAR OWNERS WHO WILL HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS YEAR FORD EXPLORER AND THEY REFUSE TO FIX IT AND COVER THE EXPENSE TO FIX WHEN IT WAS PART OF A RECALL THAT 'EXPIRED'. I'M SCARED I MAY FLY OUT OF THE DOOR WHILE DRIVING AND GET HURT OR RUN OVER BY ANOTHER VEHICLE BECAUSE THIS DOOR WON'T CLOSE SECURELY.
Seat belts, Structure, Sep 30, 2020
HAVE LEAK AT 3RD ROW SEAT BELT AT ROOF ON LEFT HAND SIDE.SEAT BELT GETTING WET LEAKING DOWN ON SEAT AND FLOOR. FIRST NOTICED WHEN TILTING 3RD ROW SEAT ON SEPT. 29/2020. VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND NOT MOVING . HAD RAIN THE NIGHT OFSEPT. 28/2020.
Structure, Sep 8, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THE HOOD PAINT WAS BUBBLING, CHIPPING, AND PEELING. THE CONTACT CALLED CAPITAL FORD OF WILMINGTON 4222 OLEANDER DR, WILMINGTON, NC 28403 910) 799-4060 WHERE INFORMED TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE PHOTOS WHERE TAKEN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. MANUFACTURER COMMUNICATION NUMBER: TSB 20-2233 WAS REFERENCED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000. *LN THE CONSUMER PROVIDED PHOTOS. *TR
Structure, Aug 18, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR OPENED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED LOCAL DEALER ANDERSON FORD LOCATED AT 3900 CLEMSON BLVD, ANDERSON, SC 29621, (864) 225-4151, AND MADE THE DEALER AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED AS OF YET. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 185,000.
Visibility, Structure, Jun 26, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER LEAKED FROM THE SUNROOF INTO THE INTERIOR HEADLINER EVENTUALLY CAUSING ELECTRICAL FAILURES TO THE 3RD ROW SEAT CONTROLS PREVENTING THE SEAT TO NOT BE ABLE TO BE ADJUSTED. ADDITIONALLY, THE WATER DAMAGE CAUSED THE CARPET TO MOLD AND RUSTING OF THE WHEEL WELL. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Structure, May 4, 2020
INTERIOR DRIVER DOOR HANDLE DOES NOT RETURN TO THE RECESSED (PARKED) POSITION. THIS SAME DEFECT IS A RECALL ON FORD FUSIONS AND SOME OTHER SIMILAR VEHICLES; WHY NOT ON THIS FORD EXPLORER? COST TO REPAIR AT DEALER AROUND $150.00. WORKED FINE FOR 7 YEARS. (SPRING INSIDE DOOR IS EITHER BROKEN OR OFF ITS ANCHOR(S).