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, Sep 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim separated from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was inspected, and the dealer determined that the vehicle needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Structure, Sep 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received a recall notice related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact called the local dealer, who did not respond. The contact went to another local dealer, Liberty Ford Aurora (900 N. Aurora Rd Aurora, OH 44202) who confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Structure, Sep 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Structure, Sep 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Structure, Sep 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the driver's side exterior A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle, and the vehicle ran over the exterior A-pillar, wrapping around the passenger’s side rear tire. The contact stated that the tire subsequently went flat. The vehicle was steered over to the side of the road, and the tire was changed. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was determined that there were two nails in the tire. The contact stated that the mechanic at the dealer suggested that the detached trim might have pushed the nails further into the tire, causing the tire to burst. The tire was repaired, and the debris around the exterior A-pillar trim was cleaned; however, the exterior A-pillar trim was not replaced because the part was out of stock. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.
Structure, Sep 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE). The contact stated that the dealer was contacted; however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about parts availability. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Structure, Sep 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the driver's side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Structure, Sep 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE). The contact stated that the dealer was contacted; however, the contact was informed that the parts were unavailable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about parts availability. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Structure, Sep 6, 2025
The A-Pillar trim pieces on both sides of the windshield began coming apart while driving on the highway, luckily, a piece did not impact other vehicles behind me. I went to the dealer and they removed both trim pieces several months ago and they have not followed up to install the new parts. They say they are not available. The first notification I received from Ford by mail is dated February 2024 (more than 1.5 years ago). The vehicle looks like crap and Ford is not fulfilling their obligation. Perhaps NHTSA can exert enough pressure to force them to accomplish the repairs. Are they waiting for someone to get hurt or die from flying trim debris before they act? Ford can and has to make the parts and make them available to address their flawed product. Thank you.
Structure, Sep 5, 2025
See attached document for complaint. We received this recall letter dated February 24, 2024 concerning a recall on our 2013 Ford Explorer Apillar applique t rim. We have contacted our local Ford Motor dealership numerous times concerning this situation with our vehicle, with no satisfaction. The trim came off last year and nothing has been resolved about the problem. The dates that we contacted our local dealership was: 7 /31/24, 9/20/24, 10/18/24, 12/5/24 and 1/13/25. The only response we receive is that our name is on the list for the parts. Apparently, Ford Motor Company has dropped the ball on their responsibility for the safety of their vehicles. There are numerous recalls of Ford vehicles, and it makes us wonder if we can trust a Ford vehicle in the future.
Structure, Sep 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the front passenger's side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The trim was striking the front windshield. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and attempted to secure the trim. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact taped the trim after arriving at the residence. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 69,800.
Structure, Sep 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the exterior A-pillar trim detached and flew off the vehicle. The contact stated that the A-pillar trim flew off, and the contact was unable to go back to locate the trim. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was unable to be sold with the unrepaired recall. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the recall notification had been received for over a year and a half. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Structure, Sep 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 24V031000 (Structure). While driving 70 MPH, the exterior A-pillar applique trim on the driver’s and passenger’s side of the front windshield detached several months apart. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.
Structure, Sep 3, 2025
A-pillar trim part detached while I was driving. My dealer replaced the following parts at my expense BB5Z7803145AA BB5Z7803137BA. To date I have not been fully reimbursed for the repair by the dealership, Al Cioni Ford, Granville, Illinois.
Structure, Sep 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim detached and was flapping in the wind. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the clips to repair the vehicle were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Structure, Sep 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver’s side A-pillar trim detached. Additionally, the front passenger’s side A-pillar trim was loose, and the driver’s side A-pillar trim was temporarily repaired using duct tape. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.
Structure, Aug 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the front driver’s side A-pillar trim detached. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Structure, Aug 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on both sides of the windshield started to detach. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
Structure, Aug 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the passenger’s side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.
Structure, Aug 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer, and the front A-Pillar trims were removed to avoid a failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was left with the A-pillar trims unattached. The local dealer was contacted on several occasions; however, parts were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Structure, Aug 7, 2025
Why is it taking Ford years to fix body molding for a recall. It would appear they are not going to comply with the recall and hope they wait long enough they can age out the vehicles and there won’t be any left. I don’t understand why N.H.T.S.A is night having FORD comply with the recall.
Structure, Jul 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Jul 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Jul 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000(Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim separated from the vehicle and flew off. An unknown dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 99,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Jul 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000(Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the driver's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim retention clips had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim started to detach. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was confirmed that the recall parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.