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: other or unspecified
344 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Sep 4, 2026
THE BACKUP CAMERA HAS STOPPED WORKING, THE BEEPING SENSOR STILL ALARMS WHEN TO CLOSE BUT THE CAMERA DOES NOT WORK AT ALL.
Other or unspecified, Aug 22, 2026
Coughlin Ford of Heath ohio committed recall fraud on my vehicle by falsifying federal safety recall 24S02. Their invoice claims the repair was Completed,' but my original panels are still loose and dangerously reliant on my own tape to stay attached to the vehicle. How can a safety recall be completed if the original hazardous parts were never replaced?
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 4, 2026
Backup camera only works sometimes which is a safety risk when backing up. Other year models have had a recall for this same reason. It has been doing it for at least 6 months now.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 27, 2026
The sync touch responsive interface for climate control fails. This failure causes the system to repeatedly respond without prompt continually causing the driver to continually attempt to disengage the system causing a significant safety hazard. The chip in the system for the effected buttons is the component that fails. There is no solution. Replacement or upgraded interfaces are not available and disconnection of the panels renders the climate control, radio/entertainment, navigation and all other systems relayed thru the touch screen completely inoperable which is unreasonable. This occurs at random while operating the vehicle with the error often occurring continuously or at very high frequency. Ford discontinued the sync touch panel control due to issues but has provided no solution for the safety hazard it has created.
Other or unspecified, May 10, 2026, fire
The car had been parked for 30 minutes in the driveway and spontaneously caught on fire. Our lives and home were at risk of serious injury due to the fire. Firefighters and police were called to the scene and the fire was put out. There were no mechanical issues prior to this happening.
Other or unspecified, Mar 25, 2026
this recall has been active since 2023. I was told a remedy would be available ladder 2024…. I received another letter in September 2025 reminding me of the recall and it is now March 2026 with no current remedy available. This vehicle was used for my work vehicle and I am no longer able to use it to make income due to it having a recall. This has been a major problem. These parts also seem to be available by third-party online looking for help or suggestions. Not sure what to do at this point. Thanks!
Other or unspecified, Mar 22, 2026
My vehicles exterior A-pillar trim is coming off and pieces flew off on highway. I was told to contact Ford.
Other or unspecified, Mar 11, 2026, fire
My car was parked in the driveway and it caught on fire from under the hood.
Other or unspecified, Mar 7, 2026
My backup camera is in reverse. When I use it everything is on the incorrect side which is a safety issue when backing up.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 24, 2026
I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding a severe design defect in the 3.5L V6 engine of my 2013 Ford Explorer. The vehicle is equipped with an internal, chain-driven water pump that is currently failing at 100000 miles, as evidenced by coolant actively draining from the factory weep hole. Because this pump is located inside the engine block and driven by the timing chain, a complete seal failure dumps engine coolant directly into the oil pan. This is a critical safety hazard. When the coolant and oil mix, it destroys the engine bearings and causes the engine to completely seize without warning. If this sudden engine seizure occurs while driving at highway speeds, it results in an immediate and total loss of motive power, power steering, and power brakes. This defect creates an extreme crash hazard for the occupants of the vehicle and other drivers on the road. The internal weep hole provides virtually no dashboard warning or indicator to the driver before this catastrophic failure occurs. I am requesting that the NHTSA investigate this known, dangerous design flaw to force a mandatory safety recall before this sudden loss of vehicle control causes severe injuries or fatalities.
Other or unspecified, Feb 16, 2026
I am filing a safety complaint for my 2013 Ford Explorer (VIN: [XXX] ). There is a strong raw fuel smell inside the cabin, which is a severe fire hazard. This model has a history of cracked fuel delivery modules. Additionally, my vehicle has open recalls for the Rear Suspension Toe Link (19V435/20V675) and the A-Pillar Exterior Trim (24V031). Despite these critical safety issues, the dealer (Midland Ford) claims they see no open recalls and refuses to inspect the fuel leak without a diagnostic fee. I am concerned about a potential fire and the risk of a suspension failure while driving." INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Nov 30, 2025
To Whom it may concern, In February 2025 I was notified by Ford Motor Co. that there's been a recall on my 2013 Ford Explorer Manufacturer recall #24S02 and NHTSA recall #24V031. It also stated that I would be receiving another letter later in the year advising me to contact my dealer to make an appointment to have the recall problem fixed. I received another letter in September of this year advising me to contact my Ford dealer to make an appointment to get this recall fixed. I contacted my Ford dealer and they advised me that they have not received the parts yet and they didn't know when the parts would be arriving. Don't you think that Ford has had enough time to get this recall situation corrected ? They've known about this problem since 2023, and other than sending out a letter advising us of the recall, have done nothing to correct the problem, if in fact there really is one.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Nov 25, 2025
My 2013 White Four door Ford Explorer incidents occurred twice on the highway. The end pieces of the front windshield came off while driving on Hwy. 70 in Durham/Raleigh NC and on hwy somewhere in Raleigh! There was a Sherriff behind me the first time. My concern is the wind noise in my vehicle while driving and safety of the windshield for safety inspection. Crossroads Ford in Wake Forest NC service told me that it can take up to 30-60 days to get the parts for my 2013 Ford. I am disabled and I need my vehicle to be safe for doctor visits. Can the new parts be expedited or no?
Other or unspecified, Nov 11, 2025
Rear camera on 2013 Ford Explorer has stopped working. There is a safety recall for models beginning with 2015. This is just as much of a safety hazard with the 2013 model as with the 2015 model. Why are all Ford Explorers with this issue not covered by the recall?
Other or unspecified, Nov 5, 2025
I HAVE A 2013 FORD EXPLORER XLT AND THE BACK UP CAMERA HAS GONE OUT. THE PROBLEM BEGAN ABOUT A YEAR AGO WITH THE CAMERA WORKING SOMEDAYS AND OTHER DAYS THE SCREEN WAS BLANK WITH A MESSAGE FOR ME TO CONTACT MY FORD DEALERSHIP. FROM WHAT I'VE READ, THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE FORD EXPLORERS. SEVERAL OTHER FORD MODELS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AROUND THIS PARTICULAR YEAR HAVE BEEN RECALLED BUT NOT THE EXPLORER, THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AS MOST FORD EXPLORER OWNERS WILL TELL YOU THAT IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE PROPERLY WHEN REVERSING IN A FORD EXPLORER ESPECIALLY WITHOUT THE BACK UP CAMERA. THE BACK UP CAMERA IS VERY MUCH NEEDED FOR THIS SITUATION. i'VE ALSO READ THAT THE PROBLEM STEMS MAINLY FROM A LEAK IN THE TAILGATE WHERE WATER LEAKS IN ON THE CAMERA CONNECTION THUS CAUSING IT TO MALFUNCTION AND EVENTUALLY GO OUT COMPLETELY. AS YET, i HAVE NOT HAD THE VEHICLE INSPECTED YET BY FOR OR A LICENSED MECHANIC. I WANTED TO CHECK TO SEE IF I COULD FIND WHERE A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM ON MY EXPLORER, BUT AFTER EXTENSIVE RESEARCH I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO FIND ANY. I'M JUST WONDERING WHY THEY HAVEN'T RECALLED THE EXPLORERS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM.
Other or unspecified, Oct 23, 2025
The rear view camera is experiencing the same issues as the most recent recall of 2015-2025 explorers. Most often the rear view camera does not work at all --- other times it is on for a short duration, or is pixelated. I've watched the recalls expand from 2020 Ford vehicles to now 2015. Why doesn't it include earlier vehicles still on the road?
Structure, Other or unspecified, Oct 21, 2025
Pillar molding driver side
Other or unspecified, Oct 15, 2025
I am the owner of a 2013 Ford Explorer and have been experiencing repeated failures of the rear-view camera system. The camera often goes blank, displays distorted images, or intermittently cuts out when the vehicle is placed in revierse. I have reviewed the current recalls related to defective rear-view cameras on Ford vehicles, particularly those affecting model years 2015 and newer. While my 2013 Explorer is not included in these campaigns, the symptoms are identical to the recall descriptions and create the same safety risk: a loss of visibility when backing up. I am requesting that this issue be formally documented and investigated for the 2013 Ford Explorer, and that my vehicle be considered for inclusion in any applicable recall or service campaign. I have approximately 126,000 miles on my vehicle. I did have Dave Sinclair Ford (dealer) look at this on 4/15/2024 and the cost to repair was approximately $800+. I did not have the work completed. Please advise me on next steps, including whether my VIN can be added to any active recall. Thank you for your attention in this matter.
Other or unspecified, Sep 12, 2025
Back up camera stopped working approximately 3-4 years ago.
Other or unspecified, Sep 10, 2025
Back up camera will go black intermittently when in reverse
Other or unspecified, Aug 20, 2025
The molding flew off my car when I was driving 60 miles an hour … very lucky it didn’t cause an accident as I had to swerve into oncoming traffic when it flew off. It happened in Sept 2024 October 25th is when when we brought it in to ford Geneva, NY They said it was a special order and needed to be ordered and would call when it arrived Never heard back Recently called to follow up Said it still didn’t come in and will call with no resolution to date.
Other or unspecified, Aug 14, 2025
My problem is with my back up camera. The sides are reversed when it comes on. Left is right and right is left. This is a serious safety defect that may cause an accident one day.
Other or unspecified, Aug 4, 2025
There has been a safety recall since Jan 2024 and there still no remedy although it said it should have been equipment by late 2024 its is now Aug 2025 it’s been over a year and still nothing.
Other or unspecified, Jul 24, 2025
Hello, I received Recall Notice #24V031 from Ford Motor Company regarding a safety-related issue and was instructed to have the repair completed at a dealership. I’ve made multiple attempts to schedule the repair, but each time I was told the part is on backorder. I was advised to contact Ford directly, which I did, but was then redirected back to the dealership—who again stated the part is unavailable. To my surprise, the dealership even suggested that I try purchasing the part myself from Amazon. This situation is unacceptable. This is a safety recall, and I should not be responsible for sourcing or purchasing the part required for a manufacturer-initiated repair. I am concerned about the delay and the lack of accountability from both the dealership and Ford. I am requesting immediate assistance in resolving this issue and ensuring the recall repair is completed without further delays or unreasonable expectations placed on me as the customer. Thank you,
Other or unspecified, Jun 19, 2025
My backup camera doesn't always work and when it does there is a delay seeing the image. I get a warning sign on my SYNC screen saying the camera is not available and to contact the dealership. I have contacted the dealership and the said I needed to contact Ford. They have since directed me to NHTSA. Not having a backup camera is a safety issue since there are some things that cannot be seen in a mirror when backing up.