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
2,234 reports, newest first.
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 8, 2023, fire
Unknown what caused the issue but our vehicle erupted into flames in our driveway not 10 minutes after we pulled in. No warnings, no indication anything was wrong. We smelled smoke and went outside to find the hood completely engulfed. It took fire department to extinguish it. They’re not certain of cause yet but said likely an electrical short
Steering, Engine, Oct 6, 2023
For that pass 6 months my vehicle has had a check engine light on. Warning light will flash steering assist fault the the wheel locks up and vehicle comes to a holt. This problem has been happening on and off some days it’s fine some days this accurs. Recall #14S06
Visibility/wiper, Oct 6, 2023
While driving normal highway speeds my driver side windshield trim piece flew off. This is not safe as now I am worried that the passenger side will do it next.
Steering, Oct 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH and making a turn, the electric steering gear lost power and switched to manual mode. The power steering control module warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to her residence. The contact opened the hood to refill the power steering fluid but was unable to locate the steering fluid reservoir. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that the failure was due to the power steering. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under the recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The contact stated that the failure was due to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 164,567.
Power train, Oct 4, 2023
My 2013 Ford Explorer had coolant leaking below (No check engine light present). If I didn't notice the coolant on the garage floor, I would've never known of any issue. After taking it in to the dealership, they said the issue was defective Water pump (Actual Replacement Pump Cost: $155.64) that is leaking coolant and failing to properly cool the engine. Due to the design flaw of the engine, the water pump is internally positioned in the engine requiring disassembly of the entire engine to access and replace the faulty pump. Since this is a labor intensive requirement, the $155 part required $1,814.95 in labor costs associated with the replacement. This is uncalled for. Not to mention, the parts that were removed in the engine also were required to be replaced based on manufacture requirement (additional $802 in gaskets/seals/bolts/etc. If the water pump was not replaced, it would lead to complete engine failure. I had no options other to pay $2,930.22 in total parts/labor costs to replace a $155 Water pump. Shame on Ford.
Visibility, Oct 2, 2023
I was driving down the interstate and heard a very loud bang, we thought someone had shot at the vehicle. It scared me and I swerved off the highway almost hitting the sidewall. The car behind me went off the road also. I went to check on them and their windshield was busted as well. It was dark out, and we knew something hit us, but we couldn't figure out what it was. When I woke up the next morning, I noticed the windshield trim was missing. It had flown off and hit the car behind me. Called the dealership and said it's a known issue but no recall on it. This could've killed me and my kids or the people behind me. The fact that it's a known issue and not rectified scares me.
Other or unspecified, Oct 1, 2023
The passenger side windshield panel trim flew off my car, at 60 mph. 6-8 months ago, the driver side windshield panel trim did the exact same thing at the exact same mph. This is absolutely ABSURD that Ford has not issued a recall for this.
Structure, Sep 30, 2023
Driver-side A-pillar trim piece broke and partially detached from vehicle while driving on an interstate (appx 70mph). Initially, one small and quick pop noise was heard, but the sound came from outside and it was assumed it was road debris. Approximately 15 seconds later, the left A-pillar trim piece suddenly partially detached from the body of the car in such a fashion that the bottom clip was broken, but still attached only by a weak bond to the rubber seal beneath the trim piece and the top of the trim piece was sticking away from the vehicle by approximately six to eight inches. We immediately pulled off to the side of the interstate and the A-pillar trim piece was debonded from the rubber seal by a gentle pull. Had this weak bond with the rubber seal not been there, the entire A-pillar trim piece could have easily completely detached and become a hazard to other vehicles traveling on the interstate, potentially flying off and hitting another vehicle or puncturing a tire. There were no previous signs of wear, damage, or malfunction to the A-pillar trim piece. This incident is not reproducible, and was not inspected by any outside party. The broken A-pillar trim piece and pictures of the failed attachments are available for inspection upon request.
Steering, Sep 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the power steering failed while making a right turn. The contact stated that the power steering fault and stabili-trak lost warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that he could no longer steer the vehicle because the steering wheel had seized in place and the vehicle was stopped in the middle of an intersection. The contact stated that the engine was still running. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle several times however, the power steering had not regained functionality. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times however, the work-around of turning off and restarting the vehicle restored the functionality. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the power steering system needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Sep 29, 2023
1. Power Steering fault randomly causing total loss of power steering. Have to turn the car off and restart to fix. No error codes are stored when this happens. No DTC's. This also causes a system terrain fault but again no error codes are stored for this either. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 2. This has happened while driving in the mountains, on the highway and through residential areas making the car very hard to control or causing us to have to pull over in dangerous situations to restart the car to correct. 3. Whenever we take it for diagnosis they cannot duplicate the issue nor see the error codes in the history. Thankfully we have not yet been in an accident where we have needed the police to be involved although this has happened many times since we have owned the vehicle (5 years). 4. We have been told to drive it to a dealership while the error is occurring so they can see it live time however we have not yet been in a position to do this where it wouldn't have caused a safety issue to us or those around us. 5. There is no warning or alert that happens prior to the fault occurring.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there was a loud squeaking sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The contact then became aware that there was coolant leaking from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the water pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact called the dealer and was informed that the failure was a known issue. The contact was referred to NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 165,000.
Steering, Sep 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the steering wheel became firm. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering gear had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. The VIN was not available.
Steering, Sep 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering failed, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. During the failure the messages "Power Steering Failure" and "Stabili-trak" were displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the battery cable was faulty and needed to be replaced. The battery cable was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Suspension, Sep 26, 2023
Noise in the rear suspension
Steering, Sep 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the steering wheel seized inadvertently. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under the recall due to the manufactured date. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
Steering, Sep 25, 2023, crash
the car keep saying power steering assist this is the second time the steering gear went out
Back over prevention, Sep 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while shifting in reverse, the rear-view camera intermittently displayed a distorted or blank image. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the camera wiring harness was rusted. The contact was informed that the vehicle was included in an undisclosed recall and advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The contact stated that she notified the dealer and was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The contact was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Steering, Sep 19, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the front end of the vehicle made an abnormally loud grinding sound while turning the steering wheel. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure recurred while driving 25 MPH, and the steering wheel seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the steering rack and pinion had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall related to the failure. The dealer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 138,549.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the engine overheated warning light was illuminated. The vehicle also started sputtering. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and waited approximately 10 minutes before restarting the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle to a nearby certified mechanic who diagnosed that the water pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000. The contact is requesting to be reimbursed for the water pump repair for the vehicle.
Steering, Sep 15, 2023
The contact's daughter owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that on several occasions when the vehicle was started, the steering seized. The steering control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed that the electric steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 138,580.
Engine, Sep 14, 2023
Faulty water pump causing coolant loss and engine shutting off in traffic!
Visibility/wiper, Back over prevention, Sep 13, 2023
CURRENT CONDITION The rearview camera do not display an image when driver put it in reverse.
Engine, Sep 8, 2023
My water pump started leaking coolant. My reservoir leaks out from night until morning being parked. Engine has always been maintained and it seems to be a faulty part. I saw where Ford had to replace a big number of faulty water pumps by recall and lawsuits. Mine never has been took in for a recall. Please help with this or do you think I need to call my attorney?
Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, Sep 7, 2023
The rear camera intermittently goes black and there is nothing on the screen except an error warning. We have experienced this problem for a couple years however it is becoming more frequent.
Visibility, Sep 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that when the vehicle was shifted into reverse(R), and driving at approximately 2 MPH, the rear-view camera image failed to remain operational. The contact stated that the "Rear-view camera Unavailable - See Dealer" and a yellow triangle with an exclamation point was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the backup camera needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V575000 (Visibility). The failure mileage was 70,693.