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.
Steering, Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the contact loss control of the steering wheel and the vehicle drove off the road. The contact drove onto the curb where the vehicle come to a complete stop. The contact shut off the vehicle and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer stated that the rack and pinion and the bushing on the steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. On another occasion while starting the vehicle, the contact smelled an abnormal gasoline odor inside the vehicle. The contact examined the vehicle and noticed a fuel leak. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and stated that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the VIN was not under recall. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
Back over prevention, Sep 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing, the backup camera display screen turned black and there was no image displayed. The contact stated that the failure caused a visibility hazard for the driver. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 141,000.
Structure, Sep 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the driver's side windshield trim panel detached from the vehicle and struck a vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 187,000.
Steering, Aug 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the "Traction Control Failure" and "Power Steering Failure" messages displayed and the steering wheel became firm, almost causing a crash. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the road and shut off the vehicle. The contact restarted the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the VIN was not included in the recall and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 146,000.
Steering, Aug 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and making a left or right turn, the steering wheel became stiff. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
Suspension, Aug 24, 2023
The contact's father-in-law owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact's father-in-law received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V675000 (Suspension). The contact stated that while her father-in-law was driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear end of the vehicle was sliding. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rear toe link was fractured, the rear wheel knuckles were seized, and the rear passenger's side wheel bearing was loose; however, the dealer declined to perform the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to tow the vehicle to another dealer and file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Power train, Aug 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the message stating that the engine was overheating was displayed. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the road, where the vehicle shutoff. The contact was able to restart the vehicle, but had the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the water pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 170,000.
Electrical system, Air bags, Aug 21, 2023
The whole Front control interface module has gone out along with some functions of the APM. Just stopped all of a sudden. Turned key on and nothing worked. The airbag light has come on saying solid color. The rear tailgate will not open with the electronic power buttons. This all went out at one time. Is confirmed to be the FCIM and AMP. Is a safety hazard due to airbags, not known if will work and the inability to open rear tailgate. Other failures are climate control. Is stuck on high heat defrost in middle of Wisconsin summer, but not a real safety issue but very inconvenient.
Steering, Aug 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist with the "Service Power Steering" message displayed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the power steering control module needed to be reprogrammed and referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 160,994.
Steering, Aug 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the “Power Steering Assist” warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel was unable to be turned in either direction. The contact stated that he turned off and restarted the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to regain power steering functionality. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rack and pinion and steering system needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.
Steering, Aug 16, 2023
We have a 2013 Ford Explorer with around 90,000 miles that we bought from my father in law for our 16 year old. He was driving home from a friends when he lost power steering. There are three alerts that came up the first was Service Power steering, in addition to: Service Advance Trac and Terrain Managment System. First I want to note there was no warning, thankfully my son was on a side road and not going down the highway at 55! Second I checked recalls because I thought maybe my father in law missed something and noticed that there were plenty of 2013 vehicles recalled for this reason but only 1/2 of them! I now see the other 1/2 of the 2013 Ford Explorers on this Forum having the same issues. Why isn't Ford doing the right thing and fixing these? This fix is going to cost us more than we want to pay for my 16 year old vehicle especially after just buying it. We thought a 2013 FORD with no rust and some what low mileage would last him through High School. Can you please tell me if FORD is looking into any type of compensation for this? Please review these complaints it's sad to think this many people are having the same issue FORD acknowledged with the other 1/2 of the 2013 FORD Explorers.
Steering, Aug 14, 2023
I was pulling out of my driveway and as I started to turn the power assist warning light came on. I was unable to turn the steering wheel. A truck (luckily my neighbor) was heading towards me (the vehicle was still perpendicular to the oncoming truck). I turned the vehicle off and started again and the power assist warning was still on and steering wheel was still unable to move. So we pushed it back in my driveway. Two days later (this happened on Friday) on Monday I took it to the local dealership to check for a recall and they stated my vehicle was not on the list and could not provide any further service.
Structure, Aug 13, 2023
Was driving on the highway at normal speed and the windshield trim on the drivers side flew off.
Steering, Aug 10, 2023
The contact’s wife owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became firm, and the vehicle was difficult to maneuver. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with power steering control module (PSCM) failure. The contact was informed that the PSCM needed to be reprogrammed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number 14V286000 (Steering) however, the dealer confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Electrical system, Jul 31, 2023
The back up camera image is reversed. What is on the left appears to be on the right and vice versa. The back up lines have also disappeared. Occasionally, it works properly, but most of the time it doesn't.
Steering, Jul 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel was firm. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not assist due to the vehicle not having unrepaired recalls associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000. The VIN was not available.
Steering, Power train, Jul 28, 2023
The power steering in my 2013 Explorer went out on the road, and a light came on. My I am having my steering assembly replaced. 2800.00 plus. Please advise, as there was a recall on this model for same, though I received no info regarding the issue. My car was made in Chicago as well. The recall number was 14S06, but for some reason, my car was not covered. I filed a verbal complaint as well. Thank you. (The car is being inspected and handled at Lynch Ford, Mount Vernon, Iowa. ) My safety was at risk, and the situation was dangerous. Thankfully, I was not hurt. This took place on the 24th of July. Thank you. (Complaint---[XXX].) “INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).” The consumer stated that the manufacturer has yet to assist them with the issues.
Steering, Jul 26, 2023
While driving the vehicle at 75 mph down a highway my power steering assist faulted and made the vehicle difficult to control. The vehicle had approximately 87000 miles on it during this incident. Currently the vehicle when started does not have power steering assist when started at all. There was a NHTSA recall for this very issue 14SO6. My vehicle was supposedly not affected as it was assembled at a different plant. I believe that my vehicle should be included as these same safety related issues are happening to this vehicle which is the same model year sighted in the safety recall.
Steering, Jul 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the "power steering assist fault" message was displayed. The contact stated that the steering wheel was firm however, the contact was able to steer the vehicle off the highway and stopped in a parking lot. The contact stated that the turn signals became inoperable. The contact shifted the turn signal handle and the turn signals returned to normal functionality. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to regain power steering functionality. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.
Steering, Jul 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and turning, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and the steering wheel was significantly difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering rack assembly needed to be replaced, and the power steering gear needed to be aligned. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) because the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.
Steering, Jul 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and the steering wheel seized. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact stated that she turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the power steering function returned. The contact was able to drive to the residence; however, the failure recurred while driving out of the garage. The contact stated that she turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the power steering became operable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Steering, Jul 24, 2023
2013 ford explorer. Was driving vehicle at low speed steering wheel became very hard to turn. No warning lights on. Called Ford recall phone number no assistance available was told my vehicle was not included in power steering failure recall.
Engine, Jul 24, 2023
I’d first like to say whoever designed this water pump seriously needs a new job. I brought my car into the shop a year ago for an AC replacement, where it was brought to my attention that there was a small water pump leak. I couldn’t afford to have it fixed and was told to keep coolant in it until I can have it fixed. I was quoted $3000 to fix it, WHILE at an event at a local ford dealership I was putting coolant in my car when a lady with the EXACT same car next to me said she just had to pay $3000 to have hers fixed the week before. This is apparently an issue that goes refuses to acknowledge or replace for their customers. $3000 for a family with 4 kids is very hard to save up, so again I just kept up with my coolant. Going down the interstate last week my engine locked up, with my wife and 4 kids in the car. The water/coolant mixed with the engine oil because of where it’s placed. $5000 fix to replace the entire motor with a used engine. We are not under warranty and our lives were at stake because of a faulty water pump that is being IGNORED by ford. Not only are we now out of a car, but we have to figure out how to come up with $5000 to fix a major problem because of fords terrible placement of a faulty water pump. Avoid these cars at all costs and don’t hold your breath to get any help from them pertaining to something that should’ve been recalled by now!
Power train, Jul 24, 2023
2013 Ford Explorer does not appear on VIN list for 14S06 or for 15N01. The vehicle is exhibiting a dangerous loss of steering assist and I believe this VIN should be included in the recall.
Steering, Jul 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the power steering assist function became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 49,000.