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.
Visibility/wiper, Apr 24, 2023
The trim of the windshield has come off. This may have hit other drivers behind me as well as caused significant distraction to me. Also the rear view camera does not work and should be recalled. This causes significant safety concern.
Structure, Apr 19, 2023
Over several months at highway speeds the windshield trim on left and right of the windshield flew off. Appeared to be meagerly attached with clips and Velcro strips. These two strips are connected to the forward roof pylons, exposing the weather seals and allowing water to leak into the interior
Other or unspecified, Apr 13, 2023
Windshield trim on both sides detached while driving . First incident was November 2019 while driving 70 mph on the DC beltway. The part landed in the middle of the road and was run over by several vehicles traveling behind me, but there was no damage to any of them. The second incident occurred during the summer of 2020 while driving 50 mph on a local, well traveled road. The part landed in the grass on the side of the road and did not hit any other vehicles. I have seen numerous other ford explorers that are also missing the windshield trim, and have read several articles stating there have been numerous reports of this issue occurring frequently, but it has not been confirmed by a dealership of any other service center. This issue has not been inspected by a dealership, law enforcement, or my insurance company. There was no indication prior to the trim detaching on either side that it was loose or not properly installed.
Structure, Apr 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the trim panel of the front windshield detached from the vehicle. The dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage 108,000. The VIN was not available.
Steering, Apr 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer The contact stated that why driving approximately 75 mph when suddenly the power assist failed. The contact had pulled over and restarted the vehicle however the power assist failed to correct. The power assist warning light had illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who stated that the power assist module failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired by a certified mechanic who was not associated with the dealer to which the vehicle was brought. The failure persisted causing the vehicle to be an additional 2 times. The contact stated the owner before them had the same power assist module replaced once before as well. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed them that they had missed the warranty/recall deadline then referred them to NHTSA. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.
Steering, Apr 6, 2023
There is a recall for 2011-2013 Ford Explorers re: Electric power steering malfunction but my VIN# is not included. My 2013 Explorer is experiencing this problem. Can you help? Vehicle was not driven much after incident. Thank you!
Engine, Apr 5, 2023
My car was showing oil engine replace message, it was not performing as usual, when taken for normal service at ford dealer to change oil, they identified cooling liquid leaking inside the engine as it seems in the ford explorer and other models the water pump is inside the engine which makes identifying any leakage very challenging as it is not easily visible.the faulty water pump leaks liquid inside the engine which overheats and damages the engines and lead to car failure when driving it. Since leakage is not easy to detect the faulty water pump and bad design(by putting the water pump inside the engine) may lead to engine failure when driving the car and accidents leading to life threatening situation. When seaerching on the net it seems several ford explorer 2013 owners faced same issues and were not able to identify the leakage easily and had engine damage and had to pay a lot of money to fix it. Ford should recall and change the pumps on its own cost.
Steering, Apr 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH and exiting the highway, while making a left turn, the steering wheel failed to respond. The contact stated that while switching to the center lane, the vehicle kept drifting to the left. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the rack and pinion steering arms needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 204,049.
Other or unspecified, Structure, Apr 1, 2023
The driver side windshield panel flew off/broke off while driving at 55-60 mph.
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Mar 31, 2023
My suspension was damaged and my car froze and stalled during winter storm and caused my car to go to several shops and I spent lots money on repairs
Structure, Mar 30, 2023
The driver-side outer windshield trim moulding panel flew off of my vehicle while I was driving at highway speed. Upon inspection, I discovered the passenger-side panel is loose, as well, and could detach at any time.
Steering, Mar 28, 2023
Power steering assist fault
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Mar 27, 2023
I was driving down the highway yesterday (Sunday, March 26, 2023) and the windshield trim panel on the driver's side flew off. I was doing the speed limit, which was 70 MPH. Thank goodness there wasn't anyone behind me! It could have smashed into their windshield!
Other or unspecified, Mar 25, 2023
The windshield trim (passenger side) was detached and flew off my car, while driving on a highway at 75 mph.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated the water pump needed to be replaced. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called an independent mechanic who provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance provided. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Steering, Mar 21, 2023, crash
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH with her three-year-old in the vehicle, the power steering assist fault warning light illuminated and the steering wheel became difficult to turn, causing the vehicle to strike a street pole sign. The contact stated that she was unable to turn the steering wheel. The contact stated that the air bags did not deploy. The driver sustained neck injuries but did not receive medical attention. A Police report was not filed. The contact was concerned for her safety and had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with an electrical power steering assist failure. The contact was informed that the electrical power steering assist needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the part required to fix the vehicle was no longer in production. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 200,060.
Steering, Electrical system, Mar 21, 2023
My power steering assist fault came on while driving my steering wheel became very hard to turn which caused me to almost crash I had swerve and stop me and my 3 year old were almost killed my truck electrical system is malfunctioning on its on and ford will not look into it I’ve read up on all the recalls ford has had for the power steering assist fault and it’s scary that it happened to me while driving I’m extremely terrified to drive after having that happen to us
Steering, Mar 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while making a turn from a complete stop, the vehicle gradually lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving by using physical strength to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure occurred increasingly while making turns and decreased while driving on straight. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 168,000.
Structure, Mar 19, 2023
Windshield Trim on right side passenger came off while driving on the freeway luckily no was behind at the time to avoid further collision
Engine, Mar 18, 2023
Water is leaking out from underneath the front passenger side part of the engine. I was told it was a water pump failure and the water pump is internal to the engine.
Steering, Mar 17, 2023
Power steering assist fault I was driving when it came on and almost wrecked with my 3 year old in the car with me
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary in his garage, he noticed a leak of water on the driveway. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with needing the water pump to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.
Structure, Mar 9, 2023
On September 2, 2021, I was driving with my young son in the car. I had to pick him up from daycare due to severe weather(High winds and tornado warning in effect). I heard something hit my window, then my sons window, while driving 55 mph on the highway. I looked in the rearview and could'nt tell what it was. I dropped my son off at home with my mother and then noticed the entire A Pilar was missing on my 2013 Ford Explorer. I was shocked to say the least. I waited a few months to get this repair complete due to money restraints. Within those few months I noticed many other vehicles similar to mine by make and model were missing the same piece. Which I thought could no way be just a coincidence. I finally decided to get this eye sore fixed before it caused any more damage to my vehicle. I called my local body shop and they said that piece needs to be replaced by an auto glass shop. So then I thought, this is going to be expensive. I called my local auto body shop. Found out it would be $300 to replace both A pillars because you cant just have one. You need the pair. So I paid that and now that I know this is a known issue with my model vehicle I would expect more investigation or some sort of reimbursement for this.
Steering, Mar 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated when he started the vehicle and shifted into drive(D), the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact turned the vehicle off and, on several times, but the power steering functionality failed to return. The contact drove the vehicle back to the residence without power steering at approximately 30 MPH. The contact stated that the power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering rack assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 6, 2023
The SUV will swerve into other lane when it switches gears. Replaced both struts. Odor in the cab. Coolant will not stay and after spending $1000 for repairs, it still cannot be fixed. Cracked head gasket.