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, Aug 10, 2022
STEERING LOSS ON HIGHWAY TWO TIMES BUT CAME BACK AND A SQUEALING NOISE WHEN TRYING TO PARK SOME TIMES FOUND OUT THERE ISN'T A POWER STEERING PUMP SO DON'T KNOW WHERE THE SQUEALING NOISE IS COMING FROM BUT IT IS IN THE STEERING HAD THE FORD DEALER CHECK IT OUT AND THEY SAID IT NEEDS REPLACED
Steering, Exterior lighting, Aug 10, 2022
The power steering failed on my 2013 Ford Explorer while driving which made steering extremely difficult, especially at slower speeds. I was very startled by the immediate loss of steering while traveling at a high rate of speed. I also had to be extremely cautious turning to ensure there was ample time to turn and not cause an accident. My turn signals also quite functioning properly. When turning on my turn signals they would only blink once unless I held down the turn signal which would then allow it to work which is difficult to do as it takes the strength of both hands to steer the wheel with the power steering not functioning. The vehicle is available for inspection and I have an appointment to take it to a Ford dealership next week. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or anyone else. It will be taken to a Ford dealership next week as that is the soonest they were able to see it. The two warning messages that went off at the time of power steering failure were Power Steering Failure and Service AdvanceTrac System.
Steering, Aug 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the steering wheel seized and the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics who diagnosed a failure with the power steering assist. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts not being available. The contact pulled the steering wheel for it to operate correctly. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer who diagnosed a failure with the power steering assist. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.
Steering, Aug 6, 2022
I was driving and my steering wheel got really hard to turn.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that on multiple occasions she noticed that the coolant level was low. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the internal water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to call the NHTSA hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 111,000.
Steering, Aug 3, 2022
While backing out of my driveway, my power steering fault light came on and I lost power steering. The steering became unresponsive. Fortunately I was going slowly and could stop. We took the car to the Ford dealership to determine the problem. They determined the rack and pinion gear failed requiring the rack & pinion assembly to be replaced. A $3,000 repair. It is frustrating that Ford has recalled thousands of cars of the same model and year for this exact problem, but our particular vehicle was not included in the recall. Ford's response was sorry, your car is not included in the recall. Reading through other complaints on the website, it is clear that Ford knows that this component is defective and refuses to stand behind their vehicles.
Power train, Jul 26, 2022, crash
I pulled into a parking spot. I shifted to park, turned off my engine. My vehicle rolled backward and hit a parked car while I was still sitting in it.
Suspension, Jul 18, 2022
The contact owned a 2013 Ford Escape and requested to be removed from the recall notification lists.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact related the failure to a faulty fuel pump; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with NHTSA as well as take the vehicle to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
Steering, Jul 18, 2022
The contact called on behalf of his wife who owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while his wife was attempting to reverse out of the driveway, the power steering assist was inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 91,669.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.
Steering, Jul 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while reversing, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the Power Steering Assist and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced because the rack and pinion module was not communicating with the computer system. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.
Steering, Jul 10, 2022
After picking up the vehicle from an oil change from the Ford dealer, the power steering functionality has changed. Upon entering the vehicle and attempting to reverse, the steering felt like it locked up. But with enough force the resistance can be overcome and the wheel will turn, but in jerking motions. It takes a strong effort, but will make an approx 60-90 degree advance/rotation of the steering wheel, then another effort to continue the turn, advancing about a quarter turn each time. Vehicle now feels unsafe to drive and am concerned it will sieze completely while driving due to a known recall that exists for this exact issue, NHTSA recall ID 14V286000, but the VIN falls just outside the recall range.
Steering, Jul 5, 2022
Multiple times throughout the last month, I turned the vehicle on and went to back out of our garage and the dash displayed a warning of "electric power steering assist failed". The steering wheel was extremely hard to turn, so I stopped and placed the vehicle in park, turned it off, waited about 15 seconds and restarted the vehicle with no steering problems. This last time after doing the same, the error did not go away and the issue remains. I contacted the dealer, and they say there is no recall on the 2013 model year explorer for a vehicle built in October 2013. Just before and after.... how does a known recall issue for the prior yearand following year not indicate a potential issue in this year? The repair estimates are crazy high, and I feel did should repair at their cost.
Steering, Jun 30, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while reversing out of the driveway at 20 MPH, she heard an abnormal knocking sound coming from underneath the driver's side floorboard. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced; however, the part was not available. The vehicle was repaired with remanufactured parts; however, while driving and turning all the way to the right, the steering rack was making abnormal grinding sounds. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic where the rack and pinion were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic who advised the contact to take the vehicle to an authorized Ford dealer since the parts to repair the vehicle were no longer available. The contact stated that the parts were on national back order. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000. The VIN was not available.
Steering, Jun 27, 2022
I bought this car less than 2 years ago and I am tired of it already. I have gotten a power steering assist warning light multiple times in the past 2 weeks. The light comes on and I am unable to move the steering wheel. I tried waiting a while and restarting the car but the light still comes on. This left me and my child stranded at a gas station and waiting for assistance to get home. The dealership can not get me in until the end of next month. I am now without transportation. This is ridiculous because I need transportation to my job and to get my children to their activities.
Steering, Jun 23, 2022
Power steering, can't steer the SUV out of my driveway
Engine, Jun 21, 2022
Water pump failure - engine overheating and leaking coolant. Potenential to cause catastrophoic damage to engine. Not safe. Appears to be common with 2013 Ford Explorers. Many of the same cases and complaints found online but I cannot find the recall.
Steering, Jun 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality with the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle while the vehicle intermittently experienced loss of power steering functionality. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering gear box needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was 180,000.
Power train, Jun 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound. Upon inspection underneath the vehicle, the contact noticed that the link shaft bracket and CV axle had broken in half. Additionally, the vehicle rolled away while the gear shifter was in park(P). The contact activated the parking brake to stop the vehicle from rolling away. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V692000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was unknown. Consumer was left with loss of power and a loud metal hitting metal sound the tripod spider joint/ bearing had broke because it was not properly supported due to bracket failure the recall for this part is for models starting with 2014 Ford Explorer mine is a 2013 mine was built at the same plant as the recall for 2014 and up the exact problems the recall list is what happened even down to the roll away even through its in park it will still roll unless the parking brake is applied.
Other or unspecified, Jun 8, 2022
Transfer case stopped working within 4 days. Known to be an ongoing problem for this vehicle. Made a screeching sound, locked up, clicking sound inside case and rendered vehicle undriveable instantly.
Steering, Jun 7, 2022
My 2013 ford explorer sport ecoboost.. steering locked up. Mechanic diagnostic code came back power steering gearbox replacement/ steering rack needs to be replaced. My warranty doesn't cover the $2400 repair. Only had vehicle for less than a yr.
Engine, Jun 6, 2022
While driving, the vehicle will drop out of drive, the engine will run roughly, the engine will not respond to accelerator pedal inputs. The service engine light will illuminate. If I coast to the side of the road, turn off the vehicle, then restart it, it runs normally as if nothing has gone wrong. The first four times this happened, no codes were set in the computer. This occurs at varying speeds and varying conditions. The last two times it occured, I had already driven the vehicle for 2 hours on the highway (70-75 mph). Once I left the highway, I drove for another 50-60 miles and then the issue recurred. Finally today, the vehicle set a P2111 code, which indicates an issue with the throttle actuator system. This is a dangerous situation. Each time it happend I was in traffic, sometimes heavy. Luckily I was able to quickly pull off safely and no crash occured, but a collision certainly could have happened.
Steering, Jun 3, 2022
While driving down the road my steering locked up and stopped working. I turned my vehicle off and called for a tow truck. I had it serviced and it was found to have electrical issue in the steering gear which resulted in the loss of electric power steering assist while driving. They had to replace the electronic steering rack and pinion.
Steering, Jun 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 30-35 MPH and making a turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and started jerking. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle however, extra effort was needed to steer the vehicle. However, upon pulling into his driveway, the steering wheel seized. The contact restarted the vehicle the following day and the failure persisted. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000. The consumer stated the vehicle was repaired with a new power steering unit at an independent automotive shop in late July 2022 at the owner's expense.