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, Jul 6, 2021, crash
The electric power steering assist failed on my explorer while driving causing me to lose control and hit the ditch. There was a recall with this problem on the 2011-2013 models but both Ford and my local Ford dealer advised me that my vehicle is not part of the recall. It’s the same problem as the existing recall but mine is not included.
Steering, Jul 3, 2021
I was driving this 2013 Ford Explorer and suddenly the steering wheel became very difficult to steer and turn. Some warning lights appear on the dashboard stating POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT, SERVICE ADVANCETRAC and TERRAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FAULT. The experience a loss of power and require extra effort to steer the vehicle. This potentially may increase the risk of a motor vehicle accident or crash and place motorist safety at risk. I urge FORD to address this concern immediately. This seems to be a trend and complain from numerous other motorist who operate and drive the 2013 Ford Explorer.
Back over prevention, Jul 1, 2021
The back up camera failed several times over the past few months. Just recently it has completely stopped. I have seen recalls for Ford explorers with later years.
Steering, Power train, Jun 25, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 10 mph, the vehicle lost power steering functionality while driving. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and regained normal steering functionality. The failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed that the battery, alternator, and transmission needed to be replaced. The battery and alternator were replaced. The dealer also performed three recall repairs for the door, rear toe link, and exhaust. and the battery and alternator were replaced. The failure recurred and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for transmission repair. The vehicle remained at the mechanic's. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The failure mileage was 200,000.
Structure, Jun 25, 2021
Passenger door ajar warning signal stays on even when the door is shut which is causing all my lights to stay on and my car not locking because the door is saying it’s ajar when it is not.
Steering, Jun 25, 2021
I kept getting the power steering assist failed. I got it repaired and then I found out that there was a recall previously on my car. How do I go about getting reimbursement about me fixing the recalled part.
Steering, Jun 23, 2021
I was driving when all of a sudden the power steering gave out. My wheel locked tight and I was unable to move the wheel easy. The light on the dash first stated drivers assist disabled and then "service power steering". I almost ran off the road due to loss of control of the wheel. It was taken to Gates Toyota where a Certified Ford Technician stated it was the power steering module. Upon looking this was an issue in Ford Explorer's in the past with a recall on it. Mine was not covered in this recall.
Steering, Jun 22, 2021
On, June 19, 2021 I was driving back home from a Father's Day fishing excursion in Morehead City , NC, about 4 hours in my 5 hours and 40 minutes drive back home, my power steering light lite up on my dashboard, I felt my steering wheel starting to get a little tighter on my turns, so I found the nearest Auto Zone, looking to buy some power steering fluid , but before going inside, I lifted up my hood, to look for my power steering tank, I could not find one, so I went to my Ford manual book and found out, it was an electric power steering system. Since I was 1 hours and 40 minutes from being home, after I drop my brother in law off at his home in Arlington, Va. He had gotten sea sick on the boat and was in bad shape, so I left my truck running, then I made it home to my girlfriend house in White Plains, MD, I got up on June 20th, 2021, and started my truck up, and I could not turn my steering wheel at all, so I called my Travelers roadside assistance, for a tow truck, and they delivered my truck to Ford Dealership in Waldorf, MD. I waiting on them to call me back today, they was busy yesterday.
Other or unspecified, Jun 7, 2021
Unknown. Get gas fume smell inside cabin of vehicle and other times it will smell like rotten eggs when accelerating spoke with the dealership and they don't seem concerned
Suspension, Jun 7, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, the passenger’s side rear wheel detached from the rear suspension causing a loss of steering control. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with the rear lateral links needing to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 20V675000 (Suspension). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 74,540.
Steering, Jun 7, 2021
I was driving this said Ford motor vehicle and suddenly the steering wheel became very stiff and difficult to steer and maneuver. Immediately a warning light appear on the dashboard stating POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT. This said Ford SUV experience a loss of power and require extra effort to steer the vehicle. This increases the risk of a vehicle crash and place my safety and the safety of other motorist and/or pedestrians at risk. I hope this concern can be addressed in a timely manner. Thanks in advance.
Steering, Jun 6, 2021
As I was driving down the interstate the steering got hard to control. It was hard keeping the car in my lane. The warning light came on and told be to check power steering. I had to drive on the side of the interstate for 2 miles to the next exit. Then had to wait 8 hours for someone to come get my family. There are some recalls on this but not on my car. Dealer told me the part is over 1500 dollars. I don't understand why mine is not on recall list. I have lost all trust in Ford products.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 2, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, he started to smell exhaust fumes inside of the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while inspecting the vehicle, he noticed the exhaust manifold was faulty and leaking. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 169,234.
Steering, Jun 2, 2021
Power Steering Assist Fault message appears randomly at start up. Generally restarting the vehicle will clear the fault. Recalls were issued for the model year of my vehicle, but it seems my vin falls outside of the recall, but this very serious safety issue is still effecting it.
Steering, May 26, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 FORD Explorer. The contact stated while reversing out of the driveway, the power steering warning light illuminated and the steering wheel ceased. The contact stated while taking the vehicle to the dealer, about 5 to 6 miles later the power steering warning light disappeared. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) as a possible solution however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,920
Steering, May 25, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, an abnormal grinding sound was coming from the steering wheel while turning in either direction, without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the steering gearbox was defective and that if not replaced, the power steering would fail to operate. Months later, while driving 55 mph, the "service power steering" message appeared on the instrument panel. Upon leaving a bank, the contact started her vehicle, and the "service power steering now" and "lane-keeping system, services required" messages appeared on the instrument panel. Due to the complete loss of power steering, the vehicle was towed to her home. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed her that her vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (steering) and referred her to the NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.
Steering, May 21, 2021
Loss of power steering. Hard to turn. Took it to dealer. Dealer couldn't find the problem. It worked fine for a month then went out again while trying to turn. No warning lights have ever came on.
Steering, May 20, 2021
I was driving down the road and the electric power steering failed and almost resulted in an accident
Other or unspecified, May 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated upon opening the front passenger’s side door, the contact noticed that the front passenger’s side door would not remain closed. The contact stated that the door ajar warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer nor an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA to file a complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 112,843. The consumer stated the driver's door was recalled for the same issue.
Steering, May 11, 2021
STEERING STARTED FEELING LIKE IT WAS GETTING STUCK WHEN TURNING LEFT AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT COME BACK TO CENTER THIS OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING ON ANY TYPE OF ROAD THE PROBLEM GOT WORSE OVER SEVERAL DAYS UNTIL I FELT IT UNSAFE TO DRIVE IT ANY LONGER AND TOOK IT TO A REPAIR SHOP.
Exterior lighting, May 10, 2021
HEADLIGHTS ARE WAY TO DIM FOR NIGHT DRIVING
Steering, May 1, 2021
OUTSTANDING RECALL SINCE 2019 NOT FIXED. VEHICLE MIGHT HAVE A FRACTURED REAR SUSPENSION TOE LINK.
Steering, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 26, 2021
DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AND THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND ALMOST CAUSED US TO CRASH.
Steering, Wheels, Apr 16, 2021
I WAS DRIVING AND HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE FROM THE REAR END. WITHIN 30 SECONDS I LOST CONTROL OF MY STEERING. MY CAR BEGAN FISHTAILING AND THE REAR TIRES WERE SQUAWKING. THE ONLY WAY I COULD STRAIGHTEN OUT THE VEHICLE WAS TO TURN WHEEL COMPLETELY TO THE LEFT. I WAS DOING 35 MPH AND DROPPED DOWN TO 15 MPH UNTIL I COULD PULL OVER TO SAFETY.
Steering, Apr 8, 2021
THIS VEHICLE HAD ONLY 50,216 MILES ON IT WHEN THE STEERING STARTED TO FAIL. ON THE HIGHWAY. FIRST THERE WAS A GRADUAL LOSS OF CONTROL WHICH ULTIMATELY GOT WORSE. MANAGED TO GET IT HOME SINCE I WASN'T FAR AWAY AT WHICH TIME POWER STEERING COMPLETELY FAILED. DIAGNOSIS REVEALED A FAILED STEERING RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY. REPLACEMENT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. AN INTERNET SEARCH REVEALED THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED PROBLEM AND IN FACT APPEARS TO BE QUITE COMMON. I CONSIDER THE PREMATURE FAILURE OF THIS ASSEMBLY A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE. IT APPEARS THERE HAVE BEEN RECALLS FOR THIS APPLYING TO OTHER YEARS/VIN/MANUFACTURING LOCATIONS. I SHOULD ALSO MENTION IT TOOK A MONTH TO GET REPLACEMENT ASSEMBLY WHICH TELLS ME FORD CANNOT KEEP UP WITH THE DEMAND. THANKYOU.