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, Apr 8, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY CEASED. THE DRIVER TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE TO RESET AND REGAIN POWER STEERING FUNCTIONALITY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE MOSTLY OCCURRED AT START-UP. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BLUEBONNET FORD (351 IH 35 S, NEW BRAUNFELS, TX 78130, (833)505-0245) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED A CASE. THE CONTACT WAS THEN REFERRED TO THE NHTSA FOR ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
Suspension, Apr 8, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE AND VIBRATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER PACKEY WEBB FORD LOCATED AT 1815 W. OGDEN AVE, DOWNERS GROVE, IL 60515-2615, WHO INDICATED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION TOE LINKS WERE FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TOE LINKS HAD FRACTURED WHILE BEING TESTED AT THE DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS LATER INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V675000 (SUSPENSION). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Suspension, Apr 6, 2021
2013 FORD EXPLORER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO SAFETY RECALL NOTICE 20S62/NHTSA RECALL 20V-675, AND IS MAILING IN THE ORGINIAL COPY. *AS *JS
Steering, Apr 2, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT MESSAGE DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BELL FORD LOCATED AT 2401 W BELL RD, PHOENIX, AZ 85023, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000 (STEERING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000.
Air bags, Apr 1, 2021
AIRBAG IS COMING APART ON PASSENGER SIDE
Steering, Mar 31, 2021
WHILE IN MOTION, THE POWER STEERING QUIT OPERATING. I WAS ON A STRAIGHT ROAD NEAR MY HOUSE. NO ACCIDENTS BUT COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN A DEADLY CRASH IF FAILED IN A DIFFERENT SITUATION. TURNS OUT THERE WAS A RECALL, 14S06 ON THE FORD EXPLORER BUT MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. $2700 IN REPAIRS BY FORD DEALER. OBVIOUSLY, THE SCOPE OF VEHICLES THAT FAIL WAS UNDERESTIMATED FOR THIS ISSUE OF STEERING FAILURE. FURTHERMORE, IN READING THE OWNERS MANUAL, IT REFERENCES THE FAILURE IN THE MANUAL AND HOW TO RESET IT BY CYCLING ENGINE POWER. THIS OBVIOUSLY WAS UNDERSTOOD BY FORD AS AN ISSUE FROM THE BEGINNING.
Engine, Mar 26, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WATER PUMP WAS LEAKING COOLANT AND WATER CAUSING THE ENGINE TO OVERHEAT. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE WATER PUMP HAD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO AN UNKNOWN FORD RECALL REGARDING THE WATER PUMP HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA FOR ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Mar 26, 2021
VEHICLE HAD A FAULTY PSCM ALONG WITH THE POWER ASSIST STEERING RACK. CAR SHOP RECOMMEND I FILE A COMPLAINT BECAUSE THEY HAVE SEEN THE SAME ISSUE IN THESE SAME EXACT VEHICLES.
Suspension, Mar 24, 2021
MY 2013 FORD EXPLORER HAS ONE RECALL FOR SUSPENSION. MY VEHICLE IS MAKING CRACKING NOISES BOTH ON FRONT AND REAR WHEN I TURN OR WHEN I GO ON TOP OF A BUMP. THE PROBLEM I HAVE IS THAT I'M DEPLOYED TO COLOMBIA AND MY VEHICLE WAS SENT DOWN HERE TWO MONTHS AGO. CAN I HAVE A FORD DEALERSHIP LOOK AT MY VEHICLE AND FIX THE SUSPENSION PROBLEM IN COLOMBIA? FORD HAD DONE WORK ON MY CAR IN TEXAS A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM AND THEY CHARGED ME HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS BUT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT FIXED.
Steering, Mar 16, 2021
FAULTY POWER STEERING ASSIST
Engine, Mar 15, 2021
THE POORLY PLACED WATER PUMP. 2013 FORD EXPLORER XLT WITH THE WATER PUMP INSIDE ENGINE. JUST GOT THE CAR 6 MONTHS AGO HAS 107900 ON IT. YESTERDAY STARTED LEAKING COOLANT. HAVE TO TAKE TO THE FORD DEALER TODAY.
Other or unspecified, Mar 9, 2021
I FEEL VERY NAUSEOUS, DIZZY AND HAVE A HEADACHE AFTER DRIVING MY VEHICLE A SHORT DISTANCE. VEHICLE ALSO SMELLS LIKE FUEL STRONGLY INSIDE THE CAR.
Structure, Mar 6, 2021
DRIVER SIDE WINDSHIELD A-PILLAR MOLDING FLEW OFF, I BELIEVE WE WERE ON THE HIGHWAY, BUT NO TRUE WAY TO KNOW WHEN. THE INNER PILLAR MOLDING APPEARS TO BE CRACKED ON A FEW PLACES AS WELL.
Steering, Mar 3, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HIS DAUGHTER WAS REVERSING FROM THE DRIVEWAY, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000 (STEERING) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER BILL FICK FORD (737 I-45, HUNTSVILLE, TX 77340, (800) 559-4295) WHO WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 127,000.
Suspension, Mar 1, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V675000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED DERROW SHIRKEY FORD LINCOLN (1248 E MAIN ST, MONTPELIER, OH 43543, (419) 485-3181) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.*DT CONSUMER STATED RECALL WAS RECEIVED ON NOV. 2020 REGARDING TOE LINK FRACTURES DUE TO FAULTY PARTS. I WAS REPAIRED AND INSTALLED IN 2019 AND NOW AGAIN IN 2021.*JB
Steering, Feb 23, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AT START-UP, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EXCESSIVE FORCE WAS NEEDED TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JOHNSON BROTHERS FORD (7455 S. GENERAL BRUCE DR, TEMPLE, TX 76502) HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE CONTACT. RECENTLY, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED AND BROUGHT THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE SAME DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE POWER STEERING GEAR MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000 (STEERING) WHICH SHE LINKED TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,000. *BF
Steering, Feb 22, 2021
IT APPEARS THERE ARE MAJOR ISSUES AND RECALLS ON THE EXPLORER WITH THE POWER STEERING ASSIST THAT IT COMPLETELY GOES OUT. I HAVE CALLED BOTH THE DEALERSHIPS AND FORD BOTH AGREE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM BUT REFUSE TO HONOR THE RECALL BEING OUT OF WARRANTY. THERE HAVE BEEN MILLIONS OF RECALLS ON THIS BUT THEY WANT ME TO PAY $2500 TO FIX THE ISSUE. VEHICLE UNABLE TO MAKE TURNS AT LOW SPEEDS AND VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. NOW I AM STUCK IN GA WITH NO MONEY AND A BROKE CAR 4 HRS FROM HOME.
Suspension, Feb 19, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V675000 (SUSPENSION). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE STATED IN THE RECALL NOTICE. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE LOCAL DEALER ED KOEHN FORD OF WAYLAND (1159 W SUPERIOR ST, WAYLAND, MI 49348, (269) 792-2205) AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED HOWEVER, THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED A LETTER WHICH STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTIFICATION LETTER WAS SENT IN ERROR AND THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE SAME DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REPAIR HAD TO BE PAID FOR OUT OF POCKET. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 185,000.
Steering, Feb 16, 2021
FORD HAS A RECALL CASE 14S06 FOR THE POWER STEERING ON 2011-2013 FORD EXPLORERS. IN THIS RECALL IT NOTES THAT INDIVIDUALS WILL EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. MY 2013 EXPLORER IS NOT INCLUDED IN THAT RECALL BUT, IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE AND IS NOT COVERED UNDER THIS RECALL. AT SLOW SPEEDS YOU CAN HARDLY TURN THE WHEELS...MAKING IT A HAZARD ON THE ROAD. MY WIFE CAME GOT OUT OF WORK AND WENT TO MAKE THE 5 MILE DRIVE HOME WHEN SHE NOTICED SHE COULD HARDLY STEER THE VEHICLE OUT OF THE PARKING LOT AT WORK. A MESSAGE CAME ON NOTING POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT. MY WIFE IS A VERY SMALL AND STRUGGLED TO TURN THE WHEEL BUT, MANAGED TO GET IT HOME. IN TALKING WITH THE DEALERSHIP AND FORD CUSTOMER CARE, THEY NOTE THE RECALL DOES NOT INCLUDE HER VEHICLE AS IT WAS MADE AT A DIFFERENT TIME OR IN A DIFFERENT BATCH AND IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL EVEN THOUGH IT IS THE SAME ISSUES EXPERIENCED BY THOSE THAT HAD LOSS OF STEERING IN THE RECALL. FRUSTRATED THAT FORD IS ALLOWING VEHICLES THAT ARE EXPERIENCING THIS TO BE ON THE ROAD. AT THE TIME OF FILING THIS COMPLAINT, THERE WERE 1339 COMPLAINTS ON THE 2013 EXPLORER AND 481 OF THE COMPLAINTS WERE ON THE STEERING, THE MOST OF ANY CATEGORY, AND YET FORD IS NOT STANDING BEHIND WHAT SEEMS TO BE A MAJOR ISSUE IN THAT YEAR AND MODEL. MY VEHICLE HAS 86,000 MILES ON IT. MANY OTHER VEHICLES HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS SIMILAR ISSUE AROUND THE SAME MILEAGE FROM WHAT I CAN GATHER.
Steering, Feb 15, 2021
WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AND TURNING A CORNER, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WARNING APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD DISPLAY. THE POWER STEERING QUIT WORKING. I HAD TO STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET AND RESTART THE VEHICLE TO ENGAGE THE POWER STEERING. THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE BUT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED. THIS ISSUE WAS SUBJECT TO NHTA RECALL 14V-286 REGARDING 2013 EXPLORERS (RECALL NUMBER 14S06), BUT MY EXPLORER WAS NOT INCLUDED WITH THE ONES THAT WERE RECALLED. MY LOCAL FORD DEALER IS UNABLE TO SCHEDULE A REPAIR APPOINTMENT FOR ANOTHER MONTH SO I WILL TRY TO LOCATE AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP THAT CAN FIX THE PROBLEM.
Steering, Feb 11, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITH THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO TS&S FORD (1733 US-97, MADRAS, OR 97741) WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE WITH A DEFECTIVE POWER STEERING MODULE. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND SHE WAS GIVEN A CASE NUMBER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND REMAINED IN THE POSSESSION OF THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,646.
Suspension, Feb 8, 2021
THERE'S A POPPING SOUND WHEN I HIT A BUMP AND MAKE TURNS. IN ADDITION TO THAT IT STARTED SOUNDING LIKE METAL GRINDING AND WHILE DRIVING MY EXPLORER HAD A BOUNCE AND WOULD SWAY WHEN HITTING BUMPS AND TAKING CURVES. A VERY UNSAFE AND SCARY FEELING. IT'S MAINLY IN THE FRONT BUT THE REAR END MAKES CRACKING SOUNDS ALSO. IT'S WORRISOME.THE POPPING OCCURRES AS SOON AS I TURN THE WHEEL AFTER I START IT. THE SWAYING AND BOUNCING HAPPENS WHILE IN MOTION ESPECIALLY ON THE HIGHWAY.I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NOVEMBER 2020, AND NOTICED IT A DAY OR TWO AFTER WHEN IT WAS TO LATE TO RETURN TO CAR LOT.
Steering, Feb 8, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED CEASED, PREVENTING THE CONTACT FROM DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED AN UNKNOWN DEALER AND WAS PROVIDED AN ESTIMATE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Feb 4, 2021
I STARTED MY CAR AFTER WORK (THIS IS AFTER A 12 HR SIT TIME) AND SEEN I HAD A FAULT ON MY DASHBOARD, POWER STEERING ASSIST AND SERVICE ADVANCE FAULTS. SO IN SHORT, I DO NOT HAVE POWER STEERING, NOR DO I HAVE MY 4WD, AND FOR SOME REASON MY TURN SIGNAL DOES NOT WORK FOR STEADY ON. THE TURN SIGNAL WORKS FOR LANE CHANGES BUT NOT FOR STEADY ON TURNING.
Steering, Feb 3, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE MESSAGE "POWER ASSIST ERROR" WAS DISPLAYED AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER MULLINAX-LINCOLN AUTOMOTIVE LOCATED AT 550 1ST ST NW, CLEVELAND, TN 37311 WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. NO FURTHER INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000 (STEERING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.