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, Jan 21, 2019
ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED. CAUTION LIGHTS CAME ON 2 MILES FROM THE HOUSE. AFTER PARKING THE SYSTEM FAILED COMPLETELY.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jan 20, 2019
LIKE RECALL NUMBER 14S06, MY EXPLORERS POWER STEERING ASSIST IS INTERMITTENT AND WILL SOMETIMES WILL NOT WORK AT ALL. I'VE CHECKED WITH A LOCAL DEALER AND THEY SAY THAT IT IS NOT A RECALL UNDER OUR VIN. THIS VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING WITH BOTH OF OUR YOUNG CHILDREN IN THE CAR.
Structure, Jan 18, 2019
THE INSIDE SPARE TIRE WHEEL WELL FILLS WITH WATER. THIS APPARENTLY IS AN ENGINEERING ISSUE SINCE I SAW THINGS ONLINE ABOUT IT. MOLD IS AN ISSUE WITH THIS PROBLEM GROWING ON THE WHEEL COVER. WHAT IS BEING DONE TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE
Steering, Jan 17, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO TURN OFF AND RESTART THE VEHICLE FOR IT TO OPERATE NORMALLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHILE THE TRAC CONTROL MALFUNCTION WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PREMIER FORD INC (5001 GLENWOOD RD, BROOKLYN, NY 11234, (888) 381-4515) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000 (STEERING). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.
Suspension, Jan 16, 2019
DRIVING ON NYS THRUWAY AT 70 MPH. ROADWAY DRY, WEATHER IS CLEAR, DRY AND SUNNY. SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING SIGNS THE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY LURCHED TO THE LEFT, RIGHT, SIDEWAYS, ETC. THE CAR WAS UNABLE TO BE STEERED AND WAS COMPLETELY OUT OF THE DRIVER'S CONTROL AND NOT RESPONDING TO ANY INPUT. THIS REPEATED ITSELF UNTIL THE CAR SCRUBBED SPEED AND ENDED UP ON THE ROAD SHOULDER. LUCKILY THERE WERE NO OTHER VEHICLES ON OUR SIDE OR FOLLOWING CLOSELY BEHIND WHEN THE WILD RIDE OCCURRED. WE ARE ALSO FORTUNATE THAT THE CAR DIDN'T ROLL OVER DURING THE SIDEWAYS MOVEMENTS- IT CAME CLOSE TO IT. AT THIS POINT THE CAR'S STEERING WOBBLE WAS SO SEVERE THAT IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO OPERATE. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO OUR LOCAL FORD DEALER AND UPON EXAMINATION IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION TOE LINK HAD SNAPPED CAUSING THE KNUCKLE AND WHEEL BEARING TO SHIFT WHICH THEN CAUSED THE INCIDENT. THE FORD PEOPLE COULD OFFER NO EXPLANATION AS TO THE CAUSE OF THIS CATASTROPHIC FAILURE.THIS EXACT FAILURE IS ADDRESSED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN #16V245 AND WAS SUBJECT TO FORD RECALL #16S18 IN APRIL 2016. THE RECALL APPLIED TO 2014 EXPLORERS- MINE IS A 2013. THIS CAR HAS BEEN REPAIRED AT MY EXPENSE ($1600) BUT I WILL NOT DRIVE IT AGAIN. THERE EXIST A POTENTIALLY FATAL FLAW WITH THESE VEHICLES AND WE CONSIDER OURSELVES FORTUNATE TO ESCAPE WITH NO INJURY OR WORSE. IN RESEARCHING I FOUND A YOUTUBE VIDEO OF "OUT OF CONTROL SUV ON INTERSTATE" (FORD EXPLORER)WHICH ACCURATELY PORTRAYS WHAT HAPPENED TO US! PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU NEED ANY FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING THIS INCIDENT.
Steering, Jan 14, 2019
TOTAL LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING. THE STEERING IS MAKING A WHINING AND GRINDING NOISE.
Engine, Jan 10, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING, EXCESSIVE EXHAUST FUMES AND A FUEL ODOR ENTERED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUFFERED HEADACHES AND DIZZINESS DUE TO THE EXHAUST FUMES. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT RECEIVED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KENNY ROSS FORD SOUTH (LOCATED AT 3200 LIBRARY RD, CASTLE SHANNON, PA 15234, (412) 881-0001) WHERE THE MECHANIC STATED THERE WAS A DEFINITE ODOR IN THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, HE WAS UNSURE IF IT WAS CARBON MONOXIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
Steering, Jan 10, 2019
I AM EXPERIENCING LACK OF POWER STEERING ESPECIALLY AT LOWER SPEEDS AND CANNOT CONTROL MY STEERING. I NOTICED THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUES BUT MY VIN NO. IS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH IT SO I AM BEING REFUSED HELP.
Steering, Jan 9, 2019
WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN POWER STEERING WAS LOST. CAUSED A SHARP PULL TO THE RIGHT, AND NEARLY CRASHED, I WAS GOING SLOW ENOUGH I HAD TIME TO STOP BEFORE IMPACT. SEVERAL WARNINGS CAME IN THE SCREEN SUCH AS POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT.
Power train, Jan 8, 2019
WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY, THE NOT IN PARKING WARNING LIGHT REMAINS ON EVEN THROUGH THE TRANSMISSION IS IN THE PARK POSITION. THE PARK DETECTION SWITCH IS FAULTY. ACCORDINGLY TO OWNER COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET, THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM FOR FORD SUVS LIKE EXPLORER, EDGE AND LINCOLN MKC AND MKX.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 8, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT NOTICED A FUEL LEAK AROUND THE FUEL PUMP ABOVE THE FUEL TANK. THE FAILURE WAS REPAIRED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT CALLED SEVERAL UNKNOWN DEALERS AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL.THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000. *TT*JB
Other or unspecified, Jan 7, 2019
I GET SICK; HEADACHE, NAUSEA, FEELING REALLY TIRED AND BLURRY VISION AFTER TRIPS MORE THAN 2 JOURS
Steering, Jan 5, 2019
SUDDEN POWER STEERING LOSS WHILE IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET. NEED TO REPLACE THE RACK.
Engine, Jan 5, 2019
TWICE BRING TO THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT CARBON MONOXIDE LEAK IN CABIN? MAKING SICK NAUZIA FEELING I'LL? NOW LOOK LIKE MY LUNGS ARE SWALLOWING? PLEASE TELL ME WHAT TO DO
Visibility/wiper, Jan 4, 2019
WHILE TRAVELING AT NORMAL RATE OF SPEED, MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS COME ON AT RANDOM, WORK ON THEIR OWN WHILE POSITIONED ON OFF OR NOT WORK AT ALL.
Visibility/wiper, Jan 4, 2019
WINDSHIELD WIPERS GO OFF AT RANDOM ON THEIR OWN OR DON'T WORK AT ALL.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 4, 2019
SMELL EXHAUST WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE AND ODOR IS REALLY STRONG
Steering, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jan 4, 2019
WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE AT A SLOW SPEED MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP.
Steering, Jan 3, 2019
VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. POWER WASH TURNED ON AND VEHICLE WAS PUT IN REVERSE. THERE WAS A SUDDEN COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND A MESSAGE APPEARED SAYING POWER STEERING ISSUE. CAR HAD TO BE TOWED INTO THE DEALER BECAUSE I WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE IT. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THE CAR NEEDS A NEW POWER STEERING RACK. THERE IS A POWER STEERING RACK RECALL #14V286000 BUT I AM TOLD THAT EVEN THOUGH THAT IS FOR VEHICLES BETWEEN 2011-2013, MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED. THIS IS A SCARY ISSUE SINCE WE TRAVELLED OVER 9 1/2 HOURS THE DAY BEFORE, ON MAJOR HIGHWAYS AT AN AVERAGE SPEED OF 65-70-MPH. THANKFULLY, THIS DID NOT OCCUR UNTIL THE NEXT DAY, WHEN WE WENT TO START OUT AND HAD NOT EVEN BACKED UP OUT OF OUR SPOT YET.
Power train, Jan 3, 2019
THE PTU HAS FAILED. THE BEARINGS INSIDE DISINTEGRATED
Power train, Jan 3, 2019
THE PTU HAS GONE BAD. THE BEARINGS INSIDE ARE RUING AND THE ENTIRE CASE MUST BE REPLACED
Steering, Jan 2, 2019
ELECTRONIC STEERING LOCKS UP WHILE DRIVING. VERY DANGEROUS. I BELIEVE THE DATES OF THE 14V286 CAMPAIGN GO BEYOND 02/28/2012 DATE OF MANUFACTURE AT THE CHICAGO ASSEMBLY PLAN. I CALLED FORD, AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NEVER A RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE'S STEERING. MY PROBLEMS MATCH EVERY PROBLEM I SAW OTHERS REPORTING ONLINE. I BELIEVE THAT FORD IS ATTEMPTING TO LIMIT THE DATES OF THE ISSUE. BECAUSE MY STEERING IS LOCKING UP AND ACTS TIGHT WHILE DRIVING AND EVEN WHEN STATIONARY, I BELIEVE THIS IS A MAJOR CONCERN AND REPLACEMENT OF THE STEERING UNIT SHOULD BE COVERED. THE FORD RECALL WAS 14S06. TO REITERATE, WHEN IN MOTION, THE STEERING IS TIGHT AND FEELS LIKE IT IS LOCKING UP. IT TAKES FORCE TO SET FREE. I FEEL LIKE I COULD DIE ON THE ROADS. FORD WILL NOT HELP.
Exterior lighting, Dec 29, 2018
THE HEADLIGHTS ARE SEVERELY INADEQUATE ,IF IT IS RAINING IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE
Visibility, Dec 26, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO LAFONTAINE FORD (5103 S CEDAR STREET, LANSING, MI 48911) FOR SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. WHILE THE MECHANIC WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE SUN ROOF SHATTERED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER, BUT THE SUN ROOF WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: CAS-16709021. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.
Power train, Dec 21, 2018, crash
HAS THERE BEEN ANY REPORTED CASES OF A 2013 FORD EXPLORER SLIPPING FROM PARK TO REVERSE WITH THE SHIFTER? I HAVE NO SPECIFICS OTHER THAN AN ACCIDENT WHERE THE CAR WAS PHYSICALLY SHIFTED FROM DRIVE TO PARK OR REVERSE (ACCIDENTALLY) AFTER PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT IN HOUMA, LA.. PERSON DROVE CAR INTO PARKING LOT AND POSSIBLY WANTED TO GET OUT AND SEE HOW FAR THEY WERE FROM CURB. CAR WAS STILL RUNNING AND PERSON EXITED VEHICLE AND WAS SUBSEQUENTLY RUN OVER. BYSTANDER WHO HEARD/SAW ACCIDENT SHIFTED CAR TO PARK (WAS PHYSICALLY IN REVERSE WHEN THEY GOT IT). I HAD HEARD THAT OLDER EXPLORERS MAY HAVE HAD AN ISSUE.