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.
Air bags, Seat belts, Mar 8, 2018, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SERIOUS INJURIES TO THE CHEST THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
Steering, Mar 6, 2018
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY MY STEERING STARTED TO STIFFEN. I HAD TROUBLE TURNING AND CORRECTING MY STEERING. THERE IS A RECALL SPECIFICALLY FOR THIS ISSUE BUT MY TRUCK IS NOT COVERED. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE RESOLVED IMMEDIATELY.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Mar 4, 2018
MY 2013 FORD EXPLORER XLT 3.5L TRANSMISSION STARTED LEAKING FLUID BEFORE 27,058 MILES ON JUNE 14,2016 AND AS OF TODAY MARCH 3,2018 AT 44,678 MILES THE TRANSMISSION IS STILL LEAKING. THE PROBLEM WAS BROUGHT TO MY DEALERSHIP'S ATTENTION DURING A REPAIR OF BLISTERING PAINT ON THE HOOD. DEALER STATED THEY FIXED LEAKING OIL PAN RATHER THAN LEAKING TRANSMISSION. AS OF TODAY VEHICLE HAS 44,678 MILES AND TRANSMISSION HAS SHOWN SEVERAL PROBLEMS WHEN IN OPERATION: GEARS TAKE TOO LONG TO TRANSFER POWER FROM 2ND TO 3RD, 4TH TO 5TH, SEVERE OVER REVVING OF ENGINE, JERKING FEELING COMING FROM TRANSMISSION WHILE TRANSITIONING THROUGH THOSE GEARS, ABNORMAL LOUD SOUNDS EMITTING FROM TRANSMISSION DURING THESE GEAR CHANGES, LEAKING AND DRIPPING OF TRANSMISSION FLUID ONTO HOT TRANSMISSION CASE, BURNING OF TRANSMISSION FLUID AND VAPORS ENTERING VEHICLE CABIN, AND PASSENGERS COMPLAINING OF NOXIOUS OIL SMELL WITHIN THE CABIN.
Steering, Mar 2, 2018
AFTER STARTING I NOTICED THE STEERING VERY HARD TO TURN. ALMOST LIKE IT HAD LOST POWER STEERING. WHEN TURNING, AT FIRST IT IS HARD TO TURN, THEN BECOMES EASY AND THEN GOES BACK TO BEING HARD TO TURN. CALL MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND WA STOOD SOME 2013 MODEL YEARS ARE COVERED AND SOME NOT. IF NOT COVERED, THE COST TO REPLACE THE ELECTRONIC MODULE WOULD $1,800.00. VERY VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. HOW CAN SOME MODEL YEAR 2013 BE COVERED ON A RECALL AND OTHERS NOT>
Steering, Mar 1, 2018
SHORTLY AFTER MERGING ONTO THE HIGHWAY I STARTED TO FEEL RESISTANCE IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS "STICKING". WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO MAKE SLIGHT ADJUSTMENTS TO THE STEERING WHEEL IS FELT AS IF IT STICK, THEN BREAK FREE. IT FELT LIKE I LOST FINE CONTROL OF MY STEERING. I GOT OFF THE HIGHWAY AND WHILE DRIVING AT SLOWER SPEED I FELT THE SAME SENSATION. I COULD ALSO HEAR WHAT SOUNDED LIKE GRINDING NOISE WHEN TURN THE WHEEL BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT. THE PROBLEM ALSO GENERATED ALOUD GRINGING NOISE. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT E STEERING RACK WAS FAILING AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1900. THE VEHICLE IS 2013 FORD EXPLORER WITH 72,000 MILES. I DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM ON MY MAKE AND MODEL YEAR BUT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL.
Other or unspecified, Feb 28, 2018
CARBINE MONOXIDE DETECTOR GOING OFF WHEN DRIVING.
Parking brake, Feb 26, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PARKING BRAKE FAILED TO ENGAGE. A LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000.
Steering, Seats, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 24, 2018
DOOR PANELS OUT OF LINE. RPMS DROP TO 0 WHILE SITTING, CARBON MONOXIDE, FRONT END NOISE, SEAT BROKE, BACK VENTS POURED WATER IN, TRANSMISSION SLIPPING BLINKER SWITCH REPLACED, MODULAR REPLACED, BACK UP CAMERA SYSTEM REPLACED. FRONT END WORKED ON MORE THAN 7 TIMES.
Other or unspecified, Feb 22, 2018, crash
ONE CAR ACCIDENT HIT GUARD RAIL THEN RAN IN THE NEUTRAL GROUND ALL FOUR TIRES BLOWOUT. BLURRED VISION COULD NOT FIND THE INTERSTATE. GULOSE LEVEL 34 NOT A DIABETIC. NEED TO INVESTIGATE SUV TOTALED. ON HIGHWAY, IN MOTION
Structure, Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), Feb 22, 2018
VEHICLE IN MOTION WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN WOULD SLOW DOWN TO A CRAWL AND LOSE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE. YELLOW WRENCH WARNING LIGHT WOULD THEN LIGHT UP. HAPPENED TWICE AND ALMOST HAD SERIOUS ACCIDENT. ALSO WOULD EXPERIENCE BURNING SMELL WHEN ACCELERATING UP A HILL. PREVIOUSLY REPORTED TO DEALER BUT THEY WOULD NOT BELIEVE.
Structure, Feb 21, 2018
WATER LEAKS INTO CABIN OF CAR. ENTERS IN REAR OF VEHICLE AND RUNS DOWN THIRD ROW SEAT BELTS. HAPPENS ON BOTH SIDES.
Other or unspecified, Feb 21, 2018
MY CARBON MONOXIDE TESTER IS GOING OFF.
Steering, Feb 19, 2018
TAKATA RECALL MY POWER STEERING SYSTEM ERROR HAS POPPED UP 2 TIMES NOW TO WHERE I AM UNABLE TO STEER MY CAR. THIS TOOK PLACE RIGHT AFTER I TURNED MY CAR ON AND STARTED DRIVING AWAY. I WAS LUCKILY IN A PARKING LOT WHEN IT TOOK PLACE SO I STOPPED PUT MY CAR IN PARK TURNED MY CAR OFF AND BACK ON AGAIN. I HAVE TALKED TO AN AUTO MECHANIC AND HE HAS INFORMED ME THAT IT IS THE SENSOR THAT IS MALFUNCTIONING. THIS IS SO DANGEROUS AND I HAVE ONLY HAD THIS CAR FOR 2 YEARS NOW. THIS COULD PUT ME AND MY FAMILY IN EXTREME DANGER!!!
Electrical system, Feb 16, 2018
WARNING THAT CAR NEEDS TO BE SHIFTED INTO PARK. ALARM DINGS EVEN WHEN CAR IS IN PARK. DISPLAY DOES NOT INDICATE CAR IS IN PARK . CAR IS STATIONARY POSITION IN PARKING LOT AND ENGINE IS ON.
Service brakes, Feb 16, 2018
2013 FORD EXPLORER. CONSUMER WRITES SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR REAR BRAKE REPLACEMENT. *LD CONSUMER SENT ADDITIONAL CORRESPONDENCE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKES, CALIPERS, ROTORS, AND PADS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *JS
Steering, Feb 14, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED OR WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE POWER STEERING AND TRAC WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS PERFORMED, BUT NO FAILURE CODES WERE FOUND. THE CONTACT CALLED TOMBALL FORD (22702 TOMBALL PKWY, TOMBALL, TX 77375, (877) 359-7182) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO OPEN RECALLS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Feb 13, 2018
SO, IT WAS -17 DEGREES THE OTHER DAY IN MINNESOTA AND WE PACKED OUR CAR TO LEAVE TOWN. WENT TO START THE VEHICLE AND THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT LIGHT CAME ON. ALONG WITH SERVICE ADV. TRAC FAILURE AND TERRAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FAULT. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME IT HAS HAPPENED, IT HAS HAPPENED THREE OR FOUR TIMES. EXCEPT USUALLY WE CAN SHUT THE CAR OFF AND THEN RESTART IT AND "WALLA" IT WORKS FINE. EXCEPT THIS TIME:( (SAD FACE)! I WAS A LITTLE WORRIED ABOUT DRIVING IT TO THE FORD DEALER IN ORDER TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT HOWEVER LIFE GOES ON (I'M EX MILITARY). THE WIFE DROVE THE F350 I DROVE THE EXPLORER. WE "FIST BUMPED" SHE WISHED ME LUCK AND WE DROVE 12 MILES WITHOUT KILLING ANYONE. YIPPEE . $47.48 LATER THEY TOLD ME THE COMPUTER IS READING BLA BLA BLA.. DOLLAR SIGNS ARE GOING THROUGH MY HEAD. ($1910.42) IS THE ESTIMATE. HMMM... IM THINKING MAYBE THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS. I FOUND THE RECALL!!! SO I THOUGHT! MY CAR WAS A FEW MONTHS TO NEW??? (WHAT THE) WELL, THAT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE OR (CENTS) (IT DOES FOR FORD) I CONTACT THE NHTSA AND FORD TO SEE IF THERE IS ANYTHING THAT CAN BE DONE SO I DONT HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS OUT OF MY POCKET. I EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM TO THE FORD CONSUMER AND TOLD HER THAT WE NEED TO DRIVE THIS CAR IF FORD CANT RESOLVE THE ISSUE. THE GIRL ON THE OTHER END BLESS HER HEART, TOLD ME WE WILL JUST HAVE TO DRIVE IT THE WAY IT IS. WHAT??? I DON"T THINK SHE UNDERSTOOD THE PROBLEM AT HAND! WHAT IF THE STEERING KICKS IN AT 60 MILES AN HOUR? (UMM NOT GOOD)!!! IM HOPING FORD READS THIS BLOG AND UNDERSTANDS THE PROBLEM. PLEASE GIVE ME STRENGTH TO DRIVE THIS CAR AND THE REFLEXES IT MAY TAKE TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. THANKS FOR NOTHING AT THE MOMENT FORD. I DO BELIEVE IN YOU!!
Steering, Feb 12, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TURNED OFF TO RESET THE WARNING INDICATOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (PARK RAPIDS FORD, 1205 PARK AVE S, PARK RAPIDS, MN 56470) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000 (STEERING), BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Structure, Feb 9, 2018
I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, AT A RATE OF 70 MPH AND SUDDENLY MY A PILLER OUTER COVER (TRIM) FLEW OFF MY CAR! I HAVE ATTACHED A PHOTO.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 5, 2018, fire
MY WIFE AND I TOOK A TRIP FOR A BABY SHOWER, IT WAS ABOUT A 2.5 HR DRIVE. ON THE WAY THERE, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON. THERE WERE NO OTHER WARNINGS OR INDICATIONS OF AN ISSUE. WE MADE IT FINE TO OUR DESTINATION, DROVE AROUND TOWN A LITTLE BIT, AND STAYED THE NIGHT. THE NEXT DAY WE HEADED HOME (ANOTHER 2.5 HR TRIP). THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON THE ENTIRE TIME, BUT THERE WERE NO ABNORMAL NOISES OR ODORS, OR ANY OTHER INDICATION THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE. WHEN WE GOT HOME, WE PARKED THE CAR, TURNED IT OFF, UNLOADED, THEN TURNED IT ON TO BACK IT INTO THE GARAGE AND TURN IT OFF AGAIN. AFTER SITTING IN THE GARAGE FOR 10 -15 MINUTES, THE CAR EXPLODED, SHAKING THE HOUSE AND CATCHING THE ENGINE BAY ON FIRE. THE ENGINE BAY WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES, CAUSING FIRE/SMOKE DAMAGE TO OUR GARAGE AND EVERYTHING IN IT. AN INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATOR STATED THAT THE COOLING FAN HAD FAILED, WHICH CAUSED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, HOWEVER THAT SEEMS LIKE NOT A SUFFICIENT REASON TO WHY THE ENGINE EXPLODED. WE ARE UNSURE WHAT THE ROOT CAUSE WAS, BUT SOMETHING HAD TO HAVE GONE VERY WRONG FOR THE CAR TO EXPLODE IN THE GARAGE, IGNITION OFF, AND STATIONARY AND THE ONLY INDICATION BEING A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT EVEN IF THE COOLING FAN DID FAIL. THIS ALL HAPPENED JUST OVER A WEEK AFTER AN OIL CHANGE AT A FORD DEALERSHIP. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION THAT COULD HAVE VERY LIKELY ENDED UP IN INJURY OR DEATH.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 5, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED STRONG FUEL FUMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FERNELIUS FORD LINCOLN INC (10459 NORTH STRAITS HIGHWAY, CHEBOYGAN, MI 49721, 844 327-8314) FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Other or unspecified, Feb 4, 2018
CARBON MONOXIDE SMELL ON THE INSIDE OF MY EXPLORER MADE MY WIFE AND HER FRIEND LIGHT HEADED AND STARTED GETTING HEADACHES AND WE STOP USING OUR EXPLORE FOR OUR SAFETY AND IT'S KNOW JUST PARKED IN MY GARAGE.AND HAVEN'T USE IT ANYMORE.
Engine, Jan 31, 2018
MY 2013 FORD EXPLORER XLT HAS BEEN TO THE REPAIR SHOP TWICE IN ORDER TO ADDRESS FORD RECALL 17NO3. TO THIS DAY, JANUARY 31, 2018, MY CO MONITOR PICKS UP HIGH READINGS (IN MY OPINION) FOR SUCH AN ENCLOSED SPACE OF A VEHICLE CABIN (12-43 PPM). I DRIVE A LOT FOR WORK AND AM BEING CONSTANTLY EXPOSED TO THESE FUMES. MY WIFE AND I ALSO HAVE A 1 YEAR OLD THAT WE REFUSE TO PLACE IN THIS CAR BECAUSE EVEN LOW LEVELS ARE MORE DANGEROUS TO HIM. THE READINGS OCCUR WHILE DRIVING AND ACCELERATING, ALSO WHEN THE VEHICLE IS ON RECIRCULATE. I'VE NOTICED THAT I GET HIGH READINGS OF CARBON MONOXIDE LEVELS AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE OR EVEN JUST CHECKING THE VEHICLE PERIODICALLY THROUGHOUT THE DAY. AFTER GETTING INTO MY CAR FOR LUNCH, THE CAR WAS EVEN TURNED OFF AND I HAD A READING OF 43PPM ON MY MONITOR (WHICH I LEAVE IN THE CAR). THIS TELLS ME THAT TOXIC FUMES ARE LEAKING FROM THE EXHAUST INTO THE CABIN, EVEN WHEN THE CAR IS OFF, AND STAYING IN THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THINGS HAVE BEEN SEALED OFF DUE TO FORD'S "ATTEMPTS" AT FIXING THIS ISSUE. FORD EXPLORER, NOT JUST ME, CAN'T AFFORD TO PUT OUR HEALTH AT RISK WHILE FORD DENIES THERE'S A PROBLEM. CONSIDERING THAT CO IS ODORLESS, YOU DON'T NEED TO BE ABLE TO SMELL THE EXHAUST FUMES FOR CARBON MONOXIDE TO BE PRESENT IN GREAT AMOUNTS FOR ENCLOSED SPACES. THE PICTURE THAT I HAVE ATTACHED IS ONLY 1 OF AT LEAST 25 PICTURES AND VIDEOS I HAVE COMPILED TO MAKE MY CASE THAT FORD'S "ATTEMPT" TO FIX THIS ISSUE IS BEING IGNORED BY THEM.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 31, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT WAS OVERCOME BY EXHAUST FUMES ENTERING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT BECAME EXHAUSTED AND HAD SEVERE HEADACHES. THE CONTACT UNDERWENT MEDICAL TESTS AT CARY MEDICAL GROUP (530 NEW WAVERLY PL #200, CARY, NC 27518, (919) 859-5955) FOR CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TESTS SHOWED ELEVATED LEVELS OF CARBON MONOXIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED OR INSPECTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN APPOINTMENT WAS MADE WITH AN INDEPENDENT FACILITY TO PERFORM A CARBON MONOXIDE TEST ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,200.
Steering, Jan 30, 2018
DEADLY CONSEQUENCE INVOLVING POWER STEERING IN FORD EXPLORERS. THIS IS A "KNOWN ISSUE" THAT FORD CONTINUES TO HAVE ISSUES WITH. THE STEERING GOES OUT UNEXPECTEDLY, MAKES AWFUL NOISES AND MAKES IT HARD TO TURN. FORD HAD A RECALL ON THIS BUT MANY FOLKS CONTINUE TO HAVE ISSUES WITH POWER STEERING GOING OUT WHICH COULD LEAD TO SERIOUS EVENTS AND/OR TRAGEDY ON HIGHWAYS. FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE IS TRAINED TO TELL CUSTOMERS THAT ITS THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO PAY THE $2,000 TO FIX IT. I AM FULLY CAPABLE AND OK WITH PAYING FOR CAR REPAIRS FROM WEAR AND TEAR BUT I DONT THINK POWER STEERING GOING OUT IN THOUSANDS OF CARS, MANY WITH MILES WELL BELOW 60,000 SHOULD HAVE THIS PROBLEM! FORD KEEPS HAVING TO UPGRADE THEIR SYSTEMS AND SOFTWARE BECAUSE THIS PART IS PROBLEMATIC. AT LEAST THEY COULD OFFER TO PAY FOR THE PART OR LABOR BUT IT IS EASIER FOR THEM TO HAVE THE NHTSA FORCE THEM TO DO IT THAN TO DO IT VOLUNTARILY. THUS, THEIR CUSTOMERS ARE LEFT HOLDING THE BAG. DISAPPOINTING.