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, Electrical system, Sep 26, 2017
WHILE DRIVING, MY CAR'S POWER STEERING AND ADVANCE SERVICE TRAC WILL GO OUT AND I WILL HAVE TO DRIVE WITHOUT POWER STEERING UNTIL I CAN PARK AND RESTART THE VEHICLE. THIS HAS LEFT ME VERY AT RISK FOR AN ACCIDENT WHEN DRIVING DUE TO THE SUDDEN JERK OF THE WHEEL WHEN CORNERING OR JUST GOING STRAIGHT EVEN.
Steering, Sep 26, 2017
WE (MY HUSBAND, MY 10YEAR OLD, MY 7YEAR OLD AND MY ALMOST 2 MONTH OLD BABY AND I)WERE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, (WE WERE GOING TO MICHIGAN FOR THE WEEKEND) WHEN I STARTED NOTICING THAT IT REQUIRED SOME EFFORT TO MAINTAIN THE CAR IN LANE, AFTER A WHILE SOME LIGHTS WENT ON "SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW" AND "SERVICE ADVANCE TRACK"..., SO I GOT OUT OF THE HIGHWAY WITH DIFFICULTY BECAUSE IT FELT WEIRD DRIVING IT, I COULDN'T KEEP IT STRAIGHT WITHOUT EFFORT. I TURNED IT OFF AND ON-AGAIN, MY HUSBAND CHECKED IT, EVERYTHING SEEMED FINE. WE WENT BACK ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY HUSBAND DRIVING THIS TIME AND AFTER A LITTLE WHILE THE WHEEL JUST GOT SO HARD THAT HE COULD BARELY TURN IT. HE GOT OUT OF THE HIGHWAY WRESTLING THE WHEEL BECAUSE IT WAS SO HARD. MY HUSBAND IS VERY STRONG, SO I KNOW IF HE WAS HAVING DIFFICULTY THEN THE WHEEL WAS REALLY BAD. THANK GOD HE WAS WITH ME AND THANKFULLY THE WHEEL THING HAPPENED TO HIM. IF IT WOULD HAVE BEEN ME, I DON'T THINK I WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO CONTROL IT. I AM VERY GRATEFUL THAT WE DIDN'T END UP IN AN ACCIDENT JUST THE THOUGHT OF IT SCARES ME. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY CHECKED IT AND SAID THAT THE COST TO FIX IT IS $2000.00. I CONTACTED FORD SO THAT THEY COULD PAY FOR THE REPAIR. SINCE THE GUARANTY WAS OVER THEY DIDN'T TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR IT. KNOWING THE NATURE OF THE PROBLEM IT'S A FACT THAT THERE IS NOTHING I COULD HAVE DONE TO CAUSE THE CAR TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE FORD EXPLORER 2013 FOR PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING SYSTEM, BUT THE RECALL WAS FOR CARS BUILT UP TO JUNE 2012 AND MINE WAS BUILT IN JULY. AS I TOLD THEM, YES, MY CAR WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL; NEVERTHELESS I DID HAVE THE PROBLEM FOR WHICH OTHER CARS WERE RECALLED!! THANK GOD WE ARE ALL OK BUT FOR ALL I KNOW IT COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL. ALL I ASKED WAS TO GET MY CAR TO WORK THE WAY IT IS SUPPOSED TO.
Steering, Sep 25, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE POWER STEERING AND ADVANCED TRACK WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE POLICED PUSHED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO TOWNE FORD (1601 EL CAMINO REAL, REDWOOD CITY, CA 94063, PHONE NUMBER: (650) 366-5744) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO THE COST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: CES13160631. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Visibility/wiper, Sep 25, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS OPERATED WITHOUT WARNING AND FAILED TO STOP UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS POWERED OFF. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (BONNELL FORD, 353 CAMBRIDGE ST, WINCHESTER, MA 01890) WHERE A SERVICE APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED FOR 09/27/2017. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,272.
Structure, Sep 23, 2017
WINDSHIELD MOLDINGS AND TRIMS COME LOOSE. MY MOLDING ON THE PASSANGER SIDE CAME LOOSE AND FLEW OFF ON THE HIGHWAY CAUSING THE CAR BEHIND ME TO SWERVE. LUCKILY THERE WASN'T TRAFFIC AT THE TIME. BUT THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A MAJOR INCIDENT THAT COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED A LONG TIME AGO. I'VE SEEN MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE BUT NO RECALL YET.
Structure, Sep 22, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW TRIM FRACTURED, DETACHED, AND STRUCK A VEHICLE BEHIND THE CONTACT. SANDY SANSING FORD-LINCOLN IN DAPHNE, ALABAMA (27180 HIGHWAY 98, 36526 (251) 626-7777) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED AN ESTIMATE FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH CASE NUMBER: CAS-13158913-T1R4M0. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.
Steering, Wheels, Electronic stability control (ESC), Sep 22, 2017
WHEN TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE THE VEHICLE STARTED PULLING MY STEERING TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT WHEN NOT DRIVING STRAIGHT. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD POP TO ONE SIDE OR THE OTHER MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN MY LANE ON THE INTERSTATE. DASHBOARD LIGHTS APPEARED INDICATING TRAC CONTROL AND TRAC SYSTEM MAINTANENCE. AFTER EXITING THE HIGHWAY THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD POPPING AND SCREECHING NOISE WHEN MAKING A SHARP TURN, THE WHEEL BECAME MORE DIFFICULT TO TURN AND WAS PHYSICALLY CHALLENGING. REALIZING THE SEVERITY OF THE SITUATION AND FEELING THE LOSS OF CONTROL BEHIND THE WHEEL I ATTEMPTED TO PULL INTO A PARKING LOT WHEN THE STEERING COMPLETELY LOCKED UP. THE WHEEL WOULDN'T BUDGE AND I WAS LEFT STRANDED WITH THE CAR JACKNIFED ON A SIDE STREET. A TOW TRUCK WAS REQUIRED TO REMOVE THE CAR FROM THE STREET AND I HAD TO REMOVE MYSELF AND MY 4 WEEK OLD BABY FROM THE CAR AND TO SAFETY WHILE WAITING FOR AN ALTERNATE RIDE. VERY SCARY AND UPSETTING. THANKFULLY IT DID NOT HAPPEN ON THE INTERSTATE OR IT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A POTENTIALLY FATAL ACCIDENT.
Other or unspecified, Sep 21, 2017
A STRONG EXHAUST ODOR EXISTS IN THE CABIN AREA DURING MODERATE AND HARD ACCELERATION. THE ODOR IS NOXIOUS AND REQUIRES THE WINDOWS TO BE OPENED TO VENT IT OUT.
Other or unspecified, Sep 20, 2017
MY 2013 FORD EXPLORER SPORT HAS AN AWFUL, ROTTEN EGG SMELL INSIDE THE CABIN, EVERY TIME I PRESS ON THE GAS FOR QUICK ACCELERATION. IT HAPPENS EVERY SINGLE TIME ON QUICK ACCELERATION. SMELLS GASEOUS. I'M AFRAID THAT CARBON MONOXIDE OR OTHER GASES ARE LEAKED INTO THE CABIN SOMEHOW, WHEN I PRESS ON THE GAS PEDAL. I'M AFRAID THAT EVEN WHEN I'M NOT DOING A QUICK ACCELERATION, GASES ARE STILL LEAKING IN, YET HARDER TO DETECT. MANY TIMES I HAVE GOTTEN TERRIBLE HEADACHES DURING LONG DISTANCES OF DRIVING. I HAVE GOTTEN NAUSEA FEELING AS WELL AS LIGHT HEADEDNESS MULTIPLE TIMES AS WELL. I'M VERY WORRIED. THE MOST SCARY THING IS THAT I HAVE A 4 YEAR OLD, AND A PREGNANT GIRLFRIEND WITH A DUE DATE IN DECEMBER 2017. I WILL BE DEVASTATED IF ANYTHING HAPPENS TO THEM. FORD IN TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA HAS TOLD ME THAT THERE IS NO RECALL ON ANYTHING LIKE I AM DESCRIBING, AND THAT I WOULD BE CHARGED TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT. AND THEN ANOTHER CHARGE FOR PARTS/LABOR. I DON'T HAVE THE FUNDS TO PAY THEM AN OUTRAGEOUS FEE TO TRY AND DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. WHEN YOU BUY A NEWER CAR, YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT BREATHING IN TOXIC GASES INSIDE THE CABIN, THAT COULD KILL YOU OR SOMEONE YOU LOVE. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. PLEASE HELP ME.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Sep 17, 2017
STEERING WHEEL ASSIST FAULT. THE STEERING JUST CAN'T TURN. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT MANUFACTURE DEFECT. I ALMOST GET INVOLVED IN A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT WHILE DRIVING IN HWY. TRACTION IS OFF
Steering, Sep 7, 2017
THE POWER STEERING INTERMITTENTLY STOPPED WORKING. THE POWER STEERING NEEDS A NEW STEERING WHEEL RACK AND PINION TO PROPERLY OPERATE AT 65000 MILES. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS BUT FORD WILL NOT HONOR MY VIN NUMBER EVEN THOUGH IT FALLS IN THE YEAR OF 2013. THIS PROBLEM MAKES IT UNSAFE TO DRIVE EVEN AT LOW SPEEDS IT IS HARD TO STEER THE WHEEL. TO FIX THIS PROBLEM IT IS $1,500, WHICH WILL NOT HONOR THE RECALL THAT HAS BEEN SET.
Power train, Sep 7, 2017
THERE IS AN EXHAUST SMELL COMING THROUGH MY VENTS WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE. WHEN PARKED IN THE GARAGE, THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE GARAGE SMELL AS THOUGH THERE IS A VEHICLE RUNNING WITH THE DOORS SHUT. WHEN I GET IN THE VEHICLE AFTER WORK AND IT HAS BEEN PARKED OUTSIDE ALL DAY, THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE SMELLS LIKE EXHAUST.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 2, 2017
I'VE NOTICED THIS SMELL EVERY TIME I TURNED MY CAR ON/OFF OR WOULD GET FINISHED DRIVING. IT WOULD BE IN THE DRIVERS CABIN DOWN AT THE FLOOR WHERE IT CAME FROM. I FIRST NOTICED IT THERE AND HAD MENTIONED IT TO FORD WHEN THERE FOR SERVICE. IT SMELLS LIKE A NATURAL GAS ( LIKE AT HOME ) LEAK. I'D SMELL IT IF HE AIR OR HEAT WAS ON BRINGING IT INTO THE CABIN. THE SAME SMELL WOULD BE PRESENT WHEN I STOPPED DRIVING AND WOULD OP N THE DOOR. SMELLED LIKE IT WAS COMING FROM UNDER THE DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL AREA. IT PERSISTED FOR THE LAST FEW YEARS. I'VE TOLD FORD MANY TIMES BUT THEY SAY THERE'S NO RECALL. OR THAT MY CAR WAS OUT OF ITS MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY. AT THE TIME IN 2014, WHEN I REALLY TOOK NOTICE, MY CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. I BOUGHT MY CAR OUT OF ITS LEASE IN 6 OR7/2016 AND THERE WERE REPORTS OF EXHAUST ISSUES WITH PEOPLE HAVING A SMELL ON THE CABIN. IRONIC THAT I'VE BEEN COMPLAINING OF THIS TWO YEARS PRIOR TO IT COMING OUT IN THE NEWS. WHEN ASKED, I WAS UNSURE TO BUY A CAR WITH EXHAUST ISSUES, THEY REASSURED ME THERE WERE NO ACTIVE RECALLS. AND THAT THE EXHAUST WASN'T A PROBLEM. I THOUGHT I HAD ROADKILL ROTTING UNDER MY CAR, BUT AFTER NUMEROUS UNDER CARRIAGE CAR WASHES AND THEEE YEARS LATER, THE CAR STILL HAS THAT NATURAL GAS SMELL.
Structure, Sep 1, 2017
DRIVERS SIDE WINDSHIELD TRIM FLEW OFF WHILE DRVING
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Sep 1, 2017
PURCHASED A USED 2013 FORD EXPLORER XLT WITH 127,158 MILES ON IT. DROVE IT FOR 5 DAYS WITHOUT PROBLEMS. ON DAY 6, I DROVE THE CAR ON THE FREEWAY FOR 73-MILES. AT 127,400 MILES I STOPPED AT A BURGER JOINT FOR 35-MINUTES BEFORE RESUMING MY DRIVE TO MY DESTINATION, SEVERAL WARNING MESSAGES APPEARED ON THE INFORMATION SCREEN WHEN I STARTED THE CAR AGAIN. 1)SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW. 2) TERRAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FAILURE. 3)SERVICE ADVANCETRAC. THE POWER STEERING WAS DEAD FROM THAT POINT ON. THE CAR WAS DRIVABLE BUT IT TOOK GREAT EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN THE CAR WASN'T MOVING OR WHEN MAKING ANYTHING MORE THAN GRADUAL TURNS. A SEARCH FOR THIS PROBLEM SAYS THAT THE ELECTRIC POWER ASSISTED STEERING (EPAS) HAS DIED. THERE WAS A HUGE RECALL TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM, BUT MY VIN# IS, SADLY, NOT INCLUDED IN THAT RECALL. THIS MEANS THAT ALL EPAS UNITS CAN BE FAULTY, NOT JUST THE ONES BUILT AT THE CHICAGO ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM MAY 17, 2010 TO FEBRUARY 28, 2012. (THE IDENTIFIED UNITS OF THE RECALL)
Steering, Air bags, Service brakes, Aug 31, 2017, crash
I WAS DRIVING ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET APPROXIMATELY TWO MINUTES FROM MY HOME TO RUN AN ERRAND. I WAS USING THE HANDS-FREE DEVICE ON MY PHONE AS PER TEXAS LAW. THERE IS ONE WAY EACH WAY WITH A YELLOW DOUBLE LINE DIVIDER AND MANY PEOPLE PARK ON THE SIDE TO CHECK MAIL WALK DOGS ETC. SO I TEND TO DRIVE SO THAT I WON'T HIT THOSE INDIVIDUALS. THE ROAD IS CURVY AND I NOTICED THAT I WAS STARTING TO VEER OFF INTO THE GRASS AND I TRIED TO STEER BACK LEFT AND PRESS MY BRAKES AT WHICH TIME I REALIZED THAT MY BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING AND I COULD NOT GET BACK ON THE ROAD. I THEN RAN OVER A FIRE HYDRANT WHICH DID NOT DECELERATE MY CAR NOR DID IT DEPLOY MY AIRBAG; CONTINUING TO DEPRESS THE BRAKES I AM THEN HIT A LARGE LIGHT POST WHICH CONTINUED TO NOT DECELERATE THE CAR AND NOT CAUSE ANY AIRBAG TO DEPLOY, AND I STILL COULD NOT TURN MY WHEEL TO THE LEFT (OR TO THE TO THE ROADWAY); THERE WAS A LARGE DELIVERY TRUCK WAITING TO GET INTO THE GATED COMMUNITY ON THE RIGHT-HAND SIDE AND I RAN INTO THAT VEHICLE STOPPING MY CAR AND TOTALING IT WHERE ARE THE COMPLETE FRONT END OF MY CAR WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED (PUSHED IN) YET MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS GOING TO POSTED SPEED OF 35 MPH AS I ALWAYS DO. MY CAR HAD RECENTLY BEEN INSPECTED AS REQUIRED BY THE STATE BECAUSE IT IS OUT FOR RENEWAL IN AUGUST 2017. I BOUGHT THE CAR LESS THAN THREE YEARS AGO AS A FORD CERTIFIED USED CAR WITH A 10 YEAR 100,000 MILE BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY ON IT. IT HAD LESS THAN 67,000 MILES ON IT AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. IF THE TRUCK HAD NOT BEEN THERE TO STOP MY CAR, THERE IS NO OTHER OBSTRUCTION OTHER THEN A MAJOR HIGHWAY AND I PROBABLY WOULD NOT HAVE SURVIVED.
Vehicle speed control, Aug 31, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A LACK OF ACCELERATION EVEN WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JACKY JONES (LOCATED AT 714 NEW HIGHWAY 68 SWEET WATER, TN 37874) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TURBO BOOST FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO THE PART BEING ON BACKORDER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000. *TT THE CONSUMER STATED THE REPAIR WAS MADE BY REPLACING THE ENGINE. *TR
Other or unspecified, Aug 30, 2017
ENGINE EXHAUST ENTERS VEHICLE INTERIOR WHEN RPMS GO OVER 3,000 AND CONTINUES TO COME INTO THE CABIN THROUGHOUT MOST TRIPS. IT DISAPATES A BIT WHEN THE AIR VENTS ARE SHUT AND ALL AIR (HEATING/AC) IS TURNED OFF COMPLETELY. THE OVERWHELMING SMELL HAS CREATED A DANGEROUS DRIVING ENVIRONMENT IN THE VEHICLE WHICH CAN ONLY BE DRIVEN WITH THE WINDOWS OPEN.
Structure, Seats, Engine, Aug 29, 2017
EXHAUST FUMES IN CABIN - SINCE WE HAVE BEEN WITHOUT THE EXPLORER FOR THREE MONTHS (IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP GETTING AN UPDATED TURBO), MY WIFE HAS NOT HAD ANY UNEXPLAINED HEADACHES AFTER SPENDING ALL DAY RUNNING ERRANDS IN THE EXPLORER.
Structure, Aug 29, 2017
NOTING TWO BIG RECALLS IN DOOR LATCH MECHANISMS, THIS MODEL YEAR, MY RIGHT REAR DOOR HAS BECAME INOPERATIVE. DOOR IS LOCKED, WILL NOT UNLOCK. CANNOT OPEN DOOR. HAD KIDS IN THE BACK SEATS LAST WEEK. IF THIS FAILURE HAPPENED THEN, KIDS FACED GRAVE DANGER IF EGRESS REQUIRED. PLEASE ADD MY VIN TO THIS RECALL. AS IS, REAR SEATS ARE A DEATH TRAP. EGRESS MALFUNCTION INABILITY TO EGRESS VEHICLE
Steering, Aug 28, 2017
LOSS OF STEERING WITH CODE SHOWING ADVANCED TRAC SYSTEM FAULT. CANNOT TURN STEERING WHEEL AND BLINKERS WILL NOT COME ON. IT CAN HAPPEN WITH VEHICLE IN MOTION OR STOPPED AND RUNNING. PROBLEM HAPPENS RANDOMLY AND CAUSES THE CAR TO BE UNCONTROLLABLE.
Structure, Aug 25, 2017
PAINT IS CHIPPING FROM THE HOOD FOR THE PAST YEAR!
Power train, Aug 25, 2017
SHIFT TO PARK/TRANSMISSION NOT IN PARK MESSAGE: FORD HAS TECH SERV BULLETIN TSB-0047 ON FILE. A SWITCH OR COMPONENT IN MULTIPLE FORD (EXPLORER, EDGE, TAURUS, LINCOLN MKX; YEARS 2011-2015) AND MAZDA 6 VEHICLES IS FAILING AND INDICATING THAT VEHICLE IS NOT IN PARK. THE SWITCH IS WITHIN THE SHIFT LEVER ASSEMBLY. THIS IS AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD WHEN A VEHICLE IS NOT SECURED IN A PARKED POSITION. FORD IS CHARGING CUSTOMERS $250-1000 TO FIX - DEPENDING UPON THE DEALER & CUSTOMER (MALE, FEMALE, WHITE, BLACK, HISPANIC) - & IT REQUIRES COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF THE SHIFT LEVER ASSEMBLY. THIS COMPONENT IS PART OF THE POWER TRAIN BUT FORD WILL NOT COVER IT UNDER THE 5 YR/60000 MILE WARRANTY. NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS WERE FOUND DURING GOOGLE SEARCH FOR "FORD SHIFT TO PARK LEVER ASSEMBLY PROBLEM." IF A VEHICLE IS POSITIONED ON A SLOPE, IT COULD EASILY ROLL AWAY AND INJURE SOMEONE. THIS FAILED ELECTRONIC COMPONENT COULD RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH. A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED BEFORE SOMEONE IS SEVERELY INJURED, NOT AFTER. I HAVE NO CONFIDENCE THAT MY VEHICLE IS ACTUALLY IN "PARK" ANY LONGER EVEN WHEN THE DISPLAY DOES NOT SHOW THE INDICATOR. IN 9 OF 10 TIMES THE LAST THREE DAYS, THE INDICATOR HAS SHOWN THAT THE VEHICLE IS NOT IN PARK. IT DISPLAYS THE "SHIFT TO PARK" MESSAGE EACH TIME. IT IS HAPPENING MORE AND MORE FREQUENTLY. I VISITED MY DEALER TODAY. THEY FIRST DENIED A TSB EXISTED. THEN, I EXPLAINED THAT I KNEW THERE HAD TO BE ONE. SHOCKINGLY, THEY FOUND IT - ONLY AFTER I SAID I WOULD FILE THIS COMPLAINT. NHTSA SHOULD FORCE FORD TO ACT NOW BEFORE THIS BLOWS UP IN THE NEWS. THE NEGATIVE PR WILL BE BAD FOR THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION, NHTSA, FORD, AND THE ECONOMY AS A WHOLE. A RECALL WILL NOT BE PERCEIVED AS BAD AS THE COVER-UP ONGOING BY FORD. I FULLY UNDERSTAND RECALLS. I AM A FORMER CPSC INVESTIGATOR. THANKS. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB
Steering, Aug 25, 2017
POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET. WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. DEALERSHIP SAYS THE POWER STEERING ASSEMBLY NEEDS TO BE COMPLETELY REPLACED. LOW MILEAGE...51,597 MILES.
Steering, Aug 25, 2017
WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION, THERE WAS A GRINDING NOISE. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE GEAR IN THE STEERING ASSIST SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS A RECALL ITEM FOR THE SAME MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR, BUT I'M BEING TOLD THAT MY VIN# IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.