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.
Structure, Oct 5, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. AFTER IT RAINED, THE VEHICLE ACCUMULATED WATER ON THE INTERIOR PASSENGER FLOOR, THE SEAT BELTS WERE SATURATED, AND WATER ENTERED THROUGH THE VENTS AND POURED OUT FROM THE HEADLIGHTS. WHEN THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP, THE CONTACT HEARD THE SOUND OF WATER THROUGHOUT THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO OBSERVED THE SMELL OF MOLD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO OPEN RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 45,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 4, 2016
ON AUG.3TH, 2016 I WAS DRIVING MY FORD EXPLORER 2013 ON A FREEWAY GOING APROX. 65MILES/HR. AT ONE POINT A WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON AND THE VEHICLES ENGINE QUIT. I MADE SURE TO PUT MY HAZARD LIGHTS ON AND SLOWLY CHANGED LANES TO GET OUT OF THE WAY. THIS WAS VERY DANGEROUS AS THE FREEWAY IS UNDER HEAVY CONSTRUCTION SO THERE NOT MUCH SPACE TO PULL OVER SAFELY. I MANAGED TO FIND THE "SAFEST" SPOT AND STOPPED THE VEHICLE. I TURNED EVERYTHING OFF AND WAS ABOUT TO CALL FOR HELP . I FIGURED I SHOULD TRY AND START IT UP AND SEE IF IT WILL MOVE FROM ME INSTEAD. ONCE I DID THIS, AND I KNEW THAT IF I GAVE IT SOME GAS THE VEHICLE WOULD GO, I TOOK IT BACK HOME AND LEFT IT THERE UNTIL I COULD GET IT TO THE MECHANICS. THE MECHANIC WE USED SAID HE'S SEEN THIS QUITE OFTEN AND ITS SOME TYPE OF SENSOR THAT GIVES THE ENGINE THE FUEL IT NEEDS TO RUN. UNFORTUNATELY, THE SENSOR FAILED. WE GOT IT FIXED BUT FORD WOULD NOT COVER FOR THIS. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE WARRANTY IS FINISHED ON THIS VEHICLE BUT THERE IS NOT ENOUGH MILES ON IT TO WARRANT THIS TYPE OF FAULT. THE VEHICLE IS ONLY 3 YEARS OLD TOO! I WAS AND STILL AM VERY UPSET THAT THEY WILL NOT HELP US PAY FOR THIS FAULTY SENSOR. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW TO PUT FURTHER ACTION ON THIS PROBLEM AS I AM SURE THERE HAVE BEEN MANY OTHER FORDS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM.
Other or unspecified, Oct 4, 2016
THE "DOOR AJAR" LIGHTS DO NOT GO OFF FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER AND FRONT DRIVERS DOORS. IT APPEARS THE DOORS ARE SHUT, BUT THE CENSORS DO NOT GO OFF. BECAUSE THE CENSORS DO NOT GO OFF, THE DOME LIGHT STAYS ON MAKING IT HARD TO SEE AT NIGHT AND DRAINING THE BATTERY. THE DOORS DO NOT LOCK MAKING IT A SAFETY ISSUE. WHEN THE DRIVERS DOOR CENSOR IS ON, IT SETS OFF OTHER ALERTS LIKE "SHIFT TO PARK" AND "ENGINE IS ON" BECAUSE IT THINKS THE DOORS ARE OPEN AND IT CONTINUOUSLY BEEPS OR ALERTS ME. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR ALMOST ONE YEAR. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY CHARGED ME TO CLEAN THE LATCH. THEY SAID THIS HAD BEEN AN ISSUE WITH OTHER EXPLORERS AND SOMETIMES IT HELPS, SOMETIMES IT DOES NOT. IT DID NOT HELP. I HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH IT FOR ALMOST A YEAR. THE DOME LIGHT STAYS ON EVEN WHEN THE KEYS ARE NOT IN THE IGNITION. THESE CENSORS COME ON WHEN THE ENGINE IS STARTED, IN PARK, AND SOMETIMES RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING.
Other or unspecified, Oct 3, 2016
DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT WILL NOT TURN OFF AFTER CAR HAS BEEN STARTED. PROBLEM WAS BROUGHT TO FORD DEALERSHIP'S ATTENTION BUT WOULD NOT COVER UNDER THE 3 YEAR WARRANTY AS WE MISSED THE CUTOFF BY 2 MONTHS. THIS CONDITION HAS LASTED FOR 6 MONTHS AS WE CONTINUE TO HOPE THAT A RECALL NOTICE IS ISSUED.
Power train, Oct 2, 2016
SHIFT TO PARK ISSUE - THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK BUT THE DASH LIGHTS UP AND SAYS "SHIFT TO PARK'. THIS HAPPENS EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE IS ACTUALLY IN PARK. AFTER SEVERAL TRIES CANNOT GET THE DASH LIGHT TO TURN OFF. PROBLEM IS EVEN THOUGH THE CAR IS TURNED OFF THE BACK LIGHT ON THE DASH WILL STAY ON THUS DRAINING THE BATTERY. IF YOU DON'T DRIVE THE CAR FOR A FEW DAYS YOU COULD COME OUT TO A CAR THAT WON'T START BECAUSE OF A DEAD BATTERY. HAD IT FIXED AT MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP COSTING ROUGHLY $500. THE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN THAT IS OUT ON THE ISSUE SAYS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE SHIFTER. THE PROBLEM IS SOMETHING ON THE INSIDE OF THE SHIFTER. MY VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 60,000 MILES. THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM (JUST GOOGLE "SHIFT TO PARK"). ACCORDING TO THE TSB THIS AFFECTS EXPLORER, EDGE, AND SOME LINCOLN MODELS AS WELL. DISAPPOINTED FORD WILL NOT TAKE CARE OF SINCE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. DEALERSHIP SERVICE MANAGER SAYS FORD SHOULD PAY FOR IT (BOB UTTER FORD) AND FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE SAYS THEY ONLY PAY FOR ITEMS UNDER WARRANTY, RECALLS, AND THE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM. THIS DOES NOT FALL UNDER ANY OF THOSE PER FORD. FORD SHOULD ANTI UP FOR THIS AS A RECALL SINCE IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. VEHICLE STATIONARY DURING PROBLEM.
Structure, Sep 29, 2016
TAKATA RECALL FORD 2013 EXPLORER WAS TAKEN INTO HARRISON FORD, WELLINGTON OH ON MAY 5/15/2015 FOR NHTSA RECALL 15V171 (INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE SPRING). DROPPED OFF AND PICKED UP SAME DAY. EXPLORER WAS AND STILL HAVING SIGNALS AS FRONT DRIVER SIDE AJAR. FOR A WHILE THE DOOR HAD QUIT TO MY KNOWLEDGE. FAST FORWARD TO TODAY 9/29/2016 EXPLORER WAS TAKEN INTO DEALERSHIP FOR CONTINUOUS DISPLACEMENT FOR DOOR BEING "AJAR". DEALERSHIP ABOVE PRINTED THE NOTES ABOUT CAR HAVING FACTORY RECALL BEING DONE. EVEN THE SERVICE DESK CLERK QUESTIONED SAID NOTES FROM TECHNICIAN. AS A RESULT I WAS CHARGED $106.94 FOR A DIAGNOSTIC, AND EXPLORER WAS NOT FIXED. I EVEN ASKED WHY WOULD MY VIN SHOW UP ON THIS WEBSITE " NHTSA" . NO ANSWER. THE DRIVER DOOR WILL NOT CLOSE, PER MY INFORMATION SCREEN. IT CONCERNS ME IF IT IS NOT CLOSED, COULD IT BE THE SPRING FROM THE RECALL THAT WAS NOT FIXED? I DO HAVE AN INVOICE ATTACHED TO SHOW WORK WAS SUPPOSEDLY COMPLETED ON SAID DAY. ALSO TODAY I WAS CHARGED $2.55 FOR A HANDLE I WAS NEVER MADE AWARE OF TODAY 9/29/2016
Structure, Sep 24, 2016
THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR AT TIMES WILL NOT LATCH, HAS SWUNG OPEN WHILE DRIVING, AND THE DOOR HANDLE AT TIMES IS ALMOST FALLING OFF.
Vehicle speed control, Sep 23, 2016
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING AND I WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. WE WERE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY IN THE NUMBER 1 LANE AT ABOUT 65 MPH. WE FELT A JOLT, THE WRENCH WARNING LIGHT IMMEDIATELY CAME ON STATING "SEE OWNER'S MANUAL". THE VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION, THE GAS PEDAL WAS NOT WORKING AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. WHILE THE VEHICLE STILL HAD FOWARD MOMENTUM, MY WIFE HAD TO QUICKLY CROSS SEVERAL LANES TO AVOID BEING HIT FROM OTHER VEHICLES SO THAT WE WOULD NOT GET STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY. WE WERE ABLE TO COAST OFF THE FREEWAY AND STOP. THE VEHICE WAS PLACED IN PARK AND SHE SHUT THE ENGINE OFF. AFTER APPROX 5 MINUTES, WE RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, THE WARNING LIGHT WAS GONE, THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS NORMAL AND WE WERE ABLE TO DRIVE HOME. ACCORDING TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP, THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BOX HAS TO BE REPLACED. THIS VEHICLE IS ONLY 3 1/2 YEARS OLD WITH 29,000 MILES. THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE OCCUERED. THIS PARTICULAR PART IS NOT ON FORDS CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM. THE PART IS DEFECTIVE AND FORD IS REPLACING THEM ON OTHER VEHICLES BUT NOT ON THE FORD EXPLORER.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 21, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, EXHAUST FUMES EMITTED INSIDE THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE GRILL ASSEMBLY/VENT AIR, MOLDING, VALVE ASSEMBLY, AND AUTO DRAIN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,897. ..UPDATED 10/13/16 *BF UPDATED 10/18/16.*JB
Structure, Sep 21, 2016
CORROSION BUBBLES ON HOOD. IT IS A SAHEM ON A 2013 TRUCK.
Engine, Sep 19, 2016
WHILE DRIVING AN ERROR MESSAGE WITH WRENCH SYMBOL CAME ON AND CAR WOULDN'T MOVE. I PRESSED GAS PEDAL AND STILL WOULDN'T GO. I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET IN HEAVY TRAFFIC..
Steering, Sep 17, 2016
WHILE DRIVING OUR 2013 EXPLORER ON I 95 WE LOST POWER STEERING, WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND DRIVING BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. WE WERE DRIVING THE SPEED LIMIT OF 70 MPH AND REDUCED SPEED. MADE IT HOME, PARKED AND TURNED OFF VEHICLE. RESTARTED VEHICLE AND HAD TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING. STEERING WHEEL LOCKED COMPLETELY. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP WHERE PURCHASED. STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO POWER STEERING GEAR HAS INTERNAL FAULT. WE HAVE BEEN TOLD OUR VEHICLE VIN # IS NOT CURRENTLY ON THE RECALL LIST.
Structure, Sep 12, 2016, crash
WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT ON A BACK ROAD THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR OF MY FORD EXPLORER SUDDENLY OPENED FOR NO REASON WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE SUDDEN DOOR OPENING CAUSED ME TO SWERVE AND I HIT THE PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR ON A SIGN POST. UPON EXAMINATION AFTER PULLING OVER, THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HANDLE APPEARED TO BE DEFECTIVE. IT HAD FALLEN APART, A SMALL LATCH IN THE HANDLE WAS BROKEN CAUSING IT COME LOOSE ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE DOOR FOR NO REASON. THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HANDLE, THE PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR, AND THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW ENDED UP HAVING TO BE REPLACED. DUE TO RESOURCEFULNESS OF MY HUSBAND, WE WERE ABLE TO OBTAIN PARTS AND REPAIR THE DAMAGES OURSELVES BUT THE COST OF THE PARTS ALONE TOTALED IN EXCESS OF $400.00.
Steering, Sep 12, 2016
POWER STEERING WENT OUT, UNABLE TO DRIVE VEHICLE ANYWHERE. VERY DANGEROUS, COULD HAVE CAUSED A WRECK.
Power train, Sep 10, 2016
VEHICLE IS A 2013 EXPLORER XLT THAT WAS PURCHASED NEW. IT HAS 69K AND IS OUTSIDE THE 5YR/60K POWERTRAIN WARRANTY. MY WIFE COMMUTES TO WORK AND DRIVES THE KIDS TO SCHOOL. WE DO NOT TOW OR HAUL ANYTHING WITH IT. A FEW DAYS AGO SHE WAS PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND HIT ABOUT 20MPH WHEN IT LOST POWER AND WOULDN'T ACCELERATE (LIKE IT WAS IN NEUTRAL). SHE PULLED OVER AND TRIED TO TURN AROUND, BUT THERE WAS NO REVERSE. WAS ABLE TO GET HOME WITH HELP FROM A NEIGHBOR. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY OR AT AN INTERSECTION THE RESULTS COULD HAVE BEEN VERY DIFFERENT POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH. I DROVE IT AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AND "TERRAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FAULT LIGHT CAME ON. IT THROUGH A FEW CODES P0756, P2701, AND U3003. HAD IT TOWED TO DEALER AND THEY ULTIMATELY ARE SAYING THE CODES MEAN THAT THERE IS A MECHANICAL FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION AND IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED TO THE TUNE OF $5,800. I CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY HAVE YET TO DO ANYTHING. I FIND IT APPALLING THAT A 3 YEAR OLD CAR WITH UNDER 70K HAD A TOTAL CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION AND I'M EXPECTED TO COVER THE ENTIRE COST.
Steering, Sep 10, 2016
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I LOST ALL POWER STEERING ON THE CAR. WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER. RESTARTED THE CAR AND POWER STEERING CAME BACK.
Power train, Sep 9, 2016
VEHICLE WILL NOT SHIFT INTO PARK. RECEIVE MESSAGE "SHIFT TO PARK". AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, WILL EVENTUALLY SHIFT TO PARK (SO FAR). FAMILIAR WITH SEVERAL COMPLAINTS OF SAME ISSUE ON FORD EXPLORER AND EXPEDITIONS WITH CENTER CONSOLE
Other or unspecified, Sep 8, 2016
THIS EVENING MY WIFE RAN A FEW ERRANDS AND AFTERWARDS LITERALLY STUMBLED INTO OUR HOME BECAUSE OF HOW DIZZY SHE WAS. I ASKED HER WHAT WAS WRONG AND SHE SAID SHE ACCELERATED QUICKLY TO GET ON A BUSY CITY STREET NEAR OUR HOUSE COMING HOME AND SHE SUBSEQUENTLY INHALED AN "EXHAUST/BURNT HAIR" SMELL FROM INSIDE THE CAR. SHE COULD BARELY EVEN STAND STRAIGHT. WE HAVE 2 SMALL CHILDREN AND THE EXHAUST/GAS SMELL HAS PROGRESSIVELY GOTTEN MORE AND MORE NOTICEABLE WHEN ACCELERATING QUICKLY. WE'VE NOW HAD THE VEHICLE 2.5 YEARS APPROXIMATELY. EVERY TIME WE FILL THE VEHICLE UP WITH GAS, THE FUMES LINGER INSIDE THE CAR FOR OVER 24 HOURS. I'M SERIOUSLY WORRIED ABOUT MY FAMILY'S SAFETY AT THIS POINT AND WE'RE WONDERING WHAT ACTION TO TAKE NEXT SINCE WE DON'T WANT TO CONTINUE DRIVING A POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS VEHICLE. UNFORTUNATELY, WE LIVE IN A WARM STATE AND HAVE TO UTILIZE THE AC WITH THE WINDOWS UP ALMOST EXCLUSIVELY.
Steering, Sep 8, 2016
THE POWER STEERING ASSIST HAS DEFAULTED NUMEROUS TIMES AND LOCKED MY STEERING WHEEL UP. TURNING THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON HAS RESOLVED THE MATTER FOR NOW, BUT I AM AFRAID IT WILL LOCK UP WHILE DRIVING AT A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED. THE SERVICE ADVANCE TRAC WARNING HAS ALSO COME UP A COUPLE OF TIMES. ALL 4 OF THE STEERING DEFECTS HAVE OCCURRED BETWEEN THE DATES OF SEPTEMBER 1ST AND SEPTEMBER 5TH, 2016.
Structure, Sep 7, 2016
I PURCHASED THIS CAR BRAND NEW AND THEN NOT LONG MEANING MONTHS 6 MONTHS OR SO AFTER OWNING IT AFTER A RAIN I STARTED HEARING SPLASHING SOUNDS FROM THE BACK AND I FOUND WATER ALL IN THE BACK WHERE THE SPARE TIRE IS LOCATED AND THEN WATER ALL IN THE BACK SEAT FLOOR AND UNDER THE DRIVERS SEAT. THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT LOOK AT THE CAR AS THEY BLAMED ME FOR NOT ROLLING UP MY WINDOWS AND AFTER COMPLAINING TO THE OWNER THEY WERE FORCED TO LOOK AND FOUND THE BACK HATCH HAD A CRACK UP UNDER THE RACK AREA, WHICH WAS CAUSING WATER TO COME IN THE CAR, THE SUN ROOF SMALL TUBES CLOGGED AND COVERED BY A RUBBER LINING CAUSING WATER TO BACK UP INTO THE BACK SEAT FLOORS. I WAS TOLD THIS WAS SOMETHING I NEEDED TO TAKE CARE OF AS I NEEDED TO BLOW ARE PRESSURE IN THESE SMALL TUBES OFTEN TO CLEAR DEBRIS TO PREVENT WATER FROM BACKING UP AND GOING INTO THE BACK SEAT. THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW AND THE CAR SMELLS OF MOLD AND STILL IS TAKING IN SO MUCH WATER AND THE FLOOR I FEEL IS GOING TO RUST OUT AND RENDER THE CAR USELESS. AS I HAVE OWNED MANY CARS WITH SUNROOFS AND NEVER HAVE I EVER HAD TO DO THAT AND OTHERS WHO OWN THIS KIND OF CAR DO NOT HAVE THIS ISSUE.
Steering, Sep 6, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRIC STEERING GEAR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,365. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 6, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE STRONG FUMES EMITTING INTO THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH CAUSED NAUSEA AND HEADACHES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
Service brakes, Sep 6, 2016
I HAD A COMPLETE SERVICE PERFORMED ON MY REAR BRAKES DUE TO THEM DRAGGING AND BEING COMPLETELY WORN IN JUNE/2016, LESS THAN THREE MONTHS LATER THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR BREAK IS DRAGGING AGAIN AND OVERHEATING. SINCE IT'S BEEN LESS THAN THREE MONTHS, I WOULD IMAGINE THAT CORROSION IS NOT THE ISSUE.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 1, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, EXHAUST FUMES EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000.
Structure, Aug 29, 2016
IN TWO SEPARATE INCIDENTS, WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH ON AN INTERSTATE, THE WINDSHIELD TRIM FLEW OFF THE VEHICLE STRIKING ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE INTERSTATE. THE TRIM CAME OFF BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES OF THE VEHICLE.