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.
Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 15, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR LATCH SYSTEM WAS DEFECTIVE. THE PANEL WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED AND FLASHED "DOOR AJAR". THE CONTACT TELEPHONED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE DOOR ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000.
Structure, Jul 15, 2015
PAINT IS BUBBLING ON THE FRONT EDGE OF THE HOOD
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 13, 2015
RADIATOR HOSE BREACHED, DECOMPRESSING RADIATOR. RADIATOR HOSE WAS RUBBED OPEN BY NEARBY METAL COMPRESSOR LINE RUNNING PERPENDICULAR. HOLE WAS 1" BY 1/2". RADIATOR IMMEDIATELY EMPTIED, ENGINE OVERHEATED AND SHUDDERED. REPAIR MADE BY FORD DEALERSHIP ONLY REPLACED HOSE AND FLUSHED COOLANT. FORD DID NOT REMEDY SITUATION WHERE METAL COMPRESSOR LINE IS ADJACENT AND SOMETIMES IN CONTACT WITH RADIATOR HOSE. I HAVE PHOTO AND VIDEO PROVING THE AC LINE RUBBED THE HOSE OPEN.
Engine, Jul 13, 2015
UNTIL THIS LAST WEEKEND, WE OWNED A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WE NOTICED AN EXHAUST SMELL IN THE CABIN SOON AFTER WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, BUT THOUGHT IT WAS JUST "NEW ENGINE SMELL." ON TRIPS ACCELERATING UP MOUNTAINS THE EXHAUST SMELL IN THE CABIN HAS BEEN PARTICULARLY BAD. IN FACT, MY 8 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER HAS COMPLAINED OF A STOMACH ACHE AND THE NEED TO THROW UP EVERY TIME WE ARE IN THIS VEHICLE ON AN EXTENDED TRIP. WE CHALKED IT UP TO HER HAVING MOTION SICKNESS AND EVEN STARTED GIVING HER DRAMAMINE (WHICH NEVER HELPED). WHEN WE RENTED CARS FOR TRIPS, SHE DIDN'T HAVE THE SICK FEELING. MY HUSBAND WAS GETTING HEADACHES IN THIS VEHICLE, AND I WOULD ALWAYS FEEL EXTREMELY SLEEPY AND ALSO GET HEADACHES. MY FATHER (WHO IS A MECHANIC) RODE IN THE CAR WITH US THIS PAST 4TH OF JULY HOLIDAY, AND TOLD US WE PROBABLY HAD AN EXHAUST LEAK. LAST WEEK, AFTER TRAVELING BACK FROM BEING IN THE MOUNTAINS AND SMELLING THE EXHAUST SMELL IN THE CABIN ON YET ANOTHER TRIP, AND MY DAUGHTER GETTING SICK YET AGAIN, WE DECIDED WE HAVE HAD ENOUGH. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TO CHECK OUT THE CAR. THEY SAID THERE WAS A TECHNICAL BULLETIN OUT FOR THE ISSUE AND THEY KNEW WHAT TO DO TO FIX IT. THE DAY WE GOT IT BACK FROM THE DEALER AFTER THEY "FIXED IT", WE ACCELERATED HARD ON THE FREEWAY AND THE SMELL WAS STILL THERE, AND ACTUALLY EVEN WORSE. WE ROLLED ALL THE WINDOWS DOWN AND IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT AND TRADED IT IN. I AM LIVID. FORD HAS KNOWINGLY ENDANGERED MY FAMILY FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS THAT WE HAVE OWNED THE CAR. AFTER READING OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE ISSUE AND REALIZING THAT FORD WAS NOT LIKELY TO FIX THE PROBLEM, WE DECIDED WE COULDN'T RISK OUR FAMILY'S HEALTH BY KEEPING THIS CAR. WE HAVE LOST TWO YEARS THAT WE HAVE PAID ON THE CAR. WE HAD PLANNED ON KEEPING THE EXPLORER WELL AFTER WE PAID IT OFF. I HAVE LOST ALL TRUST IN FORD.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Engine, Jul 13, 2015
AT THE3200 MILEAGE I EXPERINCE BRAKE ISSUES ROTARY HAD TO BE REPLACED .ON THE FIRST WEEK OF JULY 2015 ADDITIONAL BRAKE WORK HAD TO BE REDONE.ON JULY10TH 2015 WHILE DRIVING THE AC UNIT WENT OUT COMPLETLY WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A LONG EXTENDED TRIP BARELY MADE IT HOME NO AIR WIERD SCREEHIN NOISE. SCHEDULED TO GO BACK TO REPAIR7-14-15 . I PURCHASE THE VEHICLE JULY 2014.THE VEHICLE HAS 36000. VERY UNHAPPY AT THIS POINT THINKING ABOUT RETURNING THE VEHICLE AND STARTING OVER WITH SOME OTHER VEHICLE
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 12, 2015
AS I WAS DRIVING WITH MY WIFE AND THREE BOYS IN A HIGHWAY, THE ENGINE LIGHT TURN ON AND THE VEHICLE CHOKE AND TURN OFF, THE CAR THAT WAS COMING IN BACK OFF ME NEARLY HIT ME CAUSING A MAJOR ACCIDENT. THE CAR IN BACK OF ME SWONG TO THE LEFT NEARLY HITTING THE CAR COMING ON THE LEFT AND MY VEHICLE, MY HEART STARTED PUMPING FAST KNOWING WHAT COULD HAD HAPPENED. THIS SITUATION GOT ME THINKING NOT TO THRUST FORD VEHICLES. I CAN'T RISK PUTTING MY FAMILY LIFE IN DANGER BECAUSE OF A FAIRLY NEW VEHICLE. THIS SHOULDN'T BE HAPPENING ON A TWO AND HALF YEAR OLD CAR. I TOOK IT TO GET DIGNOSTIC TEST AND IT CAME OUT THAT THE THROTTLE BODY AND PULGE VALVE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. FORD SHOULD RECALL THESE VEHICLE IMMIDIATELY.
Electrical system, Structure, Jul 10, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE DOOR AJAR SENSOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED INDICATING THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR WAS AJAR ALTHOUGH THE DOOR WAS CLOSED AND SECURED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THE DOME LIGHT WOULD ALSO REMAIN ON CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY WHEN DRIVING IN REVERSE AT NIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE SENSOR LIGHT BUT THE FAILURE EVENTUALLY RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Other or unspecified, Jul 7, 2015
THE FRONT EDGE OF THE HOOD HAS BUBBLING PAINT, DEALER TRIED TO HAVE FORD COVER THE REPAIR BUT FORD DENIED THE REPAIR. DEALERSHIP INSTRUCTED ME TO CALL FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND FILE A COMPLAINT. FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE SUGGESTED I FILE A COMPLAINT HERE WITH NHTSA.
Structure, Engine, Jun 30, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, EXHAUST FUMES ENTERED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED SIX TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN PLACED SILICONE AND SEAL AROUND THE BUMPER AND HOLES AND REPROGRAMMED THE HVAC. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000. MA 10/8 UPDATED 11/02/2017*CN
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 27, 2015
MY CAR CONTINUES TO HAVE STINKY EXHAUST FUMES COMING INTO THE CABIN. WE HAVE THE RECYCLE SWITCH ON, BUT IT DOES NOTHING TO STOP THE FUMES FROM COMING IN. I HAVE TAKEN THIS CAR TO THE DEALER ON NUMBER OCCASIONS, BUT THEY NEVER WOULD ADMIT THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM. IN FACT, THEY CLAIMED THAT THIS WAS HOW IT WORKED. I THEN CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY ON OTHER OCCASIONS, BUT WAS TOLD EACH TIME, THAT THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH THE SYSTEM. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT IF FUMES ARE COMING INTO THE CABIN OF THE CAR, IT IS NOT HEALTHY. IT'S AS IF FORD DOESN'T WANT TO ADMIT THEY HAVE A PROBLEM, OR THEIR NOSES ARE SO STOPPED UP THAT THEY CAN'T SMELL. FORD AND THEIR DEALERS ARE DISMISSING THE PROBLEM WHEN I KNOW THERE IS A PROBLEM. FORD NEEDS TO ADMIT THAT THIS PROBLEM IS NOT GOOD FOR THOSE OF US THAT HAVE TO LIVE WITH THE ROTTEN EGG SMELL IN OUR VEHICLES.
Steering, Jun 26, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN AND SEIZED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE VEHICLE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING RACK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000.
Service brakes, Engine, Jun 24, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 75 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SHIFTED THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Steering, Jun 24, 2015
I HAVE A FORD EXPLORER THAT WAS PART OF THE 14S06 RECALL. BEFORE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM A FORD DEALERSHIP IT WAS OWNED BY ENTERPRISE RENTAL, AFTER THEY TURNED THE CAR IN TRI COUNTY FORD SHOWS THEY PERFORMED THE RECALL ON THE VEHICLE IN 2014. THEY SAID THEY DID THE SOFTWARE DOWNLOAD ON THE EPS. I HAVE SINCE LOST STEERING ASSIST ON MY VEHICLE A NUMBER OF TIMES SO I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THIS RECALL ON MY VEHICLE. AFTER CALLING FORD THEY AUTHORIZED A LOCAL DEALER TO LOOK AT IF AND FIGURE OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS AT NO CHARGE. THE FORD DEALERSHIP SAYS THAT THEY CAN NOT CONNECT TO THE STEERING GEAR AND THAT PER THE RECALL IT SHOULD BE REPLACED. FORD IS REFUSING TO COVER THE RECALL AND BECAUSE THEY SAY THAT THE RECALL HAS ALREADY BEEN DONE (SOFTWARE DOWNLOAD) AND AT THE TIME OF THE RECALL BEING PERFORMED THERE WERE NO DTC CODES SO THE DOWNLOAD SHOULD HAVE FIXED IT. IF IT WOULD HAVE SHOWED CODES AT THE TIME OF THE SOFTWARE DOWNLOAD THEY WOULD HAVE REPLACED THE STEERING GEAR AT THAT TIME. I FEEL THAT THIS SHOULD BE COVERED AS IT PART OF THE RECALL I HAVE ONLY OWNED THE CAR FOR LESS THAN 3 MONTHS AND THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION. AFTER COMPLAINING TO FORD SAID THEY WOULD COVER 1/2 OF THE COST OF REPAIRS. BUT DUE TO THIS BEING A SAFETY RECALL I FEEL IT SHOULD BE COVERED 100%
Engine, Jun 15, 2015
EXHAUST ODOR NOTICED INSIDE 2013 EXPLORER. THE FUMES HAVE CAUSED HEADACHES,NAUSEA, AND FATIGUE. THESE INCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED DURING ACCELERATION AND SUSTAINED HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE EXHAUST SMELL IS NOTICED THROUGHOUT INSIDE THE VEHICLE, FROM THE DRIVER TO THE PASSENGERS IN SECOND AND THIRD ROW (MY KIDS). THIS IS A REPEATABLE INCIDENT.
Steering, Traction control system, Jun 12, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER AND THE SERVICE ADVANCE TRACTION CONTROL AND SERVICE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000 (STEERING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. MA 08/11/15 UPDATED 10/20/2017*CN
Steering, Jun 5, 2015
I ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR DUE TO STEERING. THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE WAS WOBBLY AND HAD NO TRACTION. THE TIRES ARE IN GOOD SHAPE. I HAVE BEEN HAVING SO MUCH TROUBLE OUT OF THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE. IT HAS BEEN BALANCED AND ALIGNED 4 TIMES, NEW BRAKE PADS, AND ROTORS TURNED. NO ONE CAN FIGURE OUT WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE STEERING OR THE TIRE. IT BEGINS TO SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY. I HAVE HAD IT RE-BALANCE AND EACH TIME NO ONE CAN FIGURE OUT WHY IT KEEPS PULLING TO THE RIGHT. I DON'T KNOW IF IT IS MOTOR RELATED, STEERING OR THE TRANSMISSION. SO FRUSTRATED. I JUST BOUGHT THE CAR LESS THAN 3 MONTHS AGO.
Other or unspecified, Jun 2, 2015
FIGURED OUT THAT THE CONSTANT ANNOYING FLAPPING NOISE DURING CROSS WINDS WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THAT SEEMED TO BE COMING FROM THE WINDSHIELD TRIM OR LOWER DOOR POST WAS ACTUALLY COMING FROM A LOOSE PANEL FASTENER OR SHIELD CLIP ON THE INNER FENDER SPLASH SHIELD/SKIRT. THERE ARE SEVERAL OF THESE FASTENERS AND ONE WAS LOOSE ENOUGH TO ALLOW THE SHIELD TO VIBRATE. ONCE THAT WAS RESECURED IT HASN'T MADE THE NOISE SINCE.
Steering, May 28, 2015
ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WE HAD NOTICED DIFFICULTY STEERING IN OUR 2013 FORD EXPLORER. ON NOV 18, 2014 THIS PROBLEM NEARLY CAUSED A CRASH, PROMPTING US TO TAKE IT TO OUR DEALERSHIP PRIOR TO A LENGTHY THANKSGIVING TRIP. OUR DEALERSHIP WENT THROUGH MULTIPLE SYSTEMS CHECKS WITH NO RESOLVE. THEY CONTACTED THEIR REPRESENTATIVE FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTION. THE VEHICLE REMAINED AT THE DEALERSHIP FROM NOV 24,2014 UNTIL THE DEALER DECIDED TO PURCHASE IT FROM US MARCH 6, 2015. WE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH FORD 12/19/14 CASE # CAS-5717020 AND THE BBB 12/11/15 CASE # FRD15122601. FORD MAINTAINED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE, YET MADE OVER 7 ATTEMPTS TO FIX IT. THEY FURTHER STATED THAT WE CHOSE NOT TO RETRIEVE THE VEHICLE - BUT EACH TIME FORD SAID IT WAS FIXED AND WE WENT TO GET IT - THE DEALER INSISTED IT WAS NOT SAFE. THE DEALER FINALLY PURCHASED IT FROM US JUST TO GET US OUT OF IT AND PRESERVE OUR RELATIONSHIP. WE ARE CONCERNED THAT THE VEHICLE IS STILL IN SERVICE. WE WERE MADE TO FEEL STUPID REGARDING THE COMPLAINT. AND WE ARE OUT SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS! SEEING THIS MOST RECENT RECALL REGARDING A STEERING PROBLEM THAT FORD WAS AWARE OF IN JUNE 2014 MAKES ME ANGRY AND SICK THAT THE VEHICLE COULD HAVE KILLED US, AND IS LIKELY OUT THERE WITH A LESS EXPERIENCED DRIVER WHOSE LIFE AND THE LIVES OF THOSE AROUND THEM ARE IN DANGER!! I HAVE ALL THE INFORMATION REGARDING THIS VEHICLE, AND IT CAN ALSO BE FOLLOWED THROUGH THE CASE NUMBERS. PLEASE HELP US GET THIS CAR OFF THE ROAD!! MY HUSBAND IS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT, HE IS A CHIEF OF POLICE, A SENIOR INSTRUCTOR, SPECIALIZED IN SPEED DETECTION AND DRIVER TRAINING, AND PURSUIT TACTICS TRAINING (PIT). THIS WAS PURCHASED AS A FAMILY TRAVEL VEHICLE, IT SHOULD NOT REQUIRE SOMEONE WITH SPECIALIZED DRIVER TRAINING TO HANDLE.
Electrical system, May 28, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE TERRAIN SYSTEM MALFUNCTION WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 21, 2015
BURNT OIL SMELL DURING ACCELERATION OR LONG TRIPS. THIS IS EASILY REPEATABLE AND HAPPENS EVERY TIME.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 15, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND A METAL TO METAL GRINDING NOISE EMITTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE THE REAR DRIVER SIDE CALIPER WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000.
Visibility/wiper, Apr 20, 2015
WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL JUST COME ON SOMETIMES WHEN YOU START THE VEHICLE. IF YOU TURN THEM ON TO CLEAN WINDSHIELD AND TURN THEM OFF THEY WILL STILL COME ON AFTER YOU HAVE TURNED THEM OFF. REALLY A PAIN TO DEAL WITH. *TR
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 17, 2015
INTERIOR DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOOR LATCHES ARE LOOSE AND DON'T HAVE ANY RESISTANCE ON THEM. BECAUSE OF THIS THE DOORS CAN EASILY BE OPENED WITH VERY LITTLE EFFORT AT ANY SPEED. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 16, 2015
THIS WAS THE FIRST INCIDENCE. DRIVER DOOR AJAR SENSOR WOULD COME ON AND OFF...TOOK IT TO FORD...THEY LOOKED AT SERVICE BULLETIN AND REPLACED SENSOR. NOW 1 YEAR LATER - APRIL 2015...SAME THING EXCEPT THAT I AM NOW IN MY EXTENDED WARRANTY AND FORD WANTS ME TO PAY THE DEDUCTIBLE TO "FIX" SOMETHING THAT WAS ALREADY SUPPOSEDLY "FIXED" LAST YEAR UNDER MY REGULAR WARRANTY - BUT CLEARLY ISN'T FIXED! VERY ANNOYED! *TR
Electrical system, Apr 12, 2015
MY DRIVERS SIDE DOOR AJAR SENSOR STAYS ON WHEN THE DOOR IS CLOSED. THIS SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE SENSOR IN THE DOOR AS YOU CAN MANIPULATE IT UP AND DOWN TO MAKE IT WORK BUT IT JUST KEEPS HAPPENING. AWFULLY DESIGN. THIS ALSO SEEMS TO HAVE A SAFETY ISSUE AS THE SENSOR MAKES THE INTERNAL LIGHTING COME ON SO AT NIGHT IT CAN BLIND THE DRIVER WHEN IT COMES ON! *TR