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.
Electrical system, Apr 11, 2015
DRIVER DOOR SENSOR HAS GONE OUT - THINKS THAT DOOR IS ALWAYS OPEN! *TR
Engine, Apr 8, 2015, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS SMOKE COMING THROUGH THE VENTS INTO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE ECO BOOST MOTOR WAS REPLACED. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED, WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE AND THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE EVAP PURGE VALVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,491.
Power train, Apr 6, 2015
FOR THE 2ND TIME IN LESS THAN 9 MONTHS THE TRUCK BEGAN TO SPUTTER WHEN ACCELERATING AND SHOOK VIOLENTLY UNTIL IT FINALLY DIED. THE CABIN FILLED UP WITH A STRONG FUME SMELL. FIRST TIME WAS ~25K MILES AND THIS TIME WAS ~30K MILES. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Apr 2, 2015
THE INCIDENT OCCURRED FOR THE FIRST TIME ON 09/25/2014. WHEN COMING TO A STOP, THE CAR ACCELERATES SUDDENLY WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED AT IRREGULAR INTERVALS IN THE PAST (APPROXIMATELY 4 TIMES) AND AGAIN YESTERDAY AFTERNOON WHEN I WAS PARKING THE CAR. I NEARLY RAN OVER A PARKING ATTENDANT. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE CAR TO KEMP FORD IN THOUSAND OAKS, CA. WHERE THE SERVICE MANAGER ([XXX]) RAN A DIAGNOSTIC ON ONE OF THE MODULE THAT REGULATES THE CAR SPEED - WITHOUT SUCCESS. HE WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE THE PROBLEM WHICH IS UNPREDICTABLE. WE ARE AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR AND WONDER WHAT RECOURSE WE MAY HAVE AT THIS POINT IN TIME. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 30, 2015
GAS/EXHAUST SMELL WHILE DRIVING. THIS SMELL IS COMING OUT OF THE HEATING AND AIR CONDITION VENTS WHILE DRIVING. MAKE YOU NAUSEOUS. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Mar 28, 2015, crash
EXITING FROM PARKING LOT AND SPEED OF ABOUT 15 MPH ON A STRAIGHT ROAD, NO POT HOLES, AT ABOUT 100 FT FROM THE PARKING EXIT, IT HIT AN ELECTRIC POST. LEFT FRONT SUSPENSION, FENDER, WHEELS,PILLARS, ROCKER & FLOOR, RADIATOR SUPPORT, FRONT LAMPS, HOOD,STEERING ROCK, CRADLE, TRANSMISSION TRANSFER CASE, FRONT DOOR AND MANY MORE DAMAGE. ALL ARE IN LEFT SIDE. I CHECKED THE VIN BUT IT IS NOT ON RECALL FOR POWER STEERING PROBLEM HOWEVER I SUSPECT POWER STEERING WAS THE CAUSED OF ACCIDENT. IT IS A MAJOR DAMAGED AND THE INSURANCE IS NOT YET DECIDED IF REPAIR OR TOTAL WRECK. I ASKED THE FORD DEALERSHIP TO SEE ON THE DIAGNOSTIC COMPUTER OF THE VEHICLE BUT UP TO NOW THEY HAVE NOT YET CHECK. *TR
Power train, Engine, Mar 27, 2015
WHEN I SHIFT INTO PARK, THE COMPUTER STARTS PEEPING AND TELLING ME TO SHIFT INTO PARK. THE DASH SAYS ITS IN PARK, AND IT WONT GO ANY FURTHER, BUT IT WON'T STOP BEEPING TILL I MESS WITH PUTTING IT IN AND OUT OF PARK SEVERAL TIMES. I USE MY PARKING BRAKE "ALL" THE TIME BECAUSE I CAN'T TRUST THAT IT IS REALLY IN PARK OR NOT. WHEN I CALLED THE DEALER THEY SAID THEY HAD A COUPLE IN THE SHOP THAT WERE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AND THEY WERE REPLACING SOMETHING ON IT AND IF IT SOLVED THE PROBLEM, THEY'D LET ME KNOW. I HAVEN'T HEARD ANYTHING AND AM STILL HAVING THE PROBLEM.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 20, 2015
EXHAUST FUMES IN CABIN WHEN ACCELERATED. *TR
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 13, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH REAR DOORS WOULD NOT UNLATCH WITHOUT ASSISTANCE FROM THE DRIVER OR FRONT PASSENGER. THE CHILD LOCK WAS NOT ENGAGED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THIS WAS A NORMAL OCCURRENCE AND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED IN THAT MANNER. IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY, THE DRIVER AND REAR PASSENGERS WOULD BE TRAPPED IN THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Steering, Electrical system, Mar 11, 2015
DASH DISPLAYED SERVICE ADVANCETRAC. TRACTION CONTROL WAS DISABLED AND STABILITY CONTROL WAS DISABLED AND INDICATORS LIT IN DASH. DIFFICULT TO STEER DUE TO PARTIAL LOSS OF POWER STEERING. DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEER RACK UNIT NEEDS TO GE REPLACED. *TR
Power train, Mar 9, 2015, crash
PARKED ON SLIGHT INCLINE IN DRIVEWAY, DID NOT USE PARKING BRAKE, AFTER ABOUT TWO HOURS I CAME BACK AND NOTICED THAT MY VEHICLE HAD ROLLED INTO THE VEHICLE BEHIND ME, A TOTAL DISTANCE OF ABOUT 3 FEET, MY TIRE TRACKS WERE VISIBLE IN THE SNOW, WHICH IS HOW I IDENTIFIED THAT MY VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS AND WAS NOT HIT FROM THE VEHICLE BEHIND MINE. *TR
Structure, Feb 25, 2015
PURCHASED VEHICLE FROM FORD DEALER AS A PRE-CERTIFIED VEHICLE AT DELIVERY FOUND THE FRONT EDGE OF THE HOOD HAD BUBBLING PAINT, DEALER TRIED TO HAVE FORD COVER THE REPAIR BUT FORD DENIED THE CLAIM DUE TO VEHICLE BEING OUT OF WARRANTY BY MILEAGE, VEHICLE IS 2 YRS OLD AND ONLY 2200 MILES OUT OF WARRANTY BY MILEAGE. THIS IS A KNOW ISSUE WITH TO HAPPEN WITH ALUMINUM HOODS SINCE 2002 AND FORD HAS PREVIOUS TSB'S FOR OLDER VEHICLES DUE TO THIS ISSUE.
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 23, 2015
2013 FORD EXPLORER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE RECURRING PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS, BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND/OR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 19, 2015
STRONG EXHAUST SMELL IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. SMELLS BAD AND GIVES ME A HEADACHE. I DRIVE WITH MY DAUGHTER IN THE CAR AND AM VERY WORRIED ABOUT THE EFFECTS IT IS HAVING ON HER (AS WELL AS MYSELF). THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUE!! *TR
Structure, Feb 13, 2015
PAINT BUBBLING AT EDGE OF HOOD NO DAMAGE TO HOOD. *TR
Steering, Feb 12, 2015
2013 FORD EXPLORER. A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR PREVIOUS FORD VEHICLES, REGARDING A STEERING DEFECT. HOWEVER, THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. *TA THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE RECALL SHOULD BE EXPANDED. *JB
Structure, Feb 4, 2015
NOTICED THAT MY PAINT IS PEELING AND FLAKING ON INSIDE PART OF LEFT REAR DRIVERS DOOR RIGHT TO BARE METAL AWAITING TO HEAR WHAT FORD IS GOING TO DO VEHICLE STILL UNDER FULL BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY. ALSO SAME DOOR NOT CLOSING PROPERLY ALSO BEING ADDRESSED. *TR
Structure, Jan 31, 2015
THE CAR'S HOOD HAS DEVELOPED RUST FROM THE UNDER THE CLEAR COAT AND ALONG THE WELDED SEAMS THROUGH OUT THE ENTIRE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 29, 2015
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THERE WAS SMOKE EMITTING FROM THE EXHAUST PIPE ENTERING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT TWO PASSENGERS BECAME SICK DUE TO THE SMOKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WERE SEAMS IN THE FRAME THAT NEEDED TO BE CLOSED. IN ADDITION, THE VENTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE AIR CONDITIONING MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT MORE SEAMS NEEDED TO BE CLOSED AND VENTS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000.
Steering, Jan 28, 2015
THE POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE TRAVELING AT 45 MPH. I COULD STEER MANUALLY BUT IT WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO MAINTAIN A STRAIGHT LINE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 20, 2015
IN DECEMBER 2014, SEVERAL PATROL OFFICERS FROM THE YARMOUTH POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORTED THE ODOR OF EXHAUST FUMES IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF A 2013 FORD EXPLORER INTERCEPTOR SUV THEY HAD BEEN OPERATING. WHILE SITTING STATIONARY WITH THE ENGINE IDLING, THE OFFICERS DETECTED THE ODOR OF EXHAUST LEAKING INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF THIS VEHICLE. UPON FURTHER EXAMINATION BY OUR PUBLIC WORKS MECHANIC, MULTIPLE CRACKS WERE DISCOVERED IN THE WELDS CONNECTING THE EXHAUST PIPES TO THE RESONATOR. THESE CRACKS WERE ALLOWING EXHAUST FUMES TO LEAK DIRECTLY INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING STATIONARY. FOR SAFETY REASONS, THE VEHICLE WAS IMMEDIATELY REMOVED FROM THE FLEET UNTIL THE EXHAUST SYSTEM WAS REPLACED. THE REPLACEMENT EXHAUST ELIMINATED THE EXHAUST LEAKAGE PROBLEM. A SECOND FORD SUV OWNED BY THE YARMOUTH POLICE DEPARTMENT AND PURCHASED AT THE SAME TIME AS THE ONE MENTIONED ABOVE WAS ALSO PULLED FROM THE FLEET AND INSPECTED FOR EXHAUST CRACKS. THIS SUV, WHICH HAS JUST OVER 55,000 MILES ON IT, WAS ALSO FOUND TO HAVE A CRACK IN THE WELD SEPARATING THE EXHAUST AND RESONATOR. FORD MOTOR COMPANY PROVIDED A NEW EXHAUST FOR THIS VEHICLE UNDER THE MANUFACTURER?S WARRANTY.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 17, 2015
UPON ACCELERATION, THE 2013 FORD EXPLORER RELEASES EXHAUST INTO THE CABIN. *TR
Engine, Dec 31, 2014
ON DECEMBER 15 2014, I WAS DRIVING TO PONCE ON HIGHWAY 52 IN PUERTO RICO. WHEN SUDDENTLY THE ENGINE STALL WHILE DRIVING. AFTER THAT THE PROBLEM HAVE CONTINUE DOING IT, SOMETIMES THREE TIMES A DAY. THE LAST TIME WAS MONDAY 29 2014 WHILE I WAS DRIVING TO THE DEALER. I'M VERY AFRAID OF DRIVING THIS VEHICLE KNOWING THAT CAN STALL ANY MOMENT WHITHOUT NOTICE AND IMPLICATE ME IN AN ACCIDENT. *JS
Steering, Suspension, Electronic stability control (ESC), Dec 7, 2014
WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY, MY STEERING BEGAN TO FEEL TIGHTER AND TIGHTER, WITH THE WHEEL HARDER TO TURN. SOON IT BEGAN TO REQUIRE A "PUSH" TO MAKE THE MOVEMENT OF THE WHEEL BEGIN. I PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY AND THE DASH ALERTS CAME ON. ONE SAID, "SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW" AND ONE INDICATED THAT THE TRACTION CONTROL FUNCTION WAS OFF. THE MANUAL SAID I SHOULD SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND IT WOULD RESET THESE. INSTEAD, THE STEERING LOCKED ENTIRELY. NO DEALERS WERE STILL OPEN THE NIGHT BEFORE THANKSGIVING, SO I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A SHOP I'VE USED. THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE COMPUTER HOOKUPS NECESSARY SO I TOWED IT AGAIN TO ANOTHER SHOP. THEY "CLEARED" THE CODES, AND FOUND THE VEHICLE DID NOT MALFUNCTION AGAIN. THEY ALERTED ME TO THE RECALL, FORDS #14S06 THIS RECALL INCLUDED EXPLORES MADE BETWEEN MAY OF 2010 AND FEBRUARY 28, 2013. MY EXPLORER WAS MADE VERY SOON THEREAFTER, WITHIN DAYS, IN FACT. GIVEN THAT TIMING AND THE FACTS THAT INDICATE THAT MY VEHICLE SUFFERED THE SAME DEFECTS THE RECALL ADDRESSES, I FEEL MY VEHICLE REPAIR SHOULD BE COVERED BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY. FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND THE LOCAL DEALER ADVISE ME THAT SINCE MY VEHICLE IS NOT WITHIN THE PARAMETERS OF THE RECALL, THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO FOR ME. I HEREBY SUBMIT MY PETITION FOR AN NHTSA INVESTIGATION INTO WHETHER FORD HAS MET IT'S OBLIGATIONS IN THIS MATTER. I HEREBY REQUEST THE RECALL MANAGEMENT DIVISION OF THE NHTSA TO ENSURE THAT THE SCOPE OF THE RECALL [FORD #14S06] IS ADEQUATE. I FEEL THE SCOPE FELL SHORT, IN MY CASE, BY A FEW DAYS, LEAVING MY VEHICLE DANGEROUSLY UNPROTECTED. I CANNOT REPAIR THIS DEFECT MYSELF. THERE IS NO DIAGNOSIS AVAILABLE FOR ME. THE DEFECT MAY BE IN THE SENSOR, OR IN THE POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE, OR IN THE STEERING "RACK". THE LOCAL FORD DEALER ADVISES ME THAT THERE ARE NO "RACKS" AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME ANYWHERE. THE NHTSA IS MY ONLY HOPE.
Other or unspecified, Nov 11, 2014
WHEN ACCELERATING, EXHAUST/GAS FUMES EMITTED INSIDE THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE VENT SYSTEM. FUMES ARE MORE PROFOUND IN THE REAR, INSIDE VEHICLE. WHEN VENT/CLIMATE SYSTEM IS OFF, NO FUMES. SEEMS TO BE MORE PROFOUND WHEN AC IS OPERATING, NEVERTHELESS THE FUMES ACCUMULATE TO THE REAR. STARTED NOTICING ON 11/8/2014 AND HAS WORSENED EACH DAY SINCE. DEALER APPOINTMENT MADE FOR 11/12/2014.