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.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 3, 2013, crash
I WAS PARKED ON A DRIVEWAY WHICH WAS ELEVATED AND HAD A STEEP SLOPE DOWN TO THE ROAD. I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE AND WHEN I TRIED TO BRAKE THE BRAKES DID NOT FUNCTION. I COULD NOT STOP THE CAR AND HIT A TREE.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 31, 2013
I HAVE A 2013 EXPLORER SPORT WHICH I PURCHASED NEW FROM THE DEALER 2 MONTHS AGO. ON THE MORNING OF 8/15/2013 I WAS TURNING LEFT INTO A PARKING LOT AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP ON A ROAD, GOING LESS THAN 10MPH. AS I ACCELERATED AND TURNED MY WHEEL LEFT THE POWER STEERING FAILED COMPLETELY MAKING IT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN THE WHEEL AND THE WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASH CAME ON FOR THE ADVANCETRAC AND THE STABILITY CONTROL. I WAS ABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE INTO A PARKING SPOT AND PUT IT IN PARK. I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF, WAITED A MINUTE OR TWO AND TURNED IT BACK ON WITHOUT RESOLUTION OF THE SYMPTOMS. I LOOKED UP THE WARNING LIGHTS IN THE OWNERS MANUAL AND IT SAID TO HAVE IT SERVICED IMMEDIATELY. I HAD MY EXPLORER TOWED TO THE CLOSEST FORD DEALER. THE DEALERSHIP STATES THAT THEY HAVE DRIVEN THE VEHICLE OVER 100 MILES IN THE PAST WEEK AND A HALF WITHOUT THOSE PROBLEMS OCCURRING AGAIN. I'VE READ SEVERAL ARTICLES ABOUT FAULTY EPAS SYSTEMS, NONE FROM 2013 EXPLORERS YET. THE FORD ENGINEERS HAVE TOLD THE DEALERSHIP TO RETURN THE VEHICLE TO ME AND 'SEE IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN'. I ASKED THE DEALERSHIP TO PUT ANOTHER 200 MILES OR SO ON THE VEHICLE TO SEE IF THE PROBLEM OCCURS AGAIN WHILE I SEEK INFORMATION FROM FORD. *JS
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 27, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V227000 (FUEL SYSTEM) IN THE MAIL SEVERAL MONTHS AGO AND STATED THE DEALER INFORMED HER THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 27, 2013
AS I WAS DRIVING I-10 WESTBOUND IN HOUSTON THERE WAS A VERY LOUD DEFINITIVE EXPLOSION IN THE AREA OF THE GAS TANK ON MY 2013 FORD EXPLORER. I IMMEDIATELY LOST POWER AND COASTED TO THE HAZARD LANE. THE FIRE TRUCKS ARRIVED AND THE FIREMEN APPLIED PUTTY TO ALL OF THE LEAKS AROUND THE FUEL TANK. IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT ALL OF MY FUEL HAD DUMPED OUT IMMEDIATELY DURING THE EXPLOSION PREVENTING FURTHER DAMAGE AND FIRE. JUST HAVING FILLED MY GAS TANK, I FEEL LUCKY TO BE ALIVE RIGHT NOW. I AM REALLY AT A LOSS OF WORDS AS TO WHY FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND THE DEALER MAC HAIK FORD DID NOT NOTIFY ME OF THE FUEL TANK LEAK RECALL, ESPECIALLY SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS JUST IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT MAK HAIK LESS THAN A WEEK AGO. I HAD CLEARLY REQUESTED THAT ALL RECALLS THAT MAY BE APPLICABLE TO THIS VEHICLE BE ASCERTAINED PRIOR TO RELEASING IT TO ME. *TR
Structure, Aug 17, 2013
WATER COMING IN THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE THIRD ROW PASSENGER SEATBELT..IT THEN DRIPS ON THE SEAT ..HAD IT AT THE DEALER THREE TIMES ALREADY..THEY DO NOT HAVE A CLUE HOW TO FIX IT. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 15, 2013
TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN SHE CALLED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT SHE WAS ADVISED THAT PART NEEDED TO REMEDY THE RECALL WAS UNAVAILABLE. THERE WAS NO TIME FRAME AVAILABLE FOR THE PART. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAS NOT EXPERIENCED ANY FAILURES. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 4,200.- LL
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Aug 8, 2013
I WAS DRIVING ON A TWO LANE ROAD WITH A SPEED LIMIT OF 55MPH. I WAS BEHIND A SLOW MOVING VEHICLE AND WANTED TO PASS IT. THERE WAS ANOTHER VEHICLE APPROACHING IN THE ONCOMING LANE AND I THOUGHT I HAD ENOUGH DISTANCE TO PASS. AS I TURNED INTO THE ONCOMING LANE AND BEGAN TO ACCELERATE TO PASS THIS VEHICLE, I HEARD A STRANGE NOISE LIKE A "POOF" AND MY VEHICLE LOST POWER AND SLOWED. FORTUNATELY, THERE WAS ENOUGH DISTANCE BETWEEN ME AND THE ONCOMING VEHICLE AND THE ONCOMING VEHICLE HAD A WIDE SHOULDER . AFTER THAT, I NOTICED THE VEHICLE SEEMED TO HAVE LESS POWER ON ACCELERATION. ABOUT TWO MONTHS LATER IT STARTED LEAKING OIL ON THE LEFT FRONT SIDE. IT IS A SPORT MODEL. *TR
Engine, Aug 7, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS A BURNING SMELL EMERGING FROM THE VEHICLE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10. UPDTED 09/30/13*LJ
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 31, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GASOLINE WOULD DISAPPEAR WHEN REFUELING TO CAPACITY. SHE ALSO BEGAN TO SMELL GASOLINE IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V227000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR REPAIR HOWEVER, THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO SMELLED FUEL AFTER THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED HER THAT ALL OF THE RECALLS PROCEDURES HAD BEEN PERFORMED ACCORDINGLY ON THE VEHICLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,200 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 5,800.
Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 29, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V270000 (LOCKS/LATCHES AND STATED THAT THE DEALER INFORMED HER IT WOULD TAKE A WEEK TO RECEIVE THE PARTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Power train, Engine, Jul 28, 2013
ON A NIGHT WITH LIGHT RAIN, AFTER TRAVELING 1.5 HRS WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON, I PULLED OFF INTERSTATE EXIT TO MAKE A PHONE CALL. I DID NOT TURN ENGINE OFF. AFTER CALL I PROCEEDED TO GET BACK ON INTERSTATE, WHILE MERGING BACK ONTO INTERSTATE I ACCELERATED HARD TO ATTAIN MERGING SPEED, WHEN I MERGED SAFELY IN FRONT OF SEMI THE ENGINE SHOOK VIOLENTLY AND LOST POWER. TO AVOID BEING HIT, I JERKED VEHICLE INTO EMERGENCY LANE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS FLASHING AND THE CAR PLACED IN LIMP MODE. I TURNED THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY OF AND RESTARTED THE ENGINE AND EVERY THING APPEARED TO HAVE RETURNED TO NORMAL. I LATER READ THAT NIGHT THAT THE F150 WITH SAME ENGINE WAS HAVING SIMILAR PROBLEMS. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO FORD THE FOLLOWING MONDAY. THE SERVICE ADVISOR INFORMED ME THAT FORD HAS BEEN HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH MY ENGINE THAT IS IN THE FORD F150 IN HUMID AREAS. HE STATED THAT LARGE AMOUNTS OF CONDENSATION FORMS IN THE INTERCOOLER WHEN DRIVING FOR LONG PERIODS WITHOUT UTILIZING TURBO, THEN NEXT TIME YOU ACCELERATE HARD THE TURBOS SUCK ALL THE CONDENSATION INTO THE ENGINE CAUSING A MISFIRE AND PUTS ENGINE INTO LIMP MODE. AFTER A WEEK OF THEM CONTACTING FORD ENGINEERS AND RUNNING TEST, THEY TOLD ME THEY CANNOT REPEAT PROBLEM AND THE ENGINE DID NOT STORE ANY CODES IN THE ECM FROM THE PROBLEM. FORD ALSO TOLD THE DEALER THAT I'M THE ONLY PERSON WITH A 2013 EXPLORER WITH THE 3.5 ECOBOOST ENGINE THAT HAS EVER REPORTED PROBLEM. SINCE THEN I HAVE READ ABOUT TWO LAWSUITS WHICH HAVE BEEN FILED AGAINST FORD INVOLVING THE ECOBOOST ENGINE AND INCLUDED THE 2013 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. APPARENTLY THIS STATEMENT IS NOT TRUE. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE FOR ME AND MY FAMILY. THE FORD COMPANY IS APPARENTLY DENYING THE ISSUE EXIST, LEAVING ME TO DRIVE A VEHICLE THAT CAN POTENTIALLY PUT MY FAMILY OTHERS WITH THE SAME VEHICLE IN HARMS WAY. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 25, 2013
PURCHASED VEHICLE IN EARLY 2013. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS NOTICED EXHAUST FUMES COMING FROM AIR VENTS. CALLED MY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY ADVISED THAT IT WAS NORMAL TO SMELL FUMES BECAUSE IT WAS A NEW ENGINE. NOW SIX MONTHS LATER, I CONTINUE TO SMELL EXHAUST FUMES THROUGH AIR VENTS WHILE DRIVING BUT IT SEEMS TO BE WHILE AT HIGH RPM'S OVER 3000. I RESEARCHED THE NHTSA WEBSITE JUST TO MAKE SURE I WASN'T THE ONLY ONE AND NOTICED THAT THE FOLLOWING NHTSA ID COMPLAINT NUMBERS ARE ALSO ASSOCIATED WITH EXHAUST FUMES COMING THROUGH AIR VENTS. THEY ARE #10522939, 10521718, 10511749, 10503135, 10472937, 10497684 AND 10493493. IT SEEMS THAT THERE DEFINITELY IS A PROBLEM WITH EXHAUST FUMES ENTERING THE CABIN WHILE DRIVING. I JUST RECEIVED SAFETY RECALL NOTICE 13S04 FOR A POSSIBLE FUEL LEAK BUT I DON'T THINK THAT WILL STOP SMELL FROM COMING THROUGH THE AIR VENTS. SEEMS TO BE THAT SOME KIND OF SEAL OR GASKET IS NOT OPERATING AS REQUIRED TO KEEP FUMES FROM ENTERING THE CABIN. I HOPE THAT FORD GETS SERIOUS ABOUT CONDUCTING SOME TESTING FOR A POSSIBLE FIX OR RECALL. AS OTHERS HAVE COMPLAINED, I TRY NOT TO USE MY VEHICLE WHEN TRANSPORTING MY FAMILY AS THEY COULD BE EXPOSED TO HARMFUL EXHAUST FUMES. THIS VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 23, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER RECEIVING NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN I.D. NUMBER 13V227000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS NEEDED TO REMEDY THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000.
Vehicle speed control, Jul 12, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST ACCELERATION POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING DIAGNOSIS OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 800.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 9, 2013
I HAVE NOTICED THAT MY FUEL TANK IS EMITTING STRONG HYDROCARBON VAPORS DUE TO THE TANK BEING PRESSURIZED WITHOUT A FUEL CAP. IT DOES NOT COME WITH A FUEL CAP. I CAN SEE THE POSSIBILITY OF THESE VAPORS IN A CLOSED SPACE POSSIBLY CAUSING A FIRE. I AM A RETIRED FIREFIGHTER AND I HAVE SEEN THIS NUMEROUS TIMES WITH GAS CANS LEFT IN GARAGES WITH GAS HOT WATER HEATERS. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 9, 2013
I STARTED DRIVING AND ENGINE STARTED REVVING UP, TOOK FOOT OUT OF GAS PEDAL AN VEHICLE CONTINUED REVVING UP TO 3,000 RPM IN SLOW SPEED. CHANGE TRANSMISSION TO "N" AND VEHICLE CONTINUED AT 3,000 RPM. CHANGED BACK TO "D" AND DID NOT CHANGED, ONCE AGAIN CHANGE TO "N" AND BACK TO DRIVE AND RPM CAME DOWN. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 8, 2013
DEAR NHTSA, I HAVE RECENTLY PURCHASED A FORD EXPLORER LIMITED 2013 MODEL ABOUT 3 MONTHS AGO. SINCE I HAVE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE MYTOUCH SYSTEM HAS CONSTANT GLITCHES AND CAUSING DISTRACTIONS WHILE DRIVING. YESTERDAY I STARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE ENTIRE SCREEN WAS OUT INCLUDING THE BACKUP SENSORS AND CAMERA. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD AND THE DEALERSHIP BUT THEY DO NOT SEEM TO BE VERY RESPONSIVE. I WILL BE TAKING THIS VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP TOMORROW HOWEVER I FIND THIS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE AS MY WIFE RELIES ON THE CAMERA AND SENSORS WHEN PARKING A VEHICLE. *TR
Power train, Jul 8, 2013, crash
I TOOK A 10-MONTH RENTAL ON THIS VEHICLE IN JULY/2012 THRU ENTERPRISE/SANTA BARBARA, CA, WHERE THIS INCIDENT TOOK PLACE. I: LEFT THE CAR CURBSIDE BELIEVING IT WAS IN PARK; CROSSED THE SIDEWALK TO GREET A FRIEND, LEFT THE DRIVER DOOR OPEN; NOTICED THE CAR ROLLING BACKWARD TOWARD A CAR PARKED FURTHER DOWN THE CURB; RAN AFTER THE CAR; GOT INTO THE 'V' BETWEEN THE DRIVER SEAT AND DOOR; KEPT MY LEFT FOOT ON THE STREET - MY RIGHT FOOT IN THE CAR TO HIT THE BRAKE; WAS UNABLE AS THE MOMENTUM AND DOOR PUSHED ME BACKWARD; "RODE" THE CAR BACKWARD WITH 2 HANDS IN THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE, HOLDING MYSELF OFF THE ROAD. THE BOTTOM OF THE DOOR RAKED UP THE LENGTH OF MY LEFT SHIN (SCRAPES AND HEMATOMAS) AND FORCED ME TO LET GO. LANDED ON THE STREET, LEFT ARM STUCK UNDER MY BACK. I WAS PINNED BETWEEN THE EDGE OF THE DOOR AND THE ASPHALT AS THE CAR DRAGGED ME DOWN THE STREET. IMPLORED MY FRIEND TO HELP. HE GAVE CHASE AS THE DOOR EDGE CUT ACROSS MY TORSO AS IT DRAGGED ME (TREMENDOUS PRESSURE ON CHEST AND LEFT SHOULDER?LONG BRUISE FROM RIGHT HIP TO LEFT SHOULDER. HE SUCCEEDED WITH DIFFICULTY AS THERE WAS NO POWER TO THE BRAKES. EXTREME PAIN FOR DAYS, COVERED WITH EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL BRUISES. MRI REVEALED A ROTATOR CUFF TEAR IN LEFT SHOULDER. ENDURED MONTHS OF PAIN/LOSS OF MOBILITY WHILE FINISHING PROJECT IN CALIFORNIA. RETURNED HOME TO CONNECTICUT, ENDURED A DIFFICULT ROTATOR CUFF + LABRUM REPAIR SURGERY. FACING MONTHS OF PHYSICAL THERAPY AND A LONG, HOPEFULLY SUCCESSFUL RECOVERY. THIS WAS THE 2ND SUCH INCIDENT WITH THIS VEHICLE, THE FIRST WITHOUT TRAUMA. LUCKY TO COME OUT OF THIS AS WELL AS I DID, I'M TOLD THE NEXT IN SEQUENCE WOULD HAVE BEEN THE TIRE RUNNING OVER MY LEG. I KNOW OTHERS HAVE BEEN DISABLED + KILLED IN SUCH SCENARIOS. PLEASE DON'T NEGLECT THIS GLARING PROBLEM. I URGE THE NHTSA TO DO EVERYTHING IN ITS POWER TO REMEDIATE THIS GIANT LEAP BACKWARD IN VEHICULAR SAFETY. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 7, 2013
MY WIFE BROUGHT OUR 2013 FORD EXPLORER INTO OUR DEALERSHIP, EARLY MAY 2013, IN REGARDS TO SMELLING GAS FUMES OUTSIDE THE CAR AND THE SERVICE ADVISOR AT THE TIME MENTIONED TECHNICAL TERMS THAT MADE MY WIFE BELIEVE THAT THIS WAS NORMAL. LATER, I DROPPED OFF OUR 2013 FORD EXPLORER ON JUNE 13, 2013 (8AM ON THURS) AT OUR DEALERSHIP IN REGARDS TO PERSONALLY SMELLING GAS FUMES OUTSIDE MY WIFE'S PRIMARY CAR. THEY TOOK THE VEHICLE IN DURING OUR 2ND VISIT TO INVESTIGATE THIS GAS ODOR AND THEY CONFIRMED IT. THE SERVICE ADVISOR ALSO MENTIONED A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR A FUEL RELATED ISSUE (DURING 2ND VISIT) AND WE WERE NOT SURE IF THIS WAS RELATED AT THE TIME. MY CONCERN ARE THE FOLLOWING; WHY WAS THIS NOT TAKEN CARE OF DURING AN EARLIER VISIT AND I'M FRUSTRATED WITH THE PROTOCOL OUR DEALERSHIP FOLLOWED FOR THIS POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 2, 2013
I BOUGHT MY EXPLORER JANUARY 3, 2013. A FEW WEEKS LATER I BEGAN TO SMELL GAS FUMES COMING FROM THE AIRCONDITIONER VENTS WHEN STARTING THE IGNITION. IT ONLY LASTED A FEW MINUTES BEFORE THE FUMES WERE NO LONGER SMELT. THIS CONTINUED TO GO ON FOR MONTHS, RANDOMLY, WHETHER THE GAS TANK WAS FULL OR EMPTY, WHETHER IT WAS DRIVEN FOR MILES OR IF IT WAS STARTING FOR THE FIRST TIME THAT DAY. MULTIPLE PASSENGERS, INCLUDING MY DAUGHTER, HAVE SMELT THE FUMES AND QUESTIONED WHETHER IT WAS SAFE. MY MOTHER AND COUSIN BOTH PURCHASED AN EXPLORER AS WELL & BOTH IMMEDIATELY HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS. I CALLED THE SALESMAN THAT I PURCHASED IT FROM AND HE ADVISED THAT I HAVE IT LOOKED AT. SHORTLY AFTER, I LEARNED ABOUT THE MASS RECALL THAT FORD HAD PLACED ON THE EXPLORERS. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT (JUNE 6, 2013) & WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT ACCORDING TO THE COMPUTER. I INSISTED THAT THEY TAKE ANOTHER LOOK AT IT BECAUSE THIS WAS HAPPENING TOO OFTEN & BY THIS TIME MY GARAGE HAD STARTED TO SMELL LIKE GAS. THE DEALERSHIP DECIDED TO PLACE ME IN A RENTAL CAR & TAKE A LONGER LOOK IT. I WAS TOLD THAT NEXT MONDAY THAT FORD WOULD HONOR MY COMPLAINTS & HAVE THE PARTS REPLACED. THIS HAS YET TO HAPPEN. I AM CURRENTLY STILL IN A RENTAL DUE TO FORD NOT WANTING TO REPLACE MY PARTS UNTIL THEY MASS PRODUCE THE FAULTY PART. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WILL BE THIS OCTOBER BEFORE THEY CONSIDER REPLACING MY PART NOW. THIS EXPLORER IS DANGEROUS DUE TO THE FUMES AND CHANCE OF EXPLOSION. IT IS ALSO A FIRE/EXPLOSION HAZARD FOR ME TO HAVE IT PARKED AT MY HOUSE. MY EXPLORER REMAINS USELESS AT THE DEALERSHIP. MY MOM WAS TOLD SHE SHOULDN'T BRING IN HER VEHICLE UNTIL OCTOBER SOME TIME DUE TO NOT HAVING THE PART. THIS IS 3 NEW EXPLORERS THAT ARE NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL AND THAT ARE DANGEROUS TO MY FAMILY AND OTHER FAMILIES ON THE HIGHWAYS. I CAN ONLY WONDER IF THERE ARE MORE. *TR
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 2, 2013
DRIVING VEHICLE AND CROSS TRAFFIC SYSTEM FAILURE TURNS ON, ADVANCETRAC SYSTEM FAILURE, STABILITY CONTROL FAILURE AND TRACTION CONTROL FAILURE OCCUR. VEHICLE BEGINS TO DECELERATE AND TRANSMISSION GOES FROM AN ILLUMINATED "D" TO BLANK. VERY HARD TO MANEUVER VEHICLE. VEHICLE STRUGGLES TO GAIN SPEED AFTERWARDS. THE ONLY RESOLUTION I HAVE FOUND IS TO PULL OVER IF POSSIBLE AND TURN ON VEHICLE AND RESTART. THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES IN THE PAST TWO WEEKS. *TR
Steering, Power train, Wheels, Jun 26, 2013
VEHICLE BEGINS TO VIBRATE AND CAN NOT BE DRIVEN OVER 35 MPH DURING OR AFTER SNOW STORMS WITH WET HEAVY SNOW ON ROAD (SOMETIMES CAUSED BY SALTING ROADWAY). WHEEL WELL OPENING AROUND ALL FOUR TIRES ARE SO SMALL AND ENCLOSED, SNOW ACCUMULATES INTO SOLID ICE AROUND ALL FOUR TIRES AND BOTH AXLES BEGIN TO VIBRATE VIOLENTLY. DRIVER EITHER STOPS EVERY 8-10 MILES ALONG SIDE BUSY HIGHWAY TO CHOP ICE OUT (TAKES ME 40 MINUTES FOR ALL FOUR TIRE OPENINGS), SLOWS HIGHWAY TRAFFIC DOWN TO 30 MPH, OR GOES TO FORD DEALER. LOCAL DEALER SEES 6-10 OF THESE VEHICLES A DAY AND CHOPS ICE OUT AT NO CHARGE AND MAKES NO WORK ORDER HISTORY. TRAVELING AT ONLY 35 MPH WHEN TRAFFIC IS GOING 55 OR 70 MPH IS DANGEROUS. STOPPING EVERY 8-15 MINUTES ALONG BUSY HIGHWAY TO CHOP ICE WITH BACK TO PASSING TRAFFIC IS DANGEROUS. DEALERS DO NOT INFORM POTENTIAL BUYERS OF THE ICE PROBLEM. FORD HAS THIS DESIGN DEFECT PROBLEM WITH MORE THAN ONE MAKE OF VEHICLE, KNOWS ABOUT THE COMPLAINTS, BUT WILL NOT SPONSOR A SOLUTION. PERSONALLY, ALONG WITH CLEARING THE ICE ON M-115 AS I GO TO A DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENT IN TRAVERSE CITY, CHOPPING ICE HURTS MY BONE ON BONE SHOULDERS AND THE LOWER THREE VERTEBRAE OF MY BACK THAT NO LONGER HAVE A DISC BETWEEN THEM. THE SLIPPERY SIDE OF ROAD IS DANGEROUS FOR MY TWO ARTIFICIAL HIPS AND IS SIMPLY NOT SAFE TO MY PERSON AND SLOWS DOWN SOME PASSING VEHICLES THAT MAY SLIP AND SLIDE INTO ME OR ONCOMING TRAFFIC OF THE ONLY 2 LANE HIGHWAY. NORTHERN MICHIGAN IS GETTING UNNECESSARILY MORE DANGEROUS IN THE WINTER TIME. THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE INCIDENTS AND THE INCIDENT DATE ABOVE IS ONLY APPROXIMATE.
Engine, Jun 25, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, CONTACT IN THE VEHICLE WOULD BECOME DIZZY AND NAUSEOUS FOR UNKNOWN REASONS. ONE PASSENGER BECAME VIOLENTLY ILL AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM FOR TREATMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SEALS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THE EXHAUST FUMES WERE LEAKING INTO THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 7,500.
Visibility, Structure, Jun 19, 2013
MY PANORAMIC SUNROOF EXPLODED!! I WAS SITTING IN MY VEHICLE, PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE. I GOT OUT AND CHECKED THE TIRES AND AROUND MY VEHICLE. I SAW NOTHING UNUSUAL SO I GOT BACK IN, TURNED THE AIR OFF AND THAT'S WHEN I DISCOVERED IT WAS THE SUNROOF. I HEARD CRACKLING OF GLASS. GOT BACK OUT AND STEPPED IN THE BACK PASSENGER DOOR AND LOOKED ON TOP - IT HAD CRACKED IN THE SHAPE OF AN X WITH A SMALL POP UP RIGHT IN THE CENTER. IT WAS OBVIOUS THAT NOTHING HAD HIT THE GLASS BECAUSE I WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY AND THE GLASS WAS PUSHED UPWARD INSTEAD OF INWARD. I TOOK NUMEROUS PICTURES OF THE VEHICLE SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY RIGHT AFTER THIS HAPPENED. DROVE IT TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP, WITHIN A HALF HOUR, AS PER THE SERVICE MGR. FOR PRE APPROVAL OF WARRANTY COVERAGE. IT WAS DENIED TWICE. FORD'S RESPONSE FOR DENIAL OF WARRANTY COVERAGE : " AS PER SECTION 3 OF THE WARRANTY AND POLICY MANUAL, DAMAGED GLASS (STONE CHIPS, SCRATCHES, ETC.) IS NOT CONSIDERED A WARRANTABLE CONDITION UNLESS AS RELATED TO ANOTHER DEFECTIVE COMPONENT. THE LOUD NOISE AS DESCRIBED BY THE CUSTOMER HAS GENERALLY BEEN FOUND TO BE THE TIME IN WHICH THE GLASS IS IMPACTED IN OTHER SIMILAR CASES. THE POINT OF IMPACT TO THE GLASS IS THE PLACE IN WHICH THE GLASS IS BROKEN AND BOWED UPWARD (BOW UPWARD DUE TO INTERIOR CABIN PRESSURE IS SLIGHTLY GREATER THAN AMBIENT PRESSURE WHEN WINDOWS ARE UP AND THE HVAC SYSTEM IS RUNNING.) UNFORTUNATELY, THIS BROKEN GLASS IS CONSIDERED TO BE DAMAGE THAT CAN NOT BE COVERED UNDER THE NEW VEHICLE WARRANTY AT THIS TIME." 23 DAYS LATER...MY $40K VEHICLE IS STILL DAMAGED AND SITTING IN MY GARAGE B/C THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THESE PANORAMIC SUNROOFS EXPLODING. FORD CAN NOT KEEP UP WITH THE DEMAND FOR REPLACEMENT GLASS. I PRAY SOMEONE, ESPECIALLY A CHILD IS NOT INJURED OR EVEN WORSE KILLED BY THIS DEFECT. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 19, 2013
MY 2013 FORD EXPLORER HAS BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR 3 WEEKS NOW AND STILL NO REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR THE FUEL PUMP. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD DIRECTLY 3 TIMES AND THEY CAN'T GIVE ME AN ANSWER AND HAVE BEEN IN CONSTANT CONTACT WITH THE DEALERSHIP AND NO ONE CAN TELL ME WHEN THIS PART WILL BE READY. I HAVE BEEN GIVEN A RENTAL BUT IT IS A CHEVY IMPALA, NOT ANYWHERE NEAR THE SIZE OF MY EXPLORER, AND HAD TO FIGHT TO GET THAT AS THEY ONLY PAY FOR A COMPACT CAR. I HAVE TWO YOUNG CHILDREN AND THIS IS SUMMER TIME AND WE ARE DOING A LOT OF TRAVELING THAT IS VERY DIFFICULT WITHOUT MY EXPLORER. IT WOULD BE NICE IF SOMEONE COULD GIVE ME AN ANSWER ABOUT HOW MUCH LONGER THIS IS GOING TO TAKE. I AM BEYOND FRUSTRATED AND READY TO ASK FORD FOR MY MONEY BACK SO THAT I CAN BUY A DIFFERENT VEHICLE BUT I ASSURE YOU THEY WON'T DO THAT. WHAT IS EVEN MORE IRRITATING IS I AM PAYING A MONTHLY PAYMENT AND INSURANCE ON A CAR I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT FOR ALMOST A MONTH. SOMEONE NEEDS TO STEP UP AND GET THESE PARTS OUT TO THE DEALERSHIPS. I ALSO DID NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS RECALL UNTIL READING AN ARTICLE ABOUT IT. NICE TO KNOW THAT I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED BY FORD!! *TR