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.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Jun 19, 2013
TAKING A TRIP IN MY 2013 FORD EXPLORER SPORT (TEXAS TO FLORIDA) WITH THE 3.5 TURBOCHARGED ENGINE IN RAINING CONDITIONS AND VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY, SHUDDER AND STALL WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE. WOULD NOT DRIVE PROPERLY, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND VEHICLE HAD TO COAST OFF HIGHWAY AND STAY IN HOTEL UNTIL DEALERSHIP OPENED NEXT DAY. LOSS OF TIME AND VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 14, 2013
THERE WAS GASOLINE LEAKING OUT OF THE FUEL MODULE INTO MY GARAGE WHEN I WENT TO GET INTO THE EXPLORER TO GO TO WORK. I ALSO HAVE A GAS HOT WATER HEATER IN THE GARAGE BESIDE WHERE I PARK THE EXPLORER. I WAS NOT AWARE THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS UNTIL I GOT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE FUMES WERE EXTREMELY STRONG. I OPENED THE GARAGE DOOR AND LET THE FUMES DISSIPATE AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR WHERE I FOUND OUT NO PARTS ARE AVAILABLE AND WON'T BE UNTIL POSSIBLY SEPTEMBER. I WAS TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVABLE IN ITS CURRENT CONDITION. I AM HANDICAPPED AND HAVE AN ELECTRIC CHAIR CARRIER ON THE BACK OF THE EXPLORER WHICH I HAVE TO USE TO TAKE MY ELECTRIC CHAIR TO WORK. NOW, I HAVE NO VEHICLE AND HAVE BEEN HOME FOR OVER A WEEK WITH NO VEHICLE I CAN DRIVE. I ASKED FORD TO SWAP MY EXPLORER FOR AN IDENTICAL ONE WHICH WAS DENIED. THEY OFFERED ME A 15 PASSENGER VAN TO DRIVE UNTIL MY VEHICLE IS REPAIRED BUT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY THE TAXES ON THE RENTAL COST DAILY UNTIL MINE IS REPAIRED. I CAN'T GET A 15 PASSENGER VAN IN MY DRIVEWAY MUCH LESS MY GARAGE! I NEED MY VEHICLE REPAIRED NOW OR A NEW VEHICLE. I CAN'T JUST DRIVE ANYTHING DUE TO MY DISABILITIES. IN ADDITION, IT SHOULD NOT BE MY RESPONSIBILITY TO PAY TAXES ON A RENTAL VEHICLE UNTIL MINE IS REPAIRED AS IT IS NOT MY FAULT THAT FORD'S FUEL MODULES ARE DEFECTIVE. I CAN'T AFFORD THAT COST IN ADDITION TO MY MONTHLY CAR PAYMENT AND GAS COSTS. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jun 11, 2013
FROM MY FORD EXPLORER LIMITED (WITH 5000 LBS FACTORY INSTALLED TOW PACKAGE), THERE WAS A HIGH SMELL OF GASOLINE AFTER FUELING VEHICLE. ODOR DID NOT DIMINISH. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO MA DEALERSHIP, (5-17-13), WHERE MECHANICS DETERMINED THAT GAS TANK WAS LEAKING. PARTS NOT EASILY AVAILABLE. GAS TANK AND FUEL PUMP HAD TO BE REPLACED. I SPOKE WITH FORD NE REGIONAL MGR, [XXX], AND REQUESTED AN UPGRADE TO MY WARRANTY FROM 5YR TO 7YR. SHE SAID, "FORD DOES NOT PAY FOR PAIN AND SUFFERING," AFTER I SAID THAT THIS WAS A SERIOUS FIRE SAFETY HAZARD. SHE TOLD ME THAT NOTHING HAPPENED SO IT CAN'T BE CONSIDERED. NO UPGRADE ALLOWED! AND SHE ALSO TOLD ME THAT "PARTS BREAK, AND HAVE TO BE FIXED.!" AFTER 11 CONSECUTIVE DAYS AT THE DEALERSHIP, THE CAR WAS FIXED BY 5-28-2013. THE MYFORDSYNC SYSTEM HAS BEEN A NIGHTMARE. IT HAS BEEN SERVICED 10+ TIMES SINCE PURCHASE IN 9-2013. COMPLETE FAILURE TO WORK HAS HAPPENED. BLANK SCREEN, NO BACKUP CAMERAS. VERY EXPENSIVE VEHICLE. I SPOKE WITH THE DEALERSHIP MANAGER ABOUT A WARRANTY UPGRADE, BUT HE HAS NOT RESPONDED TO MY QUESTIONS, EVEN THOUGH HE SAID THAT HE, "HAS NEVER SEEN THIS GAS TANK PROBLEM." THIS CAR HAS REQUIRED MORE THAN 15 DAYS OF REPAIR IN THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS, AND IT IS WELL UNDER 15,000 MILES. THE CURRENT GAS MILEAGE IS WELL UNDER THE STICKER MPG OF 26 HIGHWAY. IT IS RANGING FROM LOCAL OF A BEST OF 19 MPG TO A BEST OF (HIGHWAY) 21MPG. TOWING IT IS 14 MPG TO 15.4MPG. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electrical system, Jun 7, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AS THE BACK-UP CAMERA FAILED WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE LOW OIL PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE BACK-UP CAMERA WIRING NEEDED TO BE REPLACE BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE STALLING PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, May 28, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EMITTED A STRONG GASOLINE FUEL ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND INSPECTED. THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE FUEL TANK, WHICH WAS LEAKING FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 13V109000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 10,500.
Steering, May 17, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SPORADICALLY OVER-STEER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PERFORMING TO STANDARDS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,700. *TR
Electrical system, May 16, 2013
AFTER ENTERING A HIGHWAY MY HORN HONKED AND THE MESSAGE "NO KEY DETECTED" APPEARED. THE VEHICLE NEVER DIED BUT THIS HAS HAPPENED OVER A DOZEN TIMES. I HAVE HAD IT IN THE SHOP, WHERE THE SAME CONCERN WAS DUPLICATED, AND WAS TOLD THAT IT IS SOME SORT OF INTERFERENCE WITH THE RADIO FREQUENCY OF THE KEYS, THEY SAID THAT ANYTHING FROM PHONES TO CHARGES COULD CAUSE THIS AND THAT IT IS NORMAL AND I WOULD HAVE TO LIVE WITH IT. ON 1/17/13 AND AGAIN ON 2/11/13 AFTER PUSHING THE BUTTON TO TURN THE CAR OFF THE AUXILIARY POWER CAME ON. I WAS TOLD THIS IS OKAY AND THAT THE POWER WOULD EVENTUALLY TURN ITSELF OFF. 5/16/2013 THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME I NOTICED THAT MY RADIO HAD SHUT ITSELF OFF. I TURNED THE CAR ON AND THE RADIO WAS OFF, I KNOW I DID NOT TURN THIS OFF WHEN I TURNED THE CAR OFF. *TR
Engine, May 16, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE INTAKE HOSE FROM THE TURBO CHARGER HAD BECOME DISCONNECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 399.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), May 13, 2013
I WAS MAKING A U-TURN NOT EVEN GOING MORE THAN 15 MPH AND MY 2013 FORD EXPLORER SPORT'S, WHICH ONLY HAS 6050 MILES ON IT, POWER STEERING SUDDENLY STOP WORKING AND ALL ACROSS THE DASH, WARNING LIGHTS LIT UP, STABILITY CONTROL FAULT, POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT, TERRAIN MANAGEMENT FAULT, TRACTION CONTROL FAULT. I LOST POWER STEERING AND SLOWLY STEERED INTO THE NEAREST GAS STATION. I TURNED OFF MY ENGINE AND THEN RESTARTED IT, THE POWER STEERING WORKED AGAIN AND SOME OF THE WARNING LIGHTS WENT OFF, EXCEPT THE TERRAIN MANAGEMENT AND STABILITY CONTROL LIGHTS, I TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE A SECOND TIME AND ALL THE WARNINGS LIGHTS WENT OFF, I WENT STRAIGHT THE DEALERSHIP AND IT IS THERE NOW. THE SERVICE ADVISOR HAD SAID HE HAS SEEN THIS HAPPEN ONCE AND THEY REPLACED THE POWER STEERING GEARS AND SYSTEM. I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT THIS WILL HAPPEN AGAIN AND I WILL LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AND HURT MYSELF AND MY FAMILY AND OTHER PERSONS. LUCKILY I WAS IN SLOW TRAFFIC AND A GAS STATION WAS NEARBY, AND I DID NOT HAVE MY FAMILY IN THE VEHICLE. FORD NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE WITH THE EXPLORERS AND FIX THESE SAFETY ISSUES ASAP! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, May 13, 2013
A FOUL EXHAUST LIKE SMELL ENTERS THE CABIN UPON ACCELERATION. THE DEALER ATTEMPTED TO IDENTIFY AND CORRECT THE PROBLEM, HOWEVER, THE CONDITION CONTINUES. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Power train, May 8, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE PROBLEM COULD HAVE BEEN WITH THE STEERING, AXLE OR THE TRANSMISSION. THE DEALER DID NOT HAVE SPECIFICS PERTAINING TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 2,000. *TR
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Apr 26, 2013
I EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING, AS WELL AS STABILITY CONTROL, TRACTION CONTROL, AND TERRAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS ERRORS. I WAS STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION WAITING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN. ONCE I STARTED MOVING TO MAKE THE TURN (@ 5 MPH), A NUMBER OF BEEPS WENT OFF, WARNINGS WERE DISPLAYED ON THE VEHICLE INFORMATION SCREEN, AND I LOST POWER STEERING. AFTER PULLING OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH NO POWER STEERING, I TURNED OFF THE CAR AND THEN RESTARTED. AT THIS POINT THE POWER STEERING WAS WORKING, BUT THE TRACTION CONTROL AND TERRAIN MANAGEMENT ERRORS WERE STILL HAPPENING. AFTER A MINUTE, THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT WENT OFF. THERE WAS STILL AN ERROR WITH THE TERRAIN MANAGEMENT. AFTER GETTING HOME SAFELY 90 MINUTES LATER, I RESTARTED IT AGAIN, AND ALL SYSTEMS SEEMED TO BE WORKING, WITH NO ERRORS REPORTED. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 24, 2013
ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM HAS GONE "OFF ROUTE" WHILE DRIVING TO A DESTINATION. OFF ROUTE MEANS THE GPS IS STILL DISPLAYED BUT THE MARKER IS MOVED OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROUTE ON THE MAP. THIS INDICATES TO THE SYSTEM THAT IT IS "OFF ROUTE" AND STARTS DISPLAYING MESSAGES AND ADDITIONAL DIRECTIONS. THIS IS A SERIOUS DISTRACTION AND HAS ALMOST CAUSED ACCIDENTS BETWEEN TRYING TO WATCH FOR THE TRAFFIC SIGNS AND FOLLOW OR CORRECT THE RE-ROUTE. WHEN CONTACTING CORPORATE FORD, THEY ARE AWARE OF THE ISSUE; HOWEVER, WE ARE TOLD THERE IS NOTHING THEY WILL DO TO CORRECT IT. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE THAT IS AFFECTING A NUMBER OF THEIR VEHICLES AND THEY DO NOT BELIEVE THAT IT IS SERIOUS ENOUGH TO WARRANT A FIX AT THIS TIME. *TR
Steering, Apr 17, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE THE ENGINE WAS STARTED AND ALSO, WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEED. THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHILE THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SHOULDER TO RESTART THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE THEN FUNCTIONED NORMALLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000 AND THE APPROXIMATE MILEAGE WAS 8,000. UPDATED 5/24/13 *CN
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 4, 2013
THE FUEL PUMP STARTED TO COME APART UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITION RELEASING RAW GAS FUMES INTO THE PASSENGER CABIN. THIS DEFECT MADE THE CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Apr 3, 2013
WHILE ACCELERATING UNDER FULL THROTTLE THE VEHICLE STEERING BECOMES ERRATIC AND THE VEHICLE WANTS TO WEAVE SIDE TO SIDE WITH NO INPUT FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. I AM EXTREMELY CONCERNED THAT THIS WILL EVENTUALLY CAUSE ME TO HAVE MOTOR VEHICLE COLLISION WHEN TRYING TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE, GET UP TO SPEED ON FROM A HIGHWAY ON RAMP, OR WHILE TRYING TO AVOID ANOTHER SITUATION. I WOULD LIKE THE NHTSA AND FORD TO EVALUATE THEIR 2013 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED 4WD FOR UNINTENTIONAL STEERING SWAY UNDER FULL ACCELERATION. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 15, 2013
I AM REPORTING AN EMISSION ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE AND THE PREVIOUS ONE I HAD WITH SAME ISSUE. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE TO MAKE THIS NOT HAPPEN TO ANYONE ELSE. I AM BREATHING EXHAUST FUMES IN THE CABIN AT HARD ACCELERATION THROUGH THE AC SYSTEM ALL THE TIME EVEN AFTER THEY SO CALLED FIXED THIS VEHICLE. EVEN WITH MODERATE ACCELERATION PASSING SOMEONE. I AM GOING THROUGH THE LEMON LAW AT THIS TIME. THE SMELL IS SO BAD IT IS GIVING ME HEADACHES ALL DAY AND NIGHT AND EFFECTING MY HEALTH. IF IT IS IN TWO VEHICLES THEN IT IS IN ALL OF THEM FORD NEEDS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM PERIOD NOT PART FIX IT. I WAS TOLD BY FLORIDA ATTORNEY GENERALS ATTORNEY TO REPORT THIS TO YOU. *TR
Steering, Power train, Engine, Mar 14, 2013
I DROVE MY RECENTLY ACQUIRED AND NEW FORD EXPLORER SPORT FOR FIRST TIME ON THE HIGHWAY ON MARCH 4, 2013. WHEN ACCELERATING TO PASS A TRUCK, I LOST CONTROL OF FRONT END TO POINT OF SWIRLING AND NEAR COLLISION WITH THE TRUCK. I DON'T CONSIDER THIS A FLUKE AS SAME HAPPENED A WHILE LATER DURING SAME HIGHWAY TRIP. I'M VERY FAMILIAR WITH HIGH HORSEPOWER PASSENGER VEHICLES AND SPORTS CARS FOR THAT MATTER. I AM ALSO VERY FAMILIAR WITH HIGHER AND ALLOWABLE SPEEDS HAVING DRIVEN AND HANDLED SPORT CARS AND PASSENGER VEHICLES ON GERMAN AUTOBAHNS WHILE LIVING IN EUROPE. IT IS MY EXPERIENCE AND BELIEF THAT THE COMBINATION OF CHARACTERISTICS (WEIGHT BALANCING IN COMBINATION WITH SIGNIFICANT HORSEPOWER, POSSIBLY LARGE TIRE SIZE, TRACTION AND FOUR WHEEL/FRONT WHEEL DRIVE ASPECTS, THRUST ETC.) MAKE THIS VEHICLE, THE FORD EXPLORER SPORT, EXTREMELY DANGEROUS ON HIGHWAY WHILE ACCELERATING AT ALLOWABLE SPEEDS. A LOCAL DEALERSHIPS' EXPERT (READ: DEALER IS AN INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR) IN INDIANA CONFIRMED MY OBSERVATIONS AND BELIEFS AND USED TERM "SQUIRLYNESS" TO DESCRIBE VEHICLES' HANDLING WHEN ACCELERATING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. FORD INDICATES THAT VEHICLE OPERATES AS DESIGNED, I CONTENT THE DESIGN IS BAD, CAUSING THIS FORD EXPLORER SPORT VERSION TO BE VERY DANGEROUS. IN MY MIND IT IS ENTIRELY FORESEEABLE THAT ACCIDENTS WILL HAPPEN TO UNSUSPECTING DRIVERS OF THIS VEHICLE BASED ON THE VEHICLE CHARACTERISTICS. OBVIOUSLY THIS IS SOMETHING THAT WILL NOT BE ADMITTED TO BY FORD DUE TO PRE-EMPTIVE LIABILITY ASSUMPTION IN CASE OF ACCIDENTS. I OFFERED FORD TO TAKE THIS NEW VEHICLE BACK. ONCE AGAIN I UNDERSTAND THAT THEY WOULD NOT AS THIS WOULD IMPLY ADMITTANCE OF SAFETY CONCERNS REGARDING THE FORD EXPLORER SPORT VERSION. *TR
Engine, Mar 1, 2013
THIS 2013 EXPLORER XLT 4WD WITH 345 MILES ON IT AND LESS THAN TWO WEEKS OLD EXPERIENCED COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE WHILE BEING DRIVEN IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA AT MID-DAY. *TR
Exterior lighting, Feb 21, 2013
VEHICLE PURCHASED LATE NOVEMBER 2012,LATE DECEMBER 2012 AUTO HIGHBEAMS STARTED WORKING ERRATICALLY OR NOT AT ALL, OUTSIDE AIR TEMP WHEN THIS ISSUE STARTED WAS ABOUT 50DEGREES, FORD CLAIMS THAT ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS WILL DECREASE THIS OPERATION, SUCH AS FOG, DIRTY WINDSHIELD, SNOW OR OTHER OBSTRUCTIONS TO THE CAMERA THAT OPERATES THE SYSTEM. UNDERSTANDABLE, BUT WINDSHIELD CLEAR NO OBSTRUCTIONS, YOU CAN SEE ON COMING TRAFFIC 3/4 TO A MILE AWAY OR FURTHER, LITES FAIL TO DIM OR GO BACK TO HIGHBEAM MODE AUTOMATICALLY. FORD NOW CLAIMS AFTER INSTALLING A NEW CAMERA THAT THE OUTSIDE AIR TEMP IS TO COLD FOR THE SYSTEM TO WORK, YET WHEN A FORD MECHANIC TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AT FORDS REQUEST HE FOUND THE SYSTEM, DIDN'T OPERATE, WOULD WORK FOR 2 OR 3 TIMES AS SUPPOSED TO, THAT THEN QUIT WORKING THIS WAS AT 20 DEGREE OUTSIDE TEMP. IN DRIVING THE CAR 20 TO 30 MILES THE SYSTEM WOULD OPERATE AND THE STOP WORKING AT WILL. FORD CANNOT FURNISH OR CLAIMS THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT THE OPERATING TEMP RANGE OF THE SYSTEM IS. AT NO TIME DURING THESE FAILURES WAS THERE ANY OBSTRUCTIONS TO THE CAMERA, WEATHER WAS CLEAR AND VISIBILITY WAS EXCELLENT. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN INTO THE DEALERSHIP 3-4 TIMES AND STILL NOT FIXED, THE SUGGESTION FROM FORD IS THAT I WAIT FOR THE WEATHER TO WARM UP AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS. NOTHING IN THE LITERATURE STATES ANYTHING ABOUT TEMPERATURE, ONLY ADVERSE CONDITIONS OR CAMERA OBSTRUCTION . I CAN NOT BELIEVE I AM THE ONLY PERSON IN NORTH AMERICA THAT HAS THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS AN EXPENSIVE OPTION, I HAVE SPOKEN TO OTHER OWNERS WITH VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THIS OPTION, AND THEY HAD NOT HAD ANY PROBLEMS. TO THIS DATE I DO NOT BELIEVE TEMP IS THE PROBLEM AS IT HAS WORKED IN TEMPERATURES BELOW ZERO AT WILL. ANY INFORMATION OR ASSISTANCE WOULD BE APPRECIATED. *TR
Power train, Feb 20, 2013
WITHIN A WEEK OF PURCHASING MY NEW VEHICLE, I STARTED TO ENCOUNTER A STALLING ISSUE WHEN BACKING VEHICLE. WHEN I PUT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE AND SHIFT INTO DRIVE WHILE STILL ROLLING, THE VEHICLE STALLS. I HAVE SEVERAL OTHER FORD VEHICLES AND THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN WITH ANY OF THEM. I EVEN HAVE A 2012 FORD FOCUS THAT THIS DOES NOT OCCUR WITH. THIS HAPPENS ALMOST EVERYTIME. WHEN I GO FROM PARK TO REVERSE AND BACK OUT OF A PARKING SPOT. IF VEHICLE DOES NOT COME TO A COMPLETE STOP, WHEN I SHIFT INTO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE STALLS. AFTER SPENDING TWO DAYS AT THE DEALERSHIP, I WAS TOLD THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THIS VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP ALSO TOOK OUT A FEW NEW VEHICLES ON THEIR LOT AND THEY WERE ABLE TO REPRODUCE THIS ON THE VEHICLES ON THEIR LOT. I FEEL THIS IS A HUGE DANGER TO ANYONE WHO HAS A VEHICLE THAT DOES THIS. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THEY HAD BEEN IN CONTACT WITH THE ENGINEERS AT FORD AND THAT THIS IS A NORMAL REACTION ON THIS VEHICLE. I ASKED FOR THIS IN WRITING, THEY HAVE YET TO PROVIDE ME WITH A WRITTEN EXPLANATION. *TR
Seats, Feb 11, 2013
FORD EXPLORER LIMITED WITH 2ND ROW CAPTAIN'S CHAIRS. THERE IS A BUTTON TO PUSH THAT LOWERS THE SEATBACK. THE SEATBACK COMES FORWARD WITH AN EXCESSIVE FORCE THAT COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE INJURY, ESPECIALLY TO A CHILD. THIS MOTION SHOULD BE DAMPERED TO PROVIDE A SAFE LOWERING OF THE SEATBACK. MY ADULT DAUGHTER WAS IN THE PROCESS OF LOWERING THE SEATBACK WHEN SHE WAS STRUCK IN THE HEAD. SHE SUFFERED A HEADACHE THAT LASTED TWO DAYS. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY, BUT THEY HAVE IGNORED MY CONTACT. *TR
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 11, 2013
I JUST BOUGHT A 2013 FORD EXPLORER LAST WEEK AND I AM HAVING AN ISSUE WITH BURNT OIL SMELL GETTING INSIDE THE CABIN EVEN WITH A/C IN RECIRCULATION MODE. IT IS SUCH A DISAPPOINTMENT TO PAY OVER 40K FOR A BRAND NEW SUV AND BEEN DEALING WITH SUCH AN ISSUE. I HAVE A NEWBORN AND I AM AFRAID TO TAKE IT WITH ME IN THE EXPLORER BECAUSE I GUESS IT IS HARMFUL FOR ANYBODY. FIRST TIME I BOUGHT A FORD AND I AM NOT HAPPY ABOUT MY DECISION TO SWITCH BRANDS. I TOOK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND NEED TO GO BACK ON MONDAY TO DO A SYSTEM UPDATE BUT I DON'T THINK UPDATING THE SOFTWARE IT'S GOING TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. I HOPE SOMEONE FROM FORD CAN READ THIS AND PAY ATTENTION TO US BECAUSE IT'S NOT HEALTHY TO BE DRIVING INHALING HARMFUL FUMES. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Jan 19, 2013
AT ANY SPEED EXHAUST FUMES GET INTO PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. WITH VEHICLE IDLING AND CLIMATE CONTROL TO OFF POSITION, I LET IT IDLE 5 MIN. THEN TURNED CLIMATE CONTROL TO ON POSITION AND NOTHING BUT FUMES COME OUT THRU AIR VENTS. I BOUGHT THIS EXPLORER 10/23/12 AND IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP SINCE 12/12/12. FORD SENT A FIX FOR THIS EXPLORER AND IT DIDN'T WORK. FMC NEEDS TO CALL ME ASAP. THIS IS LOOKING MORE AND MORE LIKE A BUY BACK. *TR
Power train, Jan 15, 2013
THE SHIFTER CLICKS AS SOON AS I PUT THE GEAR IN PARK. TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT IT IS NORMAL. I HAVE QUITE A FEW BAD EXPERIENCES WITH MY PREVIOUS CARS THAT I KNOW WHEN SOMETHING IS NOT NORMAL. TAKING THE CAR AGAIN TOMORROW SINCE IT KEEPS ON HAPPENING. IT'S ONLY BEEN 4 DAYS SO THE CAR SHOULD NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS. *TR