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.
Steering, Power train, Apr 11, 2025
I have an electric power steering pump, it’s not working at all. It’s showing it’s part of a recall but mine is just shy of the date. But I have spoken with many ford dealers and they have told me to report this to here, cause it should be a part of it as well. It’s a very hefty expense to repair this. But no one should be driving one with power steering assist fault and traction control fault on dash. And cannot even turn the wheel. This is an accident waiting to happen.
Structure, Apr 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Apr 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the driver's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that while at the car wash on a separate occasion, there was water intrusion into the cabin. The contact stated that water had been leaking inside the vehicle on rainy days. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Steering, Apr 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the steering wheel had became difficult to turn to the left or to the right, and there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the steering wheel, underneath the front end of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the struts and bushings had failed. The struts and bushings were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the steering rack had failed and needed to be replaced. The mechanic informed the contact that the vehicle was included in recall NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) and referred the contact to the dealer. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. No further information was available. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a safety complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon reaching arriving to the destination, there was an abnormal gasoline odor coming from the rear of the vehicle. After a visual inspection, the contact observed gasoline leaking from the fuel tank. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel tank filler neck. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V812000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 200,000.
Steering, Apr 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the power steering assist malfunctioned, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was contacted, and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (STEERING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The local dealer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 140,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that there was fuel leaking from the driver's rear end of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not able to be started. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 172,582.
Structure, Apr 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the A-pillar trim was loose and had started to detach. There were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that parts would not be available until August 2025. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer removed the molding and placed tape on the windshield and informed the contact that parts would be ordered to repair the vehicle. The contact was contacted by the dealer and the driver's side A-pillar trim was replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.
Structure, Apr 2, 2025
The exterior A-pillar trim part detached and hit another vehicle on the freeway. The dealership replaced the part and I paid for it. I received a recall notice January 2024 stating that Ford would replace the defect and or reimburse me for the previous replacement. In February 2025 the driver side A-pillar trim part detached while driving on the freeway. When I contacted my dealership at Kearny Pearson Ford they told me that they STILL did not have the parts as described in the Safety recall notice 24S02 / NHTSA recall 24V031. I am driving around with an open side along the windshield/body of my car and it does not feel safe.
Structure, Apr 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted several times. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Steering, Apr 1, 2025
Steering suddenly became hard to turn the wheel. Felt kind of jumpy.
Structure, Apr 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger's side windshield trim detached. The contact stated that the detached trim was hitting up against the front windshield. In addition, the contact stated that the detached trim caused the windshield wipers to not function properly. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available to repair the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but was unable to confirm when the part would be available. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Mar 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Electrical system, Structure, Seats, Mar 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while it was raining, water was leaking into the vehicle through the front windshield. While making a turn, water entered the vehicle, and the front seat passenger became wet. The seat was damaged by the water. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact ordered a power window switch online. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Other or unspecified, Mar 28, 2025
The backup camera on this vehicle stopped working correctly a while back. The image usually is shown mirror... so everything left-right is flipped which causes confusion for the driver. Other times the screen goes completely blank/black. Both of these create a safety issue when backing up, for cross traffic and pedestrians. This is issue just suddenly started one day. I asked the Ford dealer about it and being outside of the warranty period, there wasn't anything they could do. I can pay to replace the camera, but others reported doing that and the same problem came back later. I see now that Ford as active recalls for the same problem - but only for more recent model year vehicles.
Structure, Mar 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Mar 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Mar 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the A-Pillar trim detached. No warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Mar 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the front driver’s side and passenger’s side A-pillar trims detached. In addition, the contact was able to retrieve both front A-pillar trims and temporarily repaired the vehicle with adhesive. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Other or unspecified, Mar 26, 2025
Bad welding on the top left hinge of the liftgate allowed a crack to form over time. The crack exposed metal which allowed rust to form and leaks from rain water. This excess build up of water also allowed paint chipping and additional rust along the entirety of the crack and rear tray. This was discovered after some time, due to not being immediately visible from the rear of the car.
Steering, Mar 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the power steering failed to operate as needed. The contact used an excessive amount of force to turn the steering wheel. The power steering and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the power steering had failed, and the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The mechanic informed the contact of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering); and was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.
Structure, Mar 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the windshield trim had detached from both the passenger’s and driver’s sides of the vehicle. The contact had reinforced the trim with glue and tape several times; however, the trim persistently detached. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Mar 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the front windshield trim on the passenger's side had detached. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the parts to repair the vehicle were not available. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, the manufacturer was unable to confirm when parts would become available. The failure mileage was 132,182. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Steering, Mar 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became stiff and difficult to turn in either direction. The message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a local service center, where the vehicle was diagnosed and determined that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The parts for the repair were ordered, and the repair was pending at the owner's expense. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
Structure, Mar 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on the driver’s side of the windshield started to detach. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and the dealer confirmed that the remedy was not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.