2013 Ford Explorer

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

• 12/31/2016· STEERING

  FEW MONTHS AGO , AS I WAS BACKING UP IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT LIGHT CAME ON, COULDN'T MOVE. I TURNED ENGINE OFF AND ON LIGHT CLEARED AND WORKING FINE. THIS HAPPENED FEW TIMES PAST 4 MONTHS,. 2 DAYS AGO I WAS BACKING UP LIGHT CAME ON , 46800 MILES . COULDN'T MOVE STEERING LOCKED UP , , TURNING ENGINE ON AND OFF. 2 HOURD LATER SAME THING PANICKED I WAS AT A STORE PARKING LOT.. HAD TO LEAVE IT OVERNIGHT NO WAY TO MOVE. GOT IT TOWED TO CLOSEST FORD. GOT IT CHECKED OUT, AND ITS EPAS REPLACEMENT 1500 WHAT A NICE WAY TO END THE YEAR.

• 12/31/2014· ENGINE

  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

• 12/30/2025· STRUCTURE

  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 local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the passenger's side and driver's side windshield exterior A- Pillar trims had detached from the vehicle. The contact replaced the trims with aftermarket parts; however, the failure reoccurred. 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 178,000.

• 12/30/2024· STRUCTURE,ENGINE

  The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the driver’s and passenger’s side exterior A-pillar around the front windshield was detaching. The contact placed the A-pillars back in position. The contact stated that water was leaking into the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. 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 called two other local dealers, Premier Ford of Bay Ridge (612 86th St, Brooklyn, NY 11228) and Crown Ford Inc Service (420 Merrick Rd, Lynbrook, NY 11563) but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed reimbursement would not be provided if the repairs were completed by an independent mechanic. 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 failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

• 12/30/2013· STEERING

  TL- THE CONTACT OWNS 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO MALFUNCTION WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, BUT HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 400. RK

• 12/29/2025· STRUCTURE

  The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the recall remedy parts were not fully available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the recall remedy was partially available. The dealer stated that the driver-side A-pillar trim was available, but the passenger-side A-pillar trim was not yet available. 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, and a case was filed. The contact had not experienced a failure.

• 12/29/2023· STRUCTURE

  The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while opening the trunk lid, he became aware of the liquid. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was stated that the leak was coming from a cracked weld seal near the liftgate. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 170,000.

• 12/29/2022· STEERING

  So my 2013 Ford Explorer XLT Steering locked up while I was driving lucky I did not crash but did had to use a lot of force to turn wheel to get to side of the road had car towed to ford dealership they said sorry it's not a recall but yet I've seen and read a lot of complaints but nothing as far as a recall I ended up paying a lot of money to fix it please someone put a recall on that Steering before someone gets hurt and so I can get my money back

• 12/29/2020· STEERING

  MY ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST KEEPS LOCKING MY STEERING WHEEL, AND MY STEERING WHEEL IS MAKING A GRINDING NOISE. SINCE MY VEHICLE WAS MADE AFTER THERE RECALL DATES IT WILL NOT BE COVERED TO FIX. YET IT IS STILL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AS THE RECALLED VEHICLES.

• 12/29/2018· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  THE HEADLIGHTS ARE SEVERELY INADEQUATE ,IF IT IS RAINING IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE

• 12/29/2015· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  I HAVE GOODYEAR FORTERA P245/65R17 105T TIRES AS OEM ON THIS VEHICLE.THE TREAD HAS DRY ROTTED CRACKS JUST LIKE THE TIRES RECALLED IN 2015.THE FIRST SIGN OF PROBLEM WAS TIRE LIGHT COMING ON. WHY ARE THESE TIRE BEING RECALLED ALSO?

• 12/29/2015· ENGINE

  I HAVE AN EXPLORER 2013(32762 MILES) WITH BIG ODOR OF GASES INSIDE THE CABIN WHEN I ACCELERATE MY SUV. THE ODOR OF GASES IS AMAZING INSIDE THE CABIN AND I AFRAID WITH THAT ODOR CAN CAUSE HEALTH PROBLEM NOW OR IN THE FUTURE TO MY FAMILY. I ALREADY WENT TO THE FORD SERVICE AND THEY MAKE A SEAL BUT THE PROBLEM STILL THERE. (TSB 14-04-NA). THE GOVERNMENT NEED TO DO SOMETHING.

• 12/28/2020· STEERING

  THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE LOST POWER STEERING ON HIS VEHICLE AND HIS VEHICLE IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL .THE CONTACT STATED HIS WHOLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM LOST POWER.

• 12/28/2019· STEERING

  WHILE DRIVING 70MPH WITH MY KIDS IN THE CAR THE POWER ASSIST LIGHT CAME ON. I LOST ALL CONTROL OF THE POWER STEERING. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO A SAFE SPOT USING MUCH STRENGTH TO DO SO. 2013 FORD EXPLORER 74,700 MILES.

• 12/28/2016· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  THE "DOOR AJAR" SENSOR ON MANY FORD PRODUCTS IS DEFECTIVE AND CAUSES THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT TO COME ON EVEN WHEN THE DOORS ARE CLOSED. THIS ALSO CAUSES THE INTERIOR DOME LIGHTS TO REMAIN ON AT NIGHT AND WILL NOT ALLOW THE DOORS TO BE LOCKED WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. IT IS DANGEROUS NOT BEING ABLE TO LOCK THE DOORS AS CHILDREN COULD OPEN THE DOORS ACCIDENTALLY AND FALL OUT. IT IS ALSO DANGEROUS HAVING THE INTERIOR DOME LIGHTS REMAIN ON WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. FORD KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AS WHEN I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIRS, THEY ACKNOWLEDGED A SERVICE BULLETIN IS AVAILABLE ABOUT THE PROBLEM. BECAUSE OF THE SAFETY ISSUES INVOLVED, THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THE DOOR AJAR. *TR

• 12/28/2015· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AS A STRONG FUEL ODOR EMITTED INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE FRONT DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE WEATHER DOOR STRIPPING WAS REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000. UPDATED 06/29/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED FUMES FROM THE EXHAUST ENTERED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. UPDATED 07/13/16.*JB

• 12/27/2022· STEERING

  The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure nearly caused a collision. The local dealer and a second dealer, Gregg Smith Ford Lincoln (1316 Price Ln, Clinton, MO 64735) were made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.

• 12/27/2017· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  CABIN HAS A VERY VERY STRONG SMELL OF NATURAL GAS. IT IS VERY CONCERNING. IT IS TOXIC TO BREATHE AND DANGEROUS! MY VEHICLE SEEMS UNSAFE TO DRIVE!

• 12/27/2017· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES

  THE "DOOR AJAR" SENSOR ON MANY FORD PRODUCTS IS DEFECTIVE AND CAUSES THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT TO COME ON EVEN WHEN THE DOORS ARE CLOSED. THIS ALSO CAUSES THE INTERIOR DOME LIGHTS TO REMAIN ON AT NIGHT AND WILL NOT ALLOW THE DOORS TO BE LOCKED WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. IT IS DANGEROUS NOT BEING ABLE TO LOCK THE DOORS AS CHILDREN COULD OPEN THE DOORS ACCIDENTALLY AND FALL OUT. IT IS ALSO DANGEROUS HAVING THE INTERIOR DOME LIGHTS REMAIN ON WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. FORD KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AS WHEN I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIRS, THEY ACKNOWLEDGED A SERVICE BULLETIN IS AVAILABLE ABOUT THE PROBLEM. BECAUSE OF THE SAFETY ISSUES INVOLVED, THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THE DOOR AJAR. BATTERY DRAINS QUICKLY AFTER GETTING NEW ON WITHIN A YEAR. BRAKES ALSO CONTINUES SQUEAKS AFTER GETTING THEM FIXED.

• 12/26/2023· STEERING

  ELECTRICAL RACK AND PINION - LOCKED UP STEERING WHEEL. Wife driving car could have been hurt. Was inspected by independent service person. No warning !!

• 12/26/2019· POWER TRAIN

  MY CAR BEGAN LURCHING WHEN I WAS DRIVING AND BEGAN LEAKING OIL. WHEN I TOOK IT IN, I FOUND OUT THE PTO NEEDED REPAIRED. THE TRANSFER CASE WAS FILLED WITH METAL AND COVERED IN METAL SHARDS. MECHANIC SAID THE CAR WASN'T DRIVEABLE AND WOULD BE DANGEROUS TO HAVE ON THE ROAD.

• 12/26/2018· VISIBILITY

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO LAFONTAINE FORD (5103 S CEDAR STREET, LANSING, MI 48911) FOR SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. WHILE THE MECHANIC WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE SUN ROOF SHATTERED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER, BUT THE SUN ROOF WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: CAS-16709021. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.

• 12/25/2021· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  See the Recall report.

• 12/24/2019· STEERING

  MY STEERING WHEEL IS LOOSE NOT SURE IF IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH A RECALL WITH THE POWER STEERING OR NOT.

• 12/23/2020· SUSPENSION

  I RECEIVED NOTICE ABOUT A SAFETY RECALL FOR MY BALL JOINT SUSPENSIONS FOR MY VEHICLE. ACTUALLY TWO NOTICES FROM FORD. I SCHEDULED MY VEHICLE FOR RECALL SERVICE AND APPARENTLY MY VEHICLE VIN DOES NOT FALL UNDER THE RECALL. YOU CAN LITERALLY HEAR MY BALL JOINTS KNOCKING EVERY TIME I MAKE A TURN. EVEN THE MECHANIC CONFIRMED THAT MY BALL JOINTS WERE HORRIBLE BUT HIS HANDS WERE TIED BECAUSE MY VIN DID NOT POP UP IN HIS SYSTEM WITH THE RECALL. HOW IS IT I GET NOT ONE BUT TWO NOTICES FOR THE SAFETY RECALL AND NOW MY VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE COMPANY RECALL? WHEN AGAIN YOU CAN LITERALLY HEAR THE JOINTS KNOCKING EVERY SINGLE TIME I MAKE A TURN. IS IT REALLY GOING TO TAKE FOR ME TO GET INTO AN ACTUAL ACCIDENT TO HAVE THIS ISSUE ADDRESSED?

• 12/23/2020· SUSPENSION,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  THE FUEL TANK HAS A GAP BETWEEN THE PLACE YOU FILL UP GAS FROM GAS LEAKING STILL.THE WHEELS MAKE A POPPING SOUND WHEN YOU MAKE SHARP TURNS

• 12/23/2020· SUSPENSION

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THEY TOOK THEIR VEHICLE INTO THE DEALER (RAMP MOTORS, INC. 4869 NESCONSET HWY, PORT JEFFERSON STATION, NY 11776; (631) 473-1550) FOR A RECALL. THE DEALER INFORMED THEM THEIR VEHICLE HAD THE FAILURE AND THEIR REAR SUSPENSION TOE LINKS NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THEIR VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V675000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

• 12/22/2023· STRUCTURE

  The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there was water leaking inside the vehicle while her mother was driving and while the vehicle was parked in the rain. The contact stated that water was leaking in the driver's side of the vehicle and in the trunk. The contact stated that water was settling in the front driver's side floorboard and in the trunk. The contact stated that her mother had removed approximately a gallon of water out of the vehicle on one occasion. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times. The dealer informed the contact that the failure could be due to a clogged drain plug. Several unknown repairs were performed on the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

• 12/22/2022· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle overheated. The check engine warning light and the coolant temperature warning light were illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle until the engine cooled down. The contact continued to drive. Additionally, the contact noticed that coolant was leaking onto the ground. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the water pump needed to be replaced. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle in for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened; however, the contact was not offered assistance because the VIN was not under recall for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,500.

• 12/22/2022· STEERING

  Power steering went out. POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT. error is on car.

• 12/22/2020· SUSPENSION

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS AN ABNORMALLY LOUD SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A LETTER FROM THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING A BALL JOINT FAILURE AND RECALL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO LANGDALE FORD (215 W MAGNOLIA ST, VALDOSTA, GA 31601, (229) 394-4334) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION BALL JOINT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A SECOND LETTER FROM THE MANUFACTURER WHICH STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION BALL JOINT WAS PREVIOUSLY REPLACED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V675000 (SUSPENSION) BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER HOWEVER, THE RECALL REPAIR FAILED TO FIX THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

• 12/21/2023· STEERING

  The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the Electronic Power Steering malfunctioned, and the steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction. After restarting the vehicle, the failure was self-corrected, and the vehicle operated normally. The failure was intermittent but eventually, the failure became a persistent failure. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering rack assembly was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed 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 failure mileage was 120,000.

• 12/21/2023· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER

  The left and right windshield panels flew off of my Ford Explorer truck.

• 12/21/2023· STEERING

  The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle the Electronic Power Steering had malfunctioned and the steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction. After restarting the vehicle the failure had self corrected and the vehicle operated as normal. The failure was intermittent but eventually the failure became a permanent problem. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the Steering Rack Assembly was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000(Steering). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced that same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 120,000.

• 12/21/2018· STRUCTURE

  WHEN DRIVING DOWN I-75 HEADED TO WORK, DOING 65 MPH BOTH MY WINDSHIELD TRIMS FLEW OFF MY CAR AN STARTED MAKING A LOUD RATTLING NOISE. IT SCARED THE CRAP OUT OF ME! HOW HAS THIS NOT BEEN RECALLED?

• 12/21/2018· POWER TRAINCrash

  HAS THERE BEEN ANY REPORTED CASES OF A 2013 FORD EXPLORER SLIPPING FROM PARK TO REVERSE WITH THE SHIFTER? I HAVE NO SPECIFICS OTHER THAN AN ACCIDENT WHERE THE CAR WAS PHYSICALLY SHIFTED FROM DRIVE TO PARK OR REVERSE (ACCIDENTALLY) AFTER PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT IN HOUMA, LA.. PERSON DROVE CAR INTO PARKING LOT AND POSSIBLY WANTED TO GET OUT AND SEE HOW FAR THEY WERE FROM CURB. CAR WAS STILL RUNNING AND PERSON EXITED VEHICLE AND WAS SUBSEQUENTLY RUN OVER. BYSTANDER WHO HEARD/SAW ACCIDENT SHIFTED CAR TO PARK (WAS PHYSICALLY IN REVERSE WHEN THEY GOT IT). I HAD HEARD THAT OLDER EXPLORERS MAY HAVE HAD AN ISSUE.

• 12/21/2018· STEERING

  WHILE TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE MY VEHICLE SWAYED INTO ANOTHER LANE INVOLUNTARLY. I WENT INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND I WAS INITIALLY TOLD MY ALIGNMENT WAS DUE. I EXPLAINED THE ISSUE AND ASKED IF IT WAS THOROUGHLY CHECKED. I WAS TOLD YES. I LEFT THE DEALERSHIP ONLY TO HAVE MY VEHICLE ALMOST FLIP OVER WHILE TURNING. I WENT BACK IN AND AFTER CHECKING I AM TOLD THE STEERING GEAR FAILED.

• 12/21/2017· ENGINE

  ODOR NOTICED IN VEHICLE CABIN INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING, PARTICULARLY WHILE ACCELERATING. HAVE NOW FOUND OUT THAT THE VEHICLE HAS A CRACKED EXHAUST MANIFOLD.

• 12/21/2013· STEERING

  I WENT TO SUBWAY TO GET SOMETHING TO EAT AND GOT BACK IN CAR TO LEAVE AND THE STEERING ASSIST FAULT SERVICE REQUIRED LIGHT CAME ON AND STEERING WHEEL IS VERY TIGHT. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON AND IT'S NOT RESETTING. I HAVE A TOW TRUCK ON THERE WAY RIGHT NOT. I LIVE IN NORTH DAKOTA AND HAD THIS HAPPENED ON A HIGHWAY GOING A HIGH RATE OF SPEED WOULD HAVE BEEN VERY SCARY. THIS CAR IS NOT EVEN 3 MONTHS OLD AND HAS UNDER 5,000 MILES ON IT. THIS IS VERY DISTURBING AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. *TR

• 12/20/2015· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  VAPOR CANISTER PURGE VALVE INOPERATIVE AT 72,000 MILES CAUSING A MISS/ HESITATION WHEN VEHICLE WAS RUNNING. LIGHT CAME ON AND A LOSS OF POWER OCCURRED WHILE TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE. IMMEDIATELY DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THIS WAS IDENTIFIED AS THE VAPOR CANISTER PURGE VALVE. FORD DECIDED THIS WAS NOT AN EMISSIONS COMPONENT AND DID NOT WARRANTY THE REPAIR UNDER THEIR 80000 MILE EMISSIONS WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH THIS IS CLEARLY DEFINED AS AN EMISSIONS COMPONENT BY THE EPA.

• 12/19/2025· STRUCTURE

  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 upon further inspection, the contact noticed that the front passenger’s side A-Pillar trims had become loosened. Two local dealers were contacted on various occasions, including McGovern Ford of Lowell (1212 Westford St, Lowell, MA 01851). 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 65,000.

• 12/19/2023· STEERING

  The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the steering wheel was loose and the traction control was inadvertently deactivated. The failure caused the vehicle to vibrate abnormally. The traction control warning light was illuminated, and the Service Advance Trac System message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who recalibrated the steering wheel; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 153,000.

• 12/19/2018· STRUCTURE

  SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNTS OF WATER IS LEAKING INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE WHEN PARKED OR IN MOTION. WATER INTRUDES THU THE FRONT DOME LIGHT, THE SIDE, THE REAR SEAT BELT, AND OTHER AREAS. WATER WAS STANDING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT FEET AREA AND IT FILLED THE REAR SPARE TIRE WHEEL WELL. HAD PURCHASED EXTENDED WARRANTY FROM THE FORD DEALER WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER WHO CLEARED THE TWO REAR DRAINS ON THE SUN ROOF, BUT THAT DOES NOT SOLVE THE ISSUE. DEALER RAN DIAGNOSTICS IN A WATER CLOSET THEY HAVE IN THEIR SHOP. DIAGNOSTIC REPORT NOTES "WATER IS FOUND COMING IN FROM THE TAIL GATE BODY SEAMS" DEALER EXPLAINED THAT THE SEAM SEALER IS APPLIED AT THE FACTORY DURING MANUFACTURING PRIOR TO THE PAINTING. APPARENTLY THIS FACTORY SEALER HAS FAILED. UNCLEAR IF SEALER COMPOUND WAS DEFECTIVE, OR WAS IMPROPERLY APPLIED. BOTTOM LINE IS THE FACTORY SEAL HAS FAILED, THE SEAMS ARE NOW COMPROMISED RESULTING IN THIS SAFETY ISSUE. THE 3RD PARTY EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT FORD SOLD ME IS SUPPOSED TO COVER SEALS AND GASKETS, BUT APPARENTLY THERE IS FINE PRINT DEEP IN THE BOWELS OF THE CONTRACT THAT EXCLUDES BODY ISSUES EVEN IF THE ROOT CAUSE IS POOR MATERIALS, POOR QUALITY, OR WORKMANSHIP BY THE MANUFACTURER. DEALER INDICATED THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN OBSERVED PREVIOUSLY ON THIS MODEL. SIMPLE WEB SEARCHES SHOW A LARGE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS FOR THIS AND ADJACENT MODEL YEARS BUT YET RECALL YET FOR THE ISSUE. I CONTACTED FORD'S SUPPORT LINE TO FILE A COMPLAINT. NO RESOLUTION AS OF THIS WRITING. DEALER ALSO INDICATED THAT THE REPAIR WOULD REQUIRE A BODY SHOP.I WENT TO THE BODY SHOP OWNED BY THE DEALER AND RECEIVED A PRELIMINARY ESTIMATE OF $738. THEY EMPHASIZED "PRELIMINARY" AS THEY'RE UNSURE HOW EXTENSIVE THE SEAM SEAL FAILURE MAY BE. THIS ISSUE NOT ONLY IMPACTS THE SAFETY (WATER AND ICE IN INTERIOR) BUT ALSO CREATES A HEALTH HAZARD FROM MOLD, MILDEW, SICKENING SMELL.

• 12/19/2016· STEERING

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH AND EXITING THE DRIVEWAY, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND "POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT" DISPLAYED ACROSS THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

• 12/18/2024· STRUCTURE

  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.

• 12/18/2021· STEERING

  I came out of Lowes and got into my vehicle and when I tried to back it out, I could not turn my wheels and the message on the instrument panel stated, "Power Steering Assist Fault". I shut of my engine and restarted the Explorer and after a few seconds I was able to steer my vehicle. I am afraid to drive the Explorer because I have two car seats in the car that carry two children. My Explorer was made in the Chicago plant in March of 2013, but my vin number appears not to be included in the ones to be covered.

• 12/18/2019· STEERING

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY SEIZED AND COULD NOT BE TURNED IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE FAILURE ONLY OCCURRED WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN. DURING THE FAILURE, THE MESSAGE 'POWER STEERING ERROR' WAS DISPLAYED. AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF AND ON, IT RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. CANTON ALL STAR FORD (17849 1-20, CANTON, TX) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.

• 12/18/2018· ENGINE

  TIMING CHAIN STRETCH. $3,000 TO FIX IT

• 12/18/2018· STEERING

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMALLY LOUD GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AREA. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN LEFT AND REQUIRED EXCESSIVE FORCE TO TURN LEFT AND RIGHT. SUNSET FORD (11700 GRAVOIS RD, ST. LOUIS, MO 63127, (314) 843-4431) WAS NOTIFIED AND A DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE12017 (STEERING) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000 (STEERING), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURE WAS THE SAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.

• 12/18/2017· POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

  DRIVING AT 55MPH ON A HIGHWAY MY FORD EXPLORER SPORT 2013 COMPLETELY SHUT OFF AND A AMBER WRENCH CAME ON ALONG WITH 2 MORE WARNINGS (TERRAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FAULT AND SERVICE TRACTION SYSTEM LIGHT). I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND RESTART THE VEHICLE, BUT IT DID IT 2-3 TIMES THE SAME NIGHT. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO GET IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THE SAME DAY WITHOUT CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. I CAN'T IMAGINE WHAT WOULD OF HAPPENED ON A INTERSTATE AT A HIGHER SPEED.