Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2013 Ford Explorer, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Steering836
- Structure439
- Unknown or other345
- Engine225
- Electrical system163
- Fuel/propulsion system120
- Power train119
- Suspension79
- Engine and engine cooling67
- Electronic stability control (esc)45
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 61 injuries and 1 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 107 2013 Explorer vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 32 people died inside them, and 10 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2013 Ford Explorer failed the safety check 2.24% of the time — 6% less often than the average 2013 passenger car (2.38%). Median odometer at inspection: 123,278 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
In the Netherlands
21 first registered in 2013 are on Dutch roads; 100% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €97,698.
Most common APK defects
- Band onvoldoende profiel12
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde8
- Dimlicht onjuist afgesteld8
- Stadslicht kleur wijkt af of niet toegestaan5
- Zijrichtingaanwijzer(s) werkt niet (goed)4
- Stadslicht werkt niet (goed)4
- As of wielgeleidingselement ondeugdelijk4
- Retroreflector vertoont gebrek4
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
Crash-test ratings
NHTSA 5-star results for 2 variants; 2 of 2 rated variants score five stars overall. Rollover risk is the estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Variant | Overall | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 17.4 % |
| 2013 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | 16.9 % |
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
- Forward collision warning
- Optional
- Lane departure warning
- Optional
- Best overall rating
- 5 / 5
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), api.nhtsa.gov · US federal work, public domain
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 5 variants: combined 10.2–16.7 L/100 km (about 14–23 mpg US), CO₂ 235–288 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer · Sport utility vehicle: Standard · Regular gasoline | 11.8 | 8.3 | 10.2 |
| Explorer FFV · Sport utility vehicle: Standard · Regular gasoline | 13.7 | 9.7 | 11.9 |
| Explorer FFV AWD · Sport utility vehicle: Standard · Regular gasoline | 14.3 | 10.3 | 12.5 |
| Explorer FFV · Sport utility vehicle: Standard · E85 ethanol | 18.3 | 12.9 | 15.9 |
| Explorer FFV AWD · Sport utility vehicle: Standard · E85 ethanol | 18.9 | 13.9 | 16.7 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
12 Transport Canada recalls for the 2013 Ford Explorer.
| 2024026 22 Jan 2024 | Structure Issue: On certain vehicles, the exterior A-pillar trim on either side of the windshield may not be properly attached. As a result, the trim(s) could loosen an… |
| 2021587 24 Sept 2021 | Suspension Issue: On certain vehicles that have had one (or both) of the rear wheel knuckle(s) replaced, the outer ball joint for the rear suspension toe link may seize.… |
| 2021438 16 Jul 2021 | Suspension Issue: On certain vehicles, the outer ball joint for the rear suspension toe link may seize. If this happens, the toe link could break while driving. This cou… |
| 2020524 3 Nov 2020 | Suspension Issue: On certain vehicles, the outer ball joint for the rear suspension toe link may seize. If this happens, the toe link could break while driving. This cou… |
| 2019280 11 Jun 2019 | Suspension Issue: On certain vehicles, the rear suspension toe link(s) could break. This could cause a sudden loss of vehicle stability. Note: This problem is more likel… |
| 2017224 25 Apr 2017 | Suspension On certain vehicles operated in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, soil properties unique to these areas could cause an accumulation of soil to occur at the at… |
| 2015127 24 Mar 2015 | Structure On certain vehicles, the return spring within the interior door handle assembly could become unseated, resulting in an interior handle that does not return to t… |
| 2014194 28 May 2014 | Steering On certain vehicles, a fault in the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system could result in an immediate loss of power steering assist without warning to the drive… |
| 2013219 25 Jun 2013 | Other On certain vehicles, the child safety lock actuation cam may have been manufactured incorrectly. As a result, the child lock may inadvertently disengage, which… |
| 2013186 29 May 2013 | Fuel System On certain vehicles, the fuel delivery module may develop a crack which could allow fuel to leak. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could re… |
| 2013093 26 Mar 2013 | Fuel System On certain vehicles, the fuel tank may have been manufactured incorrectly. As a result, some of the fuel tanks may not provide the expected strength in the even… |
| 2012325 28 Sept 2012 | Accessories Certain vehicles fail to conform to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Specifically, the compliance label identifies the vehicle type as "TRU/CAM" instead … |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Ford told its dealers about the 2013 Ford Explorer: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11008948 | While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. |
| 10254138 | All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer Key Code access is granted through the Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES); dealership managemen |
| 10235153 | For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification number (VIN) from a different vehicle. Most modules on these affected vehicles are VIN/vehicle specific and hardware variations between modules do exist. Swapping a module from a vehicle or ordering a module using a different vehicle/VIN can cause ineffective repairs and additional vehicle down time. Make sure all appropriate Workshop Manual (WSM) procedures are |
| 10232579 | Certain 2011-2017 Model Year Explorer Vehicles Rear Wheel Knuckle Replacement REASON FOR THIS SUPPLEMENT Program Terms: added 21R01 and 21R02 REASON FOR PROVIDING A NO-COST, ONE-TIME REPAIR: added 21R01 and 21R02 OWNER NOTIFICATION MAILING SCHEDULE: added mailing schedule for 21R01 and 21R02 OASIS ACTIVATION: added 21R01 and 21R02 |
| 10226952 | Certain 2011 - 2013 Model Year Explorer Vehicles with Rear Wheel Knuckles that have been Replaced Rear Toe Link Inspection/Replacement Under Safety Recall 21S43, some of the affected vehicles that have had one (or both) rear wheel knuckle(s) replaced and were sold or operated in certain traditional corrosion areas where road salt is used extensively during winter months, may experience a seized toe link ball joint resulting in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link |
| 10226951 | Certain 2011-2017 Model Year Explorer Vehicles Rear Toe Link Replacement Under Safety Recall 21S32, some of the affected vehicles exposed to a highly corrosive environment where road salt is used extensively during winter months, have experienced a seized toe link ball joint resulting in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link. |
| 10222507 | Certain 2011-2017 Model Year Explorer Vehicles Rear Wheel Knuckle Replacement Ref 21S32 Submitting Owner Letter |
| 10212957 | Some 2013-2023 Ford or Lincoln vehicles with modems activated through FordPass or LincolnWay may experience 12 volt battery drain symptoms when the customer uses non-Ford/Lincoln phone applications as an alternate channel to access vehicle commands such as door lock/unlock, remote start, vehicle location, etc. The battery drain may be caused by excessive calls for data through the vehicle network keeping it in an activated state. Recommend that the customer uninstall the app to ensure this is not contributing to battery symptoms experienced. Advise the customer that unaffiliated third-party ap |
| 10208271 | This program provides a no-cost, one-time repair (if needed) to the rear wheel knuckles for six (6) months from the Repair Order (RO) opening date for field service actions 21S32 or 21S43 provided that the RO opening date occurs on or before July 31, 2023. This is a one time repair. In some of the affected vehicles exposed to a corrosive environment where road salt is used during winter months, the rear toe link ball joint located in the rear knuckle could seize. A seized toe link ball joint could wear out and develop a knocking noise after installation of the updated toe links in the FSA |
| 10207049 | Some 2011-2022 Explorer and 2020-2022 Aviator vehicles may experience an inoperative roof opening panel motor. If diagnostics lead to a motor replacement, visually inspect the original motor for signs of water intrusion. If found, determine source of water leak prior to replacing the motor. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 501-17, Pinpoint Test A for 2011-2016 and Pinpoint Test B for 2017-2022 for identifying the source of the water leak. |
| 10205031 | Touchscreen navigation system - arabic language - blank screen |
| 10205012 | Harsh Engagement during elevated idle - Ambient temperature below -9 C. Some 2013-2015 Explorer vehicles located in Russia and equipped with a 3.5L Twin independent variable camshaft time (Ti-VCT) EFNGINE, MAY EXHIBIT A HARSH ENGAGEMENT DURING ELEVATED IDLE. tHE CONDITION USUALLY OCCURS WHILE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE IS BELOW -9 c. |
| 10205010 | 2.0L Ecoboost - Fuel odor |
| 10205008 | 6F35 Transmission - Fluid leak at left side halfshaft seal - built on or before 10/14/2013 |
| 10204979 | 2.0 GTDI/2.3L - Front wheel drive - Bibration and/or grinding/banging/clicking noise |
| 10189760 | Certain 2013 through 2017 Model Year Explorer and Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles that are Registered or Sold in Certain States/Provinces Rear Toe Link Ball Joint Inspection This program is a proactive investigation by Ford Motor Company to obtain field data and parts for testing. Ford is voluntarily conducting this program to inspect the toe link ball joint and, if necessary, replace both rear toe links and wheel knuckles on vehicles always registered and always residing in the Nashville (and Calgary) area. The replacement toe links and knuckles being installed contain no enhancements a |
| 10189755 | Certain 2013 through 2017 Model Year Explorer and Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles that are Registered or Sold in Certain States/Provinces; Rear Toe Link Ball Joint Inspection This program is a proactive investigation by Ford Motor Company to obtain field data and parts for testing. Ford is voluntarily conducting this program to inspect the toe link ball joint and, if necessary, replace both rear toe links and wheel knuckles on vehicles always registered and always residing in the Nashville, Houston, Miami, Dallas, Atlanta, Phoenix, Winnipeg, and Calgary areas. The replacement toe links an |
| 10183767 | Some 2012-2016 vehicles equipped with a touchscreen navigation system and the language set to Arabic may exhibit a blank screen. This may be the result of the ribbon cables not being fully seated inside the front display interface module (FDIM) or an improper software configuration of the FDIM. |
| 10180428 | Some 2009-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbochargers may exhibit an oil leak from the turbocharger oil supply or return tubes, O-rings or 6.7L pedestal gasket. Although oil may collect on the turbocharger, it is very rare for a turbocharger to leak oil. To isolate the source of the leak, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 General Information > Diagnosis and Testing > Engine > Engine Oil Leaks - Fluorescent Oil Additive Method procedure. When an oil leak is present at a turbocharger oil supply or drain tube, remove the affected oil tube and inspect for damage, and re |
| 10177863 | This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. |
| 10177599 | These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as they do not meet CARB standards, but parts on vehicles are not effected. |
| 10177598 | These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as they do not meet CARB standards, but parts on vehicles are not effected. |
| 10176938 | For 2013-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles that require rear wheel knuckle and bushing assembly repairs, dealers are advised to follow Workshop Manual (WSM) Procedures and use service parts recommended by Ford only. Ford has received reports of toe link failures after the installation of non-OEM cross-axial ball joints (aka bushings) in the rear wheel knuckle, and if service of the rear wheel knuckle and bushing assembly is required, the recommended repair is to replace the affected 5B758/9 as an assembly only. Refer to WSM, Section 204-02, and the Ford Service Parts Catalog as needed. |
| 10176117 | For 2013-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles that require rear wheel knuckle and bushing assembly repairs, dealers are advised to follow Workshop Manual (WSM) Procedures and use service parts recommended by Ford only. Ford has received reports of toe link failures after the installation of non-OEM cross-axial ball joints in the rear wheel knuckle, and if service of the rear wheel knuckle and bushing assembly is required, the recommended repair is to replace the affected 5B758/9 assembly. Refer to WSM, Section 204-02, and the Ford Service Parts Catalog as needed. |
| 10169994 | Customer Satisfaction Program 19N09 Certain 2011-2014 Model Year Edge and MKX and 2013-2014 Model Year Explorer, Flex, and MKT Vehicles Left Front Door Latch Extended Coverage |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
Windshield trim molding Item detachment
Exhaust Odor in Passenger Cab
Ford Explorer Exhaust Odor
Front Brake Hose Failure
Front brake hose failure
Electric power steering failure
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation