2013 Ford Explorer Complaint Log

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist warning light illuminated, and the steering wheel became firm. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) which she linked to the failure. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

Unknown, heater started blowing cold air, and realized was low on coolant. Filled up coolant but noticed was leaking coolant when came home from work and parked car. Cannot locate leak as of yet but seems to be leaking from water pump as it is not a hose issue that I can feel or see. From research, it seems like Ford has had several complaints and failures with the water pump but no recall. If this part is continuing to fail, why has it not been recalled? This presents danger to the engine, car, and families in it. The pump is also located inside the engine making repairs with labor come around 2-4K. This should be covered by Ford due to failure rates reported and poor design choices made by Ford.

Was driving and trac control plus power steering assist came on and I lost all power steering while traveling at 70mph. Turn signals would not stay on and this almost caused me to wreck. Very unsafe.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel suddenly became very difficult to turn in either direction, with a creaking sound coming from the steering column. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the steering column and rack and pinion were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the 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.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, there was a loud sound outside the vehicle, and an airborne object was seen on the driver’s side of the vehicle. The contact stated it was later discovered that the driver’s side front windshield trim panel had detached from the vehicle. The contact purchased the replacement part from the dealer and the dealer replaced the part. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there was water on the rear carpet and the floor was wet. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the failure was due to the sunroof. The sunroof of the motor was disconnected, and valves and drainage pipes were cleaned. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact stated that the rear seats were wet, and the seat belt was wet. Additionally, there was water in the tire well. There was rust located in the vehicle. The contact discovered that water had entered through the liftgate. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

While driving down the road my steering locked up and stopped working. I turned my vehicle off and called for a tow truck. I had it serviced and it was found to have electrical issue in the steering gear which resulted in the loss of electric power steering assist while driving. They had to replace the electronic steering rack and pinion.

Steering failed completely. Unable to turn wheel at all. Thankfully I was stopped in my driveway this time, but unable to turn vehicle at all. It is being taken to Ford Dealership tomorrow. Problem has been reported to dealership, but not inspected yet.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering assist while turning to the left. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed with a faulty power steering assist system. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number 14V286000 (Steering). The approximate failure mileage was 116,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 50-55 MPH the steering wheel became firm and was difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated. While slowing down and attempting to pull over, the vehicle regained power steering functionality. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to turn at slow speeds, the steering wheel was very difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering rack 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 failure mileage was 120,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated when the vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be inspected for a vibration and unknown noises, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was repaired for the check engine fault. The contact also stated while driving approximately 25 MPH and making a left turn and occasionally while reversing the vehicle, the vehicle would vibrate abnormally. The contact related the failure to the suspension. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 163,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and the dealer had rescheduled the appointment twice. 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. Parts distribution disconnect.

I was driving and my steering wheel got really hard to turn.

Vehicle began exhibiting intermittent, momentary ABS activation (right front) which would cause vehicle to randomly and severely pull to the right and momentarily flash the traction control warning lamp. This problem began early in 2022 and was first taken to Ford dealership in May 2022. Multiple visits to dealer resulted in inability to diagnose due to lack of recorded codes although they were able to reproduce. Dealer hypothesized a bad electronic steering rack. Subsequent visits to non-Ford repair shops yielded no solution despite replacing ABS Control Module, Electronic Steering rack, yaw sensor, and front struts. Repair shop was able to reproduce. Recently took vehicle to Ford dealer who reproduced and performed pinpoint tests identifying the yaw sensor in the Restraint Control Module (RCM) as most likely cause, but replacement failed to solve. Dealer then removed the front bumper assembly and cleaned and calibrated the cruise control module. Dealer finally identified the problem as a failed Steering Wheel Rotation Sensor and replaced/repaired on May 25, 2023 (over a year after first exhibiting). This part (Ford BB5Z-3F818-A) covers 25 fitments ranging from 2011-2016 and is on national back-order. Speaking with dealers across the US while searching for the part, we found many dealers have been awaiting this part to fix similar problems for a year or more and there were only 7 dealers nationwide with this part in inventory. Based on these facts, it would appear this is likely a "known" issue for Ford, however there has never been a TSB or recall issued to resolve or prevent this from occurring. On multiple occasions, the intermittent ABS activation nearly pulled the vehicle into another lane of traffic and/or into other vehicles' path. I believe this part failure poses a significant safety risk and should, at a minimum, be disclosed to Ford/Lincoln/Mercury dealers via a TSB or through a recall.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford explore. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH the vehicle engine stop warning lights turned on. The engine started overheating and the contact pulled over and added water. The contact drove the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture was notified. The failure mileage was 72,000

I was driving down the road and my engine overheat alarm light went off. Tried replacing the thermostat and this did not help the situation. Then noticed coolant fluid leaking. Tried replacing the coolant fluid and it was coming out as fast as I was putting it in. My safety was put at risk due to this occuring while I was driving down the road with no warning. I carry my children in the car. I was able to slowly get my car back to my house and I had a mechanic come out and take a look and was told it was my water pump that had failed.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light would remain illuminated and the vehicle would sputter and fail to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the water pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.

I have been going through multiple sites trying to figure out what is going on with my car. I have only had my vehicle for less than a year and I barely even gotten to drive it. I'm now realizing every recall on the vehicle which there was like 13 has not been repaired. And I also have 4 different numbers for the odometer when I when I bought the vehicle at a 177000 but everything is reading at a 169000. I also purchased the vehicle in June not July like the title says. Also one of the titles said plate's not allowed. When I looked it up I believe this is a fleet vehicle and it does not say that anywhere on my title or in my paperwork. It did come from Canada. Is there any way you could possibly help me out with any of this? Also I had broken fuses and missing fuses. I had the 4 dealership look at it and a mechanic look at it and they both told me it looked like someone messed around with the wiring in my car.

Power steering failing. When turning makes loud grinding noise and gets stuck in one position and has to be jerked back to get out of a turn.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH and making a turn, the steering became difficult to maneuver. There were no warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was diagnosed at a local dealer as a beginning stage of power steering failure. The contact believed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 153,000. Consumer stated Ford Motor Company will not assist in fixing this issue under this recall, despite their own dealership telling them this issue is affecting the consumer's vehicle. Consumer's power steering is almost non existent at times.

Lost power steering and have code U3000-96

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed but the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The check engine warning light was reset, and the contact was informed that the check engine warning light was due to the air filter that needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact purchased a scanner to check on the codes herself. The contact retrieved a code related to the catalytic converter. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was confirmed that the catalytic converter had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 14,000.

The windshield trim panels flew off while driving on the highway.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the steering became inoperable. The power steering assist failure message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 146,000.

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 that while driving 65 MPH on the highway, the A-pillar trim started to detach. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but it was not able to be repaired because parts were not yet available. The contact then received the notification letter. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer; however, it was not repaired due to parts not being available. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that she was able to coast safely off the road and assess the vehicle. The contact stated that there was water on the ground as well as leaking from her vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and remained with the independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the water pump failed and caused the engine to fail to operate as needed. The dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 127,000.

The electric power steering failed on my vehicle in 2022 while 12 hours from home. Had to drive 12 hours with no power steering. Some year models from the 2013 have been included in the recall but my Vin # was not so I had to pay out of pocket to have mine fixed. It went out again in 2023 and was fixed by a Ford dealer once again out of my pocket. The backup camera will constantly go out and reveal a contact dealer message. I have backed in to a pull behind trailer and edge of me barn before because the camera went out while backing up.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while reversing out of the driveway, the steering wheel was firm and difficult to turn. The power steering assist warning light illuminated the following day. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed with power steering assist failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.

My REARVIEW CAMERA is faulty. When it works, the pictures are reversed. For example if a vehicle or person is coming from the left, it will show it/them coming from the right. The camera often just stops working and the screen is blank. I have seen recalls on Ford vehicles with faulty rearview cameras stating my exact symptoms yet my vehicle is not included in this recall. I have called my local dealership and Ford Customer Service, Corp. and have also been told I must wait for a recall although this same problem is identified on Ford vehicles. Please give me guidance on what I can do for my local Ford Dealer to fix this problem which has been identified by the manufacturer as a safety problem which increases the risk of a crash, which can lead to property damage or injury to people behind the car, especially small children. Thank you for your prompt attention to this very dangerous situation. I have not had a crash yet but have had many abrupt stops. Please contact me for any further questions or information.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the high engine temperature warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to inspect the vehicle and became aware that all the coolant had leaked out of the radiator. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

This vehicle should be part of the Ford campaign 14S06 or 15N01. The power rack and pinion has frozen and made the vehicle undrivable. The vehicle has a build date of 3/12 and the campaign lists the affected vehicles from 2011 through February 28th 2012. Ford has denied multiple attempts to get this repaired and they say the build date excludes this vehicle. We are talking about literally days apart to make it eligible. We replaced the power rack and pinion at our expense approximately 2 years ago and the same problem has reoccurred. This vehicle is unsafe to drive and we can not get it repaired outside of the Ford dealerships as the electronic power steering control module has to be re-set by Ford after a replacement. The warning message is on in red on the instrument cluster message center and the warning chime is sounding.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the electronic power steering assist message was displayed. The contact restarted the vehicle for the vehicle to return to normal operation. The contact stated on several occasions the contact drove the vehicle without power steering assist. The local dealer was contacted however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

While driving on the highway, the windshield driver's side upper pillar molding detached and flew off hitting the side of the rear of my vehicle. I was unaware of what had happened in the moment but was just knew there was a loud bang as if some type of debris hit my vehicle. I later noticed the lower molding had been damaged as well but was still attached to the vehicle. My safety was at risk in that I was startled by the bang and others could have been harmed by the flying trim. A call to the dealer confirmed there were issues with the trim piece but it was not under warranty and no recalls had been issued at the time. It was not physically inspected by anyone at the time. Due to cost, I ordered and installed a replacement upper trim piece but the lower trim remains damaged. No warnings or symptoms were present. It appears the passenger side remains in tact however does not seem as secure as it should.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? While driving home and turning on to our street I lost control of Power Steering. Was very difficult to steer - scary. Yes available for inspection, although we have an appt to check it and repair estimate on March 10, 2022 with Cutter Ford. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Scary. This is my wife's vehicle, It's a blessing that wife was not driving vehicle home from work in traffic on the H-1 freeway in Hawaii. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? There was a recall for 2013 Explorers in June 2014. Dealer Manager had denied any recall for my VIN. was not any help to , seem like he didn't care there was a recall on Ford 2013 Explorer. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Not yet, Dealer with Cutter Ford appt March 10, 2022 Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Lamp illuminated as soon as problem occurred saying " POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT"

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.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while reversing out the driveway at 5 MPH, the power steering rack light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact continued to drive; however, while turning the steering wheel, the steering wheel seized and the contact slammed on the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic and diagnosed with rack and pinion bracket failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 147,000.

Carbon monoxide levels in the cab. Persistent 10ppm co2 in the cab of the vehicle. Peak at 30ppm. The recall for this issue had previously been completed. 2nd issue was a valve allowed oil to infiltrate the intake which resulted in odor in the vehicle

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while his wife was driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred mostly in cold weather. The driver took the vehicle to the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while her son was driving 45 MPH, the engine overheated. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven home and the contact added antifreeze to the engine however, the liquid poured out. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was provided a service date in May 2022. The contact was informed that the water pump, timing chain, and other unnamed parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 183,460.

There is an open recall for 2011-2013 Explorers (#14V286000) for the exact cause of the submission of this complaint. My family and other's lives were at risk when my explorer lost power steering capabilities while driving. The power steering was completely disabled almost making it impossible to navigate. The vehicle had to be towed because it was such a hazard to drive with local traffic. Upon the loss of the power steering a "power steering assist" light illuminated on the dash. The local Ford dealership noted that this was a known problem and the 2013's were actually recalled for this exact issue. Once they looked up my VIN number they noted that mine was not included even though it is textbook for the other 2013 explorers which noted the same problem that caused this recall. Ford has not been of any help and instructed I submit this complaint here. The repair is not an affordable cost to swallow when there is an open recall for the exact problem on the SAME years, but for some reason mine was not included.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the engine failed. The contact mentioned that there was coolant going onto the engine. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact called the dealer to notify them of the issue. The vehicle was not repaired. No further information was available.

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 while driving 45 MPH, the driver's side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving 45 MPH, the driver's side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was repaired after the most recent failure. The contact had ordered the part from Amazon. 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 approximately 40,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

I’ve had this recall for awhile now. I’m tired of constantly replacing tires due to this recall and improper wearing. When reaching out to dealership I’m told Covid stopped the production of the part and I need to just “deal with it and replace tires frequently /rotate them” I can’t afford 2 new tires every 6 months

Our Ford Explorer has had some of the trim around the windshield panels detach while driving on the interstate. The first time it happened, it was severe, making a noise on our windshield and flying off towards the car behind us. We actually had to pull over to check to see if the windshield was still intact enough to continue driving. We went to the next exit, got some glue and gasket trimming and tried to repair/fix the part that was gone. We continued to worry about traveling on highways because that is when more and more of it seemed to detach or come loose. Windshield/glass replacement people said they couldn't replace those gaskets. The replacement had to come from the dealer. The dealer wouldn't replace the gasket or trimmings. They said there was no replacement part by FORD that would do that. Our insurance would NOT help us and declared they couldn't do anything unless the windshield itself came off or was broken. We have continued to just glue and try to repair these parts that are coming off. We are thankful that NHTSA is investigating this in other Explorers. It is a dangerous situation that we have sought help for- but to no avail. Pic 1 &2 shows the side that has no gasket left at all and trim is loose. Pic 3-7 shows the remaining gasket & trim is loose, flapping, and glued down in some places to keep it intact.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing out of the driveway, the steering wheel locked up. The contact was unable to turn the steering wheel in either direction. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed and remained at the dealer. The contact was informed that the power steering assist failed and would be an out-of-pocket expense. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure. The contact was provided with a case number. The failure mileage was 59,800.

I was stopped in the middle median waiting to make a left turn. Once there was a gap with on coming traffic I started to make the left turn and I lost control of the vehicle, not sure what happened in the moment. Once I gripped the steering wheel to try and regain control before I jumped the curb and hit the apartment building that was in front of me I was able to park the vehicle and assess the situation. I looked down and noticed the warning light that said “Power steering fault.” I had the vehicle towed to the nearest Ford dealership and they have diagnosed the problem as needing to replace the whole “steering rack.” This is a $2300 repair. Under further investigation I have become aware that there is already a recall “14S06” for this exact problem, but due to my build date being out by a couple months my Explorer is not covered. I have read online many other experiencing the same concern I am having, and their Explorers are not covered as well. This is a huge safety concern and could cause accidents relating to injury/death. This needs to be addressed immediately!

The power steering failed and almost caused me to get into an accident. My safety was put at risk because I almost crashed into on coming traffic making a left hand turn. There are thousands of other who have complained about this issue from 2013-2017 models. Power assist fault light came on and I lost full control of the steering of the vehicle. This is absolutely ridiculous this hasn't been one of the biggest recalls of all time. 10's of thousands of these Explores have had the same situation happen and because my build date was out of the initial 14s06 recall I had to pay out of pocket over $2000 dollars. This is a major safety concern that needs to be addressed. I work at a Ford dealership and one of the employees just bought a 2017 Explorer a week ago and the steering gear just failed on that one. Recall 14s06 needs to be extended to all Explorers from 2013-2017.

WATER PUMP LEAK INSIDE THE ENGINE, CAUSING COOLANT AND OIL TO MIX. CAR OVERHEATS

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that rainwater was leaking into the cabin of the vehicle from the passenger’s and driver’s side third-row roof seat belts anchors to the seat belts, and onto the floor of the rear of the vehicle. The contact placed a blanket on the folded third-row seats and the trunk floor; upon returning to the vehicle, the blanket was soaking wet. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.