2013 Ford Explorer Complaint Log

Rear back glass has shattered on two separate occasions. First, in November after using auto start to warm the vehicle. Second, almost three years later while driving in the summer. Had to pay for replacement out of pocket.

When starting car driver assist alert comes on and car is hard to steer

While shifting my Explorer (which I had just purchased used 3 days prior) from Reverse into Drive after backing out of a driveway, a prompt appeared on the left side of dash instrument panel saying ‘Power Steering Assist Fault,’ and then the power steering failed completely. After struggling to steer the car off the road, I parked and turned the ignition off and back on again and the problem went away (power steering resumed as normal). Then, after backing up again, the same thing happened in the same sequence. Again, I parked, turned the car off and on again and once again, the power steering worked. After this happened twice (in about 15 minutes), the next time I started the car, the power steering assist fault prompt came up again and the power steering never resumed working. I was about an hour away from my home and had to drive the car on the interstate and back home with no power steering and a traction management issue as well (steering became very jerky while adjusting wheel left or right to stay in lane, causing car to swerve back and forth). I notified my salesperson right away, but since it was Saturday, he said to bring it in first thing Monday. I took the car to the dealership I bought it from the following Monday and it was diagnosed and the part was ordered, but apparently is on a national backorder due to the chip shortage. Other prompts that came up (that never came up before) were ‘Service Advance Trac’ and another about the Terrain Management system. The blinker also stopped working automatically- meaning it would not stay on when engaged all the way. I had to hold it down to keep the blinker on, whereas before, it would stay on by itself if blinker arm was depressed all the way. This became difficult when trying to turn the vehicle with no power steering. The car is currently at Phil Long Ford Motor City dealership in Colorado Springs awaiting the backordered part.

I was driving this 2013 Ford Explorer and the POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT warning appeared on the dashboard. The steering became very difficult to steer and maneuver. This can increase risk of accident and place other motorist at risk for serious injury

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, the instrument cluster showed that the engine was overheating. The vehicle stalled and was not drivable. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the water pump and engine were needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

While on the highway July 2021 a red warning light flashes, I didn’t get to see exactly what it said, it went away. Shortly after that I stopped at a Walmart service location off the highway, but by then the light wasn’t on and the mechanic said “they don’t do anything regarding engines”. Then about a week later it flashed again then I was ready and able to take a picture (attachment #1) it said “engine coolant over temperature”. I called several repair shops and dealerships and had gotten a few estimates (attachment #2). One place added a lot of coolant (Grease Monkey) and that seem to get me going and I didn’t see the light again until about 3 to 4 weeks later. Then my husband and I had to start checking my coolant level daily to see if more coolant had to be added which most times it did. The high cost for repair - is in getting to the water pump - which I’m being told by at least 4 people can take 11 to 12 hours of labor. One repair place said “I may be better off by getting rid of the SUV”. I previously had a 2003 Ford Explorer (original owner) kept it for 10 years then upgraded to a 2013 Ford Explorer (original owner) and thought I could do the same, however costly problems started in 2021. Ford is aware of all of the water pump related issues and should have a recall and/or make repairs free of charge. This has been apparently going on for 10+/- years. In October 2021 once while on a rural highway in Colorado about 30 minutes from home my car ran hot and stalled on me and my son who is disabled and cannot walk. We putt putted over to a restaurant lot, had to let the car cool down to then add water. After that we almost made it home before the light came on again, we were about 3 minutes from home. That was very scary to be driving in traffic and your car stalls. My car has been sitting for the last 4 months because of the cost for needed repairs.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the rack and pinion replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.

On July 12, 2021 on I-20 about 25 miles from Atlanta, the front windshield driver's side molding flew off without previous warning. This is on a 2013 Ford Explorer. This was a piece about 3" wide and 2 feet long that flew into the lane behind me and could create a safety issue for drivers behind me. I saw on the newspaper today that 16- other people have report. I did have it replaced at aElders Body Shop at my expense ($307) and they also refastened the right piece which was loose.

I was driving on the interstate and all of a sudden the vehicle lost power. It slowed down and I had to pull off the interstate. I thought it was because I broke for the speed limit change to fast. This was before July. It happened another time and I noticed the dashboard and it showed a big wrench symbol. Pryor to the mishap I saw nothing on the dashboard, no warning at all. I checked the internet and it was stating that there were a recall on this problem. I have not received any paperwork.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the passenger’s side door failed to latch properly. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated tied the door shut to continue to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact stated that in February 2021 the driver’s side door latch was replaced, not the passenger’s side door latch. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the Vin was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximate 102,000.

Back Over Prevention - Back Up camera is going black or is showing a mirror image. Available for inspection. Danger to driver and passengers as well as those outside the vehicle as they cannot be seen through the camera. Problem is consistent with each time vehicle is in reverse. No warnings presented by the vehicle and dealership has not looked at the issue.

Power steering assist fail. It happened in my driveway multiple times in one day, hasn't happened since. Car has been owned by my daughter for only a couple of months. I want to report it as a known issue.

The traction control , hill assist and abs light comes on and when it does the stability light warning come on also. When traveling in mountain you don’t know if the braking system is working or not

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that when the vehicle was shifted into drive, the power steering assist fault warning light illuminated the steering wheel seized. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle several times before the vehicle resumed normal functionality. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The contact mentioned NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) as a possible solution to the failure however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

The electric power steering assist failed on my explorer while driving causing me to lose control and hit the ditch. There was a recall with this problem on the 2011-2013 models but both Ford and my local Ford dealer advised me that my vehicle is not part of the recall. It’s the same problem as the existing recall but mine is not included.

The back up camera failed several times over the past few months. Just recently it has completely stopped. I have seen recalls for Ford explorers with later years.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the power steering became inoperable. The steering fault warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.

I was driving this 2013 Ford Explorer and suddenly the steering wheel became very difficult to steer and turn. Some warning lights appear on the dashboard stating POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT, SERVICE ADVANCETRAC and TERRAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FAULT. The experience a loss of power and require extra effort to steer the vehicle. This potentially may increase the risk of a motor vehicle accident or crash and place motorist safety at risk. I urge FORD to address this concern immediately. This seems to be a trend and complain from numerous other motorist who operate and drive the 2013 Ford Explorer.

When I first purchased vehicle noticed passenger side windshield frame cracked, so I asked dealer to repair which they did. 2 weeks later driving on the freeway at 70 mph the piece flew off. Luckily I was in the lane next to exit and no cars were hit. I then purchased the kit to replace the one lost and same thing happened again but this time on a side road going 45-50 mph. I hope this gets taken care of by Ford because it is getting to be costly!!

Power Steering Failure when driving car. Notification of sensor on dash and power steering fails. Had to restart car upon failure to get power steering back. This has occurred several times at several different mileages fir car. Recalls on other Ford vehicles including Ford Explorer have been issued.

On, June 19, 2021 I was driving back home from a Father's Day fishing excursion in Morehead City , NC, about 4 hours in my 5 hours and 40 minutes drive back home, my power steering light lite up on my dashboard, I felt my steering wheel starting to get a little tighter on my turns, so I found the nearest Auto Zone, looking to buy some power steering fluid , but before going inside, I lifted up my hood, to look for my power steering tank, I could not find one, so I went to my Ford manual book and found out, it was an electric power steering system. Since I was 1 hours and 40 minutes from being home, after I drop my brother in law off at his home in Arlington, Va. He had gotten sea sick on the boat and was in bad shape, so I left my truck running, then I made it home to my girlfriend house in White Plains, MD, I got up on June 20th, 2021, and started my truck up, and I could not turn my steering wheel at all, so I called my Travelers roadside assistance, for a tow truck, and they delivered my truck to Ford Dealership in Waldorf, MD. I waiting on them to call me back today, they was busy yesterday.

I was driving when all of a sudden the power steering gave out. My wheel locked tight and I was unable to move the wheel easy. The light on the dash first stated drivers assist disabled and then "service power steering". I almost ran off the road due to loss of control of the wheel. It was taken to Gates Toyota where a Certified Ford Technician stated it was the power steering module. Upon looking this was an issue in Ford Explorer's in the past with a recall on it. Mine was not covered in this recall.

I kept getting the power steering assist failed. I got it repaired and then I found out that there was a recall previously on my car. How do I go about getting reimbursement about me fixing the recalled part.

Unknown. Get gas fume smell inside cabin of vehicle and other times it will smell like rotten eggs when accelerating spoke with the dealership and they don't seem concerned

I was driving this said Ford motor vehicle and suddenly the steering wheel became very stiff and difficult to steer and maneuver. Immediately a warning light appear on the dashboard stating POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT. This said Ford SUV experience a loss of power and require extra effort to steer the vehicle. This increases the risk of a vehicle crash and place my safety and the safety of other motorist and/or pedestrians at risk. I hope this concern can be addressed in a timely manner. Thanks in advance.

Power Steering Assist Fault message appears randomly at start up. Generally restarting the vehicle will clear the fault. Recalls were issued for the model year of my vehicle, but it seems my vin falls outside of the recall, but this very serious safety issue is still effecting it.

As I was driving down the interstate the steering got hard to control. It was hard keeping the car in my lane. The warning light came on and told be to check power steering. I had to drive on the side of the interstate for 2 miles to the next exit. Then had to wait 8 hours for someone to come get my family. There are some recalls on this but not on my car. Dealer told me the part is over 1500 dollars. I don't understand why mine is not on recall list. I have lost all trust in Ford products.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while making a right turn at 15 MPH, the power steering assist warning light was illuminated, and the steering wheel seized. The contact was able to park on the side of the road. The contact stated he turned off the vehicle 3-5 times until the warning light turned disappeared, before continuing to drive to his residence. The contact is called LaFayette Ford, Inc. (5202 Raeford Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28304, (910) 424-0281) & Crown Ford (256 Swain St, Fayetteville, NC 28303: (910) 600-6598) and made them aware of the failure. The contact stated that in September 2021, he experienced the failure for a second time. The contact took the vehicle to Crown Ford and was informed that the brakes needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, the passenger’s side rear wheel detached from the rear suspension causing a loss of steering control. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with the rear lateral links needing to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 20V675000 (Suspension). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 74,540.

The contact owns a 2013 FORD Explorer. The contact stated while reversing out of the driveway, the power steering warning light illuminated and the steering wheel ceased. The contact stated while taking the vehicle to the dealer, about 5 to 6 miles later the power steering warning light disappeared. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) as a possible solution however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,920

I was driving down the road and the electric power steering failed and almost resulted in an accident

STEERING STARTED FEELING LIKE IT WAS GETTING STUCK WHEN TURNING LEFT AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT COME BACK TO CENTER THIS OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING ON ANY TYPE OF ROAD THE PROBLEM GOT WORSE OVER SEVERAL DAYS UNTIL I FELT IT UNSAFE TO DRIVE IT ANY LONGER AND TOOK IT TO A REPAIR SHOP.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, he started to smell exhaust fumes inside of the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while inspecting the vehicle, he noticed the exhaust manifold was faulty and leaking. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 169,234.

Passenger door ajar warning signal stays on even when the door is shut which is causing all my lights to stay on and my car not locking because the door is saying it’s ajar when it is not.

DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AND THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT AND ALMOST CAUSED US TO CRASH.

I WAS DRIVING AND HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE FROM THE REAR END. WITHIN 30 SECONDS I LOST CONTROL OF MY STEERING. MY CAR BEGAN FISHTAILING AND THE REAR TIRES WERE SQUAWKING. THE ONLY WAY I COULD STRAIGHTEN OUT THE VEHICLE WAS TO TURN WHEEL COMPLETELY TO THE LEFT. I WAS DOING 35 MPH AND DROPPED DOWN TO 15 MPH UNTIL I COULD PULL OVER TO SAFETY.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated upon opening the front passenger’s side door, the contact noticed that the front passenger’s side door would not remain closed. The contact stated that the door ajar warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer nor an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA to file a complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 112,843. The consumer stated the driver's door was recalled for the same issue.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 5 mph, he noticed that the power steering assist warning light was illuminated before the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway and restarted the vehicle however, the power steering functionality did not return. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 93,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer The contact stated that why driving approximately 75 mph when suddenly the power assist failed. The contact had pulled over and restarted the vehicle however the power assist failed to correct. The power assist warning light had illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who stated that the power assist module failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired by a certified mechanic who was not associated with the dealer to which the vehicle was brought. The failure persisted causing the vehicle to be an additional 2 times. The contact stated the owner before them had the same power assist module replaced once before as well. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed them that they had missed the warranty/recall deadline then referred them to NHTSA. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.

AIRBAG IS COMING APART ON PASSENGER SIDE

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while reversing, the rearview camera turned blank. The contact stated that a message to Contact Dealer was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring intermittently. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact of an unknown recall associated to the failure; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

WHILE IN MOTION, THE POWER STEERING QUIT OPERATING. I WAS ON A STRAIGHT ROAD NEAR MY HOUSE. NO ACCIDENTS BUT COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN A DEADLY CRASH IF FAILED IN A DIFFERENT SITUATION. TURNS OUT THERE WAS A RECALL, 14S06 ON THE FORD EXPLORER BUT MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. $2700 IN REPAIRS BY FORD DEALER. OBVIOUSLY, THE SCOPE OF VEHICLES THAT FAIL WAS UNDERESTIMATED FOR THIS ISSUE OF STEERING FAILURE. FURTHERMORE, IN READING THE OWNERS MANUAL, IT REFERENCES THE FAILURE IN THE MANUAL AND HOW TO RESET IT BY CYCLING ENGINE POWER. THIS OBVIOUSLY WAS UNDERSTOOD BY FORD AS AN ISSUE FROM THE BEGINNING.

MY 2013 FORD EXPLORER HAS ONE RECALL FOR SUSPENSION. MY VEHICLE IS MAKING CRACKING NOISES BOTH ON FRONT AND REAR WHEN I TURN OR WHEN I GO ON TOP OF A BUMP. THE PROBLEM I HAVE IS THAT I'M DEPLOYED TO COLOMBIA AND MY VEHICLE WAS SENT DOWN HERE TWO MONTHS AGO. CAN I HAVE A FORD DEALERSHIP LOOK AT MY VEHICLE AND FIX THE SUSPENSION PROBLEM IN COLOMBIA? FORD HAD DONE WORK ON MY CAR IN TEXAS A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM AND THEY CHARGED ME HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS BUT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT FIXED.

There was a recall for the toe joints so I took it to omeara ford in Northglenn colorado to get it fixed and when I got the car back I noticed it shook really bad when you step on the break no matter what speed. I took it to my local mechanic because I thought it was possibly my alignment. They stated per the recall an alignment should've been completed to complete the recall and advised I take it back to Ford. When I took it back to Ford, They stated a complete alignment wasn't completed and wasn't nesseccary only a partial was done and wanted to charge me to look at the vehicle again. I have kids and quite frankly it is scary to stop. I ended up taking it back to my local shop and had them do an alignment which it needed and I have documentation. However, It still shakes very bad and I believe this has to do with the recall not being completed correctly. This poses a risk to me and my children daily becuase I fear I am not going to be able to stop or my tires are going to fall off.

FAULTY POWER STEERING ASSIST

VEHICLE HAD A FAULTY PSCM ALONG WITH THE POWER ASSIST STEERING RACK. CAR SHOP RECOMMEND I FILE A COMPLAINT BECAUSE THEY HAVE SEEN THE SAME ISSUE IN THESE SAME EXACT VEHICLES.

THE POORLY PLACED WATER PUMP. 2013 FORD EXPLORER XLT WITH THE WATER PUMP INSIDE ENGINE. JUST GOT THE CAR 6 MONTHS AGO HAS 107900 ON IT. YESTERDAY STARTED LEAKING COOLANT. HAVE TO TAKE TO THE FORD DEALER TODAY.

Loss of power steering. Hard to turn. Took it to dealer. Dealer couldn't find the problem. It worked fine for a month then went out again while trying to turn. No warning lights have ever came on.

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