2013 Ford Explorer

2,235 complaints on file, page 1 of 112.

1. Filed Sep 29, 2026Failure Dec 31, 1969Brenham, TXUnknown or other

   My 2013 Explorer is under recall for A-pillar trim on the front windshield. I check with my dealer monthly and they sat they have not heard a word from Ford. It has been over a year! And my trim is already failing. Ford needs to be investigated !!!

   NHTSA complaint 11767882
2. Filed Sep 17, 2026Failure Sep 1, 2026Midwest City, OKEngine

   The water pump on these explorers are internal and if not caught by a professional in time, the water pump will fail and cause catastrophic engine failure

   NHTSA complaint 11764873
3. Filed Sep 17, 2026Failure Aug 19, 2026Midwest City, OKSteering

   The steering rack limiter on the passenger side dislodged itself and got caught on the rack and pinion teeth causing my wheel to get stuck

   NHTSA complaint 11764872
4. Filed Sep 4, 2026Failure Sep 4, 2026Charlotte, NCRearview system braking, Unknown or other

   THE BACKUP CAMERA HAS STOPPED WORKING, THE BEEPING SENSOR STILL ALARMS WHEN TO CLOSE BUT THE CAMERA DOES NOT WORK AT ALL.

   NHTSA complaint 11762154
5. Filed Aug 31, 2026Failure Dec 31, 2025130,000 milesWaynesboro, VAStructure

   The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the parts to complete the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that both windshield exterior A-pillar trims had dry-rotted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was inspected. The dealer confirmed that parts were unavailable and placed the vehicle on a waiting list. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. The VIN was unavailable.

   NHTSA complaint 11760888
6. Filed Aug 22, 2026Failure Aug 21, 2026Newark, OHUnknown or other

   Coughlin Ford of Heath ohio committed recall fraud on my vehicle by falsifying federal safety recall 24S02. Their invoice claims the repair was Completed,' but my original panels are still loose and dangerously reliant on my own tape to stay attached to the vehicle. How can a safety recall be completed if the original hazardous parts were never replaced?

   NHTSA complaint 11758685
7. Filed Aug 5, 2026Failure Aug 1, 2026Ennis, TXElectrical system, Steering

   This is a 2013 Ford Explorer experiencing the exact catastrophic power steering failure described in Recall 14S06 / 15S18. The rack has failed twice, creating an immediate crash hazard. The current recall parameters are inadequate as they exclude my VIN despite identical component failure. Not only is this an immediate crash hazard, it is difficult to find any mechanic or dealership to remedy this problem because it is a major part with heavy labor. I have been sidelined and quoted high repair fees for a repair that should be covered as Ford admitted to the design flaws in the electrical steering, however restricting who actually gets protection from it. I feel this is reckless and greedy of Ford to do this. The failure to the electric steering went out while I was driving and I was unable to turn or control my steering, it is deeply frustrating this is a known issue that I was completely unaware of. I feel that Ford is not a good company to purchase from and their products are not safe for drivers. I'm posting this so others are warned that safety is not a priority with Ford and to shop with a brand that cares about safety and integrity for their consumers and families.

   NHTSA complaint 11754999
8. Filed Aug 4, 2026Failure Aug 4, 2026Harrodsburg, KYElectrical system, Unknown or other

   Backup camera only works sometimes which is a safety risk when backing up. Other year models have had a recall for this same reason. It has been doing it for at least 6 months now.

   NHTSA complaint 11754701
9. Filed Jul 31, 2026Failure Jun 1, 2014Marietta, GAElectrical system, Visibility/wiper

   The rearview camera reverses and inverts the image and the guiding lines disappear. I am unable to use the camera when reversing. There is a recall on other Ford Explorers (2020-2024) just not my year (2013). It is not right that I drive a car that has the same issue becuse this is a known issue for the company.

   NHTSA complaint 11753942
10. Filed Jul 29, 2026Failure May 16, 2026Bloomington, ILSteering

    I was driving and the steering locked. I could not move steering wheel either way. Towed to ford repair… they replaced steering rack. Four times it was replaced..4 times it locked.

    NHTSA complaint 11753414
11. Filed Jul 17, 2026Failure Jul 16, 2026Navasota, TXSteering

    Same issue as in recall 14S06. However, I do not see this recall under my VIN, nor has this vehicle been repaired in the past for this issue. I was hoping that possibly the recall doesn't show up because it was established in 2014. I just want to get it corrected, as the electric power steering is disabled.

    NHTSA complaint 11751091
12. Filed Jul 15, 2026Failure Jul 15, 2026152,000 milesRobertsdale, ALStructure

    The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH in snowy and stormy weather, the driver’s side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to several dealers, where it was inspected, and it was confirmed that parts were unavailable to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11750508
13. Filed Jun 30, 2026Failure May 7, 2026Bristow, VAStructure

    See attached document for complaint.

    NHTSA complaint 11747376
14. Filed Jun 30, 2026Failure Mar 31, 2026Stevensville, MDStructure

    See attached document for complaint.

    NHTSA complaint 11747368
15. Filed Jun 28, 2026Failure Apr 9, 2026Bonney Lake, WASteering

    I was driving at about 25 mph when the steering completely locked upon me going around a corner. There was no warning lamps or messages prior to it locking up. If another car would have been in the other lane I would have crashed. I would have been unable to avoid wrecking into anyone or anything that was in the way because I had zero control of my steering. There was nothing I could do to turn. It has not been inspected.

    NHTSA complaint 11746989
16. Filed Jun 27, 2026Failure Jun 26, 2026Denver, COElectrical system, Unknown or other

    The sync touch responsive interface for climate control fails. This failure causes the system to repeatedly respond without prompt continually causing the driver to continually attempt to disengage the system causing a significant safety hazard. The chip in the system for the effected buttons is the component that fails. There is no solution. Replacement or upgraded interfaces are not available and disconnection of the panels renders the climate control, radio/entertainment, navigation and all other systems relayed thru the touch screen completely inoperable which is unreasonable. This occurs at random while operating the vehicle with the error often occurring continuously or at very high frequency. Ford discontinued the sync touch panel control due to issues but has provided no solution for the safety hazard it has created.

    NHTSA complaint 11746856
17. Filed Jun 24, 2026Failure Jun 19, 2026Lansing, MISteering, Suspension

    After getting my vehicle from the dealership my steering wheel was hard to turn , took it in and they replaced the struts (The old struts were binding). 6/7 Days later the same thing happened with the steering wheel. They had said it was a switch in the power steering and there was a safety recall and i would have to take it into a ford dealership. When i had called to make my appointment there wasn’t a recall and i called the ford company and they said the same thing.

    NHTSA complaint 11746332
18. Filed Jun 22, 2026Failure Feb 14, 2024Whitewater, WIStructure

    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; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

    NHTSA complaint 11745607
19. Filed Jun 11, 2026Failure May 22, 2026Springfield, MOSteering

    As I was backing my 2013 Ford Explorer Base model out of my garage I heard a pop and then my steering started making a grinding/dragging noise. When I pulled onto the street I noticed that my steering wheel would "stick". I went a short distance further down the road and it seemed to stop sticking. When I went around a curve towards the left, my steering stuck again and it was harder to get it to "unstick". I returned it back to my home and parked it back in the garage. I see that there is a recall for the steering on the 2013 models, but my VIN is NOT included in this recall. This is a huge safety hazard and could put me out of work, as I care for and transport autistic individuals. This vehicle and my job are my livelihood and this needs to be corrected/recall issued on all of the 2013 models since they all seem to be having similar steering issues. Vehicle has not yet been inspected. Vehicle is available for inspection on request.

    NHTSA complaint 11743397
20. Filed Jun 11, 2026Failure Apr 13, 2026Kissimmee, FLSteering

    Power steering message popped up on dash in a flash and disappeared while I was driving. Same message popped up a couple miles down (I pulled into a parking lot to check message.) Steering wheel locked and left me stranded in need of a tow truck to move car to mechanic and get home. Message pops up and disappears quickly not leaving much time to read or react.

    NHTSA complaint 11743394