2013 Ford Explorer Complaint Log

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH with her three-year-old in the vehicle, the power steering assist fault warning light illuminated and the steering wheel became difficult to turn, causing the vehicle to strike a street pole sign. The contact stated that she was unable to turn the steering wheel. The contact stated that the air bags did not deploy. The driver sustained neck injuries but did not receive medical attention. A Police report was not filed. The contact was concerned for her safety and had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with an electrical power steering assist failure. The contact was informed that the electrical power steering assist needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the part required to fix the vehicle was no longer in production. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 200,060.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the power steering failed to function as needed. The contact stated the "loss of power steering" message was illuminated. The contact stated that he drove the vehicle to the side of the road and turned the vehicle off and on and the power steering functionality returned. The contact stated that the vehicle was driven to a dealer who diagnosed and determined that the power steering gears, and the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,192.

The backup camera on this vehicle stopped working correctly a while back. The image usually is shown mirror... so everything left-right is flipped which causes confusion for the driver. Other times the screen goes completely blank/black. Both of these create a safety issue when backing up, for cross traffic and pedestrians. This is issue just suddenly started one day. I asked the Ford dealer about it and being outside of the warranty period, there wasn't anything they could do. I can pay to replace the camera, but others reported doing that and the same problem came back later. I see now that Ford as active recalls for the same problem - but only for more recent model year vehicles.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. Additionally, the contact stated that the A/C unit was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the air compressor and the CV joint had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired by the dealer. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was a leak of Freon. The mechanic also diagnosed that there was a strong odor of carbon dioxide coming into the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 109,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while making a turn from a complete stop, the vehicle gradually lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving by using physical strength to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure occurred increasingly while making turns and decreased while driving on straight. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 168,000.

Water is leaking out from underneath the front passenger side part of the engine. I was told it was a water pump failure and the water pump is internal to the engine.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that on several occasions when the vehicle was started, an unknown warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.

Vehicle A pillar flew off while driving on the highway and almost hit a vehicle behind me.

Check engine light indicated Fuel injection system leaking on 2013 Ford explorer taken to Ford dealer. Investigated online 2013 Ford explorer have fuel injection leaking problems reported for 2013 Ford explorers

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the PTU. The contact was also informed that the rear differential needed to be refilled. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 93,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel injectors were leaking, but the vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the purge valve was replaced as a temporary repair. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated intermittently after the repair. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle after the vehicle had been refueled, the vehicle failed to start and shuddered. The vehicle was able to be restarted after several attempts. Additionally, the contact stated that there was an abnormally strong fuel odor coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failures to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 13V227000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 15V812000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recalls. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

The windshield pillar trim flew off the vehicle traveling 60mph down a highway. It was sudden and loud which was extremely distracting. The windshield pillar trim caused the vehicle behind to swerve. Part of the weather stripping which was attached to windshield pillar trim remained halfway on the vehicle flapping in the wind, scratching the vehicle. Driver had to pull over and remove the flapping piece. The problem has not been reproduced nor inspected. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior to the failure.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary in his garage, he noticed a leak of water on the driveway. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with needing the water pump to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated when he started the vehicle and shifted into drive(D), the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact turned the vehicle off and, on several times, but the power steering functionality failed to return. The contact drove the vehicle back to the residence without power steering at approximately 30 MPH. The contact stated that the power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering rack assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

My power steering assist fault came on while driving my steering wheel became very hard to turn which caused me to almost crash I had swerve and stop me and my 3 year old were almost killed my truck electrical system is malfunctioning on its on and ford will not look into it I’ve read up on all the recalls ford has had for the power steering assist fault and it’s scary that it happened to me while driving I’m extremely terrified to drive after having that happen to us

See attached document for complaint

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from both front wheels. The contact stated that it sounded like the tires rubbing on the wheel wells. The contact stated that the check power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled off the highway into a parking lot and stopped the vehicle and saw the "Service Power Steering Now" light was illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed to turn to the right or the left. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact had been advised by Ford Customer Service that there was a recall, NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, there was an abnormal scraping noise coming from the rear driver's side tire. The contact stated that he depressed the brake pedal, and the pedal went to the floorboard. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stopped and inspected the vehicle and became aware that the rear passenger’s side brake pad had separated from the caliper. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact went to an auto parts store and purchased new pads, rotors, and calipers and replaced rear brakes. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side front windshield trim detached. In addition, the contact stated that the passenger's side front windshield trim had fractured later. The contact stated that moisture was entering into the interior of the vehicle. The contact was concerned that moisture would eventually cause damage to the electrical system. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that parts were not available to repair the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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 44,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Windshield trim falling apart and separating from windshield. Noticed this happening approx 2 years ago and has become extremely bad now. I have called local dealership and glass company for replacement part but was told by both there isn't a replacement part and windshield would have to be replaced.

The camera system should have been apart of the recall. None of the electronics work in the console area. The backup camera goes black often and stops working.

The individual has a 2013 Ford Explorer with two active recalls for rear toe link fracture and reached out to Alton Blakely dealership in Somerset, Kentucky, to have it repaired. However, the dealership refused to repair the vehicle and directed the individual to find another dealership. The reason given was that in the past, they have conducted the repair and left the vehicle in worse shape than before, with the vehicle unable to be appropriately aligned, leading to uneven wear on the tires. The individual is looking to draft a complaint to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) about the dealership's refusal to repair the vehicle, despite it being a recall repair.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the mechanic related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist with the power steering assist fault message displayed. The contact restarted the vehicle to correct the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that there was no recall associated with the VIN. 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 failure mileage was approximately 173,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while pulling out a parking lot, the vehicle lost power steering functionality with the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed. On another occasion, the contact stated while driving 30 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the wheel hub needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) or 17E048000 (Wheels, Suspension). The failure mileage was 155,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's side windshield trim had detached and flew off the vehicle. The contact also stated that the passenger's side windshield side trim had detached. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The contact was requested to pay a diagnostic fee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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 and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Windshield left pillar seal came loose at highway speed.started flapping and making loud noise.distraced me for few minutes till discovered source. No accident .seal stayed on car . Only came half way loose.

The SUV will swerve into other lane when it switches gears. Replaced both struts. Odor in the cab. Coolant will not stay and after spending $1000 for repairs, it still cannot be fixed. Cracked head gasket.

Power steering assist fault multiple times over the past six months. Problem went away after shutting vehicle off and restarting. Yesterday the PS assist failed again while driving and light came on. Took the vehicle to Palm Coast Ford in Palm Coast, FL where I was told the PS system needs replaced at $2200. Vehicle shows no recalls even though the problem is clearly common among owners. Parts on order and will be repaired next week at my expense. How does the manufacturer get away without paying for such a common problem with so many complaints filed on this site?

The windshield trim (passenger side) was detached and flew off my car, while driving on a highway at 75 mph.

This winter I began starting my vehicle and letting it warm up before driving it. After letting it run approximately 10 to 15 minutes, I opened my door and to get in and there was a very strong exhaust smell inside. I would have to roll my windows down to clear the cabin of the fumes. This happened every single time I would let it sit and warm up. There is also something happening with what I believe is my drive-train. There is a lot of different noises (squealing/whining, grinding (metal to metal), clanking and thumping) when I give it gas after sitting at a light. As soon as I step on the gas pedal it makes all the above noises and jerks, then acts like it doesn't want to go. It finally kicks in then goes. Once it kicks in, it drives just fine. The noise sounds like its coming from the undercarriage and sometimes the rear end. I am not driving the vehicle now, it is parked in my driveway, so I am currently without transportation. There is also a very loud popping noise coming from the front end. I was told this could be ball joints or possibly stabilizers.

Drivers side windshield trim panel detached and flew off which driving.

Leaking water pump at bolt

Windshield Trim Panel Detachment. Driver side panel detached while driving app 60 mph on the highway. Began with rubber underneath plastic panel breaking off and flying away followed by the panel flying off in two pieces and hitting the vehicle behind me before shattering on the roadway.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed in 20-degree weather, the engine was smoking and then overheated. The contact checked under the hood and noticed that the coolant level was low. The contact had previously added additional coolant. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the dealer who informed her about a diagnostic test, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at approximately 3 MPH, and leaving his driveway, the power steering failed to operate as needed. The contact stopped and turned off and then restarted the vehicle. The vehicle resumed power steering functionality. The contact stated that the "power steering assist" warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the power steering assist failure was intermittent. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Vehicle steering stopped working and was towed to my mechanic. Mechanic was great and said that this was a Ford recall, however the dealer informed me that the vin number didn’t match. They have had a recall for Explorer that were manufactured 3 months prior to ours. This was expensive and new parts are unavailable because of so many issues, had to use rebuilt ones and installed at dealers. Please reopen the recall on explorer steering failure and see if maybe more explorers should be added to recall. Thanks for reading I hope this helps me and many other Explorer owners with same issue.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. The mechanic retrieved DTC codes: B141B and BNR B141C. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 76,000.

Faulty water pumps causing leakage and eventually seize the engine

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the rearview camera was intermittently inoperable while reversing. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 174,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the trim along the front windshield had become loose, and the lining was pushed outward and was partially missing and detached. The contact was concerned that the windshield could potentially loosen or fall out due to the failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were on back order. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.

Rubber weatherstripping around windshield glass is coming off and hitting the windshield. I had the car inspected by Safelite Auto Glass and they said the windshield needs to come out so they can replace all the surrounding parts that are coming off and they will also have to replace the windshield, since it will probably break when they take it out. It will cost $759.67 to repair. Insurance will only cover it if there is a chip in the windshield the size of a dollar bill. I understand you are already investigating this problem and I need to know if you are going to recall my car before something worse happens. I don't want to have an accident because windshield parts are flying off my car and hitting others.

The sunroof motor burned out due to water intrusion from clogged drains. Water also pooled in the passenger side floorboard and soaked the carpet from faulty drains. Cracks in the manufacturer's seam sealer at welds cracked at the back tailgate and leaked all down into the carpet and floorboard below the cargo area. This is a huge issue for those of us to are extremely sensitive to mold and mildew. It can also cause severe corrosion to other components of the car. I have reported it to the company and the dealer and they say that it is not their issue. In fact, they accused me of trying to weld or caulk the cracks. The vehicle has been inspected by Ford mechanics. There were no warnings of any kind. I discovered the burnt sunroof motor due to the sunroof not closing. Had to scramble to find someone to remedy the problem. I've investigated these issues and there are several customers with these exact same problems on Ford vehicles from 2011 - 2019. There should be several recalls concerning these issues.

Sudden loss of power steering and traction control components at high velocity. Loss of steering put me and other at risk by not being able to control the vehicle.

The front windshield trim starting flapping and hitting my side window and windshield while driving approximately 65 miles an hour. At first I had no idea what the loud noise was. Something was in my eye sight hitting my window and windshield. I did not know what was happening, it was very startling and scary! I was in traffic. I pulled over as soon as I could, trying to avoid getting hit by other vehicles. When I was able to get out, I saw the trim had come loose. I taped it so I could continue on my trip. It is very frightening and unsafe while in traffic. The other side of the windshield trim is now coming out. I fear that the windshield is not secure. A couple of months ago, I received a letter about this problem in the mail. We made an appt. with Ford dealer to get it fixed. I had to cancel that appt. due to an emergency. I contacted the dealer last week and said I could now bring the Explorer in to get it fixed. I was told that there has never been a recall or any letters addressing this problem sent out to owners. I DID receive a letter several months ago, my husband took the letter to Ford when he scheduled the original appt. and the dealer kept it as reference! Now I am told that a letter about this windshield trim has never existed! I will take my Explorer to a dealer and get it repaired, letter or no letter. I feel like Ford is not being totally honest with me about an unsafe problem.

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

I know there was a recall on exhaust fumes coming in the vehicle months ago, and it's starting again I've had really bad fumes coming in my car .

Windshield trim broke off on right side at highway speed on interstate 78 in PA. I'm not aware of it had hit another vehicle or not, heard the noise when it flew off but didn't know what it was until I got home and seen the missing piece.

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.

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.