2013 Ford Explorer Complaint Log

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 vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the driver's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim retention clips had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim started to detach. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was confirmed that the recall parts were not yet available. 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 made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000. VIN tool confirms parts not 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 that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger’s side A-pillar trim detached, and the front driver-side A-pillar trim became loosened. The local dealer was not contacted. 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. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and stalled. The power train warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, turned off, and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the steering gear rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 183,340.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The messages "Service Power Steering Now" and "Service Advancetrac" were displayed. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with an unknown communication error, and the mechanic determined that an unknown sensor needed to be reset. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to another mechanic, where it was diagnosed with the same failure. An unknown local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed. The contact was able to pull over to side of the road. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the power steering functionality became operable. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle the following day, the failure recurred, and the steering wheel locked up. The contact stated that the vehicle was undrivable. The messages "Power Steering Assist Fault" and "Service Power Steering" were displayed, and the traction control warning light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 93,572.

I was driving to AZ from a CO vacation with my two kids in the car when the steering in my 2013 Ford Explorer locked up. I had exited the freeway and was on a 2 lane country blacktop. I approached some curves in the road and at that point noticed I had absolutely no steering whatsoever. I noticed warning lights came on around that same time. I started slowing down, as the road continued to curve I entered the oncoming traffic lane, went onto the shoulder, back into oncoming traffic lane, back into my lane and onto my shoulder before coming to a complete stop. I'm not sure how or why we are all OK/still alive. I had ZERO CONTROL OR STEERING ABILITY in my moving vehicle. We could have so easily been in an accident or killed. I myself, as a driver, am traumatized. The car was towed to the closest Ford dealer where I'm not getting much help. I've been told many 2013 Ford Explorers were recalled for steering issues, but unfortunately mine isn't included. They have also had the car for several weeks and have yet to completely figure out/repair the problem. When I called Ford Customer Service, they suggested I report it to you.

See attached document for complaint. We received this recall letter dated February 24, 2024 concerning a recall on our 2013 Ford Explorer Apillar applique t rim. We have contacted our local Ford Motor dealership numerous times concerning this situation with our vehicle, with no satisfaction. The trim came off last year and nothing has been resolved about the problem. The dates that we contacted our local dealership was: 7 /31/24, 9/20/24, 10/18/24, 12/5/24 and 1/13/25. The only response we receive is that our name is on the list for the parts. Apparently, Ford Motor Company has dropped the ball on their responsibility for the safety of their vehicles. There are numerous recalls of Ford vehicles, and it makes us wonder if we can trust a Ford vehicle in the future.

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 and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the contact heard a grinding sound coming from the steering wheel. The contact stated that an independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering module and rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (STEERING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 155,000.

Manufacturer Recall Number24S02 NHTSA Recall Number24V031 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Recall is over 15 months old and manufacture still hasn't developed a resolution.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the steering wheel seized. The message "Check Power Steering" was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 191,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the Power Steering Control Module. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 127,000.

Electronic Steering box is intermittent and sticking when turning left. Diagnosed with Steering gear replacement which has been recalled on other 2011-2013 Ford Explorers.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that on several occasions while in reverse(R), the back over prevention camera went black and remained black. The contact stated that occasionally while driving the message “Camera Unavailable - Please Contact Dealer" message was displayed. The contact stated that on several other occasions, while driving at various speeds or while in reverse(R), there was a beeping notification was heard and a message that a "Vehicle was coming from the left or right side" was displayed without a vehicle being nearby. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.

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 while driving approximately 50 MPH, the front driver’s side A-pillar trim detached. The local dealer was contacted. 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 failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

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 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 issue. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the driver's side A-pillar trim was blown off by the slipstream. The contact was unable to recover the trim. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. VIN tool confirms parts not 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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the trim on the windshield on the driver’s and passenger’s sides had detached from the vehicle. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 100,063.

My backup camera doesn't always work and when it does there is a delay seeing the image. I get a warning sign on my SYNC screen saying the camera is not available and to contact the dealership. I have contacted the dealership and the said I needed to contact Ford. They have since directed me to NHTSA. Not having a backup camera is a safety issue since there are some things that cannot be seen in a mirror when backing up.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the driver's side exterior A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle, and the vehicle ran over the exterior A-pillar, wrapping around the passenger’s side rear tire. The contact stated that the tire subsequently went flat. The vehicle was steered over to the side of the road, and the tire was changed. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was determined that there were two nails in the tire. The contact stated that the mechanic at the dealer suggested that the detached trim might have pushed the nails further into the tire, causing the tire to burst. The tire was repaired, and the debris around the exterior A-pillar trim was cleaned; however, the exterior A-pillar trim was not replaced because the part was out of stock. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked unattended and turned off for a few hours, it caught fire. There were no warning lights illuminated prior to the failure. The fire department extinguished the fire. There were no reported injuries airbag deployment or crash. The vehicle was towed to a police tow lot. A police report was filed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who assisted with a claim. The failure mileage was approximately 250,000.

Driving vehicle along highway, two alerts came on from the computer. Power steering warning, System advancetrac warning. Could hardly steer the vehicle appropriately. My vehicle does not fit in the May 17, 2010, and February 28, 2012, recall as it was manufactured in 08/12 so I cannot fix this issue. The vehicle is unsafe for travel and is just 6 months after the recall making me believe it is apart of the affected vehcile

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. 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 stated that while driving on the highway at 75 MPH, the passenger’s side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle and the contact was unable to retrieve the trim piece. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 223,000. VIN tool confirms parts not 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 that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the driver's side A-pillar trim became loose. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that on another occasion, while entering the vehicle, there was an abnormally strong mildew odor coming from inside the vehicle. The contact found standing water by the gear shifter. The contact became aware that water was leaking from the sunroof. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the sunroof was replaced. The contact stated that recently, the contact found standing water inside the sunglass compartment located near the front windshield. The contact stated that the trim around the windshield was loose, and water was leaking inside the vehicle from the windshield. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired after the most recent failure. 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 unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not 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. An unknown local dealer was contacted. 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

I was driving the vehicle when all of a sudden I lost powersteering and the steering became impossible to control almost causing an accident.I then took the vehicle to the shop and was informed my rack and pinion had to be replaced. I replaced it eventhough there is a recall for this issue in the 2013 ford explorer but it does NOTcover my Vin which is frustrating. So then I'm leaving the mechanic shop and I'm almost home and I get a powersteering fault light and the powersteering goes stiff again.almost causing me to wreck again these are the same symptoms are in recall 14V286000 And i cannot figure out why my vehicle isnt part of the recall for the dangers that this issues causes.

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 and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not 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 that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The backup camera works for a couple seconds then goes to a all black screen

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 and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on both sides of the windshield started to detach. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. 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 approximately 165,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was purchased in late 2024, and approximately six months later, the rearview camera failed. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a black screen while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. The message "Rear Camera Unavailable - Contact your Dealer" was displayed. The local dealer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 75,000.

Rear camera on 2013 Ford Explorer has stopped working. There is a safety recall for models beginning with 2015. This is just as much of a safety hazard with the 2013 model as with the 2015 model. Why are all Ford Explorers with this issue not covered by the recall?

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at approximately 3 MPH and turning the steering wheel, the steering wheel seized. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the power steering function failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

2013 Ford explorer lost steering while driving. Determined to be steering link. Incidentally also issue with toe link on rear. This were both recall issues in past

Steering rack, vehicle VIN is not listed under the 2013 Ford explorer recalls although vehicle is now having the issues related to the recall.

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 unavailable. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

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. 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.

See attached document for complaint.

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 on several occasions. 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

I have an electric power steering pump, it’s not working at all. It’s showing it’s part of a recall but mine is just shy of the date. But I have spoken with many ford dealers and they have told me to report this to here, cause it should be a part of it as well. It’s a very hefty expense to repair this. But no one should be driving one with power steering assist fault and traction control fault on dash. And cannot even turn the wheel. This is an accident waiting to happen.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon reaching arriving to the destination, there was an abnormal gasoline odor coming from the rear of the vehicle. After a visual inspection, the contact observed gasoline leaking from the fuel tank. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel tank filler neck. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V812000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 200,000.

As I drive mostly during low speeds the steering wheel locks in a turned position for a split second. This happens as I am navigating through neighborhoods and can’t turn the wheel too drastically. I could easily run into something or someone into me if I can’t control the vehicle direction. Not sure if the mechanic noticed as the problem persists at random times. No warnings have been shown on the dash board for this problem yet. The problems started around the beginning of April 2025.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that there was fuel leaking from the driver's rear end of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not able to be started. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 172,582.

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, and it was confirmed that parts were not yet available. 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 stated that A-pillar trims on the front drivers side and passenger’s side of the vehicle had detached from the vehicle. The failure mileage was 110,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The passenger side door trim that goes alongside the window broke off while driving down the highway. This is a safety hazard for other drivers. The A Pillar trim did the same thing a few months ago which is under recall. Not sure why this trim would not also be under recall.

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 several times. 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The camera in the console is reflecting everything backward. If I am backing into a parking stall, everything on my left appears on the right and vise versa. I don't rely on it but it is unsafe

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 and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Steering suddenly became hard to turn the wheel. Felt kind of jumpy.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that on several occasions while in reverse(R), the camera image fluctuation on and off, and the image then froze intended and the back over prevention camera became inoperable. Additionally, the message to "Contact the Dealer" was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.