NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Ford Explorer. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
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 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 while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the A-Pillar trim detached. No warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was not 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 issue. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the power steering failed to operate as needed. The contact used an excessive amount of force to turn the steering wheel. The power steering and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the power steering had failed, and the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The mechanic informed the contact of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering); and was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on the driver’s side 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 not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and the dealer confirmed that the remedy was not yet available. 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 approximate failure mileage was 45,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became stiff and difficult to turn in either direction. The message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a local service center, where the vehicle was diagnosed and determined that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The parts for the repair were ordered, and the repair was pending at the owner's expense. Upon further investigation, 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 96,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was wind constantly entering the vehicle from the front passenger’s side of the windshield. The contact inspected the vehicle and became aware that the exterior A-pillar trim on the front passenger’s side was missing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the front windshield trim on the passenger's side had detached. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the parts to repair the vehicle were not available. 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; however, the manufacturer was unable to confirm when parts would become available. The failure mileage was 132,182. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Bad welding on the top left hinge of the liftgate allowed a crack to form over time. The crack exposed metal which allowed rust to form and leaks from rain water. This excess build up of water also allowed paint chipping and additional rust along the entirety of the crack and rear tray. This was discovered after some time, due to not being immediately visible from the rear of the car.
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 45 MPH, the driver's side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted. 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 made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
BOUGHT THE CAR 07/03/23 FROM PRIVATE PARTY AND ITS BEEN LEAKING WATER SINCE. FOUND THE CRACKS 02/28/25. BODY IS CRACKING ON TOP REAR ROOF OF VEHICLE CLOSE TO THE REAR HATCH HINGES ON DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE WHICH CAUSES WATER TO COME INSIDE THE REAR INTERIOR PART OF THE VEHICLE. 3RD ROW SEATBELTS ARE SOAKING WET WHEN IT RAINS. WATER ALSO LEAKS IN THE TRUNK AND SPARE TIRE SPACE. ORIGINALLY, THOUGHT IT WAS FROM CLOGGED SUNROOF DRAINS, BUT FOUND THE CRACKS AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION. PICTURES HAVE BEEN ATTACHED.
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 not 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.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while attempting to parallel park, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact drove back to the residence. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a related recall. The dealer confirmed that the vehicle was not previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and case was filed. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 179,663.
Water leaking from ceiling
Ford issued a recall notice in Feb 2024 concerning the exterior A-pillar applique trim clip. This large piece of hard plastic separated from my windshield on an interstate while the vehicle was driving at a high rate of speed and the loose trim was a hazard to the vehicles behind me. It is unacceptable that I cannot have this replaced and the other side repaired more than one year after the recall. This is a safety issue to other vehicles on the road.
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 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 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.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle because the steering wheel was stiff. The contact, who is mechanically inclined, inspected the vehicle and discovered that the failure was caused by a defect with the rack and pinion. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) was linked to the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 76,800.
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 during rainy weather, water was leaking into the interior of the vehicle from the top front of the driver’s and passenger’s side windshield. 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 failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The exterior A-pillar trim part detached and hit another vehicle on the freeway. The dealership replaced the part and I paid for it. I received a recall notice January 2024 stating that Ford would replace the defect and or reimburse me for the previous replacement. In February 2025 the driver side A-pillar trim part detached while driving on the freeway. When I contacted my dealership at Kearny Pearson Ford they told me that they STILL did not have the parts as described in the Safety recall notice 24S02 / NHTSA recall 24V031. I am driving around with an open side along the windshield/body of my car and it does not feel safe.
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 dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The A-Pillar trim pieces on both sides of the windshield began coming apart while driving on the highway, luckily, a piece did not impact other vehicles behind me. I went to the dealer and they removed both trim pieces several months ago and they have not followed up to install the new parts. They say they are not available. The first notification I received from Ford by mail is dated February 2024 (more than 1.5 years ago). The vehicle looks like crap and Ford is not fulfilling their obligation. Perhaps NHTSA can exert enough pressure to force them to accomplish the repairs. Are they waiting for someone to get hurt or die from flying trim debris before they act? Ford can and has to make the parts and make them available to address their flawed product. Thank you.
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 windshield exterior A-pillar trims had become loosened, and water entered the vehicle through the interior light near the rearview mirror. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where tape was applied to the trim pieces. 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 140,000.
Service advancetrac light came on while driving. Lost all propulsion and power steering. Almost went off road around a curve due to no power steering. Ford dealership diagnosed it as faulty steering sensor. Had that replaced about 18 months ago, now this near accident just happened. Service trac light traction control light are both on with no propulsion or power steering. I’ve been doing research on this and this seems to happen to a lot of ford owners as ford is the only manufacturer to produce vehicles with advancetrac system. How has this not been a recall yet?
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 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 while driving at 65 MPH, the driver's side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at 65 MPH, the trim on the bottom of the windshield detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired for the most recent failure. The contact stated that the trim was loose. 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.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trims 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 not yet available. 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 approximate failure mileage was 150,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The POWER STEERING has failed. The steering is tight, cumbersome, difficult to manage. The vehicle had a recall for REAR TOW LINK for which it is in service center currently. Ford issued a recall for THE STEERING issue as well. However, allegedly, my car does not qualify for the recall. Please advise. The steering issue is dangerous. I have read that over 600,000 vehicles have been recalled for this issue. I live in Ohio which has the “highly corrosive SALT factor”, which is a noted issue for this recall item.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on both windshields started to detach. 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 the dealer stated 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 failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger's side windshield trim detached. The contact stated that the detached trim was hitting up against the front windshield. In addition, the contact stated that the detached trim caused the windshield wipers to not function properly. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet 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 made aware of the failure but was unable to confirm when the part would be available. 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. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger’s side A-pillar trim and the front driver’s side A-pillar trim were flapping in the wind. The local dealer was contacted, and automotive body tape was used to secure the trims as an interim repair. 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 unknown.
To Whom it may concern, In February 2025 I was notified by Ford Motor Co. that there's been a recall on my 2013 Ford Explorer Manufacturer recall #24S02 and NHTSA recall #24V031. It also stated that I would be receiving another letter later in the year advising me to contact my dealer to make an appointment to have the recall problem fixed. I received another letter in September of this year advising me to contact my Ford dealer to make an appointment to get this recall fixed. I contacted my Ford dealer and they advised me that they have not received the parts yet and they didn't know when the parts would be arriving. Don't you think that Ford has had enough time to get this recall situation corrected ? They've known about this problem since 2023, and other than sending out a letter advising us of the recall, have done nothing to correct the problem, if in fact there really is one.
Driving 65 mph. 4 passengers. Pillar trim came off and slammed into window. Caused us to veer into another lane almost hitting another vehicle. Passenger side did this in 2023. My husband had to order part and fix it. Right after fix, a recall was issued. Called 5 times in 2024 for recall fix. Was told parts not available. While going to Fort Lauderdale cruise port January 25, 2025, the Driver’s side came off almost causing a crash collision that would have killed us all. Cannot get any shop to fix and was told to keep driving the vehicle. The rubber/part hanging from Explorer.
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 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: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the driver's side windshield exterior A-Pillar trim separated and flew off. The local dealer, Spikes Ford (956-585-1601) and Hacienda Ford (956-287-3836) were 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 made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
With the vehicle on, will sometimes get simultaneous warnings for "Hill Descent Control Fault" and "Service AdvanceTrac" along with 3 warnings/flags (ABS, Service AdvanceTrac, and Service AdvanceTrac OFF). Additionally, the instrument cluster/display will occasionally (less often) reset while the vehicle is still on and driving.
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 driving 45 MPH, the contact saw a piece flapping on the windshield and the contact pulled over. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact then pushed the part back into place. The contact arrived at the residence and attempted to glue the part back into place. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed; however, the contact was informed that parts were not available and to wait for a second letter. The vehicle was not repaired for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
FAILURE BREAK SYSTEMS, FAILURE BREAK SYSTEMS
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 at approximately 50 MPH, the passenger's side windshield exterior A-Pillar trim separated from the vehicle and flew off. 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 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. 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Recently, I experienced a catastrophic water pump failure that has resulted in extensive damage to my vehicle’s, a 2013 Ford Explorer equipped with a cyclone engine, engine and turbocharger Details of the Incident According to Ford of Englewood, NJ, the water pump failure in my Explorer caused coolant to seep into the oil pan, mixing with other fluids. This has resulted in the need for a complete replacement of both the engine and turbocharger, at an estimated cost of $15000. See diagnostics attached. I recently discovered there have been several class action lawsuits launched regarding this exact problem. The vehicle is currently with the service department at Ford of Englewood. As mentioned above it has been diagnosed as premature water pump failure resulting in catastrophic engine damage. Luckily this issue presented its self at engine turnover, however had the failure occurred at speed on the highway the results could have been extremely dangerous indeed, not just to myself but to other unsuspecting road users. MOST concerning is that NO warning lamps or warning gauges were activated until well after the exhausts started spewing thick white smoke, and then only the check light flicked on but went off again after a few minutes. At which time i IMMEDIATELY contacted Ford of Englewood to book a diagnostic. As I non mechanically minded consumer I could never of guessed the extent of the damage.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon approaching the vehicle she smelled a strong odor of gasoline inside her inclosed garage, after which, she overserved gasoline leaking from underneath the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel delivery module. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V812000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), but 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 55,000.
Was at a restaurant and when Vehicle was started to leave, power steering was out along with "Power steering assist fault" message on dash. Vehicle was able to be driven back to residence, but unsafe to drive. Vehicle is now parked until repairs can be made.
Steering rack problem don't work Steering is lock and the cluster say is the Steering problem now is on the dealer ford coggin deland fl
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, with the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). A case was opened, and the manufacturer referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
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 vehicle was taken to a local dealer, and the front A-Pillar trims were removed to avoid a failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was left with the A-pillar trims unattached. The local dealer was contacted on several occasions; however, parts were not 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 had not experienced a failure.
My car was parked in the driveway and it caught on fire from under the hood.
Our steering wheel locked when we were about to leave our destination and drive back an hour to go home.
While driving in a straight line the steering wheel seems momentarily disconnected from the wheels. The car feels like it is "fishtailing" and veers violently to one directing before returning to it's previous direction of travel. This action is random with no identifiable cause. The occurrences seem to be increasing in frequency. The last incident started with the vehicle traveling approximately 60mph on a straight, flat road. The vehicle suddenly, with no driver input, violently crossed the centerline, struck the shoulder on the opposite roadside before veering back across the highway. The brakes were applied as soon as the vehicle veered left and the ABS was working. The vehicle is currently parked at a service garage and not being driven as it is a safely hazard to others and the driver/occupants.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the driver's side A-pillar trim was blown off the vehicle. The contact was unable to recover the trim. The contact stated that much later, while the vehicle was with the dealer, the dealer informed the contact that the passenger’s side A-pillar trim was loose, and tape was used to secure the trim in place. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part was not yet available. The dealer and the manufacturer were asked about parts availability and were informed that owners would be notified by mail when parts were available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.