2013 Ford Explorer complaints

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the rear backup camera had become inoperable. The "System Not Available" message was displayed. The contact called the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.

Steering Rack Motor Failure recall #14S06 did not include this vin and needs to be added to this vin as the dealership Timberline Ford in Libby Mt has investigated the failure and deemed the issue should be part of this recall and that due to the fact that this was a fleet vehicle (Police Interceptor) this could be why it was not listed in this individual recall. There were no prior instances or notifications before failure. Failure was immediate and the Drive Assist lamp did light up immediately. Traveling down Yaak Pass Hwy 2 Montana the failure occurred causing malfunction in steering capability and adverse and unsafe handling of the vehicle almost causing collision with guard rail, and oncoming traffic. Very winding road way made it difficult to maneuver to a safe location for tow. Putting my passenger and dog (Family) at risk of accident. Below is information obtained from one of many sources on the internet involving this recall: Vehicles Affected: About 177,500 model-year 2011-13 Ford Explorer SUVs The Problem: A potential electrical issue in the steering gear may result in the loss of electric power steering assist while driving. This could cause the steering system to default to manual mode, making the vehicle more difficult to steer, especially at lower speeds, and increasing the risk of a crash. According to the Detroit News, Ford said drivers will hear a chime and see a message in the instrument cluster if electric power steering assist is lost. The Fix: Ford will

Today is Thursday, August 11, 2022, while driving on the highway at a speed of 65 miles an hour my steering wheel just lost steering. Ford has a recall of this problem but for some reason my Vin number is not part of the recall. This has occurred about 5 to 6 times since I purchased the vehicle. I returned it to Ford at least about three times with this concern. The first time I was advised that my Vin number was not part of the recall but that it was under warranty and they updated the computer. Other times when I complain about this problem I was advised that there was no code for them to read. And nothing was done. As I stated at the beginning of this complaint it happened to me again. All I can say is thanks to God I was able to control the vehicle and not get into an accident. This is a problem that Ford knows and the highway safety division. This is a safety issue and it’s not new.

The power steering failed on my 2013 Ford Explorer while driving which made steering extremely difficult, especially at slower speeds. I was very startled by the immediate loss of steering while traveling at a high rate of speed. I also had to be extremely cautious turning to ensure there was ample time to turn and not cause an accident. My turn signals also quite functioning properly. When turning on my turn signals they would only blink once unless I held down the turn signal which would then allow it to work which is difficult to do as it takes the strength of both hands to steer the wheel with the power steering not functioning. The vehicle is available for inspection and I have an appointment to take it to a Ford dealership next week. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or anyone else. It will be taken to a Ford dealership next week as that is the soonest they were able to see it. The two warning messages that went off at the time of power steering failure were Power Steering Failure and Service AdvanceTrac System.

STEERING LOSS ON HIGHWAY TWO TIMES BUT CAME BACK AND A SQUEALING NOISE WHEN TRYING TO PARK SOME TIMES FOUND OUT THERE ISN'T A POWER STEERING PUMP SO DON'T KNOW WHERE THE SQUEALING NOISE IS COMING FROM BUT IT IS IN THE STEERING HAD THE FORD DEALER CHECK IT OUT AND THEY SAID IT NEEDS REPLACED

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the steering wheel seized and the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics who diagnosed a failure with the power steering assist. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts not being available. The contact pulled the steering wheel for it to operate correctly. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer who diagnosed a failure with the power steering assist. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.

I was driving and my steering wheel got really hard to turn.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that on multiple occasions she noticed that the coolant level was low. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the internal water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to call the NHTSA hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 111,000.

While backing out of my driveway, my power steering fault light came on and I lost power steering. The steering became unresponsive. Fortunately I was going slowly and could stop. We took the car to the Ford dealership to determine the problem. They determined the rack and pinion gear failed requiring the rack & pinion assembly to be replaced. A $3,000 repair. It is frustrating that Ford has recalled thousands of cars of the same model and year for this exact problem, but our particular vehicle was not included in the recall. Ford's response was sorry, your car is not included in the recall. Reading through other complaints on the website, it is clear that Ford knows that this component is defective and refuses to stand behind their vehicles.

I pulled into a parking spot. I shifted to park, turned off my engine. My vehicle rolled backward and hit a parked car while I was still sitting in it.

The contact called on behalf of his wife who owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while his wife was attempting to reverse out of the driveway, the power steering assist was inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 91,669.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact related the failure to a faulty fuel pump; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with NHTSA as well as take the vehicle to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.

The contact owned a 2013 Ford Escape and requested to be removed from the recall notification lists.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while reversing, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the Power Steering Assist and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced because the rack and pinion module was not communicating with the computer system. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.

After picking up the vehicle from an oil change from the Ford dealer, the power steering functionality has changed. Upon entering the vehicle and attempting to reverse, the steering felt like it locked up. But with enough force the resistance can be overcome and the wheel will turn, but in jerking motions. It takes a strong effort, but will make an approx 60-90 degree advance/rotation of the steering wheel, then another effort to continue the turn, advancing about a quarter turn each time. Vehicle now feels unsafe to drive and am concerned it will sieze completely while driving due to a known recall that exists for this exact issue, NHTSA recall ID 14V286000, but the VIN falls just outside the recall range.

Multiple times throughout the last month, I turned the vehicle on and went to back out of our garage and the dash displayed a warning of "electric power steering assist failed". The steering wheel was extremely hard to turn, so I stopped and placed the vehicle in park, turned it off, waited about 15 seconds and restarted the vehicle with no steering problems. This last time after doing the same, the error did not go away and the issue remains. I contacted the dealer, and they say there is no recall on the 2013 model year explorer for a vehicle built in October 2013. Just before and after.... how does a known recall issue for the prior yearand following year not indicate a potential issue in this year? The repair estimates are crazy high, and I feel did should repair at their cost.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while reversing out of the driveway at 20 MPH, she heard an abnormal knocking sound coming from underneath the driver's side floorboard. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced; however, the part was not available. The vehicle was repaired with remanufactured parts; however, while driving and turning all the way to the right, the steering rack was making abnormal grinding sounds. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic where the rack and pinion were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic who advised the contact to take the vehicle to an authorized Ford dealer since the parts to repair the vehicle were no longer available. The contact stated that the parts were on national back order. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000. The VIN was not available.

I bought this car less than 2 years ago and I am tired of it already. I have gotten a power steering assist warning light multiple times in the past 2 weeks. The light comes on and I am unable to move the steering wheel. I tried waiting a while and restarting the car but the light still comes on. This left me and my child stranded at a gas station and waiting for assistance to get home. The dealership can not get me in until the end of next month. I am now without transportation. This is ridiculous because I need transportation to my job and to get my children to their activities.

Power steering, can't steer the SUV out of my driveway

Water pump failure - engine overheating and leaking coolant. Potenential to cause catastrophoic damage to engine. Not safe. Appears to be common with 2013 Ford Explorers. Many of the same cases and complaints found online but I cannot find the recall.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality with the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle while the vehicle intermittently experienced loss of power steering functionality. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering gear box needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was 180,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound. Upon inspection underneath the vehicle, the contact noticed that the link shaft bracket and CV axle had broken in half. Additionally, the vehicle rolled away while the gear shifter was in park(P). The contact activated the parking brake to stop the vehicle from rolling away. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V692000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was unknown. Consumer was left with loss of power and a loud metal hitting metal sound the tripod spider joint/ bearing had broke because it was not properly supported due to bracket failure the recall for this part is for models starting with 2014 Ford Explorer mine is a 2013 mine was built at the same plant as the recall for 2014 and up the exact problems the recall list is what happened even down to the roll away even through its in park it will still roll unless the parking brake is applied.

Transfer case stopped working within 4 days. Known to be an ongoing problem for this vehicle. Made a screeching sound, locked up, clicking sound inside case and rendered vehicle undriveable instantly.

My 2013 ford explorer sport ecoboost.. steering locked up. Mechanic diagnostic code came back power steering gearbox replacement/ steering rack needs to be replaced. My warranty doesn't cover the $2400 repair. Only had vehicle for less than a yr.

While driving, the vehicle will drop out of drive, the engine will run roughly, the engine will not respond to accelerator pedal inputs. The service engine light will illuminate. If I coast to the side of the road, turn off the vehicle, then restart it, it runs normally as if nothing has gone wrong. The first four times this happened, no codes were set in the computer. This occurs at varying speeds and varying conditions. The last two times it occured, I had already driven the vehicle for 2 hours on the highway (70-75 mph). Once I left the highway, I drove for another 50-60 miles and then the issue recurred. Finally today, the vehicle set a P2111 code, which indicates an issue with the throttle actuator system. This is a dangerous situation. Each time it happend I was in traffic, sometimes heavy. Luckily I was able to quickly pull off safely and no crash occured, but a collision certainly could have happened.

Power steering assist fault occured while driving causing me to lose power steering. There is a recall out for this exact issue but my vehicle vin falls just outside of the dates stated for the recall, so the ford dealership is refusing to repair under the recall.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 30-35 MPH and making a turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and started jerking. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle however, extra effort was needed to steer the vehicle. However, upon pulling into his driveway, the steering wheel seized. The contact restarted the vehicle the following day and the failure persisted. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000. The consumer stated the vehicle was repaired with a new power steering unit at an independent automotive shop in late July 2022 at the owner's expense.

While driving down the road my steering locked up and stopped working. I turned my vehicle off and called for a tow truck. I had it serviced and it was found to have electrical issue in the steering gear which resulted in the loss of electric power steering assist while driving. They had to replace the electronic steering rack and pinion.

Upon taking off, in a busy intersection during lunch time traffic in town, a "Steering Assist Failure" and chime came on at the same time the power steering failed. While the steering was just shy of locked, I was able to avoid hitting oncoming traffic and aim the Explorer into a parking lot directly in my path. I put on my hazards (they should come on automatically in such instances) and the other motorists were kind and allowed me to do so since traffic around and behind me had to come to a stop. Even at a healthy 250 lbs and 6'4", it was a serious struggle to make even a small change in the angle of the steering wheel. The Explorer is my wife's vehicle and I just happened to be with her that day, prepping the vehicle for our son to take over as his since he starts college in the fall. I shudder to think what could've happened had either of them been driving it when this happened. There were NO prior indications, no odd noises, no roughness in the steering, no flashes of imminent failure, no notice of the possibility of this happening from FORD, just the sudden and dangerous loss of steering. We've owned this vehicle since it had ~54,000 we've loved the whole time, but this incident has caused us to lose faith in it. Even repaired, I don't see myself putting my wife OR son into it with any confidence in their safety.

I bought this car 2020 an spoke to them about this popping noise when I turn my steering wheel, well the other I had it repair thinking it was struts an springs but to fine out it was the rack and pinion bushing they had to have this knowledge. Then my backup camera went out it's because there to large structural issues at each rear hang that seems to be body putty in so they act sold this car without a full inspection I don't think so it has structural damage at the time of me purchasing it.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the rearview camera intermittently failed to display a rearview image while reversing with a message to contact the dealer displayed. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the power steering assist fault and the service advancetrac warning lights were illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the power steering unit to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 142,706

The power steering stopped working while we were driving with kids in my car could of been really bad or really fatal. This is a real safety risk luckily we were not on a freeway or any where there was a lot of traffic. I check the car before we bought it a year ago with no recalls for my vin but this a wide spread issue that Ford needs to acknowledge

Water pump leaking

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 20-30 MPH, the Power Steering Fault message displayed and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle regained power steering functionality. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) due to the manufactured date. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not provide financial assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 133,830.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving off the highway into a parking garage, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with electric power steering assist failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 25 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering assist functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer nor an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to turn at slow speeds, the steering wheel was very difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering rack was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 120,000.

Was driving and trac control plus power steering assist came on and I lost all power steering while traveling at 70mph. Turn signals would not stay on and this almost caused me to wreck. Very unsafe.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 50-55 MPH, the steering wheel became firm and was difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure only occurred while slowing down. The steering power functionality would return while accelerating. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that she contacted the dealer however, they were not able to assist. The manufacturer had not been notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,496.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 50-55 MPH the steering wheel became firm and was difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated. While slowing down and attempting to pull over, the vehicle regained power steering functionality. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.

Unknown, heater started blowing cold air, and realized was low on coolant. Filled up coolant but noticed was leaking coolant when came home from work and parked car. Cannot locate leak as of yet but seems to be leaking from water pump as it is not a hose issue that I can feel or see. From research, it seems like Ford has had several complaints and failures with the water pump but no recall. If this part is continuing to fail, why has it not been recalled? This presents danger to the engine, car, and families in it. The pump is also located inside the engine making repairs with labor come around 2-4K. This should be covered by Ford due to failure rates reported and poor design choices made by Ford.

I have been going through multiple sites trying to figure out what is going on with my car. I have only had my vehicle for less than a year and I barely even gotten to drive it. I'm now realizing every recall on the vehicle which there was like 13 has not been repaired. And I also have 4 different numbers for the odometer when I when I bought the vehicle at a 177000 but everything is reading at a 169000. I also purchased the vehicle in June not July like the title says. Also one of the titles said plate's not allowed. When I looked it up I believe this is a fleet vehicle and it does not say that anywhere on my title or in my paperwork. It did come from Canada. Is there any way you could possibly help me out with any of this? Also I had broken fuses and missing fuses. I had the 4 dealership look at it and a mechanic look at it and they both told me it looked like someone messed around with the wiring in my car.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated when the vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be inspected for a vibration and unknown noises, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was repaired for the check engine fault. The contact also stated while driving approximately 25 MPH and making a left turn and occasionally while reversing the vehicle, the vehicle would vibrate abnormally. The contact related the failure to the suspension. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 163,000.

I was driving down the road and my engine overheat alarm light went off. Tried replacing the thermostat and this did not help the situation. Then noticed coolant fluid leaking. Tried replacing the coolant fluid and it was coming out as fast as I was putting it in. My safety was put at risk due to this occuring while I was driving down the road with no warning. I carry my children in the car. I was able to slowly get my car back to my house and I had a mechanic come out and take a look and was told it was my water pump that had failed.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering assist while turning to the left. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed with a faulty power steering assist system. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number 14V286000 (Steering). The approximate failure mileage was 116,000.

Steering failed completely. Unable to turn wheel at all. Thankfully I was stopped in my driveway this time, but unable to turn vehicle at all. It is being taken to Ford Dealership tomorrow. Problem has been reported to dealership, but not inspected yet.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford explore. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH the vehicle engine stop warning lights turned on. The engine started overheating and the contact pulled over and added water. The contact drove the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture was notified. The failure mileage was 72,000

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the electronic power steering assist message was displayed. The contact restarted the vehicle for the vehicle to return to normal operation. The contact stated on several occasions the contact drove the vehicle without power steering assist. The local dealer was contacted however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.