2013 Ford Explorer complaints

Power steering assist fault. Lost power steering while driving.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the power steering assist fault message displayed, and the steering wheel was very difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was towed 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 and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA campaign 14V286000 (Steering). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 134,000. THE CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DO TO NOT BEING MANUFACTURED AT A PARTICULAR PLANT.

1. Water Pump leaking, Explorer ran hot, needs new water pump and transmission cooling line. 2. Steering suspension has a left and right popping sound, while turning steering wheel. 3. Steering knuckle has play in it while parked and engine is off.

The steering got harder to steer and it is almost impossible to turn when you are pulling out

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V746000 (Suspension) the vehicle experienced rear-end stability issues causing the vehicle to fishtail while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 111,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 80 MPH, the power steering failed, and the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact was able to drive to her residence. The contact's uncle drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic since it was difficult to steer the vehicle. The mechanic diagnosed the failure as a power steering failure and informed the contact that there was a recall. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the independent mechanic. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the steering wheel stiffened with the "service power steering" and service advance track" messages on the instrument panel. Despite the failure, the contact was able to drive the vehicle home using excessive force to steer the vehicle. Once the contact arriver at her residence, the steering wheel became more difficult to steer. The contact's husband was unable to turn the steering wheel. Both the dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and both informed her that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The contact also stated that prior to the failure, the steering while would remain locked in the turn position and that she had to manually adjust the steering wheel to correct the steering. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Driving it and lost power steering and the wheel got very hard and almost crashed my Explorer

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the power steering assist failed, and the steering wheel was stiff and became difficult to turn. The power steering assist and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to drive to his residence. The dealer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an upcoming appointment for diagnosis. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 82,410.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the contact started to smell an abnormal gasoline and exhaust odor inside the vehicle. The contact started to feel a burning sensation in her eyes and chest. Additionally, the contact developed a headache and rolled down the windows, turned off the air conditioner to eliminate the odor inside the vehicle. The contact decided to drive back to the residence because of the fumes. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The local dealer was contacted to have the vehicle diagnosed a second time however, the contact was informed that there was an out of pocket cost for the inspection. The contact declined the inspection due to the cost. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,500.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon starting her vehicle, the steering wheel would lock up with the power steering warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact called the independent mechanic and was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) which he linked to the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed her that the vehicle was not under recall. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and the contact was provided the same information as the dealer. The manufacturer filed a case. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. Consumer stated it happened several times.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while his wife was driving 55 MPH, the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The steering wheel locked up when the warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted, and the driver pulled over to the side of the road. The driver was waiting on the two trucks to arrive to tow the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the power assist steering fault message displayed on the instrument panel and the power steering malfunctioned, causing the steering wheel to become very difficult to turn in either direction. The traction control message was also displayed and the vehicle loss functionality. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 177,000.

I noticed a "clunking" in my steering, when i turn steering wheel. so husband put it up on jack stand to see if anything was loose. While up on jack stands and turning the wheel, it done a "shutter" feeling. when pulling back and forth on tire, it moved fine. I made appointment with local Ford dealer and they inspected the front end and steering rack. I paid 100.00 for the diagnose. They told me I needed to replace steering rack. costing up to 2500.00 If the price hadnt been bad enough news, they told me it was not recalled, but complaints were high. Also, told me that they can not get parts to fix it for a month or so??? which means, I am paying for a car that i can not drive. Something needs to be done!! As i read through all the complaints on here about steering rack issues, they need to watch over our saftey and others. Im not happy with this situation.

Was pulling out of my driveway and when I went to go forward the steering became hard so I had to get help to push it back into my driveway

Power steering just died could not control car

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and while pulling out of the driveway, the power steering assist and traction control message displayed on the instrument panel and the steering wheel became very difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the power steering control module and steering gear was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 142,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while in his driveway the steering became inoperable. The power steering message was displayed. The contact called the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA for assistance. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The failure mileage was 78,662.

Vehicle will continue to run after key is in off position and removed. Vehicle can be driven with no key in the ignition. Also said starting system fault after battery was disonnected and reconnected.

A significant clunk noise is present any time the steering wheel is used but worse when in reverse. The clunking is present when parked and the steering wheel is moved and while driving. If turning, the clunk is present and there is an involuntary slight but forceful pull of the wheel that has nearly caused an accident. Frequent instances with unusual handling and feels very unsafe, and after being evaluated at a local mechanic it was mentioned that there is a possible misaligned affecting the rear wheel and slight axel off set. It has been stated that if a fracture or bend is present that over time it will significantly diminishes steering control, and put my family at risk for an accident. My local Ford dealership, Bluebonnet Ford of New Braunfels Texas, refuses to assist despite the recent recall due to my VIN not being included in the recent release. I need assistance immediately to keep myself and children safe. I have poured thousands of dollars into this vehicle after sensor failure and AC/hose failure which was essential poisoning my family for months.

Was driving my 2013 Ford Explorer and the service steering light came on. Pulled in parking lot and turned car off. Turned it back on and then I had do steering. Had to have car towed. Was told I needed a new steering rack. This was a recall on my year 2013 explorer but my car is out of the manufacture date. Major safety issue

I recently had a deeply concerning issue occur with my 2013 Ford Explorer. While I was driving on the freeway my passenger side windshield trim flew off my car (No previous damage to the trim, it was not lifting before the incident).... almost hitting the vehicle behind me. In my eyes this should be a safety concern for the company and replaced by the manufacturer for the safety of their consumers (I reached out to Ford corporate, but they said nothing could be done). This is dangerous for the people driving around vehicles having this issue as a large piece of windshield trim can hit their windshield going 60 mph on a freeway or cause someone to swerve to not get hit by a flying object on the freeway. Upon reading up on the issue this is not uncommon so something should be done before someone is harmed.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, she noticed a strong odor of gasoline outside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel delivery module was fractured, causing the fuel to leak underneath the vehicle. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V812000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The dealer was made of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that when the vehicle was shifted into drive, the power steering assist fault warning light illuminated the steering wheel seized. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle several times before the vehicle resumed normal functionality. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The contact mentioned NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) as a possible solution to the failure however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

Water entering the body of the vehicle through the third row seatbelt opening. Fills spare tire wheel.

Rear camera turns black when in reverse or displays error message "Rear camera unavailable - Contact dealership"

Heated and cooled seats stopped working with no warning.

Front windshield trim has flown off on the highway on three separate occasions.

Power Steering Assist Fault comes up when I crank my car. The wheel locks up and I cannot turn it. If I turn the car off and back on, then it works fine.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while she was reversing out of a parking space, the steering wheel inadvertently failed to respond and became increasingly difficult to maneuver. The warning message "Power Steering Assist Fault" appeared on the instrument panel. The traction control warning light was also illuminated. The contact stated he was able to forcefully maneuver the steering wheel and drove the vehicle to his residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that he would be responsible for the cost of the repair as the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 118,729.

My vehicle was originally recalled for Recall 20S62. I received the letter in November 2020, I took my vehicle to Wayland Ford. They confirmed my car did need to be repaired but also needed additional six inch bolts as well. I reached out several times to the dealer, they were waiting for parts due to COVID and supplier shortage in materials. In February I called back- Wayland Ford informed me I should have received a letter from Ford Motor which I did in Dec 2020 indicating my car did not need to be repaired. I did file a case with Ford Customer Care CAS30091178 for this very recall. There was nothing she could do, Ford is knowingly letting customers drive defective cars and Ford has chosen to do nothing to cast a wider net to make sure they have contained the defect therefore I am submitting a complaint.

My steering wheel is making squeaking noises when turning the wheel back and forth has not seized up on me yet but I don’t want to get to that point.my suv only has 36,000 miles on it not to happy with Ford right now!

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.

My body seams sealer next to the lift gate hinge is cracked ans leaks water into rear of car and mold grew on carpet. Call all local dealers and body shops. None know how to fix

While driving this 2013 Ford Explorer, it almost ran off the road twice on the embankment close to a shallow ditch. I was going maybe 25 mph. I tried to hold the steering to turn the vehicle but it would not turn. This was a very scary experience which I have never in the past experience nothing like this. I was somewhat able to apply the brakes which the vehicle eventually stopped on the opposite side of the road embankment. Thankfully no other vehicles were approaching from the opposite direction. When the steering become very, very difficult to maneuver three warning lights appear indicating Service Advancetrac, Terrain Management and Power Steering Assist Fault. Please assist in getting this matter and concern address urgently. Thanks in advance

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the fuel delivery module was leaking. The contact stated that the "check fuel delivery system" message was displayed on the instrument panel. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V227000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was diagnosed but not yet repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was repaired before under the recall as a one-time free repair. The failure mileage was approximately 82,736.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while pulling out of a parking lot, the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that as she continued to drive the vehicle, the steering wheel became increasingly difficult to maneuver. The contact also stated the turn signal button would not stay down after being disengaged. The contact stated the warning messages "Service Power Steering Now" and "Service Power Steering System" appeared on the instrument panel with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated at some point she lost control of the vehicle and almost crashed into a telephone pole. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the power steering electrical system needed to be replaced. The failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) due to the date that the vehicle was manufactured. The approximate failure mileage was 146,000.

Sulfer smell through cabin vents during acceleration. This occurs every time I moderately accelerate. I've told the dealer and of course they were unable to duplicate issue. I'm told this is a very common issue and has been ignored by Ford. I've reported this before and heard nothing back.

Rear back glass has shattered on two separate occasions. First, in November after using auto start to warm the vehicle. Second, almost three years later while driving in the summer. Had to pay for replacement out of pocket.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 5 mph, he noticed that the power steering assist warning light was illuminated before the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway and restarted the vehicle however, the power steering functionality did not return. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 93,000.

Water was leaking in somehow through the drivers side. I had windshield replaced as well as moonroof motor (because the moonroof stopped working after leak also) . The water does not seem to get in anymore but Now my headlights randomly work. I have had the headlights replaced but it did not fix the problem. The mechanic has seen the problem but is stumped so now its a process of elimination I guess. When the headlights go out if I completly turn them off and back on again it will ussually fix it temporarily. Ive got a police warning because I got pulled over for no headlights but as the police were writing the ticket, the headlights randomly came back .There has been a lot of sensors going on the dash and ford has had to reset them.

While shifting my Explorer (which I had just purchased used 3 days prior) from Reverse into Drive after backing out of a driveway, a prompt appeared on the left side of dash instrument panel saying ‘Power Steering Assist Fault,’ and then the power steering failed completely. After struggling to steer the car off the road, I parked and turned the ignition off and back on again and the problem went away (power steering resumed as normal). Then, after backing up again, the same thing happened in the same sequence. Again, I parked, turned the car off and on again and once again, the power steering worked. After this happened twice (in about 15 minutes), the next time I started the car, the power steering assist fault prompt came up again and the power steering never resumed working. I was about an hour away from my home and had to drive the car on the interstate and back home with no power steering and a traction management issue as well (steering became very jerky while adjusting wheel left or right to stay in lane, causing car to swerve back and forth). I notified my salesperson right away, but since it was Saturday, he said to bring it in first thing Monday. I took the car to the dealership I bought it from the following Monday and it was diagnosed and the part was ordered, but apparently is on a national backorder due to the chip shortage. Other prompts that came up (that never came up before) were ‘Service Advance Trac’ and another about the Terrain Management system. The bl

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, the instrument cluster showed that the engine was overheating. The vehicle stalled and was not drivable. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the water pump and engine were needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

I was driving on the interstate and all of a sudden the vehicle lost power. It slowed down and I had to pull off the interstate. I thought it was because I broke for the speed limit change to fast. This was before July. It happened another time and I noticed the dashboard and it showed a big wrench symbol. Pryor to the mishap I saw nothing on the dashboard, no warning at all. I checked the internet and it was stating that there were a recall on this problem. I have not received any paperwork.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated she noticed a small leak entering through the seat belt and ending into the wheel well. The contact stated approximately 6 months later, she started to smell a moldy odor and the leak was much larger. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

When starting car driver assist alert comes on and car is hard to steer

I was driving this 2013 Ford Explorer and the POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT warning appeared on the dashboard. The steering became very difficult to steer and maneuver. This can increase risk of accident and place other motorist at risk for serious injury

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the passenger’s side door failed to latch properly. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated tied the door shut to continue to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact stated that in February 2021 the driver’s side door latch was replaced, not the passenger’s side door latch. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the Vin was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximate 102,000.

Power steering assist fail. It happened in my driveway multiple times in one day, hasn't happened since. Car has been owned by my daughter for only a couple of months. I want to report it as a known issue.

There was a recall for the toe joints so I took it to omeara ford in Northglenn colorado to get it fixed and when I got the car back I noticed it shook really bad when you step on the break no matter what speed. I took it to my local mechanic because I thought it was possibly my alignment. They stated per the recall an alignment should've been completed to complete the recall and advised I take it back to Ford. When I took it back to Ford, They stated a complete alignment wasn't completed and wasn't nesseccary only a partial was done and wanted to charge me to look at the vehicle again. I have kids and quite frankly it is scary to stop. I ended up taking it back to my local shop and had them do an alignment which it needed and I have documentation. However, It still shakes very bad and I believe this has to do with the recall not being completed correctly. This poses a risk to me and my children daily becuase I fear I am not going to be able to stop or my tires are going to fall off.