2013 Ford Explorer complaints

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.

Back up camera stopped working approximately 3-4 years ago.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and accelerating, the steering wheel inadvertently veered to the left, and the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering functionality. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the 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 made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 159,200.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notice of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the driver’s side exterior A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. On another occasion, while driving approximately 70 MPH, the passenger’s side exterior A-pillar trim detached. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the driver’s and passenger’s side A-pillar trims and clips needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred approximately 10 months later while driving at an undisclosed speed, and the passenger’s side exterior A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle and flew off into traffic. The contact stated that the failure could have caused a crash. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was determined that both exterior A-pillar trims needed to be replaced; however, the parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 57,600.

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 made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the A-pillar trims on both sides of the vehicle were loosened and almost fell off the vehicle. 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 failure mileage was unknown.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000(Structure). The contact stated that an unknown dealer was contacted; however, the contact was informed that the recall parts were unavailable. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

The electric power steering failed on my vehicle in 2022 while 12 hours from home. Had to drive 12 hours with no power steering. Some year models from the 2013 have been included in the recall but my Vin # was not so I had to pay out of pocket to have mine fixed. It went out again in 2023 and was fixed by a Ford dealer once again out of my pocket. The backup camera will constantly go out and reveal a contact dealer message. I have backed in to a pull behind trailer and edge of me barn before because the camera went out while backing up.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received a recall notice related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact called the local dealer, who did not respond. The contact went to another local dealer, Liberty Ford Aurora (900 N. Aurora Rd Aurora, OH 44202) who confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.

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

The 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 on the highway at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim separated from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was inspected, and the dealer determined that the vehicle needed to be repaired. 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. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

Back up camera will go black intermittently when in reverse

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to make a turn from a stop, while turning the power steering function became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 222,000.

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

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE). The contact stated that the dealer was contacted; however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about parts availability. The contact had not experienced a failure.

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 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 and informed the contact that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.

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.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE). The contact stated that the dealer was contacted; however, the contact was informed that the parts were unavailable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about parts availability. The contact had not experienced a failure.

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.

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). While driving 70 MPH, the exterior A-pillar applique trim on the driver’s and passenger’s side of the front windshield detached several months apart. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the exterior A-pillar trim detached and flew off the vehicle. The contact stated that the A-pillar trim flew off, and the contact was unable to go back to locate the trim. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was unable to be sold with the unrepaired recall. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the recall notification had been received for over a year and a half. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

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 while driving 70 MPH, the front passenger's side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The trim was striking the front windshield. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and attempted to secure the trim. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact taped the trim after arriving at the residence. 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 69,800.

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 while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver’s side A-pillar trim detached. Additionally, the front passenger’s side A-pillar trim was loose, and the driver’s side A-pillar trim was temporarily repaired using duct tape. 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 failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.

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, the A-pillar trim detached and was flapping in the wind. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the clips to repair the vehicle were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

A-pillar trim part detached while I was driving. My dealer replaced the following parts at my expense BB5Z7803145AA BB5Z7803137BA. To date I have not been fully reimbursed for the repair by the dealership, Al Cioni Ford, Granville, Illinois.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH and coming to a stop at a red traffic light, the messages "Power Steering Failure" and "Service Advancetrac" were displayed. The contact was able to drive to the residence; however, the steering wheel was jerking slightly from left to right while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the mechanic determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The contact was referred to the dealer for assistance and was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. Additionally, the contact stated that the rearview camera was intermittently inoperable while reversing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

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 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 not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were 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 140,000.

The molding flew off my car when I was driving 60 miles an hour … very lucky it didn’t cause an accident as I had to swerve into oncoming traffic when it flew off. It happened in Sept 2024 October 25th is when when we brought it in to ford Geneva, NY They said it was a special order and needed to be ordered and would call when it arrived Never heard back Recently called to follow up Said it still didn’t come in and will call with no resolution to date.

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.

Power steering went out, could barely steer the vehicle

My problem is with my back up camera. The sides are reversed when it comes on. Left is right and right is left. This is a serious safety defect that may cause an accident one day.

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 passenger’s side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. 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 unknown.

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.

Why is it taking Ford years to fix body molding for a recall. It would appear they are not going to comply with the recall and hope they wait long enough they can age out the vehicles and there won’t be any left. I don’t understand why N.H.T.S.A is night having FORD comply with the recall.

My water pump started having a small leak about 2 weeks ago to where I had to put water in to get to work and then again to get home. I contacted Ford to inquire about a cost for this repair and was told they had to diagnose first. Then on Friday Aug 1st my children and I were driving on the interstate and had just gotten off at our exit and the car died in the middle of busy traffic. After waiting for the car to cool, the water was added and I took the car to a Ford dealership. If I had been on the interstate when this happened we would’ve been in a serious if not deadly accident. The leak needs looked into to see if it’s a faulty pump. I’m now looking at a complete engine repair over a leak. Also the back passenger door frame is a blind spot for us who are 5’5.

There has been a safety recall since Jan 2024 and there still no remedy although it said it should have been equipment by late 2024 its is now Aug 2025 it’s been over a year and still nothing.

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.

An emission control alert appears when driving; seconds later, you have no control over the vehicle. The steering wheel locks up, and you can not turn while you are still driving. The risk is very high due to the car doesn't stop, and you can not move out of traffic due to no control over the vehicle. If this were to happen on the highway or during bad weather, this could cause death. This has happened a total of 3x and had to be towed 2x to the machines. July 28th 2025 and July 20th 2024 it was towed for this issue of no control of the vehical due to locked up.

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.

When Driving I started noticing that my steering wheel what getting harder to turn and it felt like it was lagging control. I could still turn and maneuver the steering wheel but the control overall was defiantly not safe. I stopped in at our mechanic and they test drove it. He stated that yes something was definably wrong with the steering system and he said it was hopefully the u-joint for control arm. We made any appointment for the next following week. I drove my explorer with extreme caution and the steering issue just got worse. I noticed that I now have a griding noise coming from my steering when I turn. This is a safety issue because it just going to seize up and I will not have any control over my vehicle. When I did finally did get my explorer into the mechanic the next following week he stated that I needed a new rack and pinion. I only have 140000 miles on my explorer. The cost was astronomical!!! $1700 for the rack and Pinon $600 in labor and a wheel alignment. and don't forget tax. That was a shocker!! I cant afford that kind of out of pocket expense. My vehicle vin does not fall into the recalled safety notice however this seems to be a big issues with the 2013 Ford Explores. My safely overall is the main issued!! I expect ford to follow through in how they manufacture its vehicles and maintenance products. Please include all explorers in the recall!!!!

MY rear back up camera display does not work all the time. When I put my car in reverse and the rear camera displays the screen will go black and an error messages appears on the screen. This has been an issue since I purchased the car in 2021.

Hello, I received Recall Notice #24V031 from Ford Motor Company regarding a safety-related issue and was instructed to have the repair completed at a dealership. I’ve made multiple attempts to schedule the repair, but each time I was told the part is on backorder. I was advised to contact Ford directly, which I did, but was then redirected back to the dealership—who again stated the part is unavailable. To my surprise, the dealership even suggested that I try purchasing the part myself from Amazon. This situation is unacceptable. This is a safety recall, and I should not be responsible for sourcing or purchasing the part required for a manufacturer-initiated repair. I am concerned about the delay and the lack of accountability from both the dealership and Ford. I am requesting immediate assistance in resolving this issue and ensuring the recall repair is completed without further delays or unreasonable expectations placed on me as the customer. Thank you,

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 while driving approximately 75 MPH, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver and the front passenger’s side of the vehicle crashed into the shoulder lane wall. No warning lights were illuminated. The air bags had not deployed. No injuries were sustained; however, medical attention was sought. A Police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the axle on the front passenger’s side wheel was cracked and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the engine mounts also needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.

My power steering went out within 5 minutes of the "service power steering now" and the "lane keeping system malfunction service required" lights came on while I was driving on the interstate at 75 mph. When I turned off the explorer and turned it back on the power steering was completely gone. I checked on Ford's recall website and they show that there is a "Customer Service Program" for the Epas Steering Efforts and for "Rear toe link inspection replacement", nothing stating that these "Customer Service Programs" were restricted at 10 years or 150,000 miles anywhere online. When I call Ford to let them know that my VIN is showing that the electric power steering should be covered and asking about what can be done to get my broken down explorer to them and then I get told that my explorer doesn't qualify anymore. When I typed in my VIN it said my explorer qualifies, why would it show that if the program ended at 10 years which would have been 2023. This makes the owners of these Ford's believe that Ford will take care of their vehicles when there is a know safety issue but then that is not the case. I could've wrecked going 75 mph if I wouldn't have gotten off the interstate. This KNOWN issue for the 2013 Ford Explorers should be taken care of if they are still coming up under recalls on Ford's website when the VIN is entered.

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.

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.