2013 Ford Explorer’s Problems Include 11 Recalls, Over 1,450 Complaints, and a Notorious Six-speed Automatic Transmission

Feb 4, 2022

The 2013 Ford Explorer has a high number of recalls, investigations, and complaints covering safety-related problems like power steering failure, exhaust odors, and engine stall. The SUV is also equipped with the same problematic Ford transmission that sparked a class-action lawsuit.

2013 Ford Explorer - Photo by Ford

Key Points

The 2013 Ford Explorer has 11 recalls, five investigations, and 1,461 complaints, and the most concerning issues include malfunctioning power steering, stalling engines, and noxious odors in the cabin.
Four out of the five suspension-related recalls for the 2013 model year are related to a rear toe link fracture that significantly diminishes handling and increases the risk of a crash.
Two investigations were launched following owner reports of exhaust odors in the cabin of model year 2011 to 2017 Ford Explorers, with the problem reportedly leading to at least one crash.
Engine issues are the topic of 36 pages of registered consumer complaints about power train problems like coolant leaks and an overheating engine.
Ford’s 2013 Explorer is a sporty, comfortable midsize SUV, but its safety-related problems and questionably reliable power train could lead to costly repairs.

2013 Ford Explorer Limited - Photo by Ford

2013 Ford Explorer has 11 Recalls Relating to Faulty Fuel Systems, Rough Steering, Broken Toe Links, and Wheels that Could Detach While Driving

The 2013 Ford Explorer has 11 recalls, and more than half of them are pretty serious when it comes to safety and reliability. The most notable recall is over improperly assembled wheel bearings that could result in the separation of the wheel while driving.

Another serious recall involves Explorers that may have improperly welded fuel tank seams that could leak and potentially catch fire in a crash.

Another recall concerns certain 2011 to 2013 Ford Explorers over a glitch in the electric power steering that can result in a decrease of steering control that would require more effort to manage the wheel. The experience could possibly lead to a shut down of the power steering assist altogether.

Also, four out of the five suspension-related recalls for the 2013 Ford Explorer are related to rear toe link fractures that significantly diminish steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. According to the NHTSA, over a million vehicles could be affected across 23 states.

Additionally, the replacement ball joints Ford used to repair the issue were prone to seizing and corroding, which ended up fracturing the outboard toe links again.

2013 Ford Explorer - Photo by Ford

Five Investigations Reveal 2013 Explorer’s Problems with Exhaust Odors, Brake Hose Failure, and Electric Power Steering Malfunction

Five NHTSA investigations for a 10-year-old vehicle is concerning but not too alarming of a number. However, the 2013 Ford Explorer’s safety investigations concern a few particularly alarming problems. Plus, one of the two investigations over exhaust odors in the vehicle is still open.

These two investigations follow owner reports of exhaust odors in the vehicle of model year 2011 to 2017 Ford Explorers, which included one crash without injury.

To date, no substantial evidence has been found to support claims that any of the reported injury or crash allegations were the result of carbon monoxide poisoning. The NHTSA investigation, however, shows in preliminary testing that carbon monoxide levels may be increased in certain driving scenarios, although the effect remains under investigation.

In addition to two separate NHTSA investigations, in 2014 and 2015, over an issue with front brake hose failure specifically in Explorer Police Interceptor vehicles, the 2013 Ford Explorer’s fifth investigation covers potential loss of steering control in some 2011-2013 Ford Explorers equipped with electric power-assisted steering.

The problem was also the subject of a recall, following reports that some owners experienced a loss of power steering assist that required stronger effort to control the wheel. Ford discovered that the majority of steering assist failures were caused by a faulty electrical connection in the power steering module.

2013 Ford Explorer - Photo by Ford

One-third of 1,450 Consumer Complaints Relate to Power Steering Problems that Led to a Recall and an Investigation

There are over 1,450 NHTSA complaints related to the 2013 Ford Explorer, and almost one-third of them are steering-related, which isn’t surprising considering that the problem was also addressed in both an NHTSA investigation and a recall.

Numerous owners complained that the electric power steering suddenly failed while driving, and/or the steering wheel would lock up as its warning light illuminated on the instrument panel.

Engine issues are the topic of 36 pages of complaints totaling 200 reports of various power train problems ranging from coolant leaks and water pump failures to the engine overheating and/or stalling.

The 2013 Ford Explorer’s electrical system also received over 100 complaints detailing backup camera glitches, faulty “check engine” lights, malfunctioning door latch alarms, and many reports about the power steering failure that sparked an investigation and a recall.

Additionally, many 2013 Explorer owners also lodged NHTSA complaints about the SUV’s transmission after experiencing problems with the infamous 6F35 six-speed automatic tranny, which is the same one in 2010-2017 Ford Fusions that was the cause of a class-action lawsuit.

For the Explorer, transmission issues range from delayed shifting to shaking violently while accelerating. Repairs for these transmission problems costs approximately $1,400.

2013 Ford Explorer is a Sporty, Comfortable Midsize SUV, but its Safety-related Problems and Questionably Reliable Power Train Could Lead to Costly Repairs

The Blue Oval famously makes vehicles that are “Built Ford Tough” and have a longtime reputation for reliability and longevity that far exceed its competition. And the Ford Explorer is one of the iconic automaker’s most popular releases known for capability, comfortability, and affordability.

However, the 2013 model year has a concerning and high number of serious National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recalls and investigations that affect major components of the sport utility vehicle, including the engine, steering wheel, and cabin.

So, all things considered, and weighing the balance of the Explorer’s overall superior reputation versus the 2013 model’s seriousness of recalls, you may want to consider looking at some of the SUV’s other years, or its 2013 model year competition, because if any of these issues is missed, it could lead to costly repairs that run higher than the Explorer’s competing SUVs.

Photos: Ford

Owner Reviews

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Eylyka Ford on November 15, 2021

Not a SUV anymore.

In 2012 I traded in an ‘02 Explorer I had bought new for a new 2013 Explorer. I was in a hurry and I didn’t think I’d need to try it out before making the deal because I liked the old one so much. I can’t tell you how sick I was when I drove it home. It was a hasty deal and I had to leave on business the next morning for several days so I couldn’t just take it back the next day and say, “Oops”. I’m 5’ 5” tall and I could hardly see out the windows in front or to the sides. It felt like I was sitting on the floor and the seat would not raise high enough to make much difference. Backing up without the camera is almost impossible and very dangerous. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the backup camera and that was the 2nd biggest mistake I’d made with the purchase. After many near misses, and too many bumps into things that could not be seen, even in the rear view mirrors, I took a financial loss and traded it in on a 2014 F-150 super crew. The vehicle sat so low, there was no view of the road at all like I always had in the ‘02. It felt like I was scraping the highway when driving down the road and getting out of it is like crawling out of the smallest car I ever sat in. Instead of stepping down from the seat, you have to pull yourself up. The ground is right there when you open the door. You can reach down and touch the pavement. That’s why you don’t see them with side steps like I had on the 02. Also, there is no room inside like the old one had. I travel a lot and I never had an issue with getting what I needed in the old one, but I found out quick the 2013 couldn’t hold half as much stuff in an orderly way. The headlights were worse than the 2002 headlights. I don’t think they were LEDs because they were so dim I expected them to be as good or better than an 11 year old model. I knew it was a totally different style than the 2002 model but I didn’t know it had turned into a Mini Cooper.

Eugene on December 15, 2022

Never again a used Ford-Warranties not honored

We’ve puchased Ford vehicles over the past several years. The last two were “Certified Pre-owned” Ford Explorers. We also purchased the Extended bumper to bumper warranty for additional coverage up to 100,000 miles. This vehicle was sold with the dealer’s “Limited Lifetime Powertrain Warranty. Needless to say, we now have 105,000 miles on the latest vehicle and the dealer is not honoring this Warranty claiming it is through a 3rd party. This vehicle was built with the”eco-boost” system which really is a piece of junk. The turbo has been repaired/replaced 3 times. Well, it’s out again and neither the dealer nor Ford will perform the repair under this “Limited Lifetime Powertrain Warranty”. The vehicle has been into the service department many times (4 times a year) since we’ve purchased it yet not once did they perform the ‘required’ 30,000 mile internal inspections that they knew needed to be performed. The Ford Explorer we purchased previous to this had a known engine issue and now sits with a blown engine in my driveway. The Explorer is a comfortable vehicle but who wants comfort in a vehicle that has a bad engine?I called mother Ford and got told that they couldn’t do anything to help with this issue. 3 Fords in my lifetime and each one with major engine issues. I’ll never buy a Ford again since you should get more than 105,000 miles from a dependable vehicle.

Sheila on November 5, 2022

Problems with my 2013 Ford Exporer

I took it to the dealer in 2019 for a recall on the rear toe link and now there has been a recall on that, which they cannot fix because they can't get the parts. I also have been having issues with my car including Power Steering Assist, Traction control, back up camera, check engine light for about 1 year now. I took it to the dealer in 2022 for these issues and they cleared all the codes and said since they could not get the codes to come up again, they did not know how to fix it, but it might be the computer module. I have since they cleared the codes been having the same issues including the day, I picked it up from the dealer. Now I am having a new issue where when I have the fan blowing for the heater, the blower will shut down and the head lights dim. Then both the fan and the head lights will go back to normal. My husband thought that it might have been the alternator, but my battery indicator light never came on, so he tested the alternator and that was not the issue. After reading all the reviews and recalls on this car not sure it is worth getting fixed and wondering if the rear toe link has anything to do with the rest of the issues.

Ron Sewell on May 21, 2022

Steering and AC problems cost a fortune

I have a 2013 base model with the 2.0L ecoboost. Love the ride quality and handling except in winter where there isn't enough weight on the front. It's had two steering sectors go bad. The1st was fixed under a recall, the2nd was on me. The air conditioning compressor eat itself at 60,000 requiring a compressor,two expansion valves and a dryer at a cost of around $1,500. Now the rear refrigerant lines as well as the rear evaporator is leaking due to corrosion since Fords moron engineers put the refrigerant lines under the vehicle. That's going to cost around $3,000. I don't know how many times I have had to take it to have the rear toe links checked.

Kevin Marshall on June 22, 2021

Water Pump

My 2013 Ford Explorer is lookingengine coolant. Ford charge me $200 for a die test. Then quoted me $2500 for a water pump. Then told me my transmission was also failing. I just paid this truck off last month.?????? I couldn’t select 0 stars so I had to select at least 1 star to post. I will never buy, lease, rent, or refer anyone to ANY Ford vehicle, dealership, or anyone who supports. I’ve been researching, FORD has been using this part in Ford vehicles for years. They know they are ripping people off. ?

Tammy Hetrick on August 10, 2023

Need a new transmission

We have had our vehicle since 2015. For the most part it's been great. At 134,000 we need a new transmission. At major milestones we have had our vehicle serviced at Ford. The vehicle has not thrown any codes for the transmission. In the past year we have had it Rev up and seems to go when we are trying to stop at a light. Now it's not wanting to go when we put it in gear. Still no codes. I really love my vehicle. Really upset we need a new transmission.

Andrea Villarreal on February 27, 2023

Engine Failure

I was driving and my engine stopped working. After speaking with the mechanic and putting in a new starter.. The ball barrings were completely shot in the engine. And the fuel injection would not engage. I am so thankful that I did not cause an accident because this whole thing went out on me while I was driving!! I am still making payments on it and engine failure is not covered my insurance. Does anyone have advice on what I can do?

Natali J on November 1, 2021

Some issues I have had with my 2013 ford explorer.

Does not enough power. Also my car is not all wheel drive. I know those are options you can select when purchasing a vehicle. This is just the issues I have with my particular car. I have had a few recalls as well. Right when I purchased my car I had issues with the fuel injectors. I had luckily bought and extended warranty otherwise I would've paid a lot out of pocket.

Tammy H on August 10, 2023

Need transmission

I used to love my Ford explorer. Now I need a new transmission. It's going to cost $7000 and it's value has decreased and may only be worth $7000. I really thought this was going to be the last car I buy. We've had to replace a lot of parts this last couple of years. I guess I will have to buy a Toyota. Fords fall apart and don't hold value. We have 134,000 miles on it.

MBJ on November 27, 2022

2013 FORD EXPLORER - SWAYING LIKE A BOAT

I bought this vehicle used in 2013 with 20k miles on it. This vehicle has been a GREAT vehicle but with over 200K on it now, all of a sudden it is swaying like driving a boat. The sway light even comes on and it is scary to drive. It is like I am driving on ice. Does anyone know what this is? I have taken in for all recalls as they came up. I am not afraid to drive it.

Nicholle on September 13, 2022

DO NOT BUY

I have a 2013 and have had nothing but problems. Electrical, transmission, suspension and now the turbo! This thing was way to expensive to have to dump this much money into it.Ford should stand by there product and address all these issues. It's a shame a vehicle with so much potential has so many mechanical issues. Ford really missed the mark on this one.

Darnell, McKinney Denver Colorado on March 7, 2024

Transmission and coolant overheating

2013 Ford explorer four-wheel driveTransmission rebuilt twice right after the warranty expired leading to the same problem when I'm traveling that my transmission start leaking resulting in damage cost me almost $16,000 replacement. Keep having problems with my coolant where the coolant hoses are extremely hard like they want to blow off

Jennifer W on December 28, 2021

2013 Ford explorer poor quality.

Rpms are not in sync with speed and seems to take a while to kick into speed. The sunroof allows wind noise when it is closed. . Engine light is on all the time even after service. Engine is quite loud when driving on the highway compared to our other vehicles. The company brand not interested in assisting in the vehicles issues.

Emily B on September 17, 2021

Why I do not like my 2013 Ford Explorer.

I own a 2013 Ford Explorer. I do not like it for our family, because we have 3 kids. It is too cramped for three kids. One of my children always has to crawl over the middle row to buckle up. This usually results in a fight between children. This is the only reason I do not like the vehicle, however it is a major reason.

Peter J on April 7, 2022

111300 miles and pulling an RV NO PROBLEMS 2013 Explorer

Very reliable. Could use a bit more power but we are not climbing mountains with the RV. We have had zero large expenditures, just minor wear and tear issues. Would I buy another?....yes but instead of a 6 cyl would buy an 8 cyl. BUT now that Biden has screwed the nations energy supplies the 6 is perfect!!!

Kirk D on October 6, 2021

New cars over $30K should last longer.

It drove and rode nice when new. It slowly started having minor issues, electrical, sensor, simple minor quality issues. It now has about 80K miles and is starting to have transmission problems. Electrical issues slowly expand to gauges, warnings, etc. I personally would not purchase this vehicle again.

Madison G on July 4, 2021

Would not recommend the 2013 ford explorer.

Once the car is on, it takes a while for the radio to load and connect, the backup camera does not always work, the car does not accelerate as soon as you push the pedal down (takes a few seconds to register), Bluetooth does not always hear what I am saying when sending text messages.

Leslie M on December 23, 2021

Poor quality vehicle. Would not purchase again.

The air conditioner and radio quit working at 7 years old. The computer chip had to be replaced for the air conditioner to be fixed which was $400. The radio transmitter went out which is an $800 part to be able to listen to FM/am radio. Very disappointed in the 2013 ford explorer.

Gracie B on August 20, 2021

2013 ford explorer review.

Does not move fast when the gas is hit and I feel the gas tank could hold more. My car has never had any troubles and within the last year, my back up cam has stopped working, my phone will not play music connected to my car, and many other small things that continue to add up.

Debi T on November 12, 2021

Ford doesn't stand behind obvious design flaws. My car was barely out of warranty when I went to them and they gave me no help at all.

The gas cap won't stay shut. My driver door arm rest is splitting. Ford won't stand behind these issues. Everyone I know who has this year has at least one or both of these issues. Bad design. Handles horrible on water or ice. Maybe I should have given it 1 star.

Kearston M on November 4, 2021

Do not buy this hunk of garbage.

Problems-mechanical and cosmetic. Door handles have been replaced three times. Both catalytic converters went out at 70,000 miles, trouble with tires and I do not drive that much. Drive shaft and both struts were replaced on front at only 120,000 miles.

Helen T on August 13, 2021

This vehicle has a lot of major problems.

The back up camera does not work, it is leaking water into my 3rd row seat belts, the touchscreen which controls everything freezes up and resets all the time. Just so very many issues with it since the day I purchased it. They did not fix anything.

Jennifer D on July 12, 2021

It overheats because the radiator is cracked and needs to be replaced.

Needs radiator replacement, headlight reassembled, body damage fixed, oil changed, suspension fixed, brakes and brake pads need done, need new tires soon, overheats, catalytic converter needs replacement, fuse number 43 needs replaced.

Christy Robinson on September 9, 2022

Love my car

This Explorer has been an amazing vehicle. Very reliable. Has had a few recalls but got them taken care of so nothing major. Will I purchase another? Yes absolutely. Looking for one now!

Juleana S on July 22, 2021

2013 blue ford explorer XLT.

Many parts and features are falling apart. Bottom front fender is coming off, paint is chipping. The backup camera stopped working after only 2 years that I owned it.

Mia D on July 17, 2021

My vehicle is not as great as it used to be.

The car I drive does not function that well from when I first bought it. The brakes stop too quickly. The engine makes a screaming noise. The air conditioner stinks.

Levi D on June 15, 2021

Stay away. Explorers are not worth the money. Ford missed the mark.

Issues. Transmission issues, compute ecu issues, Power takeoff unit replaced. Bad o2 sensors. Battery has been replaced every year. Sounds like a gem.

Crystal M on June 13, 2021

Explorer: the base model...

I have the base model and the main problem I have is there is no Bluetooth connectivity and I am having problems with the power steering.

Theresa B on December 25, 2021

Water leakage coming from where?

Water leakage somewhere in the inside. I have had it to the garage shortly after it was bought and now again a year later.

Faith F on November 17, 2021

They should know that the car has a lot of technical issues.

There are always some technical problems with fords. The touch system radio is problematic and freezes all the time.

Devan M on February 3, 2022

I would not buy another ford. Especially not a Ford Explorer.

There is so much maintenance to be done on it. It costs me so much money to have it fixed by the dealer.

Nino Matignas