The Ford Explorer is an iconic American SUV. If you haven’t seen a lot of them on the roads lately, it may have to do with a bad stretch Ford had from 2013 to 2017. The 2013 and 2016 models each generated 11 recalls and over 1,200 complaints apiece.
Key Points
- The 2013 Ford Explorer saw power steering failure in hundreds of units, with the problem persisting until the launch of the 2017.
- An exhaust odor investigation currently remains open on the 2013-2017 models.
- Drivers of 2017 Explorers have reported coolant leak, with repairs costing in the area of $500.
Power Steering Issues Plague 2013-2016 Ford Explorers
The 2013 kicks off a bad stretch for the Ford Explorer, with the nameplate not really making a full recovery until the launch of the 2018.
From 2013 to 2016, it seems to be just one problem after another, with the 2013’s biggest issue being in the steering department.
There is a whopping 1,461 complaints on file with the NHTSA. Of them, over 550 cover steering issues. Reportedly, the power steering has a tendency to go out at random, with drivers reporting the wheel going stiff mid-turn.
There was a recall in 2014 for nearly 200,000 Ford Explorers from 2011 to 2013. But complaints continue to roll in.
The issue extends to 2014, with 264 power steering complaints on file. And 2015, with over 230 complaints. The 2016 model year has over 325 complaints. Thankfully, the 2017 has just 36 steering complaints. So, the issue seems to have finally gotten under control.
Open Exhaust Odor Investigation Covers Every Ford Explorer from 2011 Through 2017
The NHTSA is currently running the second stage of an investigation into an exhaust odor reported in the cabin of a number of Ford Explorers. This is in addition to 11 recalls for the 2016 model.
The initial investigation was based on 2,400 reports, with over 2,000 vehicles that “may be connected to the exhaust odor issue.”
No “substantive data or actual evidence” has been obtained to prove a link between crash allegations and carbon monoxide poisoning.
But there is data to suggest that carbon monoxide was elevated “in certain driving scenarios.”
Long story short: they figured out something was probably wrong. And now they’re trying to determine the extent of it, and whether it’s actually a safety concern.
The initial investigation launched in 2016, and was closed in 2017, a couple months after the current investigation was launched the same year.
The exhaust odor isn’t just a problem because it smells bad. Exposure to exhaust fumes can lead to drivers feeling light headed and even passing out at the wheel.
So, the problem can be quite severe, and, until the investigation is concluded, may be reason enough to skip the 2011-2017 model years.
2017 Finally Solves Steering Issue, Replaces it With Coolant Leaks
For 2017, Ford finally got their steering troubles under control, but a number of engine problems remain. Of 575 total complaints, 110 are for the engine, 38 are for the power train, and 27 are for the fuel/propulsion system.
There are a few problems at play here, but among the most common: the “engine coolant high temp” light popping on at around 50,000 miles in 2.3L EcoBoost-equipped models.
This is usually accompanied by rough idling, difficulty starting, stalling, and other engine troubles. The reports are all over the place, but most of them point to a coolant leak.
Most 2017 Explorers no longer carry a valid Ford-backed warranty. And there are no investigations or recalls on this matter.
So, drivers dealing with a coolant leak are going to have to cover the repairs out of pocket.
Swapping out a coolant reservoir should run about $500, according to Repair Pal. This isn’t the most expensive repair in the world. But it’s more money than you’d expect to spend on an SUV you’ve just driven off the used car lot.
Thankfully, rate of incidence is fairly low compared to the steering issues in earlier models.
But, when you add the exhaust odor investigation to the equation, you might want to just skip ahead to a 2018.
2010s weren’t Kind to the Explorer, but the 2018 Model is a Safer Bet than Most Because of Fewer Problems
The 2010s were a rough decade for the iconic Ford SUV. The sport utility vehicle ruled the 1990s and the 2000s. But 2013 saw some major complaints, recalls, and investigations. And it took Ford years to get the issues under control.
You’ll probably want to avoid any Ford Explorer from the 2013 to 2017 model years. The rate of incidence for the steering issues is remarkably high, and the exhaust odor problem is potentially quite dangerous.
Plus, there seem to be no recalls on the way for the 2017’s coolant leak. And with the SUVs out of warranty, you’ll be footing the bill for any repairs.
If you want something a little older, pick up a 2005 model for less than $5,000 to tinker on as a project car.
If you just want a reliable daily driver, consider the 2018 model. It has generated far fewer complaints and recalls than the 2017 model. Also, it is not subject to the exhaust odor investigation.
Photos: Ford
