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Ford Explorer

EPA MPG: 19 mpg

RECALL ALERT:
There are 12 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2013 Explorer is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

The 2013 Ford Explorer has been recalled 12 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2013 Ford Explorer owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Loose exterior trim or moldings

"Moldings around front windshield have all come loose and blown off"

Anonymous, (2013 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)

"There has been an open recall for more than three years that Ford has been unresponsive in rectifying"

Anonymous, NJ (2013 Ford Explorer Limited 3.5-L V6)
Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"Aluminum hood and tailgate paint is improperly applied resulting in galvanic corrosion and bubbling under the paint in spots near the edge of the panels. Repainting by Ford dealer under warranty years ago was equally unreliable as the OEM paint job."

Anonymous A., IL (2013 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)

"Paint peeling in front hood"

Anonymous, AB (2013 Ford Explorer Sport 3.5-L V6 turbo)

""I tried multiple times to contact Ford regarding the front hood paint chipping off, they were not helpful""

Anonymous, NJ (2013 Ford Explorer Limited 3.5-L V6)

"Paint is peeling on the engine hood"

Anonymous, CA (2013 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Catalytic converter

"wear & tear"

Anonymous A., TX (2013 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)

"Failed smog"

Anonymous A., CA (2013 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6 turbo)
Other/unsure

"The backup camera system died and I did have it replaced. Can't live without that"

Anonymous, PA (2013 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)

"Back up camera goes out frequently and remains out for several days, then suddenly works."

Anonymous, MI (2013 Ford Explorer Limited 3.5-L V6)

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Air or water leaks

"Sunroof channels get clogged and water leaks into the rear interior. Ongoing problem."

Anonymous, MA (2013 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)
Seals and/or weather-stripping

"Rear hatch leaks during rain. Evidently its a common issue of a hinge bracket not properly sealed or welded."

Anonymous, TX (2013 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)
Squeaks or rattles

"Started about two years ago. Struts, ball joints, sway bar end links replaced."

Anonymous, MA (2013 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)

"There have been multiple issues in last four months. Entire steering mechanisms had to be replaced. This problem took several return trips to Ford dealer and took a month to resolve. Now the exhaust system is rattling badly. But now cant even drive the vehicle with broken timing chain. Ford dealer service and another local servicer are horrible!"

Anonymous, MI (2013 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Bushings

"Car had this problem when it was purchased. Loud clunks over rough roads were unsettling. Ford dealer wanted to replace more than just the bushings. Local repair shop didn't think that was necessary and just replaced the rear bushings on the front end. The clunk went away."

Anonymous A., MN (2013 Ford Explorer Limited 3.5-L V6)
Springs or torsion bars

"The transfer case assembly cracked and began to leak. Right front control arm and bushings became loose. Replaced both control arms. I took it to two shops and they noticed the problem, however, the Ford dealer (while it was still under a warranty) stated it was just normal wear and the boot was just old. A third also stated the arm needed replacing."

Anonymous, (2013 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)
Steering linkage (includes rack and pinion)

""Bushings and ball joints loose and clanking. Steering wheel gives 90 degrees of play before engaging. Steering rack must be replaced at a cost of $4000, chose to retire the vehicle instead.""

Anonymous, TX (2013 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

What Owners Say

Antilock braking system (ABS)

"Replacement control parts unavailable"

Anonymous, TX (2013 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)
Calipers

""When we gad,the xae towed,we,beeded,a,xalpparand,want ti be,safe,so got it,done.""

Anonymous, PA (2013 Ford Explorer XLT 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Master cylinder

""My brakrs,fauled,and had,to be tiwed. My car was,in a,flood and i surance,did,not tital. One headach after anither""

Anonymous, PA (2013 Ford Explorer XLT 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

Automatic climate control

"A/C Sops working intermittently due to computer failure"

Anonymous A., AZ (2013 Ford Explorer Limited 3.5-L V6)
Refrigerant leaks

"Rear seat A/C was sealed as the repair would have been to replace all the lines which run in the ceiling. $3000. So I had a bypass kit installed since I rarely (never) have people in the backseats. Total repair cost $1000. A year later a leak has caused the refridgerant to leak and it was topped off but only lasted a month. The leak is in a place where it may be over a $1000 to replace. Will sell vehicle."

Anonymous, OH (2013 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

What Owners Say

Backup or other camera/sensors

"The backup camera would get grainy at night, or black out completely. It took over 3 months for the Ford dealer to get a replacement, and it has the same issues with grainy video. They replaced it (under a 1 year warranty), however, it still exhibits the same grainy video at night."

Anonymous, (2013 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)
Display screen goes blank

"Our VIN number is not covered for the backup display not working. Ford will not fix this serious safety issue. There is a recall for some 2013 to correct this software issue"

Anonymous, CA (2013 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

What Owners Say

Engine rebuild or replacement

"Engine rebuilt 3 times for phazer breakdown"

Anonymous, WA (2013 Ford Explorer Sport 3.5-L V6 turbo)
Timing belt or chain

"Four days ago started the vehicle and the timing chain broke"

Anonymous, MI (2013 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5-L V6)

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

Transmission rebuild or replacement

"Transmission needed to be rebuilt and computer needed replacing"

Anonymous, WA (2013 Ford Explorer Sport 3.5-L V6 turbo)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

2013 SUVs Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Ford vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
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Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
STRUCTURE
Jan 19, 2024
A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Summary:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
What should you do:
Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 18, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 24V031000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 1889110
SUSPENSION
Sep 22, 2021
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Summary:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. These vehicles may be equipped with a cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) replacement part that could seize, and result in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.
What should you do:
Dealer will inspect for the presence of a CABJ. If a CABJ of any design is found, the dealer will inspect the tightness of the CABJ, and replace the CABJ, knuckle, and/or toe link as necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters were mailed November 10, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 17, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S43.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V746000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 150723
SUSPENSION
Jul 15, 2021
A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Summary:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Exposure to road salt can cause the cross-axis ball joint to corrode and seize, resulting in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.
What should you do:
Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle, and replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall numbers 16V-245, 19V-435, and 20V-675. Certain vehicles previously repaired will need to return for the new remedy. An interim notification letter notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on September 10, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2022. Owners may contact Ford's customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S32.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V537000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 631176
SUSPENSION
Mar 12, 2021
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Summary:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin that were previously repaired under a prior recall numbers 16V-245 or 19V-435. The outboard section of a rear suspension toe link may fracture.
What should you do:
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle attached to the rear suspension toe link and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S62.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 20V675000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 454941
SUSPENSION
Jun 10, 2019
A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Summary:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
What should you do:
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, and inspect both rear toe link ball joints, replacing the rear wheel knuckle(s), if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S17.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 19V435000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 1194173
SUSPENSION, WHEELS
Aug 28, 2017
A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.
Summary:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain Wheel Hub Bearing assemblies, part number HB5Z-1104-C, incorrectly listed as being for installation on the rear axles of 2011-2017 Ford Explorer 4X2 vehicles. These bearings assemblies were manufactured without a self retention feature, possibly resulting in the separation of the wheel or wheel end.
What should you do:
Ford will notify the distributors of the hubs specifying that they are to only be used on drive axles. It is believed that none of the hubs were purchased from Ford dealers for the incorrect application. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17E048000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 630
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Dec 02, 2015
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Summary:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Explorer Police Utility, Taurus, Taurus Police Interceptor, Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may crack, allowing fuel to leak.
What should you do:
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. The recall began on December 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 13S04-S1.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 15V812000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 868
STRUCTURE
Mar 24, 2015
If the interior door handle return spring is unseated, the door may unlatch in the event of a side impact crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Summary:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the interior door handle return spring may unseat, resulting in interior door handle that does not return to the fully stowed position after actuation.
What should you do:
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four of the interior door handles and either repair or replace them, free of charge. The recall began on July 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S11.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 15V171000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 194484
STEERING
May 29, 2014
If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist it will require extra steering effort at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Summary:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured May 17, 2010, through February 28, 2012. The affected vehicles may experience an intermittent connection in the electric power steering gear, which can cause a loss of the motor position sensor signal resulting in a shut down of the power steering assist.
What should you do:
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) software, free of charge. If a vehicle shows a history of a loss of motor position sensor signal when the vehicle is brought in for the recall remedy, its steering rack assembly will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on July 23, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S06.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 14V286000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 179027
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Jun 26, 2013
If the child lock is deactivated, the door could be unlocked and opened from the inside which could lead to personal injury to an unrestrained child.
Summary:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Ford Explorer, Taurus, and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured November 29, 2012, through December 12, 2012. In the affected vehicles, with sufficient door openings and closings, the child safety locks may change from an activated position to a deactivated position without notice.
What should you do:
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will test the safety locks. If necessary, the locks will be replaced free of charge. The recall began on August 2, 2013. Ford's recall number is 13S07. Owners may contact the Ford customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 13V270000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 12569
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
May 31, 2013
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Summary:
Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Taurus, Flex, Fusion, Police Interceptor Sedan and Police Interceptor Utility vehicles; and certain model year 2013 Lincoln MKS, MKT, and MKZ vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may develop a crack, allowing fuel to leak.
What should you do:
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S04.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 13V227000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 390783
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Mar 27, 2013
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Summary:
Ford is recalling certain model year 2012 Taurus, Lincoln MKS, and model year 2013 Explorer vehicles manufactured July 19, 2011, through March 15, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the fuel tanks may have a marginally sealed seam in the side of the tank. As a result, the fuel tanks may not provide the expected strength in the event of an impact. The tanks may also leak.
What should you do:
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel tanks and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2013. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S03. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 13V109000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 3037
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