Owner complaint record
2013 Ford Explorer Problems and Recalls: What Owners Report
This page shows the problems 2013 Ford Explorer owners reported to NHTSA, the federal agency that tracks car safety: 2,230 complaints sorted by system, the mileage they started at, the check engine codes owners named, and the recalls to check before you buy.
NHTSA owner complaintsChecked Oct 3, 20262,230 complaintsFederal file of Aug 25, 2026
+171% vs 2012
808 complaints, 36% of the total
half of the steering reports that give a mileage came before this
42 mention an injury, 11 a fire
The steering leads the 2013 Ford Explorer record at 36%, with engine next at 10%. Of the steering reports that give a mileage, half came before 95,000 miles. The costliest part on our cost list is the electric power steering rack, $545 to $1,584 for the part alone.
It's a count of reports, not a failure rate. Use it to decide what to inspect before buying, not to grade the car.
More than a third of the complaints name the steering, most of them a warning light and a loss of power assist. Ford recalled certain 2011 to 2013 Explorers for an intermittent connection in the electric power steering gear.
2013 Ford Explorer overview
The 2013 Explorer came with a 3.5-liter V6, a turbo 3.5-liter V6 and a turbo 2.0-liter four, all with a six-speed automatic, in front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
Owners filed 171% more complaints about the 2013 than the 2012 (822), and the steering leads both years. The 2014 drew 1,673, with steering named most.
- Power
- 290 hp at 6,500 rpm
- Torque
- 255 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm
- Gearbox
- 6-speed automatic
- Fuel
- Regular gasoline
- Injection
- Not direct
city / highway / combined mpg, EPA
- Power
- 365 hp at 5,500 rpm
- Torque
- 350 lb-ft
- Gearbox
- 6-speed automatic
- Fuel
- Regular gasoline
- Injection
- Direct injection
city / highway / combined mpg, EPA
- Power
- 240 hp at 5,500 rpm
- Torque
- 270 lb-ft at 3,000 rpm
- Gearbox
- 6-speed automatic
- Fuel
- Regular gasoline
- Injection
- Direct injection
city / highway / combined mpg, EPA
Fuel economy from EPA fueleconomy.gov; power and torque from Ford media technical spec sheets and ford.com engine pages (Wayback copies), read 3 Oct 2026.
Is the 2013 Ford Explorer reliable?
Owners filed more complaints about the 2013 Ford Explorer than about any other Explorer year except 2016, and the steering draws the largest share. The four checks below are what the federal record can say; none of them is a reliability score.
- 2ndCompared with other Explorer years2,230 complaints, the 2nd most of 16 model years (2016 has 2,441).By model year
- 36%The system named mostSteering, in 808 complaints. Half of the steering reports that give a mileage came before 95,000 miles.Problems by system
- 12Recalls12 recall campaigns cover the 2013 Ford Explorer.Recalls
- 44Crashes, injuries, fires44 complaints mention a crash, 42 an injury and 11 a fire.
A complaint count is not a failure rate: the record doesn't say how many were sold, so a popular year draws more reports.
2013 Ford Explorer problems by system
Every complaint to NHTSA names the part of the car that gave the owner trouble, such as the engine or the steering. The cards below sort the 2,230 complaints about the 2013 Ford Explorer that way, largest first: open one to read what owners wrote, when it usually starts, and what to check.
Steering36%808 complaintsLoss of power assist, steering warnings
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What owners describe
Steering assist fault light comes on when I crank my 2013 Ford explorer. The steering wheel is locked and won't turn when I try to leave a location. I have to switch the vehicle off and restart it in order for it to reset.
Driving approx 45mph through town on a multi-lane roadway, steering became virtually impossible, nearly locking up. Was able to maneuver vehicle off the road without damage or injury. Vehicle was towed by towing company to nearest Ford dealership awating evaluation/repair at this time.
KYNYFLNCRead 4 more owner reports+4
Vehicle has become hard to steer & takes extra effort. Was diagnosed by Ford dealer as having a faulty electrical component in the steering rack. Ford service manager stated the steering can completely lock up while vehicle is moving if steering rack not replaced. Steering rack must be replaced at approx. Cost of $1500.
When turning the truck makes a roaring noise and does not return steering back to straight direction. Hard to turn wheel manually. Ford dealer diagnostic claims steering has an internal failure and must be replaced for safety. Electric rack and pinion steering possible delayed defect!. Explorer has less than 66,000 miles on it.
Total lose of steering in 2013 Ford explorer 2/26/17 while driving down road at 55 mph, no warning lights. Engine stayed on but vehicle veered to the left (yes we went into the median) vehicle was making noise (sitting while turning steering wheel) a few days before. Vehicle was towed to Ford dealer. I looked up the recalls on this vehicle for the electronic steering, there were none listed.
When I turn the wheel in my vehicle it makes a loud clunk noise and also when I apply my brakes. I looked up all Ford explorer recalls and noticed one in 2014 that has to do with the electric power assist system. How can I know if my vehicle was on the recall list being so long ago and can this be covered under that recall? I see alot of complaints involving this same issue. I bought the car used in 2017.
When it starts
Usually starts around 95,000 miles. Half of owners reported it between 70,000 and 127,000.
What to do
Turn the wheel lock to lock with the engine running and watch for a steering warning.
Engine10%224 complaintsHeat and A/C complaints, leaks
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What owners describe
Oil supply line to turbo leaking. No parts available to make the repair through Ford. This is the same part failure and has caused a recall in the 2016 - 2017 Ford explorer sports. Ford needs to look at previous years to determine if a recall should be done for all 2011 to present. (fire hazard)
Exhaust fumes when I accelerate, not floor boarding it but just regular acceleration that you smell in the cabin. I brought it to Ford dealership and they said it was nothing. This issue has been going on since I got the vehicle in 2015 october.
TXFLPRPARead 4 more owner reports+4
Taking a trip in my 2013 Ford explorer sport (texas to florida) with the 3.5 turbocharged engine in raining conditions and vehicle began to shake violently, shudder and stall when I attempted to accelerate. Would not drive properly, check engine light came on and vehicle had to coast off highway and stay in hotel until dealership opened next day. Loss of time and very dangerous.
The vehicles ac system floods the interior cabin with an overwhelming exhaust smell during hard acceleration or anytime the engine exceeds 3500 rpm as in climbing a mountain road etc. Dealer has performed Ford technical bulletin however the problem was not fixed. Ford told me they are aware of the problem and to "check back" in a couple of months to see if the engineers have found a fix.
On december 15 2014, I was driving to ponce on highway 52 in puerto rico. When suddently the engine stall while driving. After that the problem have continue doing it, sometimes three times a day. The last time was monday 29 2014 while I was driving to the dealer. I'm very afraid of driving this vehicle knowing that can stall any moment whithout notice and implicate me in an accident.
During heavy acceleration ... For example when I'm entering a highway... Really strong smell of engine fumes enter the cabin... Every time. I have a 2013 Ford explorer xlt - very happy with my Ford otherwise.
When it starts
Usually starts around 56,000 miles. Half of owners reported it between 23,000 and 85,000.
What to do
Run the heat and the A/C on the test drive and look under the engine for leaks.
Body10%224 complaintsDoor handles, latches, trim
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What owners describe
Noticed leak into spare tire well years ago and jones Ford in n. Charleston could not find a leak. 8/13/2018 took our vehicle in for the same exact problem and found the water pours down the third row seatbelts anytime it rains. There is now mold in the carpeted area below the 3rd row seats. The leak happens while the car is stationary, driving, anytime it is raining.
Paint is bubbling up on the hood of the car. Called Ford and they say its out of warranty sorry. The car is only 2 years old this should not be happening to a 40,00 dollar car.
FLFLGAPARead 4 more owner reports+4
Paint corrosion/bubbling on edge of aluminum hood. Ford will not honor the warranty. Cost to fix issue is approximately $500-$750. Clearly a manufacturing issue during paint process with thousands of complaints.
Exhaust fumes in occupant compartment. While accelerating exhaust fumes are entering the passenger cabin. This problem is not limited to just the explorer. Our 2013 Ford edge also had the same issue.
My 2013 explorer hood was peeling and I have to have it repainted. It was rusting. Also I smell fuel fumes inside the vehicle, it is so bad, you have to stop the car and get out to breath.
Paint peeling on hood. The front edge of the hood has peeling paint. It began just after the 36 mo warranty expired and Ford has not made any efforts to solve the problem. I recently saw another explorer, same year, model with even worse peeling paint on the hood. I have included the picture of that car as well.
When it starts
Usually starts around 70,000 miles. Half of owners reported it between 44,555 and 115,000.
What to do
Open and close every door from inside and out.
Body structure9%199 complaintsBody and trim recalls
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What owners describe
Noticed leak into spare tire well years ago and jones Ford in n. Charleston could not find a leak. 8/13/2018 took our vehicle in for the same exact problem and found the water pours down the third row seatbelts anytime it rains. There is now mold in the carpeted area below the 3rd row seats. The leak happens while the car is stationary, driving, anytime it is raining.
Paint is bubbling up on the hood of the car. Called Ford and they say its out of warranty sorry. The car is only 2 years old this should not be happening to a 40,00 dollar car.
FLFLRead 2 more owner reports+2
Paint corrosion/bubbling on edge of aluminum hood. Ford will not honor the warranty. Cost to fix issue is approximately $500-$750. Clearly a manufacturing issue during paint process with thousands of complaints.
Exhaust fumes in occupant compartment. While accelerating exhaust fumes are entering the passenger cabin. This problem is not limited to just the explorer. Our 2013 Ford edge also had the same issue.
When it starts
Usually starts around 70,000 miles. Half of owners reported it between 44,555 and 115,000.
What to do
Run the VIN for the door handle and pillar trim recalls.
Electrical system7%158 complaintsWarning lights, door locks, cameras
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What owners describe
I was driving my 2013 Ford explorer when I went to make a turn and the wheel froze without warning. The electronic power steering failed and I was told I needed to replace the steering rack and it was not covered under warranty.
This was the first incidence. Driver door ajar sensor would come on and off...took it to Ford...they looked at service bulletin and replaced sensor. Now 1 year later - april 2015...same thing except that I am now in my extended warranty and Ford wants me to pay the deductible to "fix" something that was already supposedly "fixed" last year under my regular warranty - but clearly isn't fixed! Very annoyed!
FLGARead 2 more owner reports+2
Paint bubbling on aluminum surfaces hood and door skins, referred back to dealer who repaints and reoccurs until out of warrantee. Steering failure intermittent accutrac control requiring towing and computer reset. Can fail while driving resulting in no or difficult steering. Multiple times reset no charge. Estimate to repair $2500
Frequent fume smells coming from the exhaust. I drive with my babies ages 3 and 4. I'm afraid this will have an effect on their health as well as mine. Sometimes we get headaches and I feel it's from being in this vehicle. Electric problems with the sunroof. Not working and unable to close.
When it starts
Usually starts around 57,060 miles. Half of owners reported it between 32,250 and 94,917.
What to do
Try the door locks, the camera and every warning light at start-up.
What repairs cost on the 2013 Ford Explorer
Part prices for the problems 2013 Explorer owners report most. They are shelf and mail-order prices for the part alone, so a shop bill adds labor and its own markup.
For the 3.5L and 2.0L, a remanufactured Terrepower rack up to a new Motorcraft one; the Sport's rack is Motorcraft only, $602 to $1,584; plus a core deposit of up to $750. Ford's recall 14V286 covers the steering gear connection on certain 2013 Explorers; check the VIN first.
Check steering racksFor the 3.5L, SKP up to Melling at $31 to $86; for the 2.0L, FVP up to Saleri at $15 to $54.
Check water pumpsPrices on this page are our own research, not the store’s, and store prices change daily.
Prices read on RockAuto on Oct 3, 2026, for the parts listed as fitting this car; regular stock only, closeouts left out.
Check engine codes owners report
6 owners name P2111 (throttle actuator stuck open) in their complaints, the code named most for this car.
Complaints whose text names the code, one count per complaint. Tap a code to read our guide; grey codes have no guide yet.
When problems show up on the odometer
Engine complaints start earliest, typically around 56,000 miles. Steering complaints start latest, around 95,000 miles.
Dot: typical mileage. Bar: the middle half of reports. From the mileage owners wrote on the form.
Ford Explorer complaints by model year
2013 is shown in dark. The steering is named most in 4 other Explorer years.
Show chartHide chart
2013 is shown in dark. The steering is named most in 4 other Explorer years.
When owners filed
Complaints about the 2013 Ford Explorer have kept arriving since 2012, with peaks in 2017 and 2019. A peak often follows a recall or a news story, not a new fault.
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2013 Ford Explorer recalls
12 recall campaigns cover the 2013 Ford Explorer. A recall list is by model year; whether one car had the work done is in its VIN record.
2013 Ford Explorer crash tests and investigations
NHTSA crash tests rate the 2013 Ford Explorer five stars overall, the same for all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive. Its defect office has opened six investigations into five problems that cover this model year.
Ratings run from 1 to 5 stars: 5 is the safest result, 1 the least safe.
Frontal stars compare cars of about the same weight; side stars compare every vehicle. Rollover stars show how top-heavy the car is: NHTSA puts the 2013 Ford Explorer’s chance of rolling over in a single-car crash at 17%.
Safety equipment NHTSA recommends
Optional means some trims have it and some don’t. Check the car you are looking at.
Federal investigations
Before you buy a used 2013 Ford Explorer
These checks follow what 2013 Explorer owners reported most: steering that loses its power assist, then heat and A/C faults and door problems. Run the VIN before you pay, because this SUV has steering, fuel and door recalls.
- 1Turn the wheel lock to lock
A steering assist failure is the top complaint by a wide margin.
- 2Run the VIN for steering, fuel and door recalls
Only the VIN shows whether the fixes were done.
- 3Watch the dash
A steering warning light is the most common thing owners describe.
- 4Run the heat and the A/C
Climate complaints lead the engine section.
- 5Open every door from inside
Interior door handle and latch recalls cover this SUV.
Oil and service for the 2013 Ford Explorer
This is what Ford's manual says the 2013 Explorer needs: which oil to use and how much, the fluids for the transmission and the cooling system, and when each job is due. The car tracks oil wear itself and shows an oil change message on the dashboard, but Ford says never to go past a year or 10,000 miles.
- Engine oil
- 5W-20
- Oil capacity
- 6.0 US quarts
- Transmission fluid
- Motorcraft MERCON LV
- Coolant
- Motorcraft Orange, prediluted
- Engine oil
- 5W-30
- Oil capacity
- 6.0 US quarts
- Transmission fluid
- Motorcraft MERCON LV
- Coolant
- Motorcraft Orange, prediluted
- Engine oil
- 5W-30
- Oil capacity
- 5.7 US quarts
- Transmission fluid
- Motorcraft MERCON LV
- Coolant
- Motorcraft Orange, prediluted
Service schedule
From the Ford 2013 Explorer Owner's Guide, read Oct 3, 2026. Normal schedule.
Common questions
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Ford Explorer?
Owners name the steering most (808 complaints), then engine (224) and body (224).
Is 2013 a good year for the Ford Explorer?
The complaint record can't grade a car, but it shows what to check: the steering complaints that lead this year, the mileage they start at, and whether the recall repairs were done.
Was there a recall on the 2013 Ford Explorer?
Yes. NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for the 2013 Ford Explorer: suspension (4), wheels, structure (2), fuel system (2), steering, fuel tank, latches/locks/linkages. A dealer can tell from the VIN whether one car got the repairs.
At what mileage do 2013 Ford Explorer problems start?
Engine complaints start earliest, around 56,000 miles. Steering complaints come later, around 95,000 miles.
Which Explorer years have the most and fewest complaints?
The 2016 and 2013 model years have the most in the file, and the 2024 and 2025 the fewest, though newer cars have had less time to collect complaints.
What the complaint record can't tell you
Sources
Show all 6 sources
Owner quotes are changed from all capitals to normal case only. Counts by system and year cover vehicles with at least 10 complaints.