NHTSA lists 11 safety recalls and 2,235 owner complaints for the 2013 Ford Explorer.
Recalled components: suspension, fuel system, body structure, latches, locks and linkages, and 1 more. Most-described problem: power steering problems or locked steering (574 complaints, 26%). Most-reported area: steering (835 complaints, 37%; median mileage when it happened: 95,000).
More complaints than a typical Explorer year
The 2013 drew 231 owner complaints in its first three years, against 193 for a typical Explorer year.
Years to avoid: 2015 to 2017; best years: 2019 and 2023. Based on owner complaints, not adjusted for sales.
Data: NHTSA recall, complaint and investigation filesUpdated Oct 2, 2026
Year to avoidBest year
Excludes the Police Interceptor Utility (EPA lists its 3.3L flex-fuel engine as an Explorer from 2020).
11 safety recalls for the 2013 Ford Explorer
Grouped by the part recalled, largest group first, newest first within each part. Summaries are NHTSA's own wording. Open a recall for what is wrong, the fix and the full notice.
Risk: A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
Fix: 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.
150,723 vehicles.
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.
Risk: A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
Fix: 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.
631,176 vehicles.
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.
Risk: A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The outboard section of a rear suspension toe link may fracture.
Fix: 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.
454,941 vehicles.
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.
Risk: A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
Fix: 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.
1,194,173 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may crack, allowing fuel to leak.
Fix: 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.
868 vehicles.
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.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may develop a crack, allowing fuel to leak.
Fix: 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.
390,783 vehicles.
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.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
Fix: 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.
3,037 vehicles.
Ford is recalling certain model year 2012 Taurus, Lincoln MKS, and model year 2013 Explorer vehicles manufactured July 19, 2011, through March 15, 2012.
Risk: A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024 and December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
1,889,110 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles.
Risk: 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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
Fix: 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.
194,484 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles.
Risk: 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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
Fix: 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.
12,569 vehicles.
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.
Risk: 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.
What's wrong, the fix and the full notice
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.
Fix: 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.
179,027 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured May 17, 2010, through February 28, 2012.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Ford campaign 14S06.
Questions about any of these recalls: call NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA also lists 1 equipment recall for parts sold for this vehicle, not the vehicle itself: Suspension: rear (Ford Motor Company, 17E-048).
NHTSA investigations
NHTSA has opened 6 investigations that name the 2013 Ford Explorer; all 6 are closed. An investigation means NHTSA is reviewing reports of a problem. It is not a finding that the vehicle has a defect.
Windshield trim molding Item detachment
Preliminary evaluation PE23001Closed Feb 8, 2024 (opened Jan 27, 2023)
On January 27, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-001 to investigate allegations of A-pillar trim panel detachment on model year (MY) 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles.
NHTSA ties this investigation to recall 24V-031, listed above.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Component: Body structure (body, roof and pillars).
Exhaust odor in passenger cab
Engineering analysis EA17002Closed Jan 17, 2023 (opened Jul 27, 2017)
During the EA17-002 investigation, the agency reviewed and analyzed reports of exhaust odors in the passenger cabins of Model Year 2011 to 2017 Ford Explorers.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Components: Engine and cooling; Body structure.
Front brake hose failure
Engineering analysis EA15005Closed Nov 2, 2018 (opened Sep 28, 2015)
On April 29, 2015, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE15-017 to investigate a report alleging incidents of front brake hose failure in model year (MY) 2015 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor vehicles used… NHTSA's full summary
During the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) investigation into the Ford carbon monoxide allegations, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) identified additional Vehicle Owner Questionnaire… NHTSA's full summary
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Components: Engine and cooling; Body structure.
Front brake hose failure
Preliminary evaluation PE14027Closed Feb 3, 2015 (opened Aug 22, 2014)
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-027 based on a report of 13 front brake hose (jounce hose) failures in 11 vehicles in the District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department (DCMPD) fleet of 46… NHTSA's full summary
Preliminary evaluation PE12017Closed Jun 12, 2014 (opened Jun 19, 2012)
On May 27, 2014 and amended June 2, 2014, Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA describing a safety defect that may result in a sudden loss of power steering assist… NHTSA's full summary
NHTSA ties this investigation to recall 14V-286, listed above.
NHTSA listing: EXPLORER. Component: Steering (electric power assist system).
A preliminary evaluation is NHTSA's first step, to gather information and decide whether to look further. An engineering analysis is a deeper review, usually opened after a preliminary evaluation. NHTSA lists investigations by make, model and model year only, so one can apply to only some versions of a model, such as one engine; its summary says which.
What owners report
Owners have filed 2,235 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Explorer. Below, they are sorted by the problems owners describe and by the areas NHTSA files them under. NHTSA does not verify complaints.
Problems owners describe
Power steering problems or locked steering574 · 26%
Median 96,000 miles at failure, from 435 reports with mileage
Exhaust fumes in the cabin203 · 9%
Median 48,100 miles at failure, from 167 reports with mileage
Steering rack problems: sticking, play or pulling203 · 9%
Median 95,000 miles at failure, from 152 reports with mileage
Loss of power or limp mode64 · 3%
Median 81,000 miles at failure, from 49 reports with mileage
Fuel smell or fuel leak64 · 3%
Median 57,000 miles at failure, from 49 reports with mileage
Backup camera problems60 · 3%
Median 108,000 miles at failure, from 19 reports with mileage
Shaking, shuddering or vibration50 · 2%
Median 67,000 miles at failure, from 37 reports with mileage
Rust or corrosion48 · 2%
Median 51,000 miles at failure, from 37 reports with mileage
Most named: electric power assist system (16); rack and pinion (6) · Median 95,000 miles at failure, from 611 reports with mileage
Body structure438 · 20%
Most named: body (224); body, door (8) · Median 70,000 miles at failure, from 252 reports with mileage
Engine225 · 10%
Median 56,000 miles at failure, from 161 reports with mileage
Electrical system163 · 7%
Most named: instrument panel, speedometer/odometer (3) · Median 57,100 miles at failure, from 98 reports with mileage
Fuel and propulsion system120 · 5%
Median 50,000 miles at failure, from 85 reports with mileage
Powertrain119 · 5%
Median 60,000 miles at failure, from 91 reports with mileage
Suspension79 · 4%
Median 96,500 miles at failure, from 46 reports with mileage
Unknown or other345 · 15%
Median 59,200 miles at failure, from 200 reports with mileage
A complaint can name more than one area, so shares add up to more than 100%. Mileage is shown where at least 15 owners reported it.
Ford Explorer recalls and complaints by model year
The highlighted bars are the 2013 model year. Newer model years have had less time on the road, so their counts are lower. Counting complaints filed in each model year's first three years, the 2016 Explorer drew the most (659) and the 2013 drew 231.
Owner complaints
2013: 2,235 complaintsTap or drag across the chart for other years.
Show as a table
Owner complaints by model year, Ford Explorer
Model year
Complaints
2010
115
2011
1,197
2012
828
2013
2,235
2014
1,678
2015
1,795
2016
2,455
2017
1,694
2018
731
2019
298
2020
1,225
2021
437
2022
268
2023
112
2024
21
2025
102
2026
38
Safety recalls
2013: 11 recallsTap or drag across the chart for other years.
Show as a table
Safety recalls by model year, Ford Explorer
Model year
Recalls
2010
1
2011
6
2012
5
2013
11
2014
6
2015
8
2016
14
2017
13
2018
7
2019
6
2020
34
2021
27
2022
25
2023
15
2024
10
2025
22
2026
15
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for each version it tested. Rollover risk is NHTSA's estimate of the chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
In the 2,235 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Ford Explorer, the problems described most are power steering problems or locked steering (574), exhaust fumes in the cabin (203), and steering rack problems such as sticking, play or pulling (203). NHTSA does not verify complaints, and one complaint can describe several problems.
Is the 2013 Ford Explorer safe?
In NHTSA crash tests every tested version of the 2013 Ford Explorer earns 5 stars overall. The table above lists each tested version.
Is NHTSA investigating the 2013 Ford Explorer?
No. NHTSA's investigations file, dated Oct 2, 2026, lists no open investigations for the 2013 Ford Explorer. It lists 6 closed ones; the most recent closed on Feb 8, 2024.
How do I check if my Explorer has an open recall?
Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard, door jamb or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The lookup lists unrepaired recalls for that exact vehicle. Safety recall repairs are free at Ford dealers.
Sources and method
NHTSA recalls file (NHTSA datasets), dated Oct 2, 2026; every campaign checked against NHTSA's recalls API.
NHTSA owner complaints file, dated Oct 2, 2026. Counted by complaint number, so a complaint naming three components counts once in the total.
NHTSA investigations file, dated Oct 2, 2026. Defect petitions, which ask NHTSA to open an investigation, are listed apart and only while open. Audit queries, which check whether a company met its recall and reporting duties rather than whether a vehicle has a problem, are not listed.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP).
NHTSA model names covered: EXPLORER.
Complaint counts are unverified owner reports. They rise with sales volume and time on the road, so compare model years with care. How we build these pages. Spotted an error? Tell us.