2013 Ford Explorer Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

11 safety recalls on file

The 2013 Ford Explorer has 11 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 2,237 complaints with NHTSA, including 44 crashes, 11 fires, 61 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Steering (841 reports).

11Recalls
2,237Owner complaints
44Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your Explorer?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2013 Ford Explorer recalls

Trim on A-pillar may detach and fall off

Recall 24V031Jan 19, 20241,889,110 vehicles affected

The A-pillar trim retention clips on certain Explorers may not be properly engaged, which can allow the trim piece to come loose and detach from the vehicle.

Rear Suspension Part May Seize and Break, Causing Loss of Steering

Recall 21V746Sep 22, 2021150,723 vehicles affected

Certain 2011-2013 Ford Explorers in specific Northeastern, Midwestern and Mid-Atlantic states may have a cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) replacement part in the rear suspension that could seize.

Rear toe link can break from road salt, risking loss of steering

Recall 21V537Jul 15, 2021631,176 vehicles affected

Road salt can corrode the cross-axis ball joint in the rear suspension of certain 2013-2017 Ford Explorers registered in the Northeast, Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and parts of the South.

Rear Toe Link Can Break, Risking Loss of Steering

Recall 20V675Mar 12, 2021454,941 vehicles affected

Certain 2013-2017 Ford Explorers in specific Northeastern, Midwestern and Mid-Atlantic states that were previously repaired under an earlier recall may have a rear suspension toe link with a fracture-prone outboard section.

Rear Toe Links Can Fracture, Causing Sudden Handling Loss

Recall 19V435Jun 10, 20191,194,173 vehicles affected

The rear suspension toe links on these Explorers may fracture because of stress on the rear suspension.

Fuel Leak Can Cause Fire in 2013 Ford Models

Recall 15V812Dec 2, 2015868 vehicles affected

A fuel delivery module in certain 2013 Ford Explorer, Explorer Police Utility, Taurus, Taurus Police Interceptor, Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles may crack, allowing gasoline to leak.

Door May Unlatch in Side Crash

Recall 15V171Mar 24, 2015194,484 vehicles affected

The interior door handle return spring can become unseated, so the handle does not return fully to its stowed position after use.

Steering:Electric Power Assist System

Recall 14V286May 29, 2014179,027 vehicles affected

Latches/Locks/Linkages

Recall 13V270Jun 26, 201312,569 vehicles affected

Fuel System, Gasoline

Recall 13V227May 31, 2013390,783 vehicles affected

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly

Recall 13V109Mar 27, 20133,037 vehicles affected

Most common 2013 Ford Explorer problems

Problem areas named in the 2,237 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Steering841
Structure440
Unknown Or Other345
Engine225
Electrical System163
Fuel/Propulsion System120
Power Train119
Suspension79
Engine And Engine Cooling68
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)45

What owners report

2026-10-15, Steering
Power Steering failure extremely hard to turn when in low speeds, recall on other explorers for same year
2026-10-08, Structure
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger’s side A-pillar trim had detached. The local dealer confirmed the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
2026-09-29, Unknown Or Other
My 2013 Explorer is under recall for A-pillar trim on the front windshield. I check with my dealer monthly and they sat they have not heard a word from Ford. It has been over a year! And my trim is already failing. Ford needs to be investigated !!!
2026-09-17, Engine
The water pump on these explorers are internal and if not caught by a professional in time, the water pump will fail and cause catastrophic engine failure
2026-09-17, Steering
The steering rack limiter on the passenger side dislodged itself and got caught on the rack and pinion teeth causing my wheel to get stuck

2013 Ford Explorer questions

Does the 2013 Ford Explorer have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 11 safety recalls for the 2013 Ford Explorer: Trim on A-pillar may detach and fall off; Rear Suspension Part May Seize and Break, Causing Loss of Steering; Rear toe link can break from road salt, risking loss of steering; Rear Toe Link Can Break, Risking Loss of Steering; Rear Toe Links Can Fracture, Causing Sudden Handling Loss. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Ford Explorer?

Based on 2,237 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Steering (841), Structure (440), Unknown Or Other (345).

How do I check if a recall on my 2013 Ford Explorer has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Ford Explorer years

Other 2013 Ford models