Recalls · problems · safety

2013 Ford Explorer: recalls and problems

12 recalls and 2,234 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is steering.

12recalls
2,234complaints
44crashes reported
11fires reported
61injuries reported

Recalls

Check recalls for your exact VIN

Most common problems

  • Steering832 · 37%
  • Structure438 · 20%
  • Unknown Or Other344 · 15%
  • Engine225 · 10%
  • Electrical System162 · 7%
  • Fuel/Propulsion System120 · 5%
  • Power Train117 · 5%
  • Suspension79 · 4%
  • Engine And Engine Cooling67 · 3%
  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC)45 · 2%

What owners report

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

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

Unknown Or Other,Back Over Prevention

The backup camera has stopped working, the beeping sensor still alarms when to close but the camera does not work at all.

Structure

The contact owns a 2013 ford explorer. the contact received a recall notification for nhtsa campaign number: 24v031000 (structure); however, the parts to complete the recall repair were not yet available. the contact stated that both windshield exterior a-pillar trims had dry-rotted. the vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was inspected. the dealer confirmed that parts were unavailable and placed the vehicle on a

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. They are owner reports and have not been verified.

Crash-test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2013 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
2013 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Source: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP APIs, covering Explorer. Last refreshed 2026-09-29.