2013 Ford Explorer Problems
Shopping for a used 2013 Ford Explorer? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 2,209 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Steering Defects the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2013 Ford Explorer has 2,209 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Steering Defects.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
Free preview · Full report from $12.95.
2013 Ford Explorer Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2013 Ford Explorer trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 6 trims analysed.
2013 Ford Explorer Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2013 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
17.4% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
17.4% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2013 Ford Explorer has 2,209 owner complaints, 44 crash-related complaints, and 12 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Steering Defects. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Ford
- Model
- Explorer
- Model year
- 2013
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 2,209
- Crash-related complaints
- 44
- Safety recall campaigns
- 12
- Top reported component
- Steering Defects
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 20
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 17 / 24
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2013 Ford Explorer problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Steering Defects
Structural Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Steering Defects, Structural Problems, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2013 Ford Explorer?
The 2013 Ford Explorer shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2013 Ford Explorer
Inspection Focus
- Inspect steering system for any issues or previous repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components.
- Have a mechanic inspect before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect steering system for any issues or previous repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components.
- Have a mechanic inspect before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2013 Ford Explorer, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The 2013 Ford Explorer has a high volume of NHTSA complaints, with steering defects and structural problems being the most frequently reported issues. Crash-related complaints are relatively low compared to total complaints. The data suggests potential concerns with steering and structural integrity.
- Steering defects account for the largest share of complaints.
- Structural problems are the second most reported component.
- Engine problems and electrical faults also have notable complaint counts.
- Steering Defects
- Structural Problems
- Engine Problems
Full breakdown
All 2013 Ford Explorer complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Ford Explorer. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 826 | 12 | 1 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 431 | 4 | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 339 | 8 | 4 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 291 | 1 | 6 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 159 | — | 2 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 120 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 119 | 9 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 78 | 5 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 45 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 38 | 5 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 38 | 2 | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 36 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 33 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 33 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 32 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 30 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 25 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 20 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 19 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 18 | 12 | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 16 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 13 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 7 | 2 | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 2 | — | 1 | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 2 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2013 Ford Explorer. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Ford Explorer. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 136,000; at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 251,39…
I am writing to complain about Recall 24S02. The A-Pillar Trim has become loose on my car and the rubber mold underneath it now is loose and flaps aggressively in the wind creating damage to my windshield and driver side front window. I am afraid the whole piece will come off at …
After more than two years with an open recall, Ford has not been able to repair my 2013 Ford Explorer due to an inability to source the replacement parts. On Sunday, April 12th the defective A-pillar trim on the driver’s side detached while driving at highway speeds on the inters…
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. While driving at slow speeds, the contact stated that while turning the steering wheel there was a lack of resistance, and there was a pulsating sensation in the steering wheel. No warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was notified of …
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the steering wheel failed to turn left or right. The message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed. The contact stopped, turned off, and restarted the vehicle several times to…
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the driver's side A-pillar trim was blown off the vehicle. The contact was unable to recover the trim. The contact stated that much later, while the vehicle was with the dealer, the…
See attached document for complaint.
The rear reverse camera malfunctions and glitches. Often the screen turning green when reversing, sometimes screen is black or no color view and most times the camera if reversing to left or appear as to the right or vise versa and sometimes it’s normal but rarely. The control bu…
this recall has been active since 2023. I was told a remedy would be available ladder 2024…. I received another letter in September 2025 reminding me of the recall and it is now March 2026 with no current remedy available. This vehicle was used for my work vehicle and I am no lon…
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 local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that th…
While driving a 2013 Ford Explorer, the vehicle experienced an electrical issue that caused the power steering system to malfunction. The power steering assist suddenly failed, making the steering wheel extremely difficult to turn. The failure occurred suddenly and at the time of…
My vehicles exterior A-pillar trim is coming off and pieces flew off on highway. I was told to contact Ford.
Review camera unavailable, image flashing, or image reversed.
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 driver's and the passenger…
My car was parked in the driveway and it caught on fire from under the hood.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, with the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to an ind…
My backup camera is in reverse. When I use it everything is on the incorrect side which is a safety issue when backing up.
This is a complaint regarding the handling of safety recall 20S62 (also referenced as 20S32) by Ford Motors and the dealership that performed the recall repairs, Hallada Motors. The vehicle was taken by the previous owner to Hallada 3 separate times to address the same recall rel…
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side exterior A-pillar trim detached and struck another vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V0…
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 60 MPH, the passenger's side A-pillar trim detached fro…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2013 Ford Explorer.
Safety recalls
2013 Ford Explorer recalls
12 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2013 Ford Explorer. 12 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
SUSPENSION:REAR
WHEELS:HUB
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
SUSPENSION:REAR
SUSPENSION:REAR
SUSPENSION:REAR
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2013 Ford Explorer buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2013 Ford Explorer reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 2,209 owner complaints, 44 crash-related complaints, and 12 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2013 Ford Explorer shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Ford Explorer?▾
#1: Steering Defects (826 complaints). #2: Structural Problems (431 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (339 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2013 Ford Explorer?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2013 Ford Explorer?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2013 Ford Explorer, NHTSA complaints include 44 crash-related reports and 10 fire reports out of 2,209 total complaints. 61 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2013 Ford Explorer have any recalls?▾
Yes. 12 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2013 Ford Explorer. A major recall area is SUSPENSION:REAR. 12 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2013 Ford Explorer?▾
The 2013 Ford Explorer shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Steering Defects during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Ford Explorer reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2013 Ford Explorer based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.