2013 FORD EXPLORER

What owners reported to NHTSA, ranked by how often and how seriously.

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

It only includes owners who chose to file a federal complaint, so it over-represents dramatic and safety-related problems and under-represents minor issues an owner just had fixed without reporting. Read this as what NHTSA complainants report most, not as this vehicle's true failure rate. Full methodology.

Component ranking

  1. #1

    steering electric assist

    1 stranded, 331 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    334
    incidents
    Typical range: 66,000–116,000 mi

    Median 90,000 mi, based on 290 reports (35% had no usable mileage)

    • "WHILE ACCELERATING UNDER FULL THROTTLE THE VEHICLE STEERING BECOMES ERRATIC AND THE VEHICLE WANTS TO WEAVE SIDE TO SIDE WITH NO INPUT FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. I AM EXTREMELY CONCERNED THAT THIS WILL EVENTUALLY CAUSE ME TO HAVE MOTOR VEHICLE COLLISION WHEN TRY…"~600 mi, complaint #972059
    • "WITH NO WARNING AT ALL, OUR POWER STEERING COMPLETELY WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THIS IS SIMILAR TO THE RECALL OF OTHER 2013 FORD EXPLORERS FOR THE IDENTICAL ISSUE OF SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING . OUR VEHICLE DOES NOT FALL UNDER THE RECALL ACCORDING…"~69,000 mi, complaint #1424981
    • "The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the steering wheel was turned left, however, the steering failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the s…"~89,953 mi, complaint #2038524
    • "I EXPERIENCED A TOTAL LOSS OF POWER STEERING. IT BEGAN AS A LITTLE PLAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL NEAR THE END OF AN [REDACTED ADDRESS]. THE SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW LIGHT CAME ON AT THAT POINT. AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE AND RESTARTING THE VEHICLE THERE WAS N…"~112,000 mi, complaint #1581720
    • "STEERING LOCKS UP WHILE DRIVING HAVE TO SLOWLY PUT ON BRAKES TO STOP SHUT MOTOR OFF AND RESTART VEHICLE. SOMETIMES WHEN YOU GET IN AND START VEHICLE,STEERING WILL NOT UNLOCK WHEN VEHICLE IS STARTED BUT WILL MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARDS WITH STEERING LOCKED HAV…"~1,470,000 mi, complaint #1620544
  2. #2

    exhaust system

    202 unsafe, 25 annoyance

    227
    incidents
    Typical range: 15,000–70,000 mi

    Median 40,000 mi, based on 273 reports (17% had no usable mileage)

    • "I BOUGHT A 2013 FORD EXPLORER IN MARCH OF 2012. I ALMOST IMMEDIATELY BEGAN SMELLING EXHAUST INSIDE THE CAR. THE SMELL WAS WORST WHEN I HIT THE ACCELERATOR GETTING ONTO THE HIGHWAY OR OTHER TIMES WHEN I QUICKLY INCREASED THE ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE. I BROUG…"~1,000 mi, complaint #1084496
    • "EXTREMELY BAD EXHAUST FUMES IN CAR. BROUGHT TO FORD AND WAS TOLD I HAD GRASS IN MY ENGINE, I SAID BS. BROUGHT BACK AGAIN AND WAS TOLD ITS UNDER REVIEW. MAKING ME LIGHT HEADED WHILE I DRIVE. HAVE TO DRIVE WITH MY WINDOWS DOWN ALL THE TIME JUST SO MY KIDS DON'T…"~25,000 mi, complaint #1410601
    • "THIS MAKE/MODEL/YEAR HAS A KNOWN FACTORY DEFECT THAT CAUSED THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD TO BLOW EXHAUST DIRECTLY INTO THE CABIN. I HAD TO FORCE THE DEALER TO FIX THIS, AS THEY ARGUED EXHAUST IS NOT DANGEROUS. I HAVE ATTACHED THE INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO FIX THIS, FROM…"~50,000 mi, complaint #1411134
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING, EXCESSIVE EXHAUST FUMES AND A FUEL ODOR ENTERED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUFFERED HEADACHES AND DIZZINESS DUE TO THE EXHAUST FUMES. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT RECEIVED. THE VEHICLE…"~75,000 mi, complaint #1530119
    • "I BOUGHT CAR MAY 3013 STARTED SMELLING EXHAUST INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND KEPT ASKING THE DEALER TO PLEASE CHECK IT OUT AND ASKED IF THERE WERE ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME. THEY ACTED AS THOUGH I WAS CRAZY NEVER CHECKED IT OUT AND I REQUESTED IT EVERY TIME…"~168,000 mi, complaint #1369048
  3. #3

    steering rack mechanical

    132 unsafe

    132
    incidents
    Typical range: 63,000–125,000 mi

    Median 82,000 mi, based on 118 reports (34% had no usable mileage)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS AND THE FUSE WAS REINSERTED IN ORDER TO REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE V…"~800 mi, complaint #1581130
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION AND THE EPS WARNING INDICATOR RANDOMLY ILLUMINATED. SCOTT FORD ([REDACTED ADDRESS], KINGWOOD, WV 26537, [REDACTED PHONE])…"~68,000 mi, complaint #1576615
    • "POWER STEERING WILL FAIL WHILE DRIVING DOWN ROAD. THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW FROM FORD AND THEY SHOULD REPAIR IT. THIS FAILURE IS CAUSED BY OVERHEATING OF THE ELECTRONIC ASSEMBLE IN THE STEERING RACK. I WILL SUE FORD IF THEY DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS COMPLAINT."~84,000 mi, complaint #1606263
    • "The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the contact loss control of the steering wheel and the vehicle drove off the road. The contact drove onto the curb where the vehicle come to a complete stop. The contact shut off t…"~120,000 mi, complaint #1925693
    • "WHEN DRIVING THE STEERING BECAME IMPOSSIBLE FOR MY WIFE TO STEER THE CAR. POWER STEERING ASSIST LIGHT CAME ON ALONG WITH ADVANCE TRAC LIGHT. THIS HAPPENED ON 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE FIRST TIME WE WERE TRAVELING DOWN A HIGHWAY AND THE SECOND TIME SHE WAS…"~1,000,250 mi, complaint #1591533
  4. #4

    glass and windshield

    101 unsafe, 1 broken, 4 annoyance

    106
    incidents
    Typical range: 60,000–100,000 mi

    Median 76,000 mi, based on 70 reports (54% had no usable mileage)

    • "I PURCHASED THIS CAR BRAND NEW AND THEN NOT LONG MEANING MONTHS 6 MONTHS OR SO AFTER OWNING IT AFTER A RAIN I STARTED HEARING SPLASHING SOUNDS FROM THE BACK AND I FOUND WATER ALL IN THE BACK WHERE THE SPARE TIRE IS LOCATED AND THEN WATER ALL IN THE BACK SEAT…"~25,000 mi, complaint #1315104
    • "I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY DOING 65 MPH AND MY DRIVER SIDE MOLDINGS/TRIM ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD FLEW OFF, WHICH CAUSED THE TRUCK BEHIND ME TO HAVE TO SWERVE. HAD IT BEEN A SEDAN OR COMPACT CAR IT WOULD HAVE CAUSE ACCIDENT. LUCKILY IT DIDN'T I…"~50,240 mi, complaint #1281638
    • "I WAS DRIVING DOWN HWY 146 AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDSHIELD PILLAR FLEW OFF. I TRIED TO PULL OVER AND FIND THE PIECE, BUT I WAS UNSUCCESSFUL."~75,000 mi, complaint #1438302
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE WINDSHIELD MOLDING DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FRITTS FORD (LOCATED AT [REDACTED ADDRESS], RIVERSIDE, CA 92504, [REDACTED PHONE]) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE MOLDING NEEDED…"~100,000 mi, complaint #1578463
    • "The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, she became aware that the black rubber piece of the upper driver's side windshield trim h…"~167,000 mi, complaint #2026914
  5. #5

    power steering hydraulic

    1 stranded, 97 unsafe, 1 broken

    99
    incidents
    Typical range: 62,000–113,000 mi

    Median 82,000 mi, based on 93 reports (30% had no usable mileage)

    • "AS REPORTED TO FORD: WHAT IS YOUR VEHICLE SALES OR SERVICE ISSUE?:VIN: IFM5K8D85DGA40422 2013 FORD EXPLORER - I RECENTLY SHIPPED MY 2013 FORD EXPLORER TO AZERBAIJAN WHERE I AM SERVING THE U.S. GOVERNMENT. I HIRED A DRIVER WHO CONVEYED A PROBLEM TO ME REGARDIN…"~19,500 mi, complaint #1253522
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT CAMPGROUND AND AS THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING LOST POWER. THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED O…"~68,000 mi, complaint #1566254
    • "I HAD NO PRIOR ISSUES WITH STEERING AND I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE SEPTEMBER 29, 2016. I PARKED MY VEHICLE AT HOME OVERNIGHT AND WHEN I STARTED IT THE NEXT MORNING, THE POWER STEERING FAIL WARNING POPPED UP ON MY DASH AND IT WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN THE STE…"~82,000 mi, complaint #1349153
    • "LAST YEAR MY POWER STEERING ON MY 2013 FORD EXPLORER FAILED. IT WAS PARKED AND WHEN I WENT TO TURN IT ON IT SAID POWER STEERING FAILURE. WHEN I INQUIRED ABOUT A RECALL I WAS TOLD MY CAR DID NOT FALL UNDER THE SPECIFICATIONS, SO I HAD TO PAY TO GET THE POWER ST…"~104,000 mi, complaint #1557956
    • "WHILE DRIVING ON US HIGHWAY 190 EAST, I LOST FULL CONTROL OF MY STEERING WITHOUT ANY WARNINGS (LOST OF POWER STEERING). I WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN PROPER CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, SINCE I WAS OPERATING THE VEHICLE AT LOW SPEED (35MPH) AS I WAS SLOWING TO MAKE RIGHT…"~970,132 mi, complaint #1533828
  6. #6

    other

    1 stranded, 63 unsafe, 1 broken, 31 annoyance

    96
    incidents
    Typical range: 34,000–100,000 mi

    Median 60,000 mi, based on 52 reports (69% had no usable mileage)

    • "WATER COMING IN THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE THIRD ROW PASSENGER SEATBELT..IT THEN DRIPS ON THE SEAT ..HAD IT AT THE DEALER THREE TIMES ALREADY..THEY DO NOT HAVE A CLUE HOW TO FIX IT. *TR"~1,800 mi, complaint #1002692
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE THIRD ROW SEAT FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE SEAT WAS NOT REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO STAT…"~38,000 mi, complaint #1270580
    • "RAIN WATER LEAKING INTO THE VEHICLES BACK HATCH AND COMING THROUGH THE SEAT BELTS, CAUSING WET SEAT BELTS, SEATS, SPARE TIRE EQUIPMENT, AND PERSONAL AND ITEMS IN CARGO AREA."~60,000 mi, complaint #1557383
    • "I RECENTLY HAVE NOTICED WATER ON THE 3RD SEAT BELTS. TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC WHO THOUGHT THE WATER WAS COMING FROM A PLUG IN THE REAR. SEALED IT BUT STILL HAD ISSUES. TOOK THE PANELS OFF IN THE TRUNK AND RAN THE WATER TEST AGAIN. FOUND THE ISSUE WAS COMING…"~89,000 mi, complaint #1641536
    • "Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 106,796. It was later discov…"~203,912 mi, complaint #2143283
  7. #7

    door latch and hinge

    39 unsafe, 1 broken, 18 annoyance

    58
    incidents
    Typical range: 26,000–55,000 mi

    Median 40,000 mi, based on 72 reports (19% had no usable mileage)

    • "THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT (DRIVERS DOOR) INDICATES ON DASH AND BEEPS EVEN THOUGH THE DOOR IS CLOSED. INTERIOR LIGHTS STAY ON MAKING IT HARD TO SEE AT NIGHT. INTERIOR LIGHTS STAY ON AFTER LEAVING VEHICLE FOR SEVERAL MINUTES THINKING THE DOOR IS OPEN, RUNNING DOWN B…"~3,000 mi, complaint #1120152
    • "INTERIOR DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOOR LATCHES ARE LOOSE AND DON'T HAVE ANY RESISTANCE ON THEM. BECAUSE OF THIS THE DOORS CAN EASILY BE OPENED WITH VERY LITTLE EFFORT AT ANY SPEED. *TR"~35,260 mi, complaint #1175629
    • "MY DRIVERS SIDE DOOR AJAR SENSOR STAYS ON WHEN THE DOOR IS CLOSED. THIS SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE SENSOR IN THE DOOR AS YOU CAN MANIPULATE IT UP AND DOWN TO MAKE IT WORK BUT IT JUST KEEPS HAPPENING. AWFULLY DESIGN. THIS ALSO SEEMS TO HAVE A SAFETY ISSU…"~42,000 mi, complaint #1173902
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE WAS LOOSE. ADDITIONALLY, THE DOOR AJAR WARNING INDICATOR FOR THE DRIVER'S DOOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED SUNNYSIDE MOTOR CO., INC. ([REDACTED…"~56,000 mi, complaint #1481375
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR OPENED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE DOOR AJAR WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED LOCAL DEALER ANDERSON FORD LOCATED AT [REDACTED ADDRESS],…"~185,000 mi, complaint #1685801
  8. #8

    backup camera

    28 unsafe, 18 annoyance

    46
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=22, median 114,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a distorted image in the opposite direction of the location. Additionally, the rear-view camera also displayed lines across the image. The vehicle wa…"~57,000 mi, complaint #1870590
    • "WHEN SHIFTING TO REVERSE FROM PARK WHILE STATIONARY, THE BACK-UP CAMERA DOES NOT ALWAYS ACTIVATE/COME ON SCREEN. WHEN SUCH INSTANCES OCCUR, AFTER REPEATED RE-SHIFTS, A MESSAGE DISPLAYS TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP. I CONSIDER THIS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE…"~120,000 mi, complaint #1705422
    • "The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing, the backup camera display screen turned black and there was no image displayed. The contact stated that the failure caused a visibility hazard for the driver. The cause of the fail…"~141,000 mi, complaint #1924274
    • "The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the rear backup camera had become inoperable. The "System Not Available" message was displayed. The contact called the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer w…"~155,000 mi, complaint #1833527
    • "The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the rearview camera was intermittently inoperable while reversing. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not mad…"~174,000 mi, complaint #1911526
  9. #9

    fuel tank and lines

    41 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    42
    incidents
    Typical range: 33,000–94,000 mi

    Median 51,500 mi, based on 34 reports (32% had no usable mileage)

    • "I BOUGHT MY EXPLORER JANUARY 3, 2013. A FEW WEEKS LATER I BEGAN TO SMELL GAS FUMES COMING FROM THE AIRCONDITIONER VENTS WHEN STARTING THE IGNITION. IT ONLY LASTED A FEW MINUTES BEFORE THE FUMES WERE NO LONGER SMELT. THIS CONTINUED TO GO ON FOR MONTHS, RANDOML…"~1,000 mi, complaint #990959
    • "I SMELL GAS IN THE CAR THIS HAS BEEN GOING FOR A WHILE"~30,000 mi, complaint #1299840
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EMITTING STRONG GASOLINE FUMES INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE AUTHORIZED DEALER REPLACED THE AIR EXTRACTOR BY THE REAR BUMPER. HOWEVER, THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPA…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1121923
    • "THERE HAS BEEN A STRONG ODOR OF GAS FUMES WITHIN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN MOTION EACH TIME OF THIS OCCURRENCE. THIS WOULD HAPPEN EITHER CITY OR HIGHWAY DRIVING. THERE DOES NOT SEEM TO BE A SPECIFIC TIME OR SEASON. THE CAR DID GO THROUGH A RECALL TH…"~80,000 mi, complaint #1357440
    • "I FEEL VERY NAUSEOUS, DIZZY AND HAVE A HEADACHE AFTER DRIVING MY VEHICLE A SHORT DISTANCE. VEHICLE ALSO SMELLS LIKE FUEL STRONGLY INSIDE THE CAR."~230,000 mi, complaint #1732450
  10. #10

    engine cooling

    3 stranded, 37 unsafe

    40
    incidents
    Typical range: 79,000–130,000 mi

    Median 93,500 mi, based on 41 reports (51% had no usable mileage)

    • "WE EXPERIENCE NOXIOUS FUMES IN THE CABIN WHEN EITHER THE HEATER OR AIR CONDITIONER ARE ON. IT SMELLS LIKE EXHAUST OR INDUSTRIAL CHEMICALS OR ROTTEN EGGS (HARD TO DESCRIBE). OUR LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP CLAIMED IT CAME FROM A LEAKING WATER PUMP (WHICH THEY REPLAC…"~45,293 mi, complaint #1356157
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WATER PUMP WAS LEAKING COOLANT AND WATER CAUSING THE ENGINE TO OVERHEAT. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED MECHAN…"~70,000 mi, complaint #1736723
    • "The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed in 20-degree weather, the engine was smoking and then overheated. The contact checked under the hood and noticed that the coolant level was low. The contact had pre…"~90,000 mi, complaint #1871951
    • "The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the high engine temperature warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to inspect the vehicle and became aware that all the coolant had leaked out of…"~130,000 mi, complaint #1802110
    • "The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there was a loud squeaking sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The contact then became aware that there was coolant leaking from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. T…"~165,000 mi, complaint #1931490
  11. #11

    paint and clearcoat

    9 unsafe, 26 annoyance

    35
    incidents
    Typical range: 38,000–62,000 mi

    Median 45,000 mi, based on 31 reports (22% had no usable mileage)

    • "NOTICED THAT MY PAINT IS PEELING AND FLAKING ON INSIDE PART OF LEFT REAR DRIVERS DOOR RIGHT TO BARE METAL AWAITING TO HEAR WHAT FORD IS GOING TO DO VEHICLE STILL UNDER FULL BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY. ALSO SAME DOOR NOT CLOSING PROPERLY ALSO BEING ADDRESSED. *…"~17,000 mi, complaint #1154215
    • "CONTAMINATION OF THE METAL IN THE HOOD AT THE FACTORY IS CAUSING THE PAINT TO BUBBLE AND FLAKE OFF."~37,800 mi, complaint #1337358
    • "RECENTLY, ON THE HOOD OF MY CAR, THE PAINT HAS STARTED BUBBLING. APPARENTLY THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND FORD ISSED TSB ABOUT IT. I HAVE NOT CHOICE BUT TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE HOOD AS THERE IS NO WAY TO REPAIR THESE AREAS."~41,060 mi, complaint #1365196
    • "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."~57,000 mi, complaint #1230541
    • "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."~128,000 mi, complaint #1443844
  12. #12

    engine stall or no start

    6 stranded, 26 unsafe

    32
    incidents
    Typical range: 5,000–80,000 mi

    Median 57,000 mi, based on 59 reports (3% had no usable mileage)

    • "WITHIN A WEEK OF PURCHASING MY NEW VEHICLE, I STARTED TO ENCOUNTER A STALLING ISSUE WHEN BACKING VEHICLE. WHEN I PUT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE AND SHIFT INTO DRIVE WHILE STILL ROLLING, THE VEHICLE STALLS. I HAVE SEVERAL OTHER FORD VEHICLES AND THIS DOES NOT HAP…"~800 mi, complaint #964016
    • "WHILE DRIVING DOWN A CITY STREET MY VEHICLE LURCHED AND THE TERRAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FAULT LIGHT AND ORANGE WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON. IT WOULDN'T ACCELERATE AND I LOST MY POWER STEERING. I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO SIDE OF THE ROAD. I SHUT IT OFF AND WAITER FOR ABOUT…"~24,375 mi, complaint #1351063
    • "MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND IT QUIT RUNNING WITHOUT ANY WARNING . SHE WAS ON CITY STREET. SHE PULL OVER AND LEFT IT SIT. WE WHEN BACK AND RE-STARTED IT WITH NO PROBLEM AND DROVE IT HOME. IT HAS DONE THIS A SECOND TIME A COUPLE DAYS LATER,SHE SAID IT CH…"~56,000 mi, complaint #1701893
    • "I HAD AN INCIDENT IN JULY 24, 2016 WHEN I CAME TO A STOP AT A HIGHWAY TOLL BOOTH THE VEHICLE STARTED STALLING THE LOW OIL PRESSURE MESSAGE CAME ON AND STALLED I RESTARTED THE VEHICLE THE MESSAGE WENT AWAY AND RAN NORMAL THOUGHT IT WAS A CLUTCH SO I LEFT IT AL…"~83,127 mi, complaint #1323896
    • "THROTTLEBODY P2111 CODE. LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. NOT COVERED BY FACTORY SERVICE BULLETIN 13N03. WHY NOT?"~640,000 mi, complaint #1598180
  13. #13

    transmission automatic

    21 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    22
    incidents
    Typical range: 9,000–82,000 mi

    Median 47,500 mi, based on 30 reports (14% had no usable mileage)

    • "I STARTED DRIVING AND ENGINE STARTED REVVING UP, TOOK FOOT OUT OF GAS PEDAL AN VEHICLE CONTINUED REVVING UP TO 3,000 RPM IN SLOW SPEED. CHANGE TRANSMISSION TO "N" AND VEHICLE CONTINUED AT 3,000 RPM. CHANGED BACK TO "D" AND DID NOT CHANGED, ONCE AGAIN CHANGE TO…"~9,200 mi, complaint #992514
    • "ENGINE WAS REVVING AND JERKING IN TO THE NEXT GEAR WHILE ACCELERATING THE FIRST TIME AFTER STARTING THE CAR. AFTER THE FIRST CYCLE THROUGH GEARS, THE ISSUE NO LONGER HAPPENED. WHILE BEING A 2013, THE VEHICLE HAS ONLY 36,500 MILES ON IT. THE VEHICLE REQUIRES…"~36,500 mi, complaint #1577212
    • "SHIFT TO PARK/TRANSMISSION NOT IN PARK MESSAGE: FORD HAS TECH SERV BULLETIN TSB-0047 ON FILE. A SWITCH OR COMPONENT IN MULTIPLE FORD (EXPLORER, EDGE, TAURUS, LINCOLN MKX; YEARS 2011-2015) AND MAZDA 6 VEHICLES IS FAILING AND INDICATING THAT VEHICLE IS NOT IN PA…"~53,300 mi, complaint #1403368
    • "THE VEHICLE WILL NOT STAY ENGAGED IN PARK. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THIS HAS BEEN REPAIRED. HOWEVER, THIS TIME IT ROLLED BACKWARDS INTO SOMEONE ELSE'S VEHICLE. OUR VEHICLE WAS IN PARK AT THE TOP OF THE DRIVEWAY FOR NEARLY 2 HOURS BEFORE THE PERSON PARKED BEHIND…"~80,000 mi, complaint #1542552
    • "LOSS OF DRIVE CONTROL TRANSMISSION SHIFTS OUT OF FIRST GEAR AND RPMS GO UP TO REV LIMIT, BUT NO OR EXTREMELY SLOW FORWARD MOTION LIKE THE VEHICLE IS STUCK BETWEEN 1ST GEAR AND NEUTRAL. HAPPENED TWICE FROM A COLD START SEVERAL MONTHS BETWEEN OCCURRENCES. START…"~102,700 mi, complaint #1388652
  14. #14

    throttle and pedal

    1 stranded, 20 unsafe

    21
    incidents
    Typical range: 35,000–82,500 mi

    Median 49,000 mi, based on 33 reports (15% had no usable mileage)

    • "AS I WAS DRIVING WITH MY WIFE AND THREE BOYS IN A HIGHWAY, THE ENGINE LIGHT TURN ON AND THE VEHICLE CHOKE AND TURN OFF, THE CAR THAT WAS COMING IN BACK OFF ME NEARLY HIT ME CAUSING A MAJOR ACCIDENT. THE CAR IN BACK OF ME SWONG TO THE LEFT NEARLY HITTING THE CA…"~24,768 mi, complaint #1197860
    • "VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION (NO POWER,) ON HIGHWAY. HAD TO PULL OVER AND BARELY AVOIDED AN SEVERE ACCIDENT. ORANGE WRENCH CAME ON SIGNALING A PROBLEM. SHUT CAR OFF AND RESTARTED, LIMPING HOME. SERVICE WAS DONE REPLACING FAULTY THROTTLE BODY CONTROL."~34,500 mi, complaint #1309560
    • "MY 2013 FORD EXPLORER V6 ENGINE SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY OR IN TOWN CREATING A VERY UNSAFE DRIVING SITUATION. LOOKING ONLINE THERE IS QUITE A FEW COMPLAINTS TO THE SAME THAT THE THROTTLE BODY LOSES ELECTRICAL POWER AND SHUTS DOWN. THIS HAS HAPP…"~49,000 mi, complaint #1277194
    • "WHEN DRIVING (VARIOUS SPEEDS HIGH WAS 70 MPH - LOW WAS 25 MPH - VARIOUS ROADWAYS) VEHICLE LOSES POWER GOES DOWN TO ABOUT 5 MILES PER HOUR - CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS COMES ON-- MESSAGE "SEE MANUAL". HAPPENED INTERMITTENTLY FOR 5 MONTHS INITIALLY ONE TIME- MAY GO…"~84,211 mi, complaint #1615665
    • "I HAVE A 2013 FORD EXPLORER AND HAVE BEEN RECENTLY EXPERIENCING RANDOM, DANGEROUS STALLS DUE TO A FAULTY THROTTLE BODY. I HAVE HAD THE THROTTLE BODY CLEANED TWICE AND IT CONTINUES TO FAIL, LEAVING OUR CAR IN A "LIMP-HOME MODE" IN DANGEROUS ROAD CONDITIONS. IT…"~150,000 mi, complaint #1594320
  15. #15

    ac compressor and refrigerant

    12 unsafe, 2 broken, 6 annoyance

    20
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=21, median 67,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "FOWL SMELL WHILE DRIVING AND HAVING THE A/C ON. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN SEPT 2012, WHEN BROUGHT UP AT THE DEALER SERVICE CENTERS I WAS TOLD IT WAS JUST A DIRTY IN-CAB FILTER. I HAVE BEEN SUFFERING WITH MIGRAINES SINCE THIS ISS…"~500 mi, complaint #1356895
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE SEEPING THROUGH THE AIR VENTS INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT A ROCK FRACTURED THE AIR CONDITIONER CONDENSER. THE VEHICL…"~19,000 mi, complaint #1078631
    • "VEHICLE RECENTLY STARTED FILLING WITH FUMES, SEEMINGLY EXHAUST FUMES, WHILE AC UNIT ON AND VEHICLE MOVING. CONTINUED WHILE STATIONARY. FUMES STOPPED COMING IN WHEN AC UNIT TURNED OFF. FUMES WERE SICKENING. DRIVING AT ABOUT 25-30 MPH IN TOWN."~68,000 mi, complaint #1286032
    • "IN THE SPRING AND SUMMER WHEN DRIVING WITH MY AC ON I STARTED GETTING THE WORST HEAD AKES OF MY LIFE AND WAS EVEN HOSPILTISED FOR THEM AND NOONE COULD EVER FIGURE ANYTHING OUT THEN IN THE FALL WEHN WE STOPED MY HEAD STPED HURTING AND THEN I TOOK A TRIP IN NOV…"~77,000 mi, complaint #1356791
    • "CAR HAS SULFUR SMELL WHEN USING AIR CONDITIONING. I HAVE HAD MY CAR FOR 2 YEARS AND HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT PROBLEM AND APPARENTLY I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE."~127,000 mi, complaint #1356377
  16. #16

    corrosion and rust

    10 unsafe, 8 annoyance

    18
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=14, median 44,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "RUST AND PAINT BUBBLED ALONG FRONT EDGE OF HOOD."~25,000 mi, complaint #1369096
    • "PAINT BUBBLING ON HOOD BECAME VISIBLE AFTER PAINT WARRANTY WAS OVER. FORD ADVISED MAY BE COVERED BY CORROSION WARRANTY. BROUGHT TO DEALER WHO REFERRED TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY. FORD REVIEWED PHOTOS TAKEN BY DEALER AND DENIED COVERAGE STATING CORROSION HAD TO BE A…"~36,000 mi, complaint #1419291
    • "I WAS WASHING MY CAR THIS WEEKEND AND NOTICED BUBBLES UNDER THE PAINT ON THE EDGE OF MY 2013 FORD EXPLORER HOOD. I IMMEDIATELY THOUGHT IT WAS RUST AND WENT STRAIGHT TO THE DEALER. ONCE AT THE BODY SHOP THEY TOLD ME THEY HAVE SEEN MANY FORDS WITH ALUMINUM HOODS…"~51,000 mi, complaint #1244151
    • "ALUMINUM HOOD CORROSION CAUSING PAINT TO BUBBLE AND CHIP."~55,000 mi, complaint #1298096
    • "MY 2013 EXPLORER HAD COME BUBBLES COMING UP ALONG THE EDGE OF THE HOOD. I THOUGHT IT WAS A BODY WORK ISSUE BUT THE BODY SHOP SAID IT IS ACTUALLY CORROSION FROM THE ALUMINUM HOOD. THE CORROSION IS PROGRESSING AND GETTING WORSE. THIS WILL EVENTUALLY LEAVE MY HOO…"~91,000 mi, complaint #1571371
  17. #17

    suspension arms and bushings

    16 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    18
    incidents
    Typical range: 63,500–149,000 mi

    Median 111,000 mi, based on 29 reports (22% had no usable mileage)

    • "ON MY EXPLORER THE RECALL 19V-435 (FORD NUMBER 19S17) WAS EXECUTED. AFTER 3 MONTH AND APPROX. 2500MI THE LEFT NEW TOE LINK BROKE. THE CAR WAS RUNNING WITH 35MPH TO AN INTERSECTION AND I STARTED MODERATE BRAKING IN FRONT.OF A TRAFFIC LIGHT. DURING BRAKING THE…"~34,000 mi, complaint #1613553
    • "I MOTHER OF 3 (15, 13 & 11) & WIFE GOT INTO A MAJOR CAR ACCIDENT ON NOVEMBER 17TH, 2020 AT ABOUT 8:10AM DRIVING SOUTH ON THE WHITESTONE EXPRESSWAY SOUTH A HIGHLY TRAFFICKED HIGHWAY WITH 4 DRIVING LANES. POLICE REPORT NO. 2020-109-2709. I EXPLAINED TO ALL INS…"~62,000 mi, complaint #1709070
    • "DRIVING ON NYS THRUWAY AT 70 MPH. ROADWAY DRY, WEATHER IS CLEAR, DRY AND SUNNY. SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING SIGNS THE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY LURCHED TO THE LEFT, RIGHT, SIDEWAYS, ETC. THE CAR WAS UNABLE TO BE STEERED AND WAS COMPLETELY OUT OF THE DRIVER'S CONT…"~100,000 mi, complaint #1531746
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE AND VIBRATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER PACKEY WEBB FORD LOCATED AT [REDACTED ADDRESS], DOWNERS GROVE, IL…"~140,000 mi, complaint #1739533
    • "The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for a recall repair related to a possible rear suspension toe link fracture. The contact stated that while his son was driving 55 MPH, a month and half after the…"~248,995 mi, complaint #2166523
  18. #18

    transfer case awd

    2 stranded, 14 unsafe, 2 broken

    18
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=13, median 83,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "POWER TRANSFER UNIT "PTU" BEGAN LEAKING SPONTANEOUSLY; LOOKS LIKE LEAKING MOTOR OIL ON THE GROUND. CAUSED GRINDING NOISE AND DANGEROUS TRANSMISSION ISSUES WHEN DRIVING. SOLUTION WAS REPLACEMENT OF THE PTU WHICH COST $1650 BY FORD SERVICE."~52,099 mi, complaint #1545396
    • "THE PTU HAS FAILED. THE BEARINGS INSIDE DISINTEGRATED"~71,400 mi, complaint #1528229
    • "TRANSFER CASE LEAK AND FAILURE AT 82755 MILES. NO APPARENT CAUSE. CAR LURCHED FORWARD TWICE AND ALMOST HIT VEHICLES IN FRONT OF CAR"~82,755 mi, complaint #1590350
    • "2013 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED 4WD 3.5L BECAME UNDRIVEABLE IN A MATTER OF 4 DAYS. IT STARTED AS A SQUEAL AS I ACCELERATED FROM A STOP AND QUICKLY ESCALATED TO LURCHING, PULSATING AND BUMPING AT ALL SPEEDS. MECHANIC INITIALLY THOUGHT IT WAS A CALIPER THAT WAS LOCKE…"~94,000 mi, complaint #1642818
    • "I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE SUV SHUDDERED AND I HEARD SOMETHING BOUNCING DOWN THE UNDERSIDE OF THE SUV, WHICH ISSHUDDERONG EVERY BADATTHISPOINT SO I STOP SEEIF I COULD TELL WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS... INDEED I DID THERE WAS A LARGE PIECE OF MY TRANSFE…"~137,200 mi, complaint #1522325
  19. #19

    airbag system

    15 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    16
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=15, median 50,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "I WAS IN A FRONT END COLLISION AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. FORD STATED THE SENSORS WHERE NOT EFFECTED BY THE ACCIDENT, HOWEVER THE WINDSHIELD CRASHED ALL OVER AND $18,000 WORTH OF FRONT END DAMAGE. *TR"~1,500 mi, complaint #1097920
    • "TAKATA RECALL TOXIC ODOR COMING FROM AIR COMPRESSOR THROUGH AIR VENT ON PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEAT WHILE IN MOTION"~28,000 mi, complaint #1394805
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT BECAME UNCONSCIOUS AND CRASHED INTO A FRONT PORCH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE FACE AND NOSE,…"~42,000 mi, complaint #1280680
    • "I WAS STANDING AT A RED LIGHT AND WAS REAR ENDED BY A SPEEDING DRIVER. I WAS CATAPULTED INTO THE TRUCK STANDING IN FRONT OF ME. THE FRONT END OF THE CAR WAS TOTALED, AS WELL AS THE FRAME BENT FROM THE REAR; WHERE I WAS HIT ORIGINALLY ONLY MILLISECONDS BEFORE.…"~86,000 mi, complaint #1270654
    • "The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving, the contact noticed a strong unusual odor in the interior of the vehicle. The contact stated that the air conditioner was on, and the odor came through the vents. In addition, the conta…"~157,625 mi, complaint #2022157
  20. #20

    control module

    10 unsafe, 6 annoyance

    16
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=18, median 70,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. EVERY TIME THE KEY WAS IN THE IGNITION SWITCH, THE DOOR AJAR AND DRIVER SWITCH TO PARK WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ALSO, THE CHIME SOUNDED WHEN THE DOOR WAS CLOSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SAME FAILURE OCCURRE…"~30,000 mi, complaint #1284516
    • "THE DRIVER DOOR WAS CLOSED, BUT THE "DOOR AJAR" LIGHT WAS ON AND THE INTERIOR LIGHT WAS ON WHILE SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY. IF WE PUT IT IN GEAR TO DRIVE OFF THE ERROR COMES ON THE DASH TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY DID A RESET ON T…"~54,000 mi, complaint #1355743
    • "WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY, THE NOT IN PARKING WARNING LIGHT REMAINS ON EVEN THROUGH THE TRANSMISSION IS IN THE PARK POSITION. THE PARK DETECTION SWITCH IS FAULTY. ACCORDINGLY TO OWNER COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET, THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM FOR FORD SU…"~66,900 mi, complaint #1529584
    • "DOES NOT SHOW UP IN PARK WHEN IN PARK. IF THE IN PARK IS NOT LIT UP IT WILL LEAVE RELAYS WILL BE LEFT OPEN AND RUN DOWN BATTERY.HAVE LOOKED ON LINE AND THERE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF THIS ISSUE ON MULTIPLE DIFFERENT VEHICLES."~86,133 mi, complaint #1590698
    • "I HAVE A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON WAS TOLD IT WAS THE FUEL LID.IT NOW CHUGS AND SEEMS LIKE TRANSMISSION . WHEN IT RAINS WATER GETS IN CAR. WHICH GOES INTO OUR ELECTRICITY SYSTEM. OUR USB DOESNT WORK ALL THE TIME. MY CONTROLS FOR SUN ROOF DOES NOT WORK THE SCREEN…"~113,000 mi, complaint #1698567
  21. #21

    interior trim

    10 unsafe, 1 broken, 4 annoyance

    15
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "PIECE OF TRIM ALONG THE WIND SHIELD FLEW OFF WHILE DRIVING ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AT 65 M.P.H."~38,000 mi, complaint #1281085
    • "DRIVERS DOOR PANEL IS SPITTING APART AT THE SEAMS. STARTED AROUND 42,000 MILES. EVEN W/ AN EXTENDED WARRANTY I WAS TOLD IT WAS COSMETIC AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR REPAIRS. ALMOST $1,000 IN PARTS AND LABOR."~42,000 mi, complaint #1433154
    • "I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, AT A RATE OF 70 MPH AND SUDDENLY MY A PILLER OUTER COVER (TRIM) FLEW OFF MY CAR! I HAVE ATTACHED A PHOTO."~57,000 mi, complaint #1446770
    • "PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW TRIM FLEW OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT APPRX 65-70 MPH."~65,000 mi, complaint #1443898
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW TRIM FRACTURED, DETACHED, AND STRUCK A VEHICLE BEHIND THE CONTACT. SANDY SANSING FORD-LINCOLN IN DAPHNE, ALABAMA (27180 HIGHWAY 98, 36526 [REDACTED PHONE]) WAS MADE AWARE…"~82,000 mi, complaint #1409672
  22. #22

    acceleration loss or hesitation

    14 unsafe

    14
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=24, median 73,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "ON 7/29/16 AS I WAS DRIVING HOME (LESS THAN A TEN MILES) AFTER WASHING MY VEHICLE A WARNING LIGHT WITH A WRENCH CAME ON AND I LOSS ACCELERATION VEHICLE WENT FROM 50 MPH TO 5 MPH UNSURE DUE SPEEDOMETER BECOMING INOPERATIVE I PULLED OVER INTO A SHOPPING CENTER…"~33,000 mi, complaint #1303185
    • "A YELLOW WRENCH COMES ON IN THE DASH WITHOUT ANY REASON. CAR EXPERIENCE COMPLETE LOSS OF ACCELERATION. BRAKES ARE FUNCTIONAL. ENGINE EXPERIENCE HESITATION. RESTARTING THE ENGINE MAKES THE PROBLEM GO AWAY. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHICH HAPPENS RANDOM…"~48,000 mi, complaint #1401901
    • "DELAY OR LAG UNDER HEAVY ACCELERATION, WAS MAKING A LEFT ONTO INCOMING TRAFFIC, SHOULD HAVE HAD ENOUGH TIME UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES BUT THERE WAS ABOUT A 3 SECOND DELAY BEFORE THE ENGINE REALLY KICKED IN ENDED UP ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT, I'VE NEVER FELT…"~73,000 mi, complaint #1297668
    • "VEHICLE LOSES POWER WHEN ACCELERATING UP HILL OR ON FLAT SURFACE. TAKE OFF POWER IS DIMISHED AND VEHICLE WILL SOMETIMES DIE UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN ACCELERATING."~115,000 mi, complaint #1593717
    • "2013 FORD EXPLORER WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT 60 MPH WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN ACCELERATOR STOPPED WORKING AND WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON. I LOST ALL ACCELERATION ABILITY. LUCKILY I WAS IN MINIMAL TRAFFIC AND WAS ABLE TO COAST OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AS I WAS PUL…"~125,000 mi, complaint #1465344
  23. #23

    brake hydraulics

    1 stranded, 13 unsafe

    14
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=16, median 34,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "I TOOK A 10-MONTH RENTAL ON THIS VEHICLE IN JULY/2012 THRU ENTERPRISE/SANTA BARBARA, CA, WHERE THIS INCIDENT TOOK PLACE. I: LEFT THE CAR CURBSIDE BELIEVING IT WAS IN PARK; CROSSED THE SIDEWALK TO GREET A FRIEND, LEFT THE DRIVER DOOR OPEN; NOTICED THE CAR ROLLI…"~2,000 mi, complaint #991993
    • "I WAS PARKED ON A DRIVEWAY WHICH WAS ELEVATED AND HAD A STEEP SLOPE DOWN TO THE ROAD. I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE AND WHEN I TRIED TO BRAKE THE BRAKES DID NOT FUNCTION. I COULD NOT STOP THE CAR AND HIT A TREE."~16,000 mi, complaint #1006684
    • "AT ABOUT 42,000 MILES LEFT REAR BRAKE LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING. AT ABOUT 48,000 MILES RIGHT REAR BRAKE STARTED DRAGGING. I REPLACED ROTORS, PADS AND CALIPERS IN BOTH CASES. I CHECKED SLIDES ON BOTH AND THEY ARE FREE TO TRAVEL. IN BOTH CASES THE CALIPER IS STUCK…"~42,000 mi, complaint #1255207
    • "VEHICLE LOST HYDRAULIC BRAKES. FOUND RIGHT FRONT BRAKE LINE RUPTURED INSIDE OF PROTECTIVE SLEEVE CAUSING BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK OUT AND HYDRAULIC BRAKES TO STOP WORKING."~71,787 mi, complaint #1637106
    • "I ATTEMPTED TO SLOW THE VEHICLE, PREPARING TO STOP. I WAS TRAVELING BETWEEN 65/70 MPH. WHEN PRESSING ON THE BREAKS THE VEHICLE DID NOT SLOW DOWN. I PUMPED THE BREAKS. THE CARS IN FRONT OF ME WHERE AT A STOP AND GETTING CLOSER VERY QUICKLY. I PUSHED AS HARD…"~111,500 mi, complaint #1546129
  24. #24

    engine internal

    12 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    13
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=11, median 79,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. AFTER ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT HEARD A WHINING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE ENGINE COMPUTER WAS FLASHED, BUT THE FAILURE CO…"~813 mi, complaint #1291704
    • "I HAVE RECEIVED CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING FROM DRIVING MY 2013 FORD EXPLORER. I ALSO HAVE HAD THE FRONT END LOOKED AT AND REPAIRED HAD TO PAY MOST OF THE COSTS (EXTENDED WARRANTY PAID FOR SOME) FOR THE FRONT END POPPING SOUNDS WHILE TURNING. THE SOUND IS STILL…"~79,450 mi, complaint #1643656
    • "I EXPERIENCE A ROTTEN EGG SMELL WHEN ACCELERATING. WHEN I TOLD THE FORD DEALERSHIP DURING ROUTINE SERVICE, THEY STATED "IT'S NORMAL". I LOOKED FOR RECALL 19N05 WITH MY VIN BUT IT STATED THERE ARE NO UNRESOLVED ISSUES. SO IT SEEMS PERHAPS THE RECALL 19N05 W…"~103,000 mi, complaint #1657671
    • "MY TRUCK HAS ALMOST 120000 MILES. AND WE WERE DRIVING AND NOTICE THE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON. WE WENT TO ADVANCE AUTO AND HAD THE TRUCK SCANNED TO SEE WHAT CODE WOULD COME UP. IT SAID THERE WAS TWO CYLINDER MISFIRED. AND THAT IT PROBABLY CAME FROM BAD FUEL. AND TH…"~118,000 mi, complaint #1333759
    • "The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked unattended and turned off for a few hours, it caught fire. There were no warning lights illuminated prior to the failure. The fire department extinguished the fire. The…"~250,000 mi, complaint #2097264
  25. #25

    fluid leak unspecified

    10 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    12
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=11, median 56,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "PURCHASED MY 2013 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED WITH 50 MILES ON IT IN NOVEMBER 2012.DURING 2015 HAD A STRONG MOLD SMELL,UPON INVESTIGATION FOUND APPROXIMATELY 3'' OF WATER IN MY SPARE TIRE STORAGE AREA, 3RD ROW SEAT SHOULDER BELT WET AND CARPET UNDER 3RD ROW SEAT P…"~32,002 mi, complaint #1534267
    • "WATER LEAKING INTO REAR AND INTO THE SPARE TIRE WHEEL WELL. ABOUT AN INCH OF WATER FOUND IN THE SPARE TIRE WHEEL WELL. UNSURE WHEN THIS IS HAPPENING."~49,000 mi, complaint #1655479
    • "FOR THE PAST SEVERAL MONTHS, I HAVE BEEN GETTING A FOUL ORDER EMANATING FROM MY VEHICLE. I SMELL IT INSIDE THE CABIN AS WELL AS THE EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE AFTER STOPPING. THE ODOR BECOMES STRONGER WITH LONGER ENGINE RUN TIMES OR HARSHER DRIVING CONDITIONS. TH…"~56,000 mi, complaint #1366948
    • "WATER LEAK IN BACK OF VEHICLE DUE TO A DEFECTIVE MANUFACTURER'S WELDED SEAM. EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE COMES IN CONTACT WITH (I.E.: RAIN, CAR WASH) WATER LEAKS HEAVILY INTO THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE THIRD ROW SEATBELT HOLE. THE WATER LEAKS INTO VEHICLE WHEN PARKED…"~59,000 mi, complaint #1569090
    • "The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated she noticed a small leak entering through the seat belt and ending into the wheel well. The contact stated approximately 6 months later, she started to smell a moldy odor and the leak was much larger. T…"~100,000 mi, complaint #1758219
  26. #26

    brake pads and rotors

    10 unsafe, 1 broken

    11
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=16, median 38,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "I NOTICED SOME DEEP LINES IN MY REAR ROTORS TOOK TO MY MECHANIC HE SAID ROTORS AND PADS WERE BAD EVERY NOW AND THEN I HEARD A SQUEALING NOISE BUT DIDN'T PAY MUCH ATTENTION TO IT THINKING HEY I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW VEHICLE ITS PROBABLY BECAUSE OF BEING BRAND NEW…"~8,350 mi, complaint #1217509
    • "MY 2013 EXPLORER HAS 23190 MILES AND WAS BOUGHT NEW AND HAS BEEN SERVICED AT THE DEALER ACCORDING TO FORD'S SERVICE PLAN SINCE NEW. A FEW DAYS AGO I NOTICED A GRINDING NOISE AND BURNING SMELL FROM THE REAR OF MY EXPLORER.THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT MY DRIVERS SIDE…"~23,190 mi, complaint #1239413
    • "AT THE3200 MILEAGE I EXPERINCE BRAKE ISSUES ROTARY HAD TO BE REPLACED .ON THE FIRST WEEK OF JULY 2015 ADDITIONAL BRAKE WORK HAD TO BE REDONE.ON JULY10TH 2015 WHILE DRIVING THE AC UNIT WENT OUT COMPLETLY WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A LONG EXTENDED TRIP BARELY MADE…"~36,000 mi, complaint #1198351
    • "The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while having routine maintenance performed by an independent mechanic, she was informed the brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced. Additionally, the suspension was compressed onto the tire. T…"~100,000 mi, complaint #1789923
    • "The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, there was an abnormal scraping noise coming from the rear driver's side tire. The contact stated that he depressed the brake pedal, and the pedal went to the floorboa…"~136,000 mi, complaint #1875841
  27. #27

    lighting exterior

    9 unsafe, 1 broken, 1 annoyance

    11
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=9)

    • "HEADLIGHTS ARE WAY TO DIM FOR NIGHT DRIVING"~500 mi, complaint #1746225
    • "HEADLIGHTS DO NOT PROVIDE SUFFICIENT LIGHTING OF THE ROAD. IT FEELS LIKE SOMEONE HAS PAINTED BLACK PAINT ON 1/2 OF THE WINDSHIELD. ON A TWO LANE UNLIT ROAD THE CAR IS UNSAFE. THE LIGHTS LIGHT UP ONLY HALF WAY UP A STREET OR STOP SIGN AND LESS THAN THAT IF G…"~7,800 mi, complaint #950521
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEAD LIGHTS WERE NOT ADEQUATELY DESIGNED. WHEN DRIVING WITH THE HEADLIGHTS ILLUMINATED, THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO SEE ANY OBJECTS THROUGH THE TOP PORTION OF THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT WA…"~12,300 mi, complaint #1046023
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEA…"~23,000 mi, complaint #1238440
    • "HEADLIGHT BULB AND PLASTIC CONNECTOR HAVE MELTED AT THE CONNECTION."~60,848 mi, complaint #1060929
  28. #28

    stability and traction control

    10 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    11
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=13, median 13,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "AS I WAS TURNING LEFT AT A LIGHT, MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT COMPLETELY IN THE CAR. I LOOKED DOWN AT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND IT WAS BRIGHT YELLOW AND SAID ADVANCE TRAC FAILURE. IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT FOR ME TO CONTROL THE SUV AND IT TOOK EVERY OUNCE OF UPPER B…"~1,200 mi, complaint #953108
    • "ALL TERRAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM CONTINUOUSLY FAULTS EVEN AFTER BEING IT REPAIRED IN 2016, IT WAS OKAY FOR 2 YEARS STARTED AGAIN FAULTING EVERY NOW AND THEN IN 2019. THIS YEAR THE ALL TERRAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM STOPPED WORK COMPLETELY IN MARCH. AT FIRST THE VEHICL…"~62,000 mi, complaint #1701581
    • "I WAS DIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 55-60MPH WHEN MY VEHICLE JERKED TWICE THEN STARTED DECELERATING RAPIDLY. AT THAT TIME PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL HAD NO EFFECT AND I HAD TO PULL OVER ON TO THE SHOULDER TO AVOID GETTING HIT BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC. A WRE…"~84,300 mi, complaint #1577021
    • "UPON STARTING VEHICLE IN DRIVEWAY, EXPERIENCED INTERMITTANT POWER STEERING FAILURE ALSO SHOWING STABILITY CONTROL ERROR. VEHICLE IS 2013 EXPLORER WITH 95K MILES. TURNING VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTING SEEMS TO CORRECT THE ISSUE FOR NOW. RESEARCED AND SAW RECALL…"~95,000 mi, complaint #1625896
    • "LOSS OF STEERING WITH CODE SHOWING ADVANCED TRAC SYSTEM FAULT. CANNOT TURN STEERING WHEEL AND BLINKERS WILL NOT COME ON. IT CAN HAPPEN WITH VEHICLE IN MOTION OR STOPPED AND RUNNING. PROBLEM HAPPENS RANDOMLY AND CAUSES THE CAR TO BE UNCONTROLLABLE."~181,721 mi, complaint #1404068
  29. #29

    suspension struts shocks

    10 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    11
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=13, median 60,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "FRONT SUSPENSION MAKES NOISES WHEN DRIVING OVER A BUMP. BILL FLICK FORD WANTS TO CHARGE MONEY IN ORDER TO LOOK AT A DEFECT IN THE SUSPENSION. WHEN I REPORTED THE ISSUE THE FORD EXPLORER HAD IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. THE WORKERS ALSO SAID THAT IT WAS COMMON…"~1,000 mi, complaint #1294952
    • "MY 2013 FORD EXPLORER HAS ONE RECALL FOR SUSPENSION. MY VEHICLE IS MAKING CRACKING NOISES BOTH ON FRONT AND REAR WHEN I TURN OR WHEN I GO ON TOP OF A BUMP. THE PROBLEM I HAVE IS THAT I'M DEPLOYED TO COLOMBIA AND MY VEHICLE WAS SENT DOWN HERE TWO MONTHS AGO. CA…"~65,550 mi, complaint #1736262
    • "UPPER STRUT MOUNT PASSENGER SIDE GONE BAD. MAKES NOISE WHEN STEERING. DOES IT WHEN IN MOTION OR STATIONARY."~75,000 mi, complaint #1463411
    • "WHILE DRIVING THE PASSENGER SIDE STARTED 'CLUNKING' WHILE TURNING. THE NOISE HAPPENED IF THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY OR IN MOTION. WE HAD THE STRUT REPLACED AND IT FIXED THE ISSUE FOR A LITTLE UNDER 6 WEEKS. ALL REPLACEMENT PETS CAME STRAIGHT FROM FORD. WITHIN…"~120,000 mi, complaint #1469205
    • "THERE'S A POPPING SOUND WHEN I HIT A BUMP AND MAKE TURNS. IN ADDITION TO THAT IT STARTED SOUNDING LIKE METAL GRINDING AND WHILE DRIVING MY EXPLORER HAD A BOUNCE AND WOULD SWAY WHEN HITTING BUMPS AND TAKING CURVES. A VERY UNSAFE AND SCARY FEELING. IT'S MAINLY I…"~193,000 mi, complaint #1725767
  30. #30

    parking brake

    9 unsafe

    9
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "PARKED ON SLIGHT INCLINE IN DRIVEWAY, DID NOT USE PARKING BRAKE, AFTER ABOUT TWO HOURS I CAME BACK AND NOTICED THAT MY VEHICLE HAD ROLLED INTO THE VEHICLE BEHIND ME, A TOTAL DISTANCE OF ABOUT 3 FEET, MY TIRE TRACKS WERE VISIBLE IN THE SNOW, WHICH IS HOW I IDEN…"~20,100 mi, complaint #1163914
    • "I WAS LEAVING TO RUN ERRANDS I START THE CAR & SEEN I FORGOT SOMETHING SO I LEFT IT RUNNING OPENED DOOR & IT ROLLED BACK INTO OUR CARPORT POLE WHILE IN PARK. IT HAS BEEN GIVING A SHIFT TO PARK WARNING FOR ABOUT A MONTH WHEN THE CAR IS IN PARK AND TURNED OFF T…"~44,100 mi, complaint #1112829
    • "I NOTICED RIGHT AFTER BUYING MY CAR THAT IT WOULD SOMETIMES BE IN PARK, BUT THE CAR WOULD TELL ME TO SHIFT TO PARK. I TALKED WITH THE SALES GUY AT THE DEALERSHIP, HE SAID HE WOULD LOOK IN TO IT. IT HAPPENED A FEW TIMES. THEN ONE TIME, I SHIFTED TO PARK IN A…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1258238
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PARKING BRAKE MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE…"~66,000 mi, complaint #1332225
    • "MY VEHICLE WAS IN A STATIONARY POSITION WHEN THE 'SHIFT TO PARK LIGHT ILLUMINATED'. THIS IS A REAL ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN SINCE THE VEHICLE COULD ROLE."~90,000 mi, complaint #1571337
  31. #31

    seatbelt and pretensioner

    6 unsafe, 2 broken, 1 annoyance

    9
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=10, median 54,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "THE BUCKLE FOR BOTH INFLATABLE SEATBELTS IN THE SECOND ROW SEAT HAVE BROKEN A TOTAL OF 4 TIMES. ONCE THE BUCKLE CRUMBLED INTO MANY PIECES IN MY DAUGHTER'S HAND, ON BOTH BELTS A PROTECTIVE PLASTIC COVER HAS FALLEN OFF, AND NOW ONE OF THE BELTS GETS STUCK OCCASI…"~5,000 mi, complaint #1070097
    • "THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT IN THE SECOND ROW REFUSED TO LATCH WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY OR IN MOTION. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER OUR WARRANTY. THE SUN/MOON ROOF HAS LEAKED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS CAUSING ME TO PAY OUT OF POCKET…"~35,000 mi, complaint #1459551
    • "FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEATBELT WILL NOT EXTEND"~74,000 mi, complaint #1299244
    • "VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, NO PREVIOUS ISSUES NOTICED. TRIED TO LATCH SEAT BELT BEFORE DRIVING AND LATCH WILL NOT HOLD BUCKLE IN PLACE TO SECURE SEAT BELT FOR DRIVER."~78,000 mi, complaint #1455407
    • "PASSENGER FRONT AND DRIVER BACK SEAT BELTS WILL NOT EXTEND"~87,090 mi, complaint #1329179
  32. #32

    sunroof

    7 unsafe, 1 broken, 1 annoyance

    9
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=10, median 60,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "MY PANORAMIC SUNROOF EXPLODED!! I WAS SITTING IN MY VEHICLE, PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE. I GOT OUT AND CHECKED THE TIRES AND AROUND MY VEHICLE. I SAW NOTHING UNUSUAL SO I GOT BACK IN, TURNED THE AIR OFF AND THAT'S WHEN I DISCOVERED IT WAS TH…"~13,300 mi, complaint #987655
    • "The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the sunroof failed to close securely. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the sunroof motor was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The dealer replaced the sunroof motor a second time…"~50,000 mi, complaint #1873112
    • "THE CEILING AROUND THE SUNROOF ON MY 2013 FORD EXPLORER STARTED DRIPPING WATER DURING A RAIN. THE NEXT MORNING I HAD OVER AN INCH OF STANDING WATER IN MY CAR. IT HAD DRIPPED ALL OVER THE FRONT CENTER OF THE SUV. NOW MY FLOORBOARDS ARE GOING TO BE MOLDY AND MUS…"~94,000 mi, complaint #1701499
    • "THE ROOF OPERATING PANEL MODULE IS BAD. MY MOON/SUNROOF IS STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION. WE STOPPED AT THREE DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS TO SEE IF THEY COULD SHUT IT SO WE DIDN'T HAVE TO DRIVE IN THE RAIN WITH IT OPEN THEY WERE ABLE TO PUT PLASTIC ON TOP OF IT BUT N…"~106,000 mi, complaint #1512127
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO LAFONTAINE FORD ([REDACTED ADDRESS], LANSING, MI 48911) FOR SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. WHILE THE MECHANIC WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE SUN ROOF SHATTERED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. T…"~118,000 mi, complaint #1526508
  33. #33

    wiring harness

    6 unsafe, 1 broken, 1 annoyance

    8
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=8)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT A OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT RODENTS WERE DESTROYING THE WIRES UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE WIRE INSTALLATION WAS MADE FROM SOY BEANS, WHICH WAS ATTRACTING THE RODENTS. THE VEHICL…"~10,000 mi, complaint #1033573
    • "ELECTRICAL OUTLET IN REAR CENTER CONSOLE WAS COMPLETELY PULLED OUT WHILE TRYING TO UNPLUG COMPUTER EXPOSING ELECTRICAL WIRES ELECTROCUTING MY SON AND NEPHEW. THIS HAPPENED AT NIGHT WITH THE VEHICLE IN MOTION."~33,000 mi, complaint #1257339
    • "TURN SIGNALS MALFUNCTIONED CONSTANTLY. PROBLEM ALLEGEDLY CAUSED BY FAULTY INSTALLATION OF BOTH WIRING HARNESSES AT FACTORY. BOTH WERE REPLACED. SECOND VEHICLE IN OUR FLEET WITH THIS PROBLEM. VEHICLE STARTED LOSING ACCELERATION; PROBLEM TRACED TO FAULTY THRO…"~55,000 mi, complaint #1305462
    • "HAVING A ISSUE HEADLIGHTS GOING OFF. MOSTLY ONE BUB AT A TIME BUT NOT ALWAYS THE SAME BUB OR BOTH BUDS GO OFF BUT ALWAYS TURN BACK ON ONCE I PLACE SWITCH BACK IN OFF POSITION AND TURN THEM BACK ON. AFTER BEING PULLED OVER BY LOCAT SHIERFF IS WHEN I FIRST NOTIC…"~80,000 mi, complaint #1485940
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER (HEAVY RAIN), WATER AFFECTED THE ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS IN THE VEHICLE. BOWDITCH FORD ([REDACTED PHONE], LOCATED AT [REDACTED ADDRESS], NEWPORT NEWS, VA 23601) KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR SEVERAL DAYS…"~120,000 mi, complaint #1566535
  34. #34

    alignment and pull

    7 unsafe

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=8)

    • "I DROVE MY RECENTLY ACQUIRED AND NEW FORD EXPLORER SPORT FOR FIRST TIME ON THE HIGHWAY ON MARCH 4, 2013. WHEN ACCELERATING TO PASS A TRUCK, I LOST CONTROL OF FRONT END TO POINT OF SWIRLING AND NEAR COLLISION WITH THE TRUCK. I DON'T CONSIDER THIS A FLUKE AS SAM…"~600 mi, complaint #968235
    • "I ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR DUE TO STEERING. THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE WAS WOBBLY AND HAD NO TRACTION. THE TIRES ARE IN GOOD SHAPE. I HAVE BEEN HAVING SO MUCH TROUBLE OUT OF THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE. IT HAS BEEN BALANCED AND ALIGNED 4 TIMES, NEW BRAKE PADS, AND RO…"~74,000 mi, complaint #1188473
    • "THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF THE ALIGNMENT WAS BAD. IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. TURNING WAS PARTICULAR;Y DIFFICULT. IT SOUNDS VERY SIMILAR TO EXACTLY WHAT THE RECALL ON THE TOE LINKS STATED. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE KNUCKLES WERE BAD AND NEEDED REPLACED AND THAT…"~116,760 mi, complaint #1580020
  35. #35

    key fob and immobilizer

    1 stranded, 3 unsafe, 3 annoyance

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=9)

    • "AFTER ENTERING A HIGHWAY MY HORN HONKED AND THE MESSAGE "NO KEY DETECTED" APPEARED. THE VEHICLE NEVER DIED BUT THIS HAS HAPPENED OVER A DOZEN TIMES. I HAVE HAD IT IN THE SHOP, WHERE THE SAME CONCERN WAS DUPLICATED, AND WAS TOLD THAT IT IS SOME SORT OF INTERFER…"~3,400 mi, complaint #979855
    • "MY 2013 FORD EXPLORER (LIMITED) SPONTANEOUSLY LOCKED WHILE MY 9 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER WAS IN THE CAR WITH THE KEYS. MY WIFE HAD JUST PUT MY DAUGHTER IN THE CAR WITH HER PURSE, WHICH HAD THE VEHICLE KEYS INSIDE. AFTER SHE CLOSED THE DOOR TO WALK TO THE DRIVER'S…"~5,000 mi, complaint #1056667
    • "ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WITHIN THE PAST 3 WEEKS, WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PUT OUR VEHICLE INTO "PARK" WE RECEIVED A WARNING LIGHT THAT WE NEEDED TO "SHIFT TO PARK", EXCEPT THE SHIFTER WAS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION EVERY TIME; THIS OCCURRED TO BOTH MY HUSBAND AND MYS…"~39,739 mi, complaint #1213348
    • "KEYPAD FAILED. 16 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER WAS ACCIDENTALLY LOCKED IN STATIONARY CAR WHILE KEYS REMAINED INSIDE. THE KEYPAD, WHICH WORKED PREVIOUSLY, FAILED TO WORK. THE SITUATION WAS SO DIRE (AS IT WAS OVER 90 DEGREES THAT DAY) THAT POLICE WERE CALLED TO BREAK T…"~69,000 mi, complaint #1418016
    • "RANDOMLY HONKS WITH AND WITH FOB IN OR NEAR CAR AND WITHOUT THE CAR RUNNING. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AFTER GETTING FUEL, AND SOMETIMES IT DOES NOT STOP THE GAS WHEN PUMPING.... SEND A CODE FOR SENSOR IN FUEL COMPARTMENT.... DOOR PANELS CRACK"~80,000 mi, complaint #1485808
  36. #36

    power windows and locks

    6 unsafe, 1 broken

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "LIGHTS AND PASSENGER DOOR AJAR STAY ON. LIGHTS DON'T TURN OFF WHEN BACKING UP OR UNTIL DRIVING FORWARD AT A CERTAIN SPEED. LOCKS UNLOCK BY THEMSELVES. LIGHTS WILL RANDOMLY TURN ON WHEN NO ONE IS BY THE CAR. HAVE 3 LITTLE KIDS NEED A CAR THAT SHOULD BE RELIABLE…"~80,000 mi, complaint #1709903
    • "ON A 2013 FORD EXPLORER, THE SHIFT LOCK RELEASE KEEPS GETTING STUCK AND CAR IS UNABLE TO SHIFT INTO GEAR WITH OUT MANUALLY MOVING THE RELEASE PUMP. THIS IS AFTER CAR IS IN PARK."~112,000 mi, complaint #1469998
    • "BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOOR LOCK/LATCH MECHANISMS FAILED SHOWING CAR DOOR IS AJAR WHEN DOOR IS ACTUALLY SHUT. DRIVER DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR FAILED AROUND 30,000 MILES AND PASSENGER LOCK ACTUATOR FAILED AROUND 135000 MILES. WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE INTERIO…"~135,000 mi, complaint #1638950
  37. #37

    infotainment head unit

    3 unsafe, 3 annoyance

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM HAS GONE "OFF ROUTE" WHILE DRIVING TO A DESTINATION. OFF ROUTE MEANS THE GPS IS STILL DISPLAYED BUT THE MARKER IS MOVED OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROUTE ON THE MAP. THIS INDICATES TO THE SYSTEM THAT IT IS "OFF ROUTE" A…"~3,500 mi, complaint #975515
    • "DEAR NHTSA, I HAVE RECENTLY PURCHASED A FORD EXPLORER LIMITED 2013 MODEL ABOUT 3 MONTHS AGO. SINCE I HAVE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE MYTOUCH SYSTEM HAS CONSTANT GLITCHES AND CAUSING DISTRACTIONS WHILE DRIVING. YESTERDAY I STARTED THE VEHICL…"~3,500 mi, complaint #992060
    • "I STOPPED FOR GAS ON A LONG DRIVE. WHEN I GOT BACK INTO THE VEHICLE AND STARTED IT NO SOUND WOULD COME OUT OF THE SPEAKERS. ALL THE STATIONS WERE WORKING JUST NO SOUND AT ALL."~73,000 mi, complaint #1390209
    • "THIS DEALING WITH THE MY SYNC (MYFORD TOUCH) . THE SYSTEM WILL WILL CAUSE THE SCREEN TO GO BLACK,IT ALSO WILL CAUSE THE A/C & HEATER, NAVIGATION, AND RADIO TO STOP WORKING. THIS HAPPENS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING. TO RESTORE THE SYSTEM YOU HAVE TO PULL OVER…"~93,906 mi, complaint #1578763
    • "THE ELECTRONIC SCREEN THAT CONTROLS RADIO, ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS, NAVIGATION, SHUTS DOWN FREQUENTLY WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, OR MOTOR IS RUNNING."~126,000 mi, complaint #1417794
  38. #38

    wiper and washer

    1 unsafe, 5 annoyance

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS OPERATED WITHOUT WARNING AND FAILED TO STOP UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS POWERED OFF. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (BONNELL FORD, [REDACTED ADDRESS], WINCHESTER, MA 01890…"~55,272 mi, complaint #1410108
    • "WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL JUST COME ON SOMETIMES WHEN YOU START THE VEHICLE. IF YOU TURN THEM ON TO CLEAN WINDSHIELD AND TURN THEM OFF THEY WILL STILL COME ON AFTER YOU HAVE TURNED THEM OFF. REALLY A PAIN TO DEAL WITH. *TR"~63,000 mi, complaint #1175990
    • "WINDSHIELD WIPERS GO OFF AT RANDOM ON THEIR OWN OR DON'T WORK AT ALL."~72,000 mi, complaint #1528468
    • "WHILE TRAVELING AT NORMAL RATE OF SPEED, MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS COME ON AT RANDOM, WORK ON THEIR OWN WHILE POSITIONED ON OFF OR NOT WORK AT ALL."~72,000 mi, complaint #1528487
    • "MY FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL NOT TURN OFF AND IT IS IN THE OFF MODE. I WAS DRIVING. *TR"~74,000 mi, complaint #1349896
  39. #39

    engine head gasket

    1 stranded, 4 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING IN A HIGH TRAFFIC AREA FOR OVER THIRTY MINUTES, THE CONTACT FELT DIZZY AND LIGHT HEADED. THE SYMPTOMS RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WELSH MOTORS FORD ([REDACTED PHONE], LOCATED AT [RED…"~48,700 mi, complaint #1519547
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, A STRONG FUEL ODOR EMITTED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE GASKET WAS LOOSE AND CAUSED THE FUEL ODOR TO EMIT INTO THE CABIN OF THE…"~105,000 mi, complaint #1333501
    • "WHILE DRIVING IN NORMAL FASHION IN MEDIUM TRAFFIC ENGINE ALL OF A SUDDEN DIED RESTARTED AFTER 5 MINUTES OF ATTEMPTS ONLY TO DIE AGAIN ABOUT 3 MINUTES LATER IN MIDDLE OF A TURNING LANE. AFTER BEING PUSHED TO A PARKING LOT IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT HEAD GASKET WAS…"~163,000 mi, complaint #1627118
  40. #40

    engine turbo supercharger

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=8)

    • "ON A NIGHT WITH LIGHT RAIN, AFTER TRAVELING 1.5 HRS WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON, I PULLED OFF INTERSTATE EXIT TO MAKE A PHONE CALL. I DID NOT TURN ENGINE OFF. AFTER CALL I PROCEEDED TO GET BACK ON INTERSTATE, WHILE MERGING BACK ONTO INTERSTATE I ACCELERATED HARD TO…"~9,500 mi, complaint #997495
    • "EXHAUST FUMES IN CABIN - SINCE WE HAVE BEEN WITHOUT THE EXPLORER FOR THREE MONTHS (IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP GETTING AN UPDATED TURBO), MY WIFE HAS NOT HAD ANY UNEXPLAINED HEADACHES AFTER SPENDING ALL DAY RUNNING ERRANDS IN THE EXPLORER."~41,000 mi, complaint #1404449
    • "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 FO…"~73,000 mi, complaint #1349994
    • "THE TURBO BOOST WENT OUT ON MY 2013 EXPLORER, I HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR 15 MONTHS AND IT HAS 76000 MILES ON IT. APPARENTLY THE PART IS BACKORDERED DUE TO THIS HAPPENING TO A TON OF EXPLORERS. I HAD TO GO ON A WAITING LIST AND I AM NUMBER 488 TO GET THIS PA…"~76,000 mi, complaint #1400608
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A LACK OF ACCELERATION EVEN WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JACKY JONES (LOCATED AT [RE…"~90,000 mi, complaint #1404905
  41. #41

    fuel pump

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=11, median 93,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "THE FUEL PUMP STARTED TO COME APART UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITION RELEASING RAW GAS FUMES INTO THE PASSENGER CABIN. THIS DEFECT MADE THE CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR"~11,650 mi, complaint #972305
    • "MY 2013 FORD EXPLORER HAS BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR 3 WEEKS NOW AND STILL NO REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR THE FUEL PUMP. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD DIRECTLY 3 TIMES AND THEY CAN'T GIVE ME AN ANSWER AND HAVE BEEN IN CONSTANT CONTACT WITH THE DEALERSHIP AND NO ONE CAN TELL…"~19,500 mi, complaint #987588
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT AND HIS CHILDREN BECAME ILL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE FUEL P…"~70,000 mi, complaint #1330215
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT NOTICED A FUEL LEAK AROUND THE FUEL PUMP ABOVE THE FUEL TANK. THE FAILURE WAS REPAIRED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT CALLED SEVERAL UNKNOWN DEALERS AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLU…"~95,000 mi, complaint #1529517
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO START. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVERAL ATTEMPTS WERE NEEDED BEFORE THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDEN…"~147,000 mi, complaint #1640496
  42. #42

    trunk or liftgate

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "METAL BODY CRACKING ON UPPER AREA PANEL WHERE LIFTGATE HINGES ARE. CREATING WATER DAMAGE TO THE INTERIOR PART OF THE THIRD ROW. THIS HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR ABOUT TWO YEARS AND THE CRACKS ARE GETTING BIGGER."~45,000 mi, complaint #1507137
    • "MY FORD EXPLORER 2013 BACK TAILGATE WINDOW SHATTERED. IT WAS COLD OUT ABOUT 30 DEGREES BUT MY REAR DEFROST WAS NOT ON AT ALL THAT DAY. I DROVE MY CAR TO WORK WHICH IS ABOUT A [REDACTED ADDRESS]. I GOT IN THE LEFT HAND TURN LANE TO MAKE A LEFT TURN INTO MY W…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1455627
    • "The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while opening the trunk lid, he became aware of the liquid. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was stated that the leak was coming from a cracked weld seal near the liftgate. No warning l…"~170,000 mi, complaint #1953976
  43. #43

    battery and charging

    1 stranded, 3 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "I PURCHASED MY 2013 FORD EXPLORER TWO YEARS AGO. IT HAS APPROXIMATELY 16,000 MILES. ON SEPTEMBER 23, 2014 I COULDN'T START MY CAR. I HAD THE AUTO CLUB JUMP THE BATTERY AND THEN TOOK IT IN IMMEDIATELY TO MY MECHANIC TO REPLACE THE BATTERY. UPON EXAMINATION,…"~16,000 mi, complaint #1114381
    • "FORD MOTORCRAFT BATTERY (OVERCHARGE OR POSSIBLE LEAKING BATTERY) CAUSED EXTENSIVE CORROSION TO BATTERY TERMINAL AS WELL AS BATTERY CABLES AND HOUSING. READ ONLINE AND THIS IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH FORD VEHICLES. NOT ONLY DID THE BATTERY NEED TO BE REPLACE…"~39,000 mi, complaint #1250947
    • "RECEIVED WARNING LIGHT WHEN I STARTED MY CAR WHICH WOULD STAY ON WHILE DRIVING WHICH WAS DIAGNOSED AS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. IT WAS CAUSED BY BATTERY ACID LEAKING WHICH REQUIRED THAT I PAY OUT OF POCKET TO HAVE THE BATTERY HARNESS REPLACED. I WAS TOLD BY THE…"~46,755 mi, complaint #1466098
  44. #44

    engine oil consumption

    2 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "I JUST BOUGHT A 2013 FORD EXPLORER LAST WEEK AND I AM HAVING AN ISSUE WITH BURNT OIL SMELL GETTING INSIDE THE CABIN EVEN WITH A/C IN RECIRCULATION MODE. IT IS SUCH A DISAPPOINTMENT TO PAY OVER 40K FOR A BRAND NEW SUV AND BEEN DEALING WITH SUCH AN ISSUE. I HAVE…"~1,023 mi, complaint #962416
    • "'TAKATA RECALL' STRONG SMELL OF SULFUR,ENGINE OIL AND GASOLINE."~47,000 mi, complaint #1366761
    • "BURNT OIL SMELL DURING ACCELERATION OR LONG TRIPS. THIS IS EASILY REPEATABLE AND HAPPENS EVERY TIME."~61,000 mi, complaint #1184336
  45. #45

    hv system fault reduced power

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "WHEN DRIVING LOSS OF POWER HAPPENS. CAN NOT ACCELERATE! CAR GOES INTO LIMP MODE. CAN HAPPEN AT ANY TIME WITHOUT WARNING. CAR HAS 40K MILES. VERY DANGEROUS IF DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. IT HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN THE LAST WEEK."~45,000 mi, complaint #1277161
    • "WHILE DRIVING ON MODERATELY BUSY INTERSTATE ALL TERRAIN SENSOR WARNING SIGN AND ORANGE WRENCH APPEARED ON DASH AS THE CAR LOST POWER AND FAILED TO RESPOND TO ACCELERATOR. THE CAR FELT LIKE IT WAS IN SHUTDOWN MODE. LET ME PULL OVER TO ACCIDENT LANE AT ALMOST 0…"~50,000 mi, complaint #1544614
  46. #46

    steering column

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=8)

    • "WHILE DRIVING NOTICED WHEN MAKING A TURN AT LOW SPEED STICKY STEERING WHEEL AND POPPING NOISE. FEW DAYS LATER WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. BECAME WORSE DAY BY DAY, LOUDER GRINDING NOISE TURNING THE TRUCK LEFT OR RIGH…"~39,905 mi, complaint #1690902
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. SECONDS LATER, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT HAD T…"~76,200 mi, complaint #1540170
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAG…"~93,000 mi, complaint #1591633
  47. #47

    tire failure

    3 unsafe, 1 broken

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "I HAVE GOODYEAR FORTERA P245/65R17 105T TIRES AS OEM ON THIS VEHICLE.THE TREAD HAS DRY ROTTED CRACKS JUST LIKE THE TIRES RECALLED IN 2015.THE FIRST SIGN OF PROBLEM WAS TIRE LIGHT COMING ON. WHY ARE THESE TIRE BEING RECALLED ALSO?"~2,500 mi, complaint #1248755
    • "GOODYEAR FORTERA HL TIRES SHOWED CRACKING AFTER ONLY 19,540 MILES ON 2013 FORD EXPLORER PURCHASED NEW IN JANUARY 2013. AFTER THIS DISCOVERY, I NEED TO REPLACE ALL 4 TIRES.TIRE NUMBERS ARE DOT 4B8T MANUFACTURED IN CANADA ON 3/2012."~19,540 mi, complaint #1500168
    • "I AM REQUESTING THAT THE DOT NHTSA LOOK INTO THE POSSIBILITY OF A TIRE DEFECT THAT CAN AFFECT THE SAFE OPERATION OF VEHICLES WITH COOPER DISCOVERER SRX TIRES. I PURCHASED A SET OF 4 COOPER DISCOVERER SRX TIRES AND HAD THEM PROFESSIONALLY INSTALLED ON MY 2013 F…"~30,000 mi, complaint #1561094
  48. #48

    wheel or rim

    2 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "BOUGHT 2013 EXPLORER WITH P255/50R20 104H TIRES WENT TO HAVE ALL TERRAIN TIRES WITH STUDS PUT ON CAR FOR WINTER. WHEELS ARE 18 INCH RIMS (245/60R18 104T), RECOMMENDED BY FORD WHEN I BOUGHT VEHICLE. I NEED STUDS DUE TO EXTREME CONDITIONS IN MONTANA WITH ICE.…"~20,200 mi, complaint #1019084
    • "I WAS DRIVING AND CAR MADE THIS SOUND LIKE THE TIRE GOING FLAT SO I QENT TO COUNTRY FAIR AND PUMPED UP MY TIRES,MY TIRE LIGHT AND WORNING NEVER CAME ON THAT IT THE FORST THING ,ANYWAY I CONTINUED TO GO HOME WHEN A MILE FROM MY HOME THE CAR WAS PULLING TO THE R…"~100,000 mi, complaint #1537086
  49. #49

    climate control module

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM. THERE IS A PUNGENT ODOR COMING FROM THE SYSTEM AT VARIOUS TIMES, USUALLY WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER IS OPERATING. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE AND THE SOURCE HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED. THE ENGINE WILL BEGIN RUNNING ROUGH AT IDLE, BOTH I…"~120,000 mi, complaint #1357940
    • "I LOST COMMUNICATION WITH THE CLIMATE CONTROLS IT SAYS, CAUSING MY HEAT TO COME ON FULL BLAST AND I CAN NOT TURN IT OFF. I LIVE IN FLORIDA AND THIS IS VERY UNSAFE."~140,000 mi, complaint #1693569
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CLIMATE CONTROL TEMPERATURE REMAINED AT THE HIGH HEAT SETTING. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO APPLE FORD OF LYNCHBURG ([REDACTED ADDRESS], LYNC…"~149,121 mi, complaint #1591976
  50. #50

    driveshaft axle cv

    2 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, A LOUD EXPLOSIVE NOISE WAS EMITTED AS THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE COLLAPSED. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT AXLE HAD BECOM…"~13,000 mi, complaint #1026823
    • "ISSUE ALREADY REPORTED.SEE NHTSA LD.NUMBER 11174395.VEHICLE IS AWD. CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM FRONT AXIL AREA ONLY. CURRENT MILAGE86644."~86,000 mi, complaint #1538433
  51. #51

    heater core and blower

    2 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "WHEN UNDER HEAVY ACCELERATION WHICH IS RARE OR WHEN CLIMBING ANY INCLINE WHICH IS QUITE OFTEN WHERE I LIVE, THE CAR HAS A HORRIBLE SMELL INSIDE. ITS WORSE WHEN YOU HAVE THE HEAT ON IT SEEMS. I HAVE REPLACED THE CABIN AIR FILTER BUT IT NEARLY SEAMS WORSE NOW."complaint #1356310
    • "UNDER STRAIN WITH AIR CONDITIONING IN RECYCLE MODE THE EXHAUST FUMES FILL THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. IN MAY 2016 THE DEALER PREFORMED TSB 14.0130 REPROGRAMMING OF THE HVAC MODULE. REPLACED AIR EXTRACTORS AND REAR FENDER MOULDINGS. RETESTED IT AND SAID IT WAS OK…"complaint #1398987
    • "The heat in my 2013 Ford Explorer won't work. The Rad fan isn't working so any antifreeze I put in is gone after 1 trip to the store. It's burning it. The sunroof has never opened fully, it wobbles. The electrical is shot on it. There are so many safety issu…"complaint #2035694
  52. #52

    seat mechanism

    2 broken, 1 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE THIRD ROW SEATS BECAME INOPERABLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FRONTIER FORD ([REDACTED ADDRESS], SANTA CLARA, CA 95051, [REDACTED PHONE]) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT…"~67,000 mi, complaint #1596060
    • "HAVE LEAK AT 3RD ROW SEAT BELT AT ROOF ON LEFT HAND SIDE.SEAT BELT GETTING WET LEAKING DOWN ON SEAT AND FLOOR. FIRST NOTICED WHEN TILTING 3RD ROW SEAT ON SEPT. 29/2020. VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND NOT MOVING . HAD RAIN THE NIGHT OFSEPT. 28/2020."~793,847 mi, complaint #1696382
  53. #53

    timing belt or chain

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "ANYTIME I DRIVE THIS VEHICLE IN RAIN OR WET ROADS THE MAIN BELT SLIPS AND SQUEALS. THE RESULT IS MAJOR LOSS OF POWER ON MANY OCCASIONS. MY DASH LIGHTS UP LIKE A CHRISTMAS TREE, I LOSE POWER TO STEERING, WIPERS, FANS, ETC. THE BELT SLIPPING IS CAUSING THE ALTER…"~65,000 mi, complaint #1676017
    • "ENGINE RATTLES UPON STARTUP FOR ROUGHLY 2 SECONDS. THIA IS A KNOWN ISSUE THAT THE TIMING CHAIN STRETCHES AND REPLACEMENT OF TIMING CHAIN AND PHASERS IS NEEDED."~90,000 mi, complaint #1599713
    • "FOUR 2013 FORD EXPLORER RAN HOT WHILE I WAS OPERATING THE VEHICLE. WE THOUGHT IT WAS LOW ON ANTIFREEZE SO WE ADDED SOME. OUT OF PRECAUTION, WE BEGAN MONITORING THE ANTIFREEZE LEVEL AND NOTICE THAT THE LEVEL WOULD DROP, OVER A COUPLE OF WEEKS, ENOUGH WHICH RE…"~100,000 mi, complaint #1708423
  54. #54

    unintended acceleration

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "THE INCIDENT OCCURRED FOR THE FIRST TIME ON 09/25/2014. WHEN COMING TO A STOP, THE CAR ACCELERATES SUDDENLY WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED AT IRREGULAR INTERVALS IN THE PAST (APPROXIMATELY 4 TIMES) AND AGAIN YESTERDAY AFTERNOON WHEN I WAS P…"~20,833 mi, complaint #1171361
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH ON THE EXPRESSWAY, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY TO 60 MPH. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. ALSO, THE WRENCH WARN…"~50,000 mi, complaint #1591081
    • "MY WIFE EXPERIENCE "SPONTANEOUS ACCELERATION" OF OUR FORD EXPLORER. MY WIFE WAS PULLING INTO A WALGREENS PARKING LOT, SLOWED DOWN TO TURN INTO A PARKING SPACE WHEN THE CAR LUNGED FORWARD AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. MY WIFE HAD HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE AS SHE WAS ENT…"~101,000 mi, complaint #1670354
  55. #55

    abs module

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the ABS, traction control, and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic test was…"~65,000 mi, complaint #2027185
  56. #56

    catalytic converter

    1 unsafe, 1 broken

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed but the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The check…"~14,000 mi, complaint #2037852
    • "CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED AT 137,000 MILES"~137,500 mi, complaint #1718843
  57. #57

    evap system

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "CONTINUE TO SMELL A BAD ODOR FROM VENTS. CONTACTED FORD AND WANTED TO BRING IT IN BUT WILL COST MONEY TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT. IT DOES THIS OCCASSIONALLY AND LASTS A FEW MINUTES. PREVIOUSLY HAVE SMELLED A STRONG GAS ODOR WHICH MADE ME HAVE A SEVERE HEADACHE FOR…"~57,000 mi, complaint #1461875
    • "VAPOR CANISTER PURGE VALVE INOPERATIVE AT 72,000 MILES CAUSING A MISS/ HESITATION WHEN VEHICLE WAS RUNNING. LIGHT CAME ON AND A LOSS OF POWER OCCURRED WHILE TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE. IMMEDIATELY DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THIS WAS IDENTIFIED AS…"~72,000 mi, complaint #1246646
  58. #58

    noise or vibration unspecified

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "STARTED MY ENGINE. TRUCK WAS IN PARK AND I FEEL THIS BOUNCING/SHAKING WHICH IS QUITE STRANGE. HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THAT CAN BE AND HOW DANGEROUS IT IS WHILE DRIVING. ANOTHER TIME IT HAPPENED WAS WHEN I CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP, STILL IN DRIVE AND AGAIN THE BOUNCIN…"~39,000 mi, complaint #1260778
    • "FIGURED OUT THAT THE CONSTANT ANNOYING FLAPPING NOISE DURING CROSS WINDS WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THAT SEEMED TO BE COMING FROM THE WINDSHIELD TRIM OR LOWER DOOR POST WAS ACTUALLY COMING FROM A LOOSE PANEL FASTENER OR SHIELD CLIP ON THE INNER FENDER SPL…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1187621
  59. #59

    transmission manual clutch

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "WHEN SHIFTING TO PARK, THE VEHICLE WILL NOT REGISTER THAT CAR IS IN PARK. I.E. THE P WILL NOT LIGHT UP AND IF YOU TURN CAR OFF IT WILL BEEP TELLING YOU TO SHIFT TO PARK. IN MY 2001 EXPLORER IT WOULD GET STUCK SHIFTING TO PARK AS WELL. SEEMS TO BE A VEHICLE…"~35,000 mi, complaint #1374185
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ENGAGED IN PARK, THE VEHICLE STILL SHOWED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER INDICATOR WAS IN DRIVE. IN ADDITION, THE SHIFT TO PARK WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. IN ORDER TO GET THE VEHICLE TO ENGAGE IN PARK,…"~62,000 mi, complaint #1497331
  60. #60

    adas lane keeping

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "When starting car driver assist alert comes on and car is hard to steer"complaint #1758160
  61. #61

    cruise control conventional

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "CRUISE CONTROL WAS OFF. I WAS DOWNHILL ON A SNOWY ROAD AND THE TACHOMETER WENT TO 4000 RPM AND MY CAR STARTED TO SKID. THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTED AS IF IT WAS ON AND DOWNSHIFTED. I PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL TO GAIN CONTROL."~81,000 mi, complaint #1545104
  62. #62

    differential

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "I WAS DRIVING AND HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE FROM THE REAR END. WITHIN 30 SECONDS I LOST CONTROL OF MY STEERING. MY CAR BEGAN FISHTAILING AND THE REAR TIRES WERE SQUAWKING. THE ONLY WAY I COULD STRAIGHTEN OUT THE VEHICLE WAS TO TURN WHEEL COMPLETELY TO THE LEFT. I…"~98,000 mi, complaint #1741579
  63. #63

    emissions aftertreatment

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "I CURRENTLY OWN A 2013 FORD EXPLORER THAT HAS APPROXIMATELY 51K MILES. I'VE NOTICED ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION, THAT DURING PERIODS OF SUSTAINED DRIVING WE EXPERIENCE ODOR OF CERTAIN GASES OR FUMES. THESE ODORS ARE NOT CONSTANT, BUT THEY ARE PRESENT WITHIN THE…"~48,000 mi, complaint #1251680
  64. #64

    fuel injector

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Check engine light indicated Fuel injection system leaking on 2013 Ford explorer taken to Ford dealer. Investigated online 2013 Ford explorer have fuel injection leaking problems reported for 2013 Ford explorers "complaint #1877580
  65. #65

    horn

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "THE HORN FROM THE STEERING PAD ISN'T WORKING. IT HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO FORD DEALERSHIP SERVICE CENTER ON 3 OCCASIONS & THEY HAVE STATED THE HORN IS OPERABLE AND THEY DON'T SEE ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. HOWEVER, THE HORN STOPS WORKING WITHIN 24 HOURS. THE ALARM HOR…"complaint #1562253
  66. #66

    instrument cluster

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS BLANK AND INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MEL HAMBELTON FORD ([REDACTED ADDRESS], WICHITA, KS 67209, [REDACTED PHONE]), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANU…"~145,343 mi, complaint #1590372
  67. #67

    phone connectivity

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "MY BLUTOOTH PAIRING WITH IPHONE WAS COMPROMISED BY SOMEONE OTHER THEN ME. IT WOULDNT LET ME LISTEN TO BLU TOOTH ON MY PHONE. WHEN IT DID LET ME LISTEN THE MUSIC THAT ONCE SOUNDED GOOD NOW NO MATTER WHAT I DID IT SOUNDED HORRIBLE. ANOTHER THING I NOTICED WAS…"~110,000 mi, complaint #1589701
  68. #68

    software or update

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "MY HUSBAND AND I OWN A 2013 EXPLORER. SEVERAL WEEKS AGO WHEN MY HUSBAND WAS BACKING OUT OF THE GARAGE AND DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE SLID INTO OUR STONE WALL AND COST US $250 AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY $1955,21. THAT WAS WHEN WE DISCOVERED THE [REDACTED ADDRESS] WAS…"~14,000 mi, complaint #1364072
  69. #69

    unknown

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, AN UNKNOWN ODOR WAS DETECTED INSIDE THE VEHICLE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGN…"~25,000 mi, complaint #1443793

Recall-sized clusters

These are large batches of near-identical complaints (recall notifications, service campaigns), kept separate from the ranking above so they don't drown out individually-reported problems.

Not matched to any cluster below: every campaign NHTSA has on file for this exact make/model/year is 13V109000, 13V227000, 13V270000, 14V286000, 15V171000, 15V812000, 17E048000, 19V435000, 20V675000, 21V537000, 21V746000, 24V031000. This is a vehicle-wide list, not an attribution - see below for which clusters have a real, complainant-cited match.

NHTSA investigations

Search NHTSA's own recall and complaint database for FORD EXPLORER directly.