The Explorer year with the most problems
The 2013 Explorer has about twice the model's average complaints. The biggest danger is power steering that suddenly fails or locks, and many owners smelled exhaust fumes inside. Ford issued a long series of recalls. A 2018 or 2019 is a much safer choice.
Updated November 2026 · based on 2,237 owner complaints and 12 recalls
1,163 2.1x the Explorer average
12 free to fix at a dealer
Every Explorer year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known problems on the 2013 Explorer
Top problems and what they cost
Power steering failure
The electric power steering can fail suddenly, making the wheel very heavy or locked. Recall 14V286 covers some trucks.
Fix: Recall free; a steering rack otherwise $1,500 to $2,500.
Steering
Exhaust fumes in the cabin
Owners smell exhaust when accelerating uphill or with the AC on. Ford released service fixes for sealing the body.
Fix: Sealing and software $200 to $600.
Body
Rear suspension toe link
Recall 19V435 covers a rear toe link that can fracture.
Fix: Free under recall.
Suspension
Recalls
A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.
If the interior door handle return spring is unseated, the door may unlatch in the event of a side impact crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist it will require extra steering effort at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Show all 12 recalls
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
If the child lock is deactivated, the door could be unlocked and opened from the inside which could lead to personal injury to an unrestrained child.
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2013 Ford Explorer
- Confirm every recall shows as repaired, especially steering (14V286) and rear suspension (19V435).A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2013 Explorer has 12 recalls on record, listed below.
- Drive uphill with the AC on recirculate and smell for exhaust.The A/C should blow cold the whole time on max. Warm air usually means a leak in the system, and replacing an evaporator or compressor can cost over $1,000.
- Turn the wheel at low speed and check for a steering warning.Turning the wheel fully both ways at low speed loads the steering hardest. Clicks, grinding or heavy spots point to a worn coupler, rack or power steering fault.836 of the 2,237 owner complaints about the 2013 Explorer involve the steering (37%).
- Test the backup camera; it can go black.Backup cameras are required safety equipment on newer cars. A camera that flickers or does not come on was the subject of several recalls.
Questions
Is the 2013 Ford Explorer reliable?
The Explorer year with the most problems. The 2013 Explorer has about twice the model's average complaints. The biggest danger is power steering that suddenly fails or locks, and many owners smelled exhaust fumes inside. Ford issued a long series of recalls. A 2018 or 2019 is a much safer choice.
How many recalls does the 2013 Ford Explorer have?
12 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2013 Ford Explorer problems?
Power steering failure; Exhaust fumes in the cabin; Rear suspension toe link.
Crash rating shown for the 2013 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.