Three problems related to engine burning oil have been reported for the 2013 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2013 Ford Explorer based on all problems reported for the 2013 Explorer.
Burnt oil smell during acceleration or long trips. This is easily repeatable and happens every time.
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 a newborn and I am afraid to take it with me in the Explorer because I guess it is harmful for anybody. First time I bought a Ford and I am not happy about my decision to switch brands. I took to the dealership and need to go back on Monday to do a system update but I don't think updating the software it's going to solve the problem. I hope someone from Ford can read this and pay attention to us because it's not healthy to be driving inhaling harmful fumes.
The car has had consistent odor penetration into the passenger cabin since I bought it in October 2012. There is a sulfur-like or rotten-egg smell. . . Almost like natural gas. More recently I am also getting a separate odor of burning oil. The smell is most present when the car's windows are all up and the a/c system is on. The oil smell is also noticeable outside the vehicle. I am concerned that this could be related to the well-publicized issue with police versions of the Ford Explorer. I am also concerned that the fumes could be toxic and I am being exposed for long periods of time to potential carcinogens.