general problems of the 2013 Ford Explorer - part 1

I was leaving the store pulled out on a main road in town about to head on the highway. My steering wheel locked and would hardly move with all my strength and the help of my significant other we pulled back into the store parking lot rarely missing hitting several vehicles in the process. I had my children with me at the time in this vehicle as well. The power steering assist fault message popped up. I had the vehicle towed to Ford groves and after a diagnostic test was ran I was told it was my steering gear and the entire steering column needed to be replaced. The second opinion I got said it was the rack and pinion needing to be replaced. After doing research I found other reports of other 2013 Ford Explorer owners having wrecks due to this some with the same edition as myself (limited). There are recalls for the steering on 2013 Ford Explorer but not the limited. I need my edition to be added because this is clearly happening here as well. This was very dangerous when I explained to the dealership about the recalls they told me this was not accurate and was the wrong information. This was random and happened out of no where my vehicle was fine prior to this. Yes the vehicle is available upon request for inspection.

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 recall repair, the rear driver's side tire had a blowout, causing the vehicle to swerve and to drift into another lane. The contact stated that there was no oncoming traffic during the failure. The driver was able to pull over to the right side of the road. The contact then met his son on the side of the road, and the contact replaced the rear driver's side tire with the spare tire. The contact then drove to the residence and inspected the tire. The contact noticed that the inner side edge of both rear tires were prematurely worn. The contact related the failure to the recall repair. The dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Landmark Ford, inc. (2401 prairie crossing dr, springfield, IL 62711); was contacted and the contact was informed that the previous dealer did not complete the alignment during the recall repair, causing the premature wear of the tires. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 248,995.

When driving I started noticing that my steering wheel what getting harder to turn and it felt like it was lagging control. I could still turn and maneuver the steering wheel but the control overall was defiantly not safe. I stopped in at our mechanic and they test drove it. He stated that yes something was definably wrong with the steering system and he said it was hopefully the u-joint for control arm. We made any appointment for the next following week. I drove my Explorer with extreme caution and the steering issue just got worse. I noticed that I now have a griding noise coming from my steering when I turn. This is a safety issue because it just going to seize up and I will not have any control over my vehicle. When I did finally did get my Explorer into the mechanic the next following week he stated that I needed a new rack and pinion. I only have 140000 miles on my Explorer. The cost was astronomical!!! $1700 for the rack and pinon $600 in labor and a wheel alignment. And don't forget tax. That was a shocker!! I cant afford that kind of out of pocket expense. My vehicle VIN does not fall into the recalled safety notice however this seems to be a big issues with the 2013 Ford explores. My safely overall is the main issued!! I expect Ford to follow through in how they manufacture its vehicles and maintenance products. Please include all Explorers in the recall!!!!.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21v537000 (suspension); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

See attached document for complaint.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford escape. The contact stated that the vehicle displayed a death wobble when accelerating at various speeds and emitted a clunking noise when accelerating from idle. The failure had become more persistent and pronounced over time. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who had not finalized their diagnosis yet. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 106,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to move. The contact pulled over and the steering wheel seized. The contact turned the vehicle off however, the steering wheel failed to regain proper functionality. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering wheel had failed due to a failure with the suspension. The contact was informed that the failure was related to an unknown recall for which the vehicle was previously included in. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired free of charge because the VIN was not currently included in any recalls. The contact was informed that the steering assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case for the failure. The manufacturer confirmed that the VIN was not covered under recall or warranty. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline to file a safety complaint. The failure mileage was 202,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated 6 months after installing new tires on the vehicle, the front tires were damaged. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was inspected, and the mechanic determined that the shocks, the control arms, and rack and pinion failures had caused damages to the tires. The mechanic informed the contact that the front tires, the shocks, the control arms, and the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in an unknown recall. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

My vehicle was purchased new from Ford dealer with factory tow option, which comes with an undercarriage cover with integrated air scoop to help cool engine & transmission while towing. This cover (Ford # bb5z-9910494-a) is designed with quarter tern thumb screws to hold it on to the undercarriage. While driving on highway, this part fell off and was not recovered. Now my vehicle is at risk of serious damage to either transmission or engine, or both in not having this key part. The weak design for fastening this metal part to the vehicle is a serious safety hazard, and Ford should provide a resigned replacement part through recall.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. Additionally, the steering wheel was loose while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the front axle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the transfer case had previously been replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 198,000.

I started to notice a slight “slipping” or “sliding” feeling when driving on wet roads or if I hit a pothole or man cover just right. Then while my kids and I were on vacation over christmas break, I hit a small wet spot on the road and began to fishtail. Luckily we avoided an accident. I was unable to drive over 20mph without feeling like I would lose control. When we had it checked by a mechanic we were told it the toe link on both rear tires were snapped, an issue Ford has recalled several times, as recently as 2020. We spoke with a Ford mechanic and were told my vehicle didn’t have any active recalls related, the toe link had been recalled previously but was supposedly fixed in 2019, just months before the most recent recall. As a result, we had to pay the almost $600 repair bill.

While driving in the rain the rear end was sliding thought I was going to lose control. It was also happening when driving on rough roads or bumps. Rear tires are also wearing out quickly.

Noise in the rear suspension.

The contact's father-in-law owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact's father-in-law received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20v675000 (suspension). The contact stated that while her father-in-law was driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear end of the vehicle was sliding. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rear toe link was fractured, the rear wheel knuckles were seized, and the rear passenger's side wheel bearing was loose; however, the dealer declined to perform the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to tow the vehicle to another dealer and file a complaint with the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

Power steering issues light came on right before it happened.

The rear subframe fractured while driving nearly causing a wreck. The rear of the vehicle jerked violently to the right. If this had been on the highway I believe it would have cost the car to spin out. At the dealership it was found that the rear subframe was rusted out where the recalled to link attached. I tried to get part from the dealership but they said it was already disposed of I do have several pictures of the rusted frame. There were no symptoms until it broke.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the ptu. The contact was also informed that the rear differential needed to be refilled. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 21v537000 (suspension), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 93,000.

The individual has a 2013 Ford Explorer with two active recalls for rear toe link fracture and reached out to alton blakely dealership in somerset, kentucky, to have it repaired. However, the dealership refused to repair the vehicle and directed the individual to find another dealership. The reason given was that in the past, they have conducted the repair and left the vehicle in worse shape than before, with the vehicle unable to be appropriately aligned, leading to uneven wear on the tires. The individual is looking to draft a complaint to the national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA) about the dealership's refusal to repair the vehicle, despite it being a recall repair.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while pulling out a parking lot, the vehicle lost power steering functionality with the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed. On another occasion, the contact stated while driving 30 mph, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the wheel hub needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14v286000 (steering) or 17e048000 (wheels, suspension). The failure mileage was 155,000.

This winter I began starting my vehicle and letting it warm up before driving it. After letting it run approximately 10 to 15 minutes, I opened my door and to get in and there was a very strong exhaust smell inside. I would have to roll my windows down to clear the cabin of the fumes. This happened every single time I would let it sit and warm up. There is also something happening with what I believe is my drive-train. There is a lot of different noises (squealing/whining, grinding (metal to metal), clanking and thumping) when I give it gas after sitting at a light. As soon as I step on the gas pedal it makes all the above noises and jerks, then acts like it doesn't want to go. It finally kicks in then goes. Once it kicks in, it drives just fine. The noise sounds like its coming from the undercarriage and sometimes the rear end. I am not driving the vehicle now, it is parked in my driveway, so I am currently without transportation. There is also a very loud popping noise coming from the front end. I was told this could be ball joints or possibly stabilizers.

No incidents steering makes loud noise.

Our Explorer has been riding extremely rough going down smooth highways and the slightest bump in the road make the car shake sideways as if it’s almost bending in half. Last week, we drove a couple miles down the road and stopped at walmart. After loading groceries up I started the car to leave and the steering wheel was harder than normal to move. I thought we might have had a low tire and we weren’t that far from home, however as we’re driving home, the dash notification screen lights up and says power steering assist fault. So I then let off the gas pedal attempting to try to slow down and this causes the steering wheel to completely tighten up, almost causing us to wreck as I can no longer move the steering wheel more than an inch in either direction while going down the highway. The only way I was able to get us home safely was stopping and going no more than 15 mph until we pulled into our driveway. I will not let my family get in the car until I know we’re all completely safe and out of harms way. The Ford dealership in ponchatoula said it will have to be towed there and the problem won’t go away until the faulty steering motor is fixed. We were told they’ve had plenty Explorers come in with the same problem as our year, make, model and engine. I’m 6’2 230lbs I should not have this much trouble trying to turn a steering wheel either driving or sitting still.

The contact owned a 2013 Ford escape and requested to be removed from the recall notification lists.

I bought this car 2020 an spoke to them about this popping noise when I turn my steering wheel, well the other I had it repair thinking it was struts an springs but to fine out it was the rack and pinion bushing they had to have this knowledge. Then my backup camera went out it's because there to large structural issues at each rear hang that seems to be body putty in so they act sold this car without a full inspection I don't think so it has structural damage at the time of me purchasing it.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated when the vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be inspected for a vibration and unknown noises, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was repaired for the check engine fault. The contact also stated while driving approximately 25 mph and making a left turn and occasionally while reversing the vehicle, the vehicle would vibrate abnormally. The contact related the failure to the suspension. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 163,000.

The contact owns a Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21v537000 (suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and the dealer had rescheduled the appointment twice. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

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. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21v537000 (suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact indicated that while driving over a bump in the roadway, there was a clunking sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not determined. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The failure mileage was 112,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 21v746000 (suspension) the vehicle experienced rear end stability issues causing the vehicle to fishtail while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 111,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 75 mph, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver and the front passenger’s side of the vehicle crashed into the shoulder lane wall. No warning lights were illuminated. The air bags had not deployed. No injuries were sustained; however, medical attention was sought. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the axle on the front passenger’s side wheel was cracked and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the engine mounts also needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.

I was driving this said Ford motor vehicle and suddenly the steering wheel became very stiff and difficult to steer and maneuver. Immediately a warning light appear on the dashboard stating power steering assist fault. This said Ford SUV experience a loss of power and require extra effort to steer the vehicle. This increases the risk of a vehicle crash and place my safety and the safety of other motorist and/or pedestrians at risk. I hope this concern can be addressed in a timely manner. Thanks in advance.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, the passenger’s side rear wheel detached from the rear suspension causing a loss of steering control. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with the rear lateral links needing to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 20v675000 (suspension). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 74,540.

There was a recall for the toe joints so I took it to omeara Ford in northglenn colorado to get it fixed and when I got the car back I noticed it shook really bad when you step on the break no matter what speed. I took it to my local mechanic because I thought it was possibly my alignment. They stated per the recall an alignment should've been completed to complete the recall and advised I take it back to Ford. When I took it back to Ford, they stated a complete alignment wasn't completed and wasn't nesseccary only a partial was done and wanted to charge me to look at the vehicle again. I have kids and quite frankly it is scary to stop. I ended up taking it back to my local shop and had them do an alignment which it needed and I have documentation. However, it still shakes very bad and I believe this has to do with the recall not being completed correctly. This poses a risk to me and my children daily becuase I fear I am not going to be able to stop or my tires are going to fall off.

My suspension was damaged and my car froze and stalled during winter storm and caused my car to go to several shops and I spent lots money on repairs.

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 1815 w. Ogden Ave, downers grove, IL 60515-2615, who indicated that the rear suspension toe links were faulty and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the toe links had fractured while being tested at the dealer. The contact was later informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA campaign number: 20v675000 (suspension). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.