What 2,223 owners told NHTSA about the 2013 Ford Explorer Gas

The sync touch responsive interface for climate control fails. This failure causes the system to repeatedly respond without prompt continually causing the driver to continually attempt to disengage the system causing a significant safety hazard. The chip in the system for the effected buttons is the component that fails. There is no solution. Replacement or upgraded interfaces are not available and disconnection of the panels renders the climate control, radio/entertainment, navigation and all other systems relayed thru the touch screen completely inoperable which is unreasonable. This occurs at random while operating the vehicle with the error often occurring continuously or at very high frequency. Ford discontinued the sync touch panel control due to issues but has provided no solution for the safety hazard it has created.

NHTSA ODI 11746856

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Ford Explorer. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 136,000; at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 251,393. The contact also reported the odometer fraud to the local authorities.

NHTSA ODI 11734026

The rear reverse camera malfunctions and glitches. Often the screen turning green when reversing, sometimes screen is black or no color view and most times the camera if reversing to left or appear as to the right or vise versa and sometimes it’s normal but rarely. The control buttons for windows has a malfunction where it sometimes works and sometimes doesn’t. The seatbelts are not clicking and I have kids in the rear seats.

NHTSA ODI 11726948

While driving a 2013 Ford Explorer, the vehicle experienced an electrical issue that caused the power steering system to malfunction. The power steering assist suddenly failed, making the steering wheel extremely difficult to turn. The failure occurred suddenly and at the time of the incident the vehicle was traveling 2 miles and I parked it immediately.This created a serious safety hazard, especially when attempting to turn or maneuver the vehicle. A warning message stating “Power Steering Assist Fault” did appear on the dashboard .Prior to the failure, there were no warning signs. Due to the sudden loss of power steering assist, the driver’s ability to safely control the vehicle was significantly reduced, increasing the risk of a crash. The issue has not yet been inspected. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA ODI 11726189

Backup camera doesn't always work. It displays a black screen alot of times.

NHTSA ODI 11698304

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 discovered that the mileage on the Title was 160,412; however, it was discovered that the mileage was 203,912.

NHTSA ODI 11695743

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse into a parking spot, the rearview camera was intermittently inoperative. The failure had occurred on several occasions. No warning lights were illuminated; however, the message "Contact the Dealer" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the rearview camera needed to be replaced. The dealer made the contact aware of an unknown NHTSA Campaign Number; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in a recall related to the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA ODI 11694967

Backup camera failed and almost hit another car.

NHTSA ODI 11694740

Backup camera failed and almost hit another car.

NHTSA ODI 11694741

Power steering assist fault and service advance trac alerts came on in the dashboard when car was cranked up to drive. I was unable to turn the steering wheel easily and the vehicle was difficult to steer. My safety and the safety of others would be put at risk when attempting to drive the vehicle because the steering wheel locked up and was very difficult to turn. I happened to be at a Firestone service center at the time that this event took place. The technician was testing the battery and the alternator for me after a new battery was inserted into the vehicle. When the technician pulled the vehicle around for me to leave, I was unable to drive away due to the steering issues that had occurred. The vehicle has not been inspected by the others at this time. The warning lights came on just as I was about to drive away from the Firestone service center on 09/27/25. The technician notified me that Firestone was unable to repair those types of issues on my vehicle and the vehicle would need to be taken to a Ford dealership or mechanic of choice for further repairs.

NHTSA ODI 11694108

Finally they have a recall on the backup camera but my 2013 Explorer was not included. My camera is doing the same thing, inverted. Sometimes a black screen. Can I go and get mine fixed without paying and be included in the recall also.

NHTSA ODI 11687240

The electric power steering failed on my vehicle in 2022 while 12 hours from home. Had to drive 12 hours with no power steering. Some year models from the 2013 have been included in the recall but my Vin # was not so I had to pay out of pocket to have mine fixed. It went out again in 2023 and was fixed by a Ford dealer once again out of my pocket. The backup camera will constantly go out and reveal a contact dealer message. I have backed in to a pull behind trailer and edge of me barn before because the camera went out while backing up.

NHTSA ODI 11686761

An emission control alert appears when driving; seconds later, you have no control over the vehicle. The steering wheel locks up, and you can not turn while you are still driving. The risk is very high due to the car doesn't stop, and you can not move out of traffic due to no control over the vehicle. If this were to happen on the highway or during bad weather, this could cause death. This has happened a total of 3x and had to be towed 2x to the machines. July 28th 2025 and July 20th 2024 it was towed for this issue of no control of the vehical due to locked up.

NHTSA ODI 11676976

MY rear back up camera display does not work all the time. When I put my car in reverse and the rear camera displays the screen will go black and an error messages appears on the screen. This has been an issue since I purchased the car in 2021.

NHTSA ODI 11676348

I was driving to AZ from a CO vacation with my two kids in the car when the steering in my 2013 Ford Explorer locked up. I had exited the freeway and was on a 2 lane country blacktop. I approached some curves in the road and at that point noticed I had absolutely no steering whatsoever. I noticed warning lights came on around that same time. I started slowing down, as the road continued to curve I entered the oncoming traffic lane, went onto the shoulder, back into oncoming traffic lane, back into my lane and onto my shoulder before coming to a complete stop. I'm not sure how or why we are all OK/still alive. I had ZERO CONTROL OR STEERING ABILITY in my moving vehicle. We could have so easily been in an accident or killed. I myself, as a driver, am traumatized. The car was towed to the closest Ford dealer where I'm not getting much help. I've been told many 2013 Ford Explorers were recalled for steering issues, but unfortunately mine isn't included. They have also had the car for several weeks and have yet to completely figure out/repair the problem. When I called Ford Customer Service, they suggested I report it to you.

NHTSA ODI 11675188

I was driving the vehicle when all of a sudden I lost powersteering and the steering became impossible to control almost causing an accident.I then took the vehicle to the shop and was informed my rack and pinion had to be replaced. I replaced it eventhough there is a recall for this issue in the 2013 ford explorer but it does NOTcover my Vin which is frustrating. So then I'm leaving the mechanic shop and I'm almost home and I get a powersteering fault light and the powersteering goes stiff again.almost causing me to wreck again these are the same symptoms are in recall 14V286000 And i cannot figure out why my vehicle isnt part of the recall for the dangers that this issues causes.

NHTSA ODI 11674777

Driving vehicle along highway, two alerts came on from the computer. Power steering warning, System advancetrac warning. Could hardly steer the vehicle appropriately. My vehicle does not fit in the May 17, 2010, and February 28, 2012, recall as it was manufactured in 08/12 so I cannot fix this issue. The vehicle is unsafe for travel and is just 6 months after the recall making me believe it is apart of the affected vehcile

NHTSA ODI 11663839

The backup camera works for a couple seconds then goes to a all black screen

NHTSA ODI 11660315

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while it was raining, water was leaking into the vehicle through the front windshield. While making a turn, water entered the vehicle, and the front seat passenger became wet. The seat was damaged by the water. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact ordered a power window switch online. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11651277

Service advancetrac light came on while driving. Lost all propulsion and power steering. Almost went off road around a curve due to no power steering. Ford dealership diagnosed it as faulty steering sensor. Had that replaced about 18 months ago, now this near accident just happened. Service trac light traction control light are both on with no propulsion or power steering. I’ve been doing research on this and this seems to happen to a lot of ford owners as ford is the only manufacturer to produce vehicles with advancetrac system. How has this not been a recall yet?

NHTSA ODI 11643541

2011-2013 Ford Explorers have a issue with Rear Camera ground wires. Once the wire defaults the camera will not work and display ( contact ford dealer) Or the image with me flipped. Causing right side objected to be projected on left side. Ford does not have a remedy for this and new cameras installed only temporary work then same issues occurs due to wiring.

NHTSA ODI 11634311

For the past year, when I place the car in reverse the backup camera shows a reverse image. Items on the left appear on the camera as being on the right, and visa-versa. The first time it occurred I backed into a ditch. This occurs nine out of ten times. The hazard to pedestrians and chance of an accident is substantially increased. I contacted the local Ford dealer who showed no interest in my complaint, other that stating I would pay for the camera replacement, including labor. I noted that Ford Explorers were already recalled for rear camera problems. They stated that was for a different problem.

NHTSA ODI 11626576

Power steering I look it up and see a recall for my cars year but it’s not covering my car why ?? This is exactly what’s going on with my car my car has no power steering light on either when I turn it is hard ! Very unsafe as I have young children

NHTSA ODI 11626676

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 issues with this vehicle and I see I'm not the only one but yet I search my Vin and there are no recalls that's not right

NHTSA ODI 11622082

My vehicle a 2013 ford explorer has a power steering assist fault rendering my vehicle un usable which i just bought through carvana this last summer has had a multitude of issues including a piller trim flying off the same day I bought it and the warranty carvana gave me provided no where close to me to have repaired plus my backup camera stopped working within 2 months of buying it and now the power steering assist fault has ultimately stopped me from being able to drive the car and I see that ford stopped allowing the recal of this issue to be fixed since 177,000 vehicles are affected by this problem I just think this wrong

NHTSA ODI 11622114