The Lemon Index2013 Ford Explorer.
The 2013 Ford Explorer is worse than average by owner complaints: 421 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 195, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 12 recalls, and it gets 18 to 23 mpg combined. The best Ford Explorer year is 2008.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
Fixes owners look up most.
From 100 YouTube videos about the 2011–2019 Ford Explorer, 25.8M views. The 2013 is the same generation.
- Cooling system1.2M views
How to change a water pump in Ford V6 3.5 & 3.7-liter engines 2012-19 Explorer, Taurus, Edge & moreC.L.S. ALL-IN-ONE · 1.2M views - Windows, doors & mirrors669K views
2011 - 2019 Ford Explorer Water In The Floors and Here is Why - Sunroof Drain CleaningFord Boss Me - Auto / Politics / Family · 148K views · 6 videos - Intake, EGR & engine sensors668K views
2019 ford explorer tire pressure sensor reset procedureGearhead slick · 277K views · 5 videos - Steering & suspension485K views
How to Replace Front Lower Control Arm Bushing 2011-2019 Ford ExplorerTRQ · 168K views · 4 videos
Show 4 more
- Infotainment, battery & electrical416K views
Ford Explorer - A/C COMPRESSOR FUSE & RELAY LOCATION (2011 - 2015)QuiteAlright · 131K views · 4 videos - Heat, A/C & blend door390K views
2011 - 2019 Ford Explorer Cabin Air filter - How To Change Remove Replace - A/C AC Filter LocationPYR Automotive · 390K views - Death wobble & steering371K views
2013-2015 Ford Explorer. Hard electronic power steering/Electronic failure module/motorKilmar Grease Monkey · 259K views · 2 videos - Gauges, lights & wiring361K views
2011-2015 Ford Explorer Headlight Bulb Replacement & How to Replace Head Light Bulbs XLT XLS LimitedWorkingWithWimberley · 240K views · 2 videos
Before you buy, watch
Top 5 Problems Ford Explorer SUV 5th Generation 2011-20191A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics Know · 1.3M views
Common problems with the Ford Explorer from 2011 to 2015.El papá de los autos · 304K views
Top 5 Problems with the FORD EXPLORER | 5th Generation 2011 - 2019Alex The Car Doctor · 288K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them.
How serious. Out of 2,237 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Ford Explorer year. 2013 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 45K to 112K miles on the car (1,531 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- steering complaints mostly came at 70K–127K miles
- body structure complaints mostly came at 44K–115K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 23K–85K miles
Recalls 12
- body structure 2024
The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
- suspension 2021
These vehicles may be equipped with a cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) replacement part that could seize, and result in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.
- suspension 2021
Exposure to road salt can cause the cross-axis ball joint to corrode and seize, resulting in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.
Show all 12 recalls
- suspension 2021
The outboard section of a rear suspension toe link may fracture.
- suspension 2019
The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
- wheels 2017
These bearings assemblies were manufactured without a self retention feature, possibly resulting in the separation of the wheel or wheel end.
- fuel system, gasoline 2015
In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may crack, allowing fuel to leak.
- body structure 2015
In the affected vehicles, the interior door handle return spring may unseat, resulting in interior door handle that does not return to the fully stowed position after actuation.
- steering 2014
The affected vehicles may experience an intermittent connection in the electric power steering gear, which can cause a loss of the motor position sensor signal resulting in a shut down of the power steering assist.
- latches/locks/linkages 2013
In the affected vehicles, with sufficient door openings and closings, the child safety locks may change from an activated position to a deactivated position without notice.
- fuel system, gasoline 2013
In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may develop a crack, allowing fuel to leak.
- fuel system, gasoline 2013
In the affected vehicles, the fuel tanks may have a marginally sealed seam in the side of the tank.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Ford told dealers about
Ford sent dealers 139 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Lincoln/ford: due to seal and/or bushing wearing caused by halfshaft surface finish, on some…
- Ford/lincoln: due to wear on case bushing, some vehicles will have a fluid leak from the half…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedWindshield trim molding item detachment2023–2024
- ClosedExhaust odor in passenger cab2017–2023
- ClosedFord explorer exhaust odor2016–2017
- ClosedFront brake hose failure2015–2018
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2800–3550 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
Exhaust smell in cabin during heavy loads on engine. I have had the tsb completed by Ford and still have this problem.
2013 Ford Explorer owner · NHTSA complaint 10895109
More owner reports
Power steering failure while backing up and driving. Turning vehicle off and on causes power steering to work. Very hard to steer, not safe to drive... Dealer is putting a hole new power steering unit in...
NHTSA complaint 10482910
Was driving and the steering wheel became really hard to turn and then on my screen of my truck a warning pop up saying ( power steering assist fault) so now my steering is very hard to turn
NHTSA complaint 10836541
Quick answers
Is the 2013 Ford Explorer reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.9× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 195; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Ford Explorer year by this measure since 2010 is 2024.
What are the most common 2013 Ford Explorer problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (19%), steering (18%) and body structure (16%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2013 Ford Explorer have?
12 safety recalls (latest: body structure). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Ford Explorer get?
18 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2013 Ford Explorer safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2013 Ford Explorer problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 45,300 and 112,000 miles. The middle report was at 76,400 miles, from 1,531 complaints.
Does the 2013 Ford Explorer have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2013 Ford Explorer cost in fuel a year?
About $2800 to $3550 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2013 Ford Explorer have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
What Ford Explorer year is better than the 2013?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2019, 2018 and 2010.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works