10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
9 / 0
Average Mileage:
38,114 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2013 Ford Explorer:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #222

Feb 202026

Explorer

  • miles
This is a complaint regarding the handling of safety recall 20S62 (also referenced as 20S32) by Ford Motors and the dealership that performed the recall repairs, Hallada Motors. The vehicle was taken by the previous owner to Hallada 3 separate times to address the same recall related to the rear suspension toe link/ball joint issue. Documentation indicates the most recent repair occurring in 2022. This recall specifically involves components connected to the rear suspension that, if not properly addressed, can lead to corrosion and structural damage affecting the frame. Based on the history of repeated recall repairs and the current condition of the vehicle, we believe that the repair approach taken was insufficient. By the time of the third recall service in 2022, the frame should have been thoroughly inspected and potentially replaced due to corrosion risk identified in the recall guidance. The vehicle is currently being inspected and serviced at Ewald Ford. Their technicians documented significant corrosion and unusual frame damage, which they photographed and submitted to Ford corporate while requesting that the recall case be reopened. Despite this documentation, Ford has refused to reopen the recall or authorize a frame replacement. Ewald Ford technicians noticed irregularities in the documentation from Hallada Motors. 2 separate entries list the mileage as exactly 87,600 miles and exactly 95,000 miles, both ending in multiple zeros. The technicians indicated this is unusual and raised concerns whether the recall work was properly completed. The vehicle now has severe frame corrosion and structural damage and is unsafe and unusable. We are without a vehicle and have incurred financial loss. We believe the current condition is the result of improper/incomplete recall repairs. We request a look at the recall repairs performed were completed in compliance & ford's refusal to reopen is consistent with safety obligations. Ford should be held accountable.

- Hartford, WI, USA

problem #221

Sep 222022

Explorer

  • miles
Both pilars flew off, right and left. There is a recall and i went to Ford in San Bruno and Fullerton, both were giving me the run around and supposedly in late 2024 parts were available and its now 2026 and i am still waiting for both to be replaced. I need this case to be expedited from Ford. Thank you

- San Francisco, CA, USA

problem #220

Jul 312023

Explorer

  • miles
My 2013 White Four door Ford Explorer incidents occurred twice on the highway. The end pieces of the front windshield came off while driving on Hwy. 70 in Durham/Raleigh NC and on hwy somewhere in Raleigh! There was a Sherriff behind me the first time. My concern is the wind noise in my vehicle while driving and safety of the windshield for safety inspection. Crossroads Ford in Wake Forest NC service told me that it can take up to 30-60 days to get the parts for my 2013 Ford. I am disabled and I need my vehicle to be safe for doctor visits. Can the new parts be expedited or no?

- Durham, NC, USA

problem #219

Aug 012024

Explorer

  • miles
I am writing to express concern about the ongoing delay in receiving the remedy for Ford recall 24V031 / 24S02 involving the 2011-?"2019 Ford Explorer (-??Exterior A-Pillar Trim May Detach-??). My vehicle, 2013 Ford Explorer (VIN: [XXX] ), was inspected by my local Ford dealer, who confirmed that the part is needed but still unavailable. I have been waiting for some time without any clear timeline or communication from Ford about when the repair can be completed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Livermore , CA, USA

problem #218

Oct 212025

Explorer

  • miles
Pillar molding driver side

- Shamokin, PA, USA

problem #217

Feb 182025

Explorer

  • miles
The A-Pillar trim pieces on both sides of the windshield began coming apart while driving on the highway, luckily, a piece did not impact other vehicles behind me. I went to the dealer and they removed both trim pieces several months ago and they have not followed up to install the new parts. They say they are not available. The first notification I received from Ford by mail is dated February 2024 (more than 1.5 years ago). The vehicle looks like crap and Ford is not fulfilling their obligation. Perhaps NHTSA can exert enough pressure to force them to accomplish the repairs. Are they waiting for someone to get hurt or die from flying trim debris before they act? Ford can and has to make the parts and make them available to address their flawed product. Thank you.

- North Haledon, NJ, USA

problem #216

Mar 072019

Explorer

  • miles
A-pillar trim part detached while I was driving. My dealer replaced the following parts at my expense BB5Z7803145AA BB5Z7803137BA. To date I have not been fully reimbursed for the repair by the dealership, Al Cioni Ford, Granville, Illinois.

- Hennepin, IL, USA

problem #215

Aug 072025

Explorer

  • miles
Why is it taking Ford years to fix body molding for a recall. It would appear they are not going to comply with the recall and hope they wait long enough they can age out the vehicles and there won-??t be any left. I don-??t understand why N.H.T.S.A is night having FORD comply with the recall.

- Brookline, MA, USA

problem #214

Jun 252025

Explorer

  • miles
Manufacturer Recall Number24S02 NHTSA Recall Number24V031 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Recall is over 15 months old and manufacture still hasn't developed a resolution.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #213

Feb 042024

Explorer

  • miles
The Ford company put a recall out over a year ago on parts that were defective for windshield paneling and weather proofing. They have no ETA on recall parts to fix the issue - it-??s been over 12 months and there are weather issues associated with the vehicle because of the missing parts. This is unacceptable.

- Clearwater, FL, USA

problem #212

Apr 032025

Explorer

  • miles
The passenger side door trim that goes alongside the window broke off while driving down the highway. This is a safety hazard for other drivers. The A Pillar trim did the same thing a few months ago which is under recall. Not sure why this trim would not also be under recall.

- Fishers, IN, USA

problem #211

Feb 242025

Explorer

  • miles
The exterior A-pillar trim part detached and hit another vehicle on the freeway. The dealership replaced the part and I paid for it. I received a recall notice January 2024 stating that Ford would replace the defect and or reimburse me for the previous replacement. In February 2025 the driver side A-pillar trim part detached while driving on the freeway. When I contacted my dealership at Kearny Pearson Ford they told me that they STILL did not have the parts as described in the Safety recall notice 24S02 / NHTSA recall 24V031. I am driving around with an open side along the windshield/body of my car and it does not feel safe.

- Santee, CA, USA

problem #210

Mar 062025

Explorer

  • miles
Bought the car 07/03/23 from private party and its been leaking water since. Found the cracks 02/28/25. Body is cracking on top rear roof of vehicle close to the rear hatch hinges on driver and passenger side which causes water to come inside the rear interior part of the vehicle. 3rd row seatbelts are soaking wet when it rains. Water also leaks in the trunk and spare tire space. Originally, thought it was from clogged sunroof drains, but found the cracks after further investigation. Pictures have been attached.

- Elkview , WV, USA

problem #209

Mar 022025

Explorer

  • miles
Water leaking from ceiling

- Byron, MN, USA

problem #208

Mar 012025

Explorer

  • miles
Ford issued a recall notice in Feb 2024 concerning the exterior A-pillar applique trim clip. This large piece of hard plastic separated from my windshield on an interstate while the vehicle was driving at a high rate of speed and the loose trim was a hazard to the vehicles behind me. It is unacceptable that I cannot have this replaced and the other side repaired more than one year after the recall. This is a safety issue to other vehicles on the road.

- Alexandria, VA, USA

problem #207

Jan 252025

Explorer

  • miles
Driving 65 mph. 4 passengers. Pillar trim came off and slammed into window. Caused us to veer into another lane almost hitting another vehicle. Passenger side did this in 2023. My husband had to order part and fix it. Right after fix, a recall was issued. Called 5 times in 2024 for recall fix. Was told parts not available. While going to Fort Lauderdale cruise port January 25, 2025, the Driver-??s side came off almost causing a crash collision that would have killed us all. Cannot get any shop to fix and was told to keep driving the vehicle. The rubber/part hanging from Explorer.

- Clermont, FL, USA

problem #206

Jul 182024

Explorer

  • miles
The A-Pillar to my vehicle flew off on the highway and hit another car.

- Spring, TX, USA

problem #205

Jul 152024

Explorer

  • miles
A-pillar trim recall. I took my car to dealer in July 2024. Ford has yet to produce parts for my vehicle. One trim piece detached after the recall inspection and flew off. Both sides should be replaced now. I have contacted Ford dealer and Ford customer service multiple times, they do not know when parts are going to be made. This is now January 2025 parts should have already been made and received.

- Scott City , MO, USA

problem #204

Feb 222024

Explorer

  • miles
See attached document for complaint

- Huntington, WV, USA

problem #203

Jul 242024

Explorer

  • miles
Right side windshield trim flew off while driving down the highway.

- Peoria, AZ, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »