10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
11 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
4 / 0
Average Mileage:
79,005 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.

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #139

Jan 252018

Explorer

  • 130,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. When the contact started the vehicle, the power steering warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle had to be turned off to reset the warning indicator. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (park rapids Ford, 1205 park ave S, park rapids, mn 56470) where it was diagnosed that the power steering assist failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 14V286000 (steering), but the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

- Menahga, MN, USA

problem #138

Jan 112018

Explorer

  • 68,000 miles
Deadly consequence involving power steering in Ford Explorer. This is a "known issue" that Ford continues to have issues with. The steering goes out unexpectedly, makes awful noises and makes it hard to turn. Ford had a recall on this but many folks continue to have issues with power steering going out which could lead to serious events and/or tragedy on highways. Ford customer service is trained to tell customers that its their responsibility to pay the $2,000 to fix it. I am fully capable and ok with paying for car repairs from wear and tear but I dont think power steering going out in thousands of cars, many with miles well below 60,000 should have this problem! Ford keeps having to upgrade their systems and software because this part is problematic. At least they could offer to pay for the part or labor but it is easier for them to have the NHTSA force them to do it than to do it voluntarily. Thus, their customers are left holding the bag. Disappointing.

- Wildwood, MO, USA

problem #137

Jan 222018

Explorer

  • 89,000 miles
Electric assist steering has started to fail. This causes periodic, sudden loss of steering assist. Without assist, the steering in very difficult to manage and represents a safety issue. There is a recall, but Ford claims all problems associated with the recall were fixed a few months prior to our build date. Apparently not. Now they want 10% of the value of the car for repair.

- Roswell, GA, USA

problem #136

Jan 202018

Explorer

  • 125,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. While driving 35 mph, the steering column required excessive effort to operate normally and the power steering assist fault warning indicator illuminated. Barton Ford (1600 N main St, suffolk, va) diagnosed that the power steering rack failed. The dealer stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V286000(steering) due to the manufactured date of the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

- Smithfield, VA, USA

problem #135

Jan 012018

Explorer

  • 101,000 miles
After normal startup of the vehicle, power steering assist fault and service advance trac messages appeared on the info center on the left of the instrument cluster. Traction control light and traction control off light were both illuminated. The vehicle had no power steering. It was very difficult to steer however the parking lot was snow covered making it somewhat easier. Driver was very strong and athletically fit so the driver was able to maneuver it the 8 miles to their residence. Called the dealer, dealer stated there was a recall for this issue but my vehicle build date was not within the range of the recall build dates, so no assistance was offered in terms of a recall. Dealer furthermore made the repairs to the vehicle with a genuine Ford part purchased by the owner, but installed by the dealer service center.

- Odell, IL, USA

problem #134

Jan 152018

Explorer

  • 79,000 miles
Power steering to this vehicle suddenly stopped. Dashboard lit up with a car and squiggly line signal, indicating "service advance track". problem is, if I were driving any faster, I clearly would have been in an accident! thankfully, I just pulled onto my street so my mph was 10. Additionally, I had the vehicle towed to midas (my local servicer), only to receive a call that my vehicle could only be serviced by Ford dealer due to it being the "electric power steering". I contacted my local Ford servicer, who countered me with a $110 just look at my vehicle fee, which will then be added to what ever god knows what they are going to charge me fee. If this matter is electrical in nature, Ford definitely have some explaining to do.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #133

Jan 122018

Explorer

  • miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the eps failed to function without warning and caused the steering wheel to tighten and become difficult to turn in either direction. Three dealers (belk Ford, (800) 696-4661), (hallmark Ford, (662) 563-7684), and (metro Ford, (662) 841-1000) were called and stated that the vehicle was excluded from a manufacturer recall for the eps. The manufacturer also indicated that the vehicle was excluded from the eps recall and provided no solution. The contact was expected to take the vehicle to a dealer for diagnostic testing and repair. The failure mileage was not available.

- Oxford, MS, USA

problem #132

Jan 102018

Explorer

  • 117,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. While driving at low speeds, the steering wheel jerked and became difficult to maneuver. The advancetrac warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an auto center where it was diagnosed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called future Ford of sacramento at (916) 547-2285 (4625 madison ave, sacramento, ca 95841) where it was confirmed that no recalls were associated with the VIN. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 14V286000 (steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 117,000.

- Lincoln, CA, USA

problem #131

Dec 192017

Explorer

  • 97,000 miles
Power steering randomly goes out locking steering wheel. Has happened several times in the past year, each time has been when I've started the SUV and attempted to turn the steering wheel, it locks and displays indication light. Turning off the vehicle and restarting allows it to work properly again. Last time in Dec. 2017 it locked as I was backing up. Usually has only occurred while vehicle is parked and I haven't already been in motion.

- Montgomery, AL, USA

problem #130

Dec 292017

Explorer

  • 93,000 miles
After turning on my 2013 Ford Explorer after being stationary the power steering assist fault warning light came on making the car hard to steer. After bringing it to my local Ford dealer, they informed me that my vehicle was not under the specific recall as the other 2013 Ford Explorer from 2014, although it is experiencing the same issue.

- International Falls, MN, USA

problem #129

Nov 242017

Explorer

  • 59,000 miles
Power steering went out several times while driving vehicle. All incidences happened while the vehicle was in motion. First went out while in reverse in Nov of 2017. Could not steer car. Brakes applied to prevent hitting a stationary obstacle. Was in a parking lot. Turned off. Power steering once again resumed. Later date of December 2017 vehicle lost steering in two more incidents. Brake before hitting other vehicles prevented crash. Afraid to drive vehicle, using another. Vehicle has approximately 59K miles. Took vehicle to Ford dealership for inspection. Inspection shows power steering assist failure. Recommended to report to Ford. Vehicle needs power steering gear assembly. 2012 recall shows the same hazardous issue. January 2018 submitted claim to Ford. Dealership ordering steering gear assembly. Contacted Ford to assist with financial end of claim. Ford recalled 2011-2012 vehicles with same problem. Request assistance with repair and financial aspect. Owner afraid to drive vehicle, feels that it could go out at any time. Going in to victor Ford for the repair will save receipts for further Ford investigation and recall.

- Hanover Park, IL, USA

problem #128

May 152017

Explorer 6-cyl

  • 60,000 miles
On two separate occasions while in park...thank goodness.. my steering wheel locked up where I could not turn the wheel right or left, or just slightly because the steering wheel was to hard to turn. The third occasion was while driving, vehicle in motion, and all of a sudden the steering locked up again...luckily I was able to pull over and restart the vehicle and that seem to fix the issue. To me this issue seems to be a manufacture defect and not a simply wear and tear of the vehicle. I will be getting this issue fixed soon, as not to cause an accident, however I strongly recommend this issue be look into for the most important reason our safety, but I also don't think that we the consumer should be paying for faulty products because something with the manufacture was not done right or was not inspected further. First incident happen around may of 2017 to current. The consumer requested an explanation as to why the vehicle was not included in the recall.

- Peoria, AZ, USA

problem #127

Dec 272017

Explorer

  • 31,741 miles
On Dec 27, 2017, I started my car & received the power steering assist fault message on my dashboard & was unable to move my car. I was parked in my work parking lot. I had my car towed to lithia Ford in grand forks, nd & was told by my Ford service department the power steering control module was faulty and needed to be replaced. They stated it is part of the steering column and the steering column would not work without replacing the pscm. My Ford protect warranty did not cover the issue and my 2013 Ford Explorer falls outside of the manufacturing dates of the recall 14S06 (14V286000 steering: Electric power assist system), as told to me by Ford Motor Company. I have tried, along with the service manager at lithia Ford, to get Ford Motor Company to get my car included in this recall as it experienced the same issue. As of Jan 4, 2018, Ford Motor Company stated they can't help me since I already got by car fixed.

- Grand Forks, ND, USA

problem #126

Dec 152017

Explorer

  • 66,000 miles
Power steering assist fault! Ford has recalled some of these for this reason but refuse to accept mine in their recall. It makes it virtually impossible to steer when it fails.luckily I was in a department store parking lot. I have a 2013 with 66,000 miles on it.

- Roy, UT, USA

problem #125

Nov 142017

Explorer

  • miles
Steering rack failed. Signaled power steering warning light, advance trac fail, reverse camera on while going forward. Took to Ford dealer who said steering rack needs replaced for $1935.26 plus tax.

- Thornville, OH, USA

problem #124

Nov 092017

Explorer

  • 69,000 miles
With no warning at all, our power steering completely went out while driving the vehicle. This is similar to the recall of other 2013 Ford Explorer for the identical issue of sudden loss of power steering. Our vehicle does not fall under the recall according to Ford however this is a huge safety issue for power steering to go out with no warning or indication.

- Evans, GA, USA

problem #123

May 092017

Explorer

  • 80,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. While the vehicle was in reverse, it experienced a loss of steering function and required excessive force to turn. The power steering fault warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local bergstrom Ford of oshkosh dealer (3355 jackson St, oshkosh, wi) where it was diagnosed that the power steering rack assembly was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided case number: Cas 13488512. The contact was denied assistance for the repair because the VIN was excluded from NHTSA campaign number: 14V286000 (steering). The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

- Oshkosh, WI, USA

problem #122

Sep 022017

Explorer

  • 75,000 miles
Vehicle power steering randomly goes out. Ford has open recall on very issue having with vehicle. Recall includes my vehicle model, make and year. Local dealership confirmed issue is same as recall issue. Ford states VIN is not included on recall so refuses to fix. Filed case number with Ford explaining such but still refuse to fix under recall.

- Oshkosh, WI, USA

problem #121

Nov 022017

Explorer

  • 75,000 miles
The power steering warning light would come on when starting and first backing up. Would turn car off and it would reset. The other day it did it again but this time did not reset. Towed to dealer and said I need new steering gear. Saw a recall for exact same problem in 2013 Explorer but since my car was manufactured in 12/12 and not 2/12 it was not under recall and repair is coming out of my pocket. It was even built in same plant as cars affected by recall.

- Spring, TX, USA

problem #120

Oct 242017

Explorer

  • 148,864 miles
Power steering assist fault, power steering failed when started in motion from parked. Twice Oct 17 2017 and Oct 23 2017 both times shut car off, then restarted everything worked normal. Took car to planet Ford spring Texas, Oct 24,25,26,27.dealer replaced steering gear cost, $1734.12. Ford has had steering problems 2010 to 2015. Contacted Ford, no recall for my VIN number. Ford case number case number cas13412020.

- The Woodlands, TX, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »