10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
11 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
4 / 0
Average Mileage:
78,432 miles

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problem #788

Sep 022024

Explorer

  • 150,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH and coming to a stop at a red traffic light, the messages "Power Steering Failure" and "Service Advancetrac" were displayed. The contact was able to drive to the residence; however, the steering wheel was jerking slightly from left to right while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the mechanic determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The contact was referred to the dealer for assistance and was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. Additionally, the contact stated that the rearview camera was intermittently inoperable while reversing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

- Edmond, OK, USA

problem #787

Aug 102025

Explorer

  • miles
Power steering went out, could barely steer the vehicle

- Attalla, AL, USA

problem #786

Jul 102025

Explorer

  • 70,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The messages "Service Power Steering Now" and "Service Advancetrac" were displayed. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with an unknown communication error, and the mechanic determined that an unknown sensor needed to be reset. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to another mechanic, where it was diagnosed with the same failure. An unknown local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

- Dolgeville, NY, USA

problem #785

Jul 282025

Explorer

  • miles
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.

- Cheyenne, WY, USA

problem #784

Jul 132025

Explorer

  • 183,340 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and stalled. The power train warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, turned off, and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the steering gear rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 183,340.

- Mobile, AL, USA

problem #783

Jul 052025

Explorer

  • miles
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.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #782

Jul 182025

Explorer

  • miles
My power steering went out within 5 minutes of the "service power steering now" and the "lane keeping system malfunction service required" lights came on while I was driving on the interstate at 75 mph. When I turned off the explorer and turned it back on the power steering was completely gone. I checked on Ford's recall website and they show that there is a "Customer Service Program" for the Epas Steering Efforts and for "Rear toe link inspection replacement", nothing stating that these "Customer Service Programs" were restricted at 10 years or 150,000 miles anywhere online. When I call Ford to let them know that my VIN is showing that the electric power steering should be covered and asking about what can be done to get my broken down explorer to them and then I get told that my explorer doesn't qualify anymore. When I typed in my VIN it said my explorer qualifies, why would it show that if the program ended at 10 years which would have been 2023. This makes the owners of these Ford's believe that Ford will take care of their vehicles when there is a know safety issue but then that is not the case. I could've wrecked going 75 mph if I wouldn't have gotten off the interstate. This KNOWN issue for the 2013 Ford Explorers should be taken care of if they are still coming up under recalls on Ford's website when the VIN is entered.

- Guyton, GA, USA

problem #781

May 202025

Explorer

  • miles
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.

- Lacey, WA, USA

problem #780

Jun 282025

Explorer

  • 155,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the contact heard a grinding sound coming from the steering wheel. The contact stated that an independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering module and rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (STEERING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 155,000.

- Middleborough, MA, USA

problem #779

Jul 052025

Explorer

  • 93,572 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed. The contact was able to pull over to side of the road. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the power steering functionality became operable. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle the following day, the failure recurred, and the steering wheel locked up. The contact stated that the vehicle was undrivable. The messages "Power Steering Assist Fault" and "Service Power Steering" were displayed, and the traction control warning light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 93,572.

- Newburgh, NY, USA

problem #778

Jun 202025

Explorer

  • 191,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the steering wheel seized. The message "Check Power Steering" was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 191,000.

- West Orange, TX, USA

problem #777

Jun 172025

Explorer

  • 127,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the Power Steering Control Module. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 127,000.

- Halethorpe, MD, USA

problem #776

Jun 162025

Explorer

  • miles
Electronic Steering box is intermittent and sticking when turning left. Diagnosed with Steering gear replacement which has been recalled on other 2011-2013 Ford Explorers.

- Niota, TN, USA

problem #775

May 292025

Explorer

  • miles
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

- Haltom City, TX, USA

problem #774

Apr 282025

Explorer

  • 105,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at approximately 3 MPH and turning the steering wheel, the steering wheel seized. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the power steering function failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

- Lafayette, LA, USA

problem #773

Apr 092025

Explorer

  • miles
As I drive mostly during low speeds the steering wheel locks in a turned position for a split second. This happens as I am navigating through neighborhoods and can-??t turn the wheel too drastically. I could easily run into something or someone into me if I can-??t control the vehicle direction. Not sure if the mechanic noticed as the problem persists at random times. No warnings have been shown on the dash board for this problem yet. The problems started around the beginning of April 2025.

- Jonesboro, AR, USA

problem #772

Apr 212025

Explorer

  • miles
2013 Ford explorer lost steering while driving. Determined to be steering link. Incidentally also issue with toe link on rear. This were both recall issues in past

- Mercer, ME, USA

problem #771

Apr 192025

Explorer

  • miles
Steering rack, vehicle VIN is not listed under the 2013 Ford explorer recalls although vehicle is now having the issues related to the recall.

- Nichols, NY, USA

problem #770

Apr 112025

Explorer

  • miles
I have an electric power steering pump, it-??s not working at all. It-??s showing it-??s part of a recall but mine is just shy of the date. But I have spoken with many ford dealers and they have told me to report this to here, cause it should be a part of it as well. It-??s a very hefty expense to repair this. But no one should be driving one with power steering assist fault and traction control fault on dash. And cannot even turn the wheel. This is an accident waiting to happen.

- Crossville , TN, USA

problem #769

Oct 112024

Explorer

  • 104,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the steering wheel had became difficult to turn to the left or to the right, and there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the steering wheel, underneath the front end of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the struts and bushings had failed. The struts and bushings were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the steering rack had failed and needed to be replaced. The mechanic informed the contact that the vehicle was included in recall NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) and referred the contact to the dealer. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. No further information was available. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a safety complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.

- Republic, OH, USA

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