2013 Ford Explorer Report
Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.
Overall Score
Key Takeaways
- Steering System: The most prevalent issue, with a high volume of complaints and a critical recall for Electric Power Assist System (EPAS) failure. Inspect for stiffness, noise, or warning lights.
- Fuel System: Multiple recalls address potential fuel leaks and tank integrity, indicating a persistent concern. Check for any fuel odors.
- Exhaust Fume Ingress: Owners report exhaust fumes entering the cabin, a potential health risk. Ensure the exhaust system is sound.
- Rear Suspension: Recalls related to rear suspension toe links suggest potential long-term wear or design issues. Inspect for damage or wear.
2013 Ford Explorer
The 2013 Ford Explorer offers a comfortable ride and a 5-star overall safety rating, making it an appealing option for families. However, used car shoppers should be aware of its below-average reliability. With 15 recalls and over 2,700 complaints logged with NHTSA, potential buyers need to be vigilant. The most frequently reported issues revolve around the steering system, with a significant number of owners experiencing loss of power assist. Other common complaints include engine and structural concerns. Given the high number of recalls, potential repair costs for lingering issues should be factored into ownership.
Critical Failure Risk
Loss of power steering assist, steering wheel becoming difficult to turn, or the steering wheel locking up. This is a critical safety concern and has been the subject of recalls.
Early detection can help you avoid a $1,200-$2,500 repair.
Safety & Bulletins
Owner Complaints
Performance & Efficiency
Reliability
Practicality
The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption.
Who This Car Is For
Best for
Buyers prioritizing safety ratings and a comfortable ride over long-term mechanical certainty.
+2 more buyer-fit notes in the full report
Avoid if
Drivers seeking a trouble-free ownership experience with minimal repair surprises.
+2 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report
2013 Ford Explorer Reliability Analysis
Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2013 Ford Explorer.
Vehicle Specs
- Fuel Type
- Regular
- Transmission
- Automatic (S6)
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Body Style
- Suv
- EPA Combined MPG
- 18
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Most Common Issues
1. Steering
Most reportedUsage: 793 reports
2. ENGINE
Usage: 223 reports
First Service Interval
- Oil Change (Parts: Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation
Est. shop cost: N/A
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Full FAQ
Is the 2013 Ford Explorer reliable?
The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2013 Ford Explorer is 4.0/10. Reliability score is 4.0/10. NHTSA recalls: 15. Owner complaints: 2,722.
How practical is the 2013 Ford Explorer for daily use?
Practicality score is 5.0/10. The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption. EPA combined economy is 18 MPG.
What is the overall score for the 2013 Ford Explorer?
The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2013 Ford Explorer is 5.7/10. Overall score is 5.7/10 (Mixed). Confidence 82%. Maintenance 7.8/10. Tuning 2.0/10. Practicality 5.0/10.
What does it cost to own and maintain a 2013 Ford Explorer?
Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change (Parts: Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation at 5,000 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $814. Repair prediction highlight: Steering Rack and EPAS System (typical at 75,000 miles, estimated cost Min: $1200 • Max: $2500).
What engine is in the 2013 Ford Explorer?
Engine specs list 6 • 3.5.
What transmission does the 2013 Ford Explorer use?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2013 Ford Explorer, transmission is Automatic (S6). The paired drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive.
What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2013 Ford Explorer?
EPA combined estimate is 18 MPG.
What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2013 Ford Explorer?
1 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
What body style is the 2013 Ford Explorer?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2013 Ford Explorer, body style is suv.
What drivetrain does the 2013 Ford Explorer use?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2013 Ford Explorer, drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic (S6).
What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2013 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA ratings: Overall 5/5 • Frontal 5/5 • Side 5/5 • Rollover 4/5.
Is the 2013 Ford Explorer good for tuning?
Tuning potential is rated 2/10. The 2013 Ford Explorer is a capable SUV designed for general use, not performance tuning. With a 3.
What are the most common steering problems on the 2013 Ford Explorer?
Top complaint category: steering (793 reports, 29.1% of complaints).
Are there open safety recalls on the 2013 Ford Explorer?
This model year has 15 official safety campaigns listed.