2013 FORD EXPLORER Complaints

The rear subframe fractured while driving nearly causing a wreck. The rear of the vehicle jerked violently to the right. If this had been on the highway I believe it would have cost the car to spin out. At the dealership it was found that the rear subframe was rusted out where the recalled to link attached. I tried to get part from the dealership but they said it was already disposed of i do have several pictures of the rusted frame. There were no symptoms until it broke.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, with the "Power Steering Assist Fault" message displayed. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, which corrected the failure. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 145,178.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, and the "Service Power Steering Now" and "Service Advancetrac" messages were displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was unknown.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the power steering failed to operate as needed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had become a recurring failure. The contact also stated that when the Lane Departure: Lane Keep: Automatic Steering was engaged, the function independently disengaged, and the vehicle was drifting out of the lane. The contact pulled over and turned off and restarted the vehicle and the functionality returned. Additionally, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was notified of a failure with the rear suspension related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension) rear toe link. The contact related the steering failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 214,000.

Started car and Power Steering Assist Fail message came on, put car in drive and tried to turn steering wheel and had no power steering. Shut down car and restarted. The message did not show up this time, put car in drive and had power steering. This message has shown up in the past, approximately 10 to 12 times, but this is the first time we’ve had a loss of power steering. It appears Ford has had a recall for this issue already (Recall #14S06) with a limited number of vehicles. Obviously, this is a problem with farther reaching ramifications that Ford should be required to do something about at their expense. If I had lost power while driving down the highway, I could have been involved in a wreck injuring myself and/or others. Please look into this. Thank you.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 20 MPH, the power steering seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

The front windshield trim starting flapping and hitting my side window and windshield while driving approximately 65 miles an hour. At first I had no idea what the loud noise was. Something was in my eye sight hitting my window and windshield. I did not know what was happening, it was very startling and scary! I was in traffic. I pulled over as soon as I could, trying to avoid getting hit by other vehicles. When I was able to get out, I saw the trim had come loose. I taped it so I could continue on my trip. It is very frightening and unsafe while in traffic. The other side of the windshield trim is now coming out. I fear that the windshield is not secure. A couple of months ago, I received a letter about this problem in the mail. We made an appt. with Ford dealer to get it fixed. I had to cancel that appt. due to an emergency. I contacted the dealer last week and said I could now bring the Explorer in to get it fixed. I was told that there has never been a recall or any letters addressing this problem sent out to owners. I DID receive a letter several months ago, my husband took the letter to Ford when he scheduled the original appt. and the dealer kept it as reference! Now I am told that a letter about this windshield trim has never existed! I will take my Explorer to a dealer and get it repaired, letter or no letter. I feel like Ford is not being totally honest with me about an unsafe problem.

Sudden loss of power steering and traction control components at high velocity. Loss of steering put me and other at risk by not being able to control the vehicle.

The trim on the front windshield blows off constantly at highway speeds. I’ve had this car for a little over a year now and we’ve already replaced it four different times. Every time, it stays on about a month before it detaches and blows off again. The last time, it just barely missed the car behind me. I haven’t replaced it since then because I am terrified the next time it happens, a motorcyclist will be behind me and it could hit them and cause a fatal accident. This is a SERIOUS issue that needs addressed! I should not be scared to drive my car over 45 MPH for fear of causing a serious accident! On top of that, not replacing it means it now leaks into my car when it rains. I love my explorer but the trim on it is absolute garbage..

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while turning out the driveway, there was a grinding sound coming from the vehicle. The steering wheel became firm with the power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was 181,324.