Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Ford Explorer owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 - 12 MPH and turning and or veering to the right or the left, the steering wheel failed to redirect to center. The contact had to use an excessive amount of force to maneuver the steering wheel. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that most recently while pulling into a parking lot at approximately 5 MPH, the steering wheel became firm. The contact pulled into a parking space and the steering wheel seized with the "Service Power Steering Now" and "Lane Keeping System Malfunction Service Required," illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that due to the amount of sensors, the vehicle needed to be serviced by the dealer. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. …
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while it was raining, water was leaking into the vehicle through the front windshield. While making a turn, water entered the vehicle, and the front seat passenger became wet. The seat was damaged by the water. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact ordered a power window switch online. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the power steering became inoperable. The contact stated she was able to safely drive the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The contact turned off the vehicle and waited for several minutes before restarting the vehicle and driving to the residence. The vehicle was parked at the residence and failed to restart for four days. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 120,500.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse into a parking spot, the rearview camera was intermittently inoperative. The failure had occurred on several occasions. No warning lights were illuminated; however, the message "Contact the Dealer" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the rearview camera needed to be replaced. The dealer made the contact aware of an unknown NHTSA Campaign Number; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in a recall related to the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving, the speedometer failed to provide the vehicle's speed. Additionally, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the power steering assist message was displayed. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer to be inspected. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 106,796. It was later discovered that the mileage on the Title was 160,412; however, it was discovered that the mileage was 203,912.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Ford Explorer. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 136,000; at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 251,393. The contact also reported the odometer fraud to the local authorities.
Unknown what caused the issue but our vehicle erupted into flames in our driveway not 10 minutes after we pulled in. No warnings, no indication anything was wrong. We smelled smoke and went outside to find the hood completely engulfed. It took fire department to extinguish it. They're not certain of cause yet but said likely an electrical short
As stated in the 2 of the articles in this year make and model range 2013-2018 Ford explorer. The car has been up to date with maintenance, after a couple thousand miles after the oil changed was. I then took the car to a mechanic shop and was told the water pump and thermostat were failing. I stopped driving the car and decided to take it to a ford dealer. After visiting Palmetto Ford in Miami. I was told the car did not have an open recall for this vin and they did not cover it. It is evident that the problem has been present in many ford explorers in this year and has been a safety concern since the car overheats while on the road. …
This is a 2013 Ford Explorer experiencing the exact catastrophic power steering failure described in Recall 14S06 / 15S18. The rack has failed twice, creating an immediate crash hazard. The current recall parameters are inadequate as they exclude my VIN despite identical component failure. Not only is this an immediate crash hazard, it is difficult to find any mechanic or dealership to remedy this problem because it is a major part with heavy labor. I have been sidelined and quoted high repair fees for a repair that should be covered as Ford admitted to the design flaws in the electrical steering, however restricting who actually gets protection from it. I feel this is reckless and greedy of Ford to do this. …
Electrical complaints in other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2013 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA has 163 complaints about the electrical system of the 2013 Ford Explorer, 7% of the model year's 2,237 complaints. The component named most often is instrument panel › speedometer/odometer (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Ford Explorer electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2013 Ford Explorer, though it has 11 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2013 Ford Explorer electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 57,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 3 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.