Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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 10 mph, the vehicle lost power steering functionality while driving. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and regained normal steering functionality. The failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed that the battery, alternator, and transmission needed to be replaced. The battery and alternator were replaced. The dealer also performed three recall repairs for the door, rear toe link, and exhaust. and the battery and alternator were replaced. The failure recurred and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for transmission repair. The vehicle remained at the mechanic's. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The failure mileage was 200,000.
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.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure but did not diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who added transmission fluid and determined that the transmission 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 approximately 65,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the PTU. The contact was also informed that the rear differential needed to be refilled. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 93,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the message stating that the engine was overheating was displayed. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the road, where the vehicle shutoff. The contact was able to restart the vehicle, but had the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the water pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 170,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while shifting into the park position, the "change to parking mode" warning message was displayed. The vehicle failed to detect that the vehicle was in the park gear. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was advised to call the manufacturer. A local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 102,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the engine shut off inadvertently. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The power train warning light was illuminated. There was no further information provided. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound. Upon inspection underneath the vehicle, the contact noticed that the link shaft bracket and CV axle had broken in half. Additionally, the vehicle rolled away while the gear shifter was in park(P). The contact activated the parking brake to stop the vehicle from rolling away. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V692000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was unknown. …
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. …
When Driving I started noticing that my steering wheel what getting harder to turn and it felt like it was lagging control. I could still turn and maneuver the steering wheel but the control overall was defiantly not safe. I stopped in at our mechanic and they test drove it. He stated that yes something was definably wrong with the steering system and he said it was hopefully the u-joint for control arm. We made any appointment for the next following week. I drove my explorer with extreme caution and the steering issue just got worse. I noticed that I now have a griding noise coming from my steering when I turn. This is a safety issue because it just going to seize up and I will not have any control over my vehicle. When I did finally did get my explorer into the mechanic the next following week he stated that I needed a new rack and pinion. I only have 140000 miles on my explorer. …
Transmission complaints in other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2013 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA has 119 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2013 Ford Explorer, 5% of the model year's 2,237 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Ford Explorer transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 9 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury and 1 death to transmission & drivetrain 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.