Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
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 pulling out a parking lot, the vehicle lost power steering functionality with the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed. On another occasion, the contact stated while driving 30 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the wheel hub needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) or 17E048000 (Wheels, Suspension). The failure mileage was 155,000.
While driving a 2013 Ford Explorer, the vehicle experienced an electrical issue that caused the power steering system to malfunction. The power steering assist suddenly failed, making the steering wheel extremely difficult to turn. The failure occurred suddenly and at the time of the incident the vehicle was traveling 2 miles and I parked it immediately.This created a serious safety hazard, especially when attempting to turn or maneuver the vehicle. A warning message stating "Power Steering Assist Fault" did appear on the dashboard .Prior to the failure, there were no warning signs. Due to the sudden loss of power steering assist, the driver's ability to safely control the vehicle was significantly reduced, increasing the risk of a crash. The issue has not yet been inspected. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.
I took my car into Alpine Ford in Pueblo, Co to fix the recall for the toe links. They left my alignment extremely off. They refuse to fix it and no other shop in town can fix it. I've gotten multiple alignments done. A mechanic told me there was no fixing it unless Alpine redid with their tools or I replaced the toe links with adjustable toe links. Yes. It is available for inspection. There isn't a light that comes on. This causes a major safety concern. My alignment is off which causes the vehicle to not drive properly. I went through a brand new pair of tires in a year. Those tires got worn down to the wire, even with regular rotation and alignments done all year long. My tire could have blown at any time while I was driving.
The individual has a 2013 Ford Explorer with two active recalls for rear toe link fracture and reached out to Alton Blakely dealership in Somerset, Kentucky, to have it repaired. However, the dealership refused to repair the vehicle and directed the individual to find another dealership. The reason given was that in the past, they have conducted the repair and left the vehicle in worse shape than before, with the vehicle unable to be appropriately aligned, leading to uneven wear on the tires. The individual is looking to draft a complaint to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) about the dealership's refusal to repair the vehicle, despite it being a recall repair.
The POWER STEERING has failed. The steering is tight, cumbersome, difficult to manage. The vehicle had a recall for REAR TOW LINK for which it is in service center currently. Ford issued a recall for THE STEERING issue as well. However, allegedly, my car does not qualify for the recall. Please advise. The steering issue is dangerous. I have read that over 600,000 vehicles have been recalled for this issue. I live in Ohio which has the "highly corrosive SALT factor", which is a noted issue for this recall item.
2013 Ford Explorer: Power Steering service now red light came on as problem occured it did ding, but not in time for reaction. While driving the wheel will lock no matter how fast or slow you are going. Put myself, my children and husband in danger, as well as others. This has occurred now 4 times in the last month. It is being sent to dealership for a current Recall. No police or insurance has inspected.
I've had this recall for awhile now. I'm tired of constantly replacing tires due to this recall and improper wearing. When reaching out to dealership I'm told Covid stopped the production of the part and I need to just "deal with it and replace tires frequently /rotate them" I can't afford 2 new tires every 6 months
I am requesting that the dot NHTSA look into the possibility of a tire defect that can affect the safe operation of vehicles with cooper discoverer srx tires. I purchased a set of 4 cooper discoverer srx tires and had them professionally installed on my 2013 Ford Explorer. The size is 255/50r20. During the winter of 2018-19 they began to leak air excessively when it was cold. The loss would grow to a point the low air light came on every week. It was various tires causing the issue. This continued throughout the winter and into the spring of 2019. The leaks are more severe when driving than when the vehicle is stationary. I believe the tires May have been compromised to the point that they are continuing to leak when it is warm outside now. …
Had just picked up my mail from mailbox and started crossing road to enter my lane/private driveway when heard a loud clunk and was unable to steer car. Kept pushing gas pedal to try to move forward and get across the road and barely did but couldn't control direction the car was moving. When felt was safe I got out and walked around car to see if I could see what was wrong. Noticed front right passenger wheel was turned in while others were straight. I got back in car to turn steering wheel and see if it would move but it did not. I called family to come help and upon further looking discovered wheel had become disconnected from the tie rod. The car was towed to a garage and upon their inspection I was told that I needed a new inner and outer tie rod and that the axle centre bracket had broken. …
I mother of 3 (15, 13 & 11) & wife got into a major car accident on November 17th, 2020 at about 8:10 am driving south on the whitestone expressway south a highly trafficked highway with 4 driving lanes. Police report no. 2020-109-2709. I explained to all instances including police, paramedics, tow company, car insurance, Ford auto dealer, repairing shop, etc. That my car simply failed me. I suddenly lost 100% control of the direction of the car and I was forced into invading all the lanes to my left as I was driving on the far-right side. I am an experienced driver for over 30 years I was totally aware and focused on regaining control of the vehicle, but it was simply not possible, the car spun out and I got eventually hit on the back really strong. …
Wheel & Tire complaints in other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 2013 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 2013 Ford Explorer, 1% of the model year's 2,237 complaints. The component named most often is tread/belt (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Ford Explorer wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires 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 wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 69,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to wheels & tires 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.