2013 Ford Explorer Engine Problems

I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding a severe design defect in the 3.5L V6 engine of my 2013 Ford Explorer. The vehicle is equipped with an internal, chain-driven water pump that is currently failing at 100000 miles, as evidenced by coolant actively draining from the factory weep hole. Because this pump is located inside the engine block and driven by the timing chain, a complete seal failure dumps engine coolant directly into the oil pan. This is a critical safety hazard. When the coolant and oil mix, it destroys the engine bearings and causes the engine to completely seize without warning. If this sudden engine seizure occurs while driving at highway speeds, it results in an immediate and total loss of motive power, power steering, and power brakes. This defect creates an extreme crash hazard for the occupants of the vehicle and other drivers on the road. The internal weep hole provides virtually no dashboard warning or indicator to the driver before this catastrophic failure occurs. I am requesting that the NHTSA investigate this known, dangerous design flaw to force a mandatory safety recall before this sudden loss of vehicle control causes severe injuries or fatalities.

NHTSA ID

11720077

Incident

Feb 23, 2026

I was leaving the store pulled out on a main road in town about to head on the highway. My steering wheel locked and would hardly move with all my strength and the help of my significant other we pulled back into the store parking lot rarely missing hitting several vehicles in the process. I had my children with me at the time in this vehicle as well. The power steering assist fault message popped up. I had the vehicle towed to Ford Groves and after a diagnostic test was ran I was told it was my steering gear and the entire steering column needed to be replaced. The second opinion I got said it was the rack and pinion needing to be replaced. After doing research I found other reports of other 2013 ford explorer owners having wrecks due to this some with the same edition as myself (limited). There are recalls for the steering on 2013 ford explorer but not the limited. I need my edition to be added because this is clearly happening here as well. This was very dangerous when I explained to the dealership about the recalls they told me this was not accurate and was the wrong information. This was random and happened out of no where my vehicle was fine prior to this. Yes the vehicle is available upon request for inspection

NHTSA ID

11702622

Incident

Nov 28, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked unattended and turned off for a few hours, it caught fire. There were no warning lights illuminated prior to the failure. The fire department extinguished the fire. There were no reported injuries airbag deployment or crash. The vehicle was towed to a police tow lot. A police report was filed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who assisted with a claim. The failure mileage was approximately 250,000.

NHTSA ID

11664641

Incident

Jun 3, 2025

Mileage

250,000 mi

Recently, I experienced a catastrophic water pump failure that has resulted in extensive damage to my vehicle’s, a 2013 Ford Explorer equipped with a cyclone engine, engine and turbocharger Details of the Incident According to Ford of Englewood, NJ, the water pump failure in my Explorer caused coolant to seep into the oil pan, mixing with other fluids. This has resulted in the need for a complete replacement of both the engine and turbocharger, at an estimated cost of $15000. See diagnostics attached. I recently discovered there have been several class action lawsuits launched regarding this exact problem. The vehicle is currently with the service department at Ford of Englewood. As mentioned above it has been diagnosed as premature water pump failure resulting in catastrophic engine damage. Luckily this issue presented its self at engine turnover, however had the failure occurred at speed on the highway the results could have been extremely dangerous indeed, not just to myself but to other unsuspecting road users. MOST concerning is that NO warning lamps or warning gauges were activated until well after the exhausts started spewing thick white smoke, and then only the check light flicked on but went off again after a few minutes. At which time i IMMEDIATELY contacted Ford of Englewood to book a diagnostic. As I non mechanically minded consumer I could never of guessed the extent of the damage.

NHTSA ID

11639231

Incident

Dec 20, 2024

FAILURE BREAK SYSTEMS, FAILURE BREAK SYSTEMS

NHTSA ID

11635482

Incident

Jan 12, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the driver’s and passenger’s side exterior A-pillar around the front windshield was detaching. The contact placed the A-pillars back in position. The contact stated that water was leaking into the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. 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 called two other local dealers, Premier Ford of Bay Ridge (612 86th St, Brooklyn, NY 11228) and Crown Ford Inc Service (420 Merrick Rd, Lynbrook, NY 11563) but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed reimbursement would not be provided if the repairs were completed by an independent mechanic. 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 failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11633054

Incident

Feb 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed but the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The check engine warning light was reset, and the contact was informed that the check engine warning light was due to the air filter that needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact purchased a scanner to check on the codes herself. The contact retrieved a code related to the catalytic converter. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was confirmed that the catalytic converter had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 14,000.

NHTSA ID

11623533

Incident

Mar 21, 2022

Mileage

14,000 mi

The heat in my 2013 Ford Explorer won't work. The Rad fan isn't working so any antifreeze I put in is gone after 1 trip to the store. It's burning it. The sunroof has never opened fully, it wobbles. The electrical is shot on it. There are so many safety issues with this vehicle and I see I'm not the only one but yet I search my Vin and there are no recalls that's not right

NHTSA ID

11622082

Incident

Oct 2, 2023

The engine water pump started leaking heavily (as discovered later) and the engine overheated in traffic. Since the water pump is located inside the engine, i have bee quoted an astronomical repair estimate of at lease $2,500 (including the parts) just to fix the water pump!! That is completely insane and apparently a design flaw, in my opinion, that I think the manufacturer should be responsible for.

NHTSA ID

11614802

Incident

Sep 6, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving, the contact noticed a strong unusual odor in the interior of the vehicle. The contact stated that the air conditioner was on, and the odor came through the vents. In addition, the contact stated that he and his minor child developed a headache and became nauseous. Medical attention was not sought as of yet. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not assist. The contact researched and discovered Customer Support Program 19N05, which had a similar failure description. However, the contact was informed that the repair was completed on the contact's vehicle on February 5, 2020. The contact t was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 157,625.

NHTSA ID

11612672

Incident

Sep 3, 2024

Mileage

157,625 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was leaking coolant. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact added additional coolant as necessary. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the water pump was leaking and needed to be replaced. The contact called the local dealer, who stated there was no recall coverage for the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ID

11605685

Incident

Jan 1, 2024

Mileage

80,000 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the coolant temperature warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while driving to the nearest independent mechanic to add coolant to the vehicle, the engine was running rough as if the vehicle would stall. The contact pulled over and parked the vehicle. The contact walked to the independent mechanic and purchased coolant to add to the coolant reservoir. The vehicle operated as needed; however, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the water pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the same assessment was made, and a cost for the repair was performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered to trade the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 144,300.

NHTSA ID

11605335

Incident

Jul 18, 2024

Mileage

144,300 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly hesitated and lost motive power. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the water pump. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 93,000.

NHTSA ID

11595511

Incident

Jun 20, 2024

Mileage

93,000 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering was difficult to steer. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. The contact stated that when the vehicle was parked, the vehicle lost motive power and would not restart. The contact The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with a failed water pump. The contact was informed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11594211

Incident

May 30, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, an unknown message and warning light were illuminated. The contact pulled to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact waited 4 hours for the vehicle to cool down and then refilled the vehicle with coolant before successfully restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to three different independent mechanics to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11581421

Incident

Jan 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that anti-freeze was leaking from the vehicle. While driving at unknown speeds, the message that the engine was overheating was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the water pump. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA ID

11579481

Incident

Mar 5, 2024

Mileage

140,000 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated when his wife was driving the vehicle she became sleepy from the exhaust fumes. The contact stated his wife would feel fine when she was not in the vehicle. The were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who informed the contact's wife to drive with the windows down and not to drive passengers. The vehicle was not repaired, but the mechanic discussed replacing both exhaust manifolds. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 119,000.

NHTSA ID

11578633

Incident

Mar 21, 2024

Mileage

119,000 mi

UNKNOWN. My sister had went to town in her car. She had came back home and parked the car in the driveway. After doing so her and her husband we inside, heard a rumbling sound went outside and car was on fire. The neighbors say they saw the car just catch on fire in her driveway. She had purchased the car less than 60 days ago in Manhattan, ks from CSM AUTO.

NHTSA ID

11576436

Incident

Mar 7, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. Additionally, the contact stated that the A/C unit was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the air compressor and the CV joint had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired by the dealer. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was a leak of Freon. The mechanic also diagnosed that there was a strong odor of carbon dioxide coming into the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 109,000.

NHTSA ID

11564378

Incident

Mar 9, 2023

Mileage

109,000 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, he became aware that there was water leaking from the vehicle onto the ground. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the water pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000. The VIN was unavailable.

NHTSA ID

11554056

Incident

Nov 2, 2023

Mileage

136,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11549399

Incident

Oct 6, 2023

Mileage

123,000 mi

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

NHTSA ID

11548867

Incident

Oct 4, 2023

For that pass 6 months my vehicle has had a check engine light on. Warning light will flash steering assist fault the the wheel locks up and vehicle comes to a holt. This problem has been happening on and off some days it’s fine some days this accurs. Recall #14S06

NHTSA ID

11548632

Incident

Oct 5, 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there was a loud squeaking sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The contact then became aware that there was coolant leaking from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the water pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact called the dealer and was informed that the failure was a known issue. The contact was referred to NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 165,000.

NHTSA ID

11547075

Incident

Jun 28, 2023

Mileage

165,000 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the engine overheated warning light was illuminated. The vehicle also started sputtering. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and waited approximately 10 minutes before restarting the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle to a nearby certified mechanic who diagnosed that the water pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000. The contact is requesting to be reimbursed for the water pump repair for the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11545164

Incident

Sep 6, 2023

Mileage

79,000 mi