2013 Ford Explorer Fuel system Problems

In September I started to notice a strong fuel odor coming from my 2013 Ford Explorer. I had the exterior of the vehicle cleaned thoroughly to ensure no gasoline was spilled on the vehicle while refuelling. The smell did go away temporarily, until I refuelled the vehicle. The odor has returned, and will not go away. On 10/6/2025 I took my vehicle to a local mechanic that works on my vehicles. A visual inspection was performed and they informed me that there is a leak and it appears to be coming from the top of the tank or an area above the tank. It is hard to identify the exact source without lowering the tank. They mechanic also informed me that Ford has a safety recall issue for something similar, 13S04. I checked with Ford and while there is a recall for the same model and year of my vehicle, my 2013 Explorer is not a part of the recall. I have contacted a local Ford Service Center and am waiting for a response from them.

NHTSA ID

11691592

Incident

Sep 8, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel injectors were leaking, but the vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the purge valve was replaced as a temporary repair. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated intermittently after the repair. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle after the vehicle had been refueled, the vehicle failed to start and shuddered. The vehicle was able to be restarted after several attempts. Additionally, the contact stated that there was an abnormally strong fuel odor coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failures to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 13V227000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 15V812000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recalls. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

NHTSA ID

11686204

Incident

Mar 3, 2023

Mileage

93,000 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that his daughter smelled a strong odor of fuel around the vehicle and in the residence while the vehicle was parked in the garage. There was fuel on top of the tank. The contact stated that after raising the vehicle up on a lift, it was determined that there was a leak coming from the fuel tank. There was no indication of fuel on the ground. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V812000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact called the dealer and was informed that a diagnostic test was needed. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

NHTSA ID

11659533

Incident

Jan 1, 2022

Mileage

125,000 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon reaching arriving to the destination, there was an abnormal gasoline odor coming from the rear of the vehicle. After a visual inspection, the contact observed gasoline leaking from the fuel tank. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel tank filler neck. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V812000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 200,000.

NHTSA ID

11653856

Incident

Apr 10, 2025

Mileage

200,000 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that there was fuel leaking from the driver's rear end of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not able to be started. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 172,582.

NHTSA ID

11653236

Incident

Apr 7, 2025

Mileage

172,582 mi

Service advancetrac light came on while driving. Lost all propulsion and power steering. Almost went off road around a curve due to no power steering. Ford dealership diagnosed it as faulty steering sensor. Had that replaced about 18 months ago, now this near accident just happened. Service trac light traction control light are both on with no propulsion or power steering. I’ve been doing research on this and this seems to happen to a lot of ford owners as ford is the only manufacturer to produce vehicles with advancetrac system. How has this not been a recall yet?

NHTSA ID

11643541

Incident

Feb 14, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon approaching the vehicle she smelled a strong odor of gasoline inside her inclosed garage, after which, she overserved gasoline leaking from underneath the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel delivery module. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V812000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), but 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 55,000.

NHTSA ID

11630343

Incident

Dec 12, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal gasoline odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and became aware of fuel leaking from the rear wheel well from a place near the fuel tank. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V812000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

NHTSA ID

11623436

Incident

Sep 4, 2024

Mileage

160,000 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to immediately start, and over time, the failure occurred more frequently before the vehicle stalled and would fail to restart. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic who determined that the fuel pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 79,000.

NHTSA ID

11605223

Incident

Jul 29, 2023

Mileage

79,000 mi

Fail emissions dealership not complying refuse fix a car that shouldn't be finances to me seatbelt don't work got car 5/14/2024 the heat resistance wasn't replaced correctly and they won't trade or give my money back or fix it I emissions test reports as well what wrong what need be fix car stop yesterday I'm paying out pocket for repair that wasn't cause by me and car not of 458.81 plus 17 dollars charged with it they want keep paying cash but I won't so they said they wouldn't accept it if not in cash.

NHTSA ID

11595628

Incident

Jun 19, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage, an abnormally strong fuel odor was detected. The contact moved the vehicle out of the garage due to the strong fuel odor. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the fuel tank was leaking. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

NHTSA ID

11558566

Incident

Dec 1, 2023

Mileage

170,000 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon approaching the vehicle, he smelled a strong gasoline odor. After a visual inspection underneath the vehicle, the contact observed a puddle of gasoline. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined there was rust on the sending unit and fuel tank, causing the fuel tank to crack and leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA ID

11553182

Incident

Oct 30, 2023

Mileage

100,000 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the contact loss control of the steering wheel and the vehicle drove off the road. The contact drove onto the curb where the vehicle come to a complete stop. The contact shut off the vehicle and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer stated that the rack and pinion and the bushing on the steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. On another occasion while starting the vehicle, the contact smelled an abnormal gasoline odor inside the vehicle. The contact examined the vehicle and noticed a fuel leak. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and stated that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the VIN was not under recall. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

NHTSA ID

11543125

Incident

Jan 13, 2022

Mileage

120,000 mi

Check engine light indicated Fuel injection system leaking on 2013 Ford explorer taken to Ford dealer. Investigated online 2013 Ford explorer have fuel injection leaking problems reported for 2013 Ford explorers

NHTSA ID

11510101

Incident

Mar 3, 2023

This winter I began starting my vehicle and letting it warm up before driving it. After letting it run approximately 10 to 15 minutes, I opened my door and to get in and there was a very strong exhaust smell inside. I would have to roll my windows down to clear the cabin of the fumes. This happened every single time I would let it sit and warm up. There is also something happening with what I believe is my drive-train. There is a lot of different noises (squealing/whining, grinding (metal to metal), clanking and thumping) when I give it gas after sitting at a light. As soon as I step on the gas pedal it makes all the above noises and jerks, then acts like it doesn't want to go. It finally kicks in then goes. Once it kicks in, it drives just fine. The noise sounds like its coming from the undercarriage and sometimes the rear end. I am not driving the vehicle now, it is parked in my driveway, so I am currently without transportation. There is also a very loud popping noise coming from the front end. I was told this could be ball joints or possibly stabilizers.

NHTSA ID

11502298

Incident

Jan 15, 2023

My water pump failed while driving which made the car overheat and instantly shut off while driving. I have maintained the engine. The internal water pump is leaking the coolant into the motor. Why an internal water Pump?

NHTSA ID

11482787

Incident

Sep 2, 2022

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact related the failure to a faulty fuel pump; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with NHTSA as well as take the vehicle to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.

NHTSA ID

11474509

Incident

Jun 18, 2022

Mileage

107,000 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the throttle body 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. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.

NHTSA ID

11474062

Incident

Jul 15, 2022

Mileage

121,000 mi

I have been going through multiple sites trying to figure out what is going on with my car. I have only had my vehicle for less than a year and I barely even gotten to drive it. I'm now realizing every recall on the vehicle which there was like 13 has not been repaired. And I also have 4 different numbers for the odometer when I when I bought the vehicle at a 177000 but everything is reading at a 169000. I also purchased the vehicle in June not July like the title says. Also one of the titles said plate's not allowed. When I looked it up I believe this is a fleet vehicle and it does not say that anywhere on my title or in my paperwork. It did come from Canada. Is there any way you could possibly help me out with any of this? Also I had broken fuses and missing fuses. I had the 4 dealership look at it and a mechanic look at it and they both told me it looked like someone messed around with the wiring in my car.

NHTSA ID

11462712

Incident

Mar 31, 2022

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and moving to the passenger seat, he smelled a strong gasoline odor. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact looked under the gasoline tank and saw gas leaking onto the floor. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V227000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) because the VIN was not included. The contact contacted a second dealer - Don's Ford (5712 Horatio St, Utica, NY 13502) who confirmed that the information of the previous dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

NHTSA ID

11438041

Incident

Oct 21, 2020

Mileage

120,000 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, she noticed a strong odor of gasoline outside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel delivery module was fractured, causing the fuel to leak underneath the vehicle. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V812000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The dealer was made of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.

NHTSA ID

11430324

Incident

Aug 21, 2021

Mileage

98,000 mi

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the fuel delivery module was leaking. The contact stated that the "check fuel delivery system" message was displayed on the instrument panel. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V227000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was diagnosed but not yet repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was repaired before under the recall as a one-time free repair. The failure mileage was approximately 82,736.

NHTSA ID

11426878

Incident

Jul 27, 2021

Mileage

82,736 mi

SMELLING A WEIRD SMELL COMING FROM THE CABIN LIKE CARBON MONOXIDE SMELL .

NHTSA ID

11386156

Incident

Nov 3, 2020

THE FUEL TANK HAS A GAP BETWEEN THE PLACE YOU FILL UP GAS FROM GAS LEAKING STILL.THE WHEELS MAKE A POPPING SOUND WHEN YOU MAKE SHARP TURNS

NHTSA ID

11384759

Incident

Jan 1, 2020

FREQUENT FUME SMELLS COMING FROM THE EXHAUST. I DRIVE WITH MY BABIES AGES 3 AND 4. I'M AFRAID THIS WILL HAVE AN EFFECT ON THEIR HEALTH AS WELL AS MINE. SOMETIMES WE GET HEADACHES AND I FEEL IT'S FROM BEING IN THIS VEHICLE. ELECTRIC PROBLEMS WITH THE SUNROOF. NOT WORKING AND UNABLE TO CLOSE.

NHTSA ID

11374405

Incident

Jul 1, 2019