2013 Ford Explorer electrical system problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Aug 5, 2026TXElectrical SystemSteering

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11754999 · source
2. Filed Aug 4, 2026KYElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   Backup camera only works sometimes which is a safety risk when backing up. Other year models have had a recall for this same reason. It has been doing it for at least 6 months now.

   NHTSA complaint #11754701 · source
3. Filed Jul 31, 2026GAElectrical SystemVisibility & Wipers

   The rearview camera reverses and inverts the image and the guiding lines disappear. I am unable to use the camera when reversing. There is a recall on other Ford Explorers (2020-2024) just not my year (2013). It is not right that I drive a car that has the same issue becuse this is a known issue for the company.

   NHTSA complaint #11753942 · source
4. Filed Jun 27, 2026COElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   The sync touch responsive interface for climate control fails. This failure causes the system to repeatedly respond without prompt continually causing the driver to continually attempt to disengage the system causing a significant safety hazard. The chip in the system for the effected buttons is the component that fails. There is no solution. Replacement or upgraded interfaces are not available and disconnection of the panels renders the climate control, radio/entertainment,…

   NHTSA complaint #11746856 · source
5. Filed Apr 27, 2026251,393 miGAElectrical System

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11734026 · source
6. Filed Mar 25, 2026WADriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical SystemSeats & Seat Belts

   The rear reverse camera malfunctions and glitches. Often the screen turning green when reversing, sometimes screen is black or no color view and most times the camera if reversing to left or appear as to the right or vise versa and sometimes it’s normal but rarely. The control buttons for windows has a malfunction where it sometimes works and sometimes doesn’t. The seatbelts are not clicking and I have kids in the rear seats.

   NHTSA complaint #11726948 · source
7. Filed Mar 22, 2026TXElectrical SystemSteeringWheels & Tires

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11726189 · source
8. Filed Oct 27, 2025203,912 miMDElectrical System

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11695743 · source
9. Filed Oct 22, 202565,000 miTXElectrical System

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11694967 · source
10. Filed Oct 17, 2025SCElectrical SystemSteering

    Power steering assist fault and service advance trac alerts came on in the dashboard when car was cranked up to drive. I was unable to turn the steering wheel easily and the vehicle was difficult to steer. My safety and the safety of others would be put at risk when attempting to drive the vehicle because the steering wheel locked up and was very difficult to turn. I happened to be at a Firestone service center at the time that this event took place. The technician was…

    NHTSA complaint #11694108 · source
11. Filed Sep 15, 2025VAElectrical System

    Finally they have a recall on the backup camera but my 2013 Explorer was not included. My camera is doing the same thing, inverted. Sometimes a black screen. Can I go and get mine fixed without paying and be included in the recall also.

    NHTSA complaint #11687240 · source
12. Filed Sep 11, 2025KYElectrical SystemSteering

    The electric power steering failed on my vehicle in 2022 while 12 hours from home. Had to drive 12 hours with no power steering. Some year models from the 2013 have been included in the recall but my Vin # was not so I had to pay out of pocket to have mine fixed. It went out again in 2023 and was fixed by a Ford dealer once again out of my pocket. The backup camera will constantly go out and reveal a contact dealer message. I have backed in to a pull behind trailer and edge…

    NHTSA complaint #11686761 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology