2013 Ford Explorer Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 40about this part
- Share
- 2%of 2,237 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 44,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 40 complaints about the brakes of the 2013 Ford Explorer, 2% of the 2,237 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 44,000 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I had a complete service performed on my rear brakes due to them dragging and being completely worn in june/2016, less than three months later the passenger side rear break is dragging again and overheating. Since it's been less than three months, I would imagine that corrosion is not the issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10903800, filed 2016-09, 45,000 miles“My wife experience spontaneous acceleration of our Ford Explorer. My wife was pulling into a walgreens parking lot, slowed down to turn into a parking space when the car lunged forward at a high rate of speed. My wife had her foot on the brake as she was entering the space, but the brake could not control the car. There was an extreme and spontaneous acceleration. Once the car hit the pole, it automatically shifted into reverse even with my wife applying the brake. The car came to a stop after hitting a parked truck. …”
NHTSA complaint #11329641, filed 2020-06, 101,000 miles“At about 42,000 miles left rear brake locked up while driving. At about 48,000 miles right rear brake started dragging. I replaced rotors, pads and calipers in both cases. I checked slides on both and they are free to travel. In both cases the caliper is stuck. I saved the caliper from the later. This is still an oem part only so I replaced with Ford part. When talking to local dealers techs they say this is a common problem they are seeing in this vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10821830, filed 2016-01, 42,000 miles“I attempted to slow the vehicle, preparing to stop. I was traveling between 65/70 MPH. When pressing on the breaks the vehicle did not slow down. I pumped the breaks. The cars in front of me where at a stop and getting closer very quickly. I pushed as hard as I could on the break and then tried to push on the emergency break located on the floor. It only kicked back. Seconds later I had a direct impact with the vehicle in front of me. Airbag deployed! There are no skid marks on the road! The vehicle would not stop!!!”
NHTSA complaint #11184815, filed 2019-03, 111,500 miles“I have had my Explorer at the dealership twice since I purchased it regards the front drive side brakes. They put on a new rotor and brake. Issue is still on going. Still making a bad sound on that side. Issue 2: when ever I accelerate to pass other car or to merge onto the interstate the exhaust smell within the vehicle is horrible. My children and I have been suffering from horrible headaches. I have a feeling we are breathing in carbon monoxide. I will be taking it to the dealer tomorrow.”
NHTSA complaint #10956352, filed 2017-02, 100,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10091151Oct 17, 2016Some 2008-2017 ford/mercury/lincoln vehicles equipped with sync may generate a vhr that identifies a concern with the brakes and suspension category indicating service is…
- 10090681Oct 17, 2016Some 2008-2017 ford/mercury/lincoln vehicles equipped with sync may generate a vhr that identifies a concern with the brakes and suspension category indicating service is…
- 10056149May 30, 2014Ford: in the instrument panel cluster (ipc) there is a terrain management pop up warning, without diagnostic trouble code (dtc) accompanying it, in the anti-lock brake system…
- 10056207May 1, 2014Ford/lincoln: due to corrosion buildup between brake pad and anchor bracket, vehicle experience a rear brake drag condition and need to be checked for debris and/or corrosion…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 5% |
| 2025 | 19 | 18% |
| 2023 | 6 | 5% |
| 2022 | 13 | 5% |
| 2021 | 24 | 5% |
| 2020 | 88 | 7% |
| 2019 | 4 | 1% |
| 2018 | 11 | 2% |
| 2017 | 22 | 1% |
| 2016 | 19 | 1% |
| 2015 | 34 | 2% |
| 2014 | 27 | 2% |
| 2013 | 40 | 2% |
| 2012 | 21 | 3% |
| 2011 | 28 | 2% |
| 2010 | 15 | 13% |
| 2009 | 2 | 6% |
| 2008 | 8 | 5% |
| 2007 | 12 | 6% |
| 2006 | 41 | 7% |
| 2005 | 18 | 4% |
| 2004 | 53 | 4% |
| 2003 | 45 | 4% |
| 2002 | 132 | 4% |
| 2001 | 33 | 9% |
| 2000 | 64 | 7% |
| 1999 | 69 | 5% |
| 1998 | 94 | 5% |
| 1997 | 96 | 6% |
| 1996 | 132 | 9% |
| 1995 | 80 | 9% |
| 1994 | 261 | 22% |
| 1993 | 244 | 26% |
| 1992 | 99 | 16% |
| 1991 | 123 | 20% |
| 1990 | 2 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2013 Ford Explorer
836 complaintsBody and structure
439 complaintsOther or unknown
351 complaintsEngine
225 complaintsElectrical system
163 complaintsFuel system
153 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
119 complaintsSuspension
79 complaintsEngine cooling
67 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
63 complaintsElectronic stability control
45 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
38 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 Ford Explorer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology