2013 Ford Explorer Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 67about this part
- Share
- 3%of 2,237 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 61,151miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 67 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2013 Ford Explorer, 3% of the 2,237 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 61,151 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My air conditioner just stops working will driving. I have taken to the Ford dealership over 5 times. They say it works fine each time I go. Finally one day when it was out I drove up to Ford and made the service manager go for a ride with me. He agreed the AC was not working. It is currently at the service department and being fixed, hopefully!”
NHTSA complaint #10622343, filed 2014-08, 12,500 miles“At any speed exhaust fumes get into passenger compartment. With vehicle idling and climate control to off position, I let it idle 5 min. Then turned climate control to on position and nothing but fumes come out thru air vents. I bought this Explorer 10/23/12 and it has been in the shop since 12/12/12. Ford sent a fix for this Explorer and it didn't work. Fmc needs to call me asap. This is looking more and more like a buy back.”
NHTSA complaint #10493493, filed 2013-01, 2,800 miles“Strong exhaust smell in the cabin of the vehicle. Smells bad and gives me a headache. I drive with my daughter in the car and am very worried about the effects it is having on her (as well as myself). This should be a recall issue!!”
NHTSA complaint #10689365, filed 2015-02, 55,000 miles“When accelerating a stong exhaust smell is present in the vehicle cabin. This is most pronounced during a long acceleration I.e. When entering a highway. Following a period of acceleration we need to open the windows to purge the exhaust from the cabin. This is regardless of the heating/cooling system being on or off, or if the recirculation feature is enabled. The dealership implemented a technical service bulletin for this condition and it had no improvement.”
NHTSA complaint #10608674, filed 2014-07, 10 miles“On more than one occasion, I have smelled exhaust fumes inside my vehicle upon acceleration. It has gave me a headache and has made me feel nauseous. My children has experienced the same symptoms as I have.”
NHTSA complaint #10644532, filed 2014-10, 39,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10180428Sep 25, 2020Some 2009-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbochargers may exhibit an oil leak from the turbocharger oil supply or return tubes, O-rings or 6.7L pedestal gasket…
- 10177599Jun 3, 2020These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no…
- 10177598Jun 3, 2020These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no…
- 10169895Dec 20, 2019Some 2013-2019 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.5L twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) engine may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with…
- 10164422Aug 27, 2019Some 2013-2019 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.5L twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) engine may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with…
- 10162412Jun 24, 2019Customer Satisfaction Program 19N05: Certain 2011-2017 Model Year Explorer Vehicles - Carbon Monoxide Concern
- 10156877Feb 7, 2019Some 2009-2017 Expedition/Navigator, 2009-2014 F-150/Mustang, 2008-2009 Sable, 2008-2019 Taurus/Flex/MKT, 2013-2019 Police Interceptor Sedan/Utility, and 2011-2019 Explorer…
- 10153981Jan 9, 2019Certain 2011-2017 Model Year Explorer Vehicles - Carbon Monoxide Concerns
- 10152473Nov 14, 2018For 2010-2019 vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines, when diagnosing and/or replacing turbo related concerns, all steps within the Workshop Manual (WSM) procedure must be…
- 10148746Oct 31, 2018Certain 2013-2017 Model Year Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles - Exhaust Odor and Carbon Monoxide Complaints. Certain 2017 Model Year Continental Livery Vehicles - Exterior…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 2 | 1% |
| 2021 | 10 | 2% |
| 2020 | 21 | 2% |
| 2019 | 6 | 2% |
| 2018 | 29 | 4% |
| 2017 | 77 | 5% |
| 2016 | 114 | 5% |
| 2015 | 66 | 4% |
| 2014 | 67 | 4% |
| 2013 | 67 | 3% |
| 2012 | 14 | 2% |
| 2011 | 21 | 2% |
| 2010 | 3 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 4 | 3% |
| 2007 | 10 | 5% |
| 2006 | 164 | 26% |
| 2005 | 29 | 6% |
| 2004 | 71 | 5% |
| 2003 | 69 | 6% |
| 2002 | 163 | 5% |
| 2001 | 39 | 10% |
| 2000 | 90 | 9% |
| 1999 | 100 | 7% |
| 1998 | 189 | 10% |
| 1997 | 198 | 11% |
| 1996 | 81 | 6% |
| 1995 | 45 | 5% |
| 1994 | 74 | 6% |
| 1993 | 55 | 6% |
| 1992 | 64 | 10% |
| 1991 | 52 | 9% |
| 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 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
63 complaintsElectronic stability control
45 complaintsBrakes
40 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 27, 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