2013 Ford Explorer Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 153about this part
- Share
- 7%of 2,237 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 49,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 153 complaints about the fuel system of the 2013 Ford Explorer, 7% of the 2,237 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 49,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 3 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a check engine light on was told it was the fuel lid.it now chugs and seems like transmission . When it rains water gets in car. Which goes into our electricity system. Our usb doesnt work all the time. My controls for sun roof does not work the screen is stuck open. I am on medicein that I can not be exposed to light. Gas problem started right after oil change”
NHTSA complaint #11363557, filed 2020-10, 113,000 miles“My wife was driving the vehicle and it quit running without any warning . She was on city street. She pull over and left it sit. We when back and re-started it with no problem and drove it home. It has done this a second time a couple days later,she said it chugged and quit. It set for about 15 mins. Before I re-started it with no problems. The wrench ligth comes on but no codes are showing.”
NHTSA complaint #11366151, filed 2020-10, 56,000 miles“I have received carbon monoxide poisoning from driving my 2013 Ford Explorer. I also have had the front end looked at and repaired had to pay most of the costs (extended warranty paid for some) for the front end popping sounds while turning. The sound is still there and on both sides now. So money wasted towards Ford!! The vehicle isnt drivable at this point and that leaves me without a vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11307079, filed 2020-02, 79,450 miles“Takata recall odor problem when accelerating. My child was diagnose being on the spectrum. Might be because of the carbon monoxide who knows. There is also a leak on both rear seat belts my kids always get dretched with water running down their car seat and clothes. Catching colds and pneumonia. So frustrating”
NHTSA complaint #11229490, filed 2019-07, 130 miles“There is a consistent smell of sulfur or gas coming into the car through the vents. I was light headed and dizzy while driving. Stopped and roll the windows down. This was not just once but Ford is doing nothing about the problem. I searched for recalls and they said there is no recall on my Ford Explorer for this issues. Please advise as to what I am to do?”
NHTSA complaint #10970670, filed 2017-04, 50 milesRelated recalls
- 15V812000Dec 2, 2015Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Explorer Police Utility, Taurus, Taurus Police Interceptor, Flex, Lincoln MKS, and…Covers: Ford Explorer 2013, Lincoln MKS 2013, Ford Flex 2013 +4 more
- 13V227000May 31, 2013Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Taurus, Flex, Fusion, Police Interceptor Sedan and Police Interceptor Utility vehicles; and certain model…Covers: Ford Explorer 2013, Lincoln MKS 2013, Ford Flex 2013 +6 more
- 13V109000Mar 27, 2013Ford is recalling certain model year 2012 Taurus, Lincoln MKS, and model year 2013 Explorer vehicles manufactured July 19, 2011, through March 15, 2012. In…Covers: Ford Explorer 2013, Taurus 2012, Lincoln MKS 2012
Related service bulletins
- 10205010Mar 17, 20162.0L Ecoboost - Fuel odor
- 10075275Mar 17, 20162.0L ECOBOOST - FUEL ODOR ISSUE Some 2013-2016 Escape, 2015-2016 MKC vehicles built on or before 12/15/2015, 2013-2016 Fusion, MKZ, 2013-2015 Explorer, 2013-2014 Focus ST and…
- 10054355Sep 1, 2013Ford: in the cavities of a and h, of connector c3053, there is a possible damaged or loose female terminal that causes the fuel pump to be inoperative. Model 2013 explorer.
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 7% |
| 2025 | 3 | 3% |
| 2023 | 3 | 3% |
| 2022 | 37 | 14% |
| 2021 | 28 | 6% |
| 2020 | 42 | 3% |
| 2019 | 17 | 6% |
| 2018 | 23 | 3% |
| 2017 | 49 | 3% |
| 2016 | 112 | 5% |
| 2015 | 94 | 5% |
| 2014 | 72 | 4% |
| 2013 | 153 | 7% |
| 2012 | 34 | 4% |
| 2011 | 40 | 3% |
| 2010 | 9 | 8% |
| 2009 | 2 | 6% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 4 | 2% |
| 2006 | 27 | 4% |
| 2005 | 66 | 13% |
| 2004 | 33 | 3% |
| 2003 | 11 | 1% |
| 2002 | 72 | 2% |
| 2001 | 11 | 3% |
| 2000 | 19 | 2% |
| 1999 | 34 | 3% |
| 1998 | 63 | 3% |
| 1997 | 56 | 3% |
| 1996 | 23 | 2% |
| 1995 | 16 | 2% |
| 1994 | 33 | 3% |
| 1993 | 12 | 1% |
| 1992 | 18 | 3% |
| 1991 | 26 | 4% |
| 1990 | 2 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2013 Ford Explorer
836 complaintsBody and structure
439 complaintsOther or unknown
351 complaintsEngine
225 complaintsElectrical system
163 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
119 complaintsSuspension
79 complaintsEngine cooling
67 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 29, 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