2013 Ford Explorer Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 79about this part
- Share
- 4%of 2,237 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 96,500miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 79 complaints about the suspension of the 2013 Ford Explorer, 4% of the 2,237 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 96,500 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 4 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 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“The rear subframe fractured while driving nearly causing a wreck. The rear of the vehicle jerked violently to the right. If this had been on the highway I believe it would have cost the car to spin out. At the dealership it was found that the rear subframe was rusted out where the recalled to link attached. I tried to get part from the dealership but they said it was already disposed of i do have several pictures of the rusted frame. There were no symptoms until it broke.”
NHTSA complaint #11528541, filed 2023-06, 142,000 miles“On my Explorer the recall 19v-435 (Ford number 19s17) was executed. After 3 month and approx. 2500mi the left new toe link broke. The car was running with 35mph to an intersection and I started moderate braking in front.of a traffic light. During braking the left new toe link broke.”
NHTSA complaint #11269590, filed 2019-10, 34,000 miles“Front sway bar links have been knocking over 1 year ago. At the time my car was only 5 years old. At first the Ford dealership they thought it was valve body in the suspension the first time they checked. Explorer was jerking when I slowed down to a stop. The second time I took it in they said it was the throttle body. They replaced that because I complained that I have had so many problems with a 5 to 6 year old car. Only has 77,000 miles on it.”
NHTSA complaint #11244132, filed 2019-08, 65,000 miles“I have been complaining of a suspension issue since I had purchased this vehicle in 2013. I am being told there want be a recall until someone dies. I even tried to have it fixed under warranty but suspension are not covered according to Ford dealers.”
NHTSA complaint #11115138, filed 2018-08, 150 milesRelated recalls
- 21V746000Sep 22, 2021Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of…Covers: Ford Explorer 2011–2013
- 21V537000Jul 15, 2021Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana…Covers: Ford Explorer 2013–2017
- 20V675000Mar 12, 2021Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of…Covers: Ford Explorer 2013–2017
- 19V435000Jun 10, 2019Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.Covers: Ford Explorer 2011–2017
Related service bulletins
- 10232579Feb 7, 2023Certain 2011-2017 Model Year Explorer Vehicles Rear Wheel Knuckle Replacement REASON FOR THIS SUPPLEMENT Program Terms: added 21R01 and 21R02 REASON FOR PROVIDING A NO-COST…
- 10226952Nov 4, 2022Certain 2011 - 2013 Model Year Explorer Vehicles with Rear Wheel Knuckles that have been Replaced Rear Toe Link Inspection/Replacement Under Safety Recall 21S43, some of the…
- 10226951Nov 4, 2022Certain 2011-2017 Model Year Explorer Vehicles Rear Toe Link Replacement Under Safety Recall 21S32, some of the affected vehicles exposed to a highly corrosive environment where…
- 10208271Feb 18, 2022This program provides a no-cost, one-time repair (if needed) to the rear wheel knuckles for six (6) months from the Repair Order (RO) opening date for field service actions 21S32…
- 10189755Mar 19, 2021Certain 2013 through 2017 Model Year Explorer and Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles that are Registered or Sold in Certain States/Provinces; Rear Toe Link Ball Joint Inspection…
- 10189760Mar 8, 2021Certain 2013 through 2017 Model Year Explorer and Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles that are Registered or Sold in Certain States/Provinces Rear Toe Link Ball Joint Inspection…
- 10176938Jun 5, 2020For 2013-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles that require rear wheel knuckle and bushing assembly repairs, dealers are advised to follow Workshop Manual (WSM) Procedures and use service…
- 10166446Sep 12, 2019This SKU is a Suspension Lateral Link. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to revise the design similar to the OEM supercession associated with…
- 10144953Aug 10, 2018Certain 2013-2017 Model Year Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles - Rear Suspension Toe Link Replacement
- 10140336Jan 31, 2018Certain 2013-2016 Model Year Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles - Rear Suspension Toe Link Replacement
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 3% |
| 2024 | 3 | 14% |
| 2023 | 14 | 12% |
| 2022 | 13 | 5% |
| 2021 | 15 | 3% |
| 2020 | 36 | 3% |
| 2019 | 11 | 4% |
| 2018 | 23 | 3% |
| 2017 | 58 | 3% |
| 2016 | 73 | 3% |
| 2015 | 83 | 5% |
| 2014 | 103 | 6% |
| 2013 | 79 | 4% |
| 2012 | 22 | 3% |
| 2011 | 24 | 2% |
| 2010 | 4 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 3 | 2% |
| 2007 | 6 | 3% |
| 2006 | 5 | 1% |
| 2005 | 15 | 3% |
| 2004 | 37 | 3% |
| 2003 | 63 | 6% |
| 2002 | 422 | 13% |
| 2001 | 43 | 11% |
| 2000 | 62 | 7% |
| 1999 | 65 | 5% |
| 1998 | 111 | 6% |
| 1997 | 105 | 6% |
| 1996 | 97 | 7% |
| 1995 | 93 | 11% |
| 1994 | 65 | 5% |
| 1993 | 59 | 6% |
| 1992 | 60 | 9% |
| 1991 | 33 | 5% |
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 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