How common are engine problems on the 2013 Ford Explorer?

NHTSA shows 316 engine complaints out of 2,234 total complaints for the 2013 Explorer, making up 14% of all complaints for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2013 Ford Explorer engine?

No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this engine complaint area.

At what mileage do engine problems typically show up on the 2013 Explorer?

The median mileage at failure for engine complaints on the 2013 Explorer is 55,790 miles.

Have engine problems caused fires or injuries on the 2013 Explorer?

NHTSA data tied to this engine complaint area lists 6 fires and 16 injuries, along with 3 crashes.

2013 Ford Explorer Engine Problems

Engine complaints account for 316 of 2,234 total complaints (14%) filed on the 2013 Ford Explorer, with a median mileage at failure of 55,790. NHTSA lists no related recalls for this engine issue.

Engine complaints: 316; 14% of 2,234
Crashes reported: 3
Fires reported: 6
Injuries reported: 16
Median mileage: 55,790 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report exhaust fumes or a burnt-oil smell entering the cabin through the vents, sometimes noticeable when accelerating or when the A/C runs in recirculation mode.
Several owners describe the check engine light turning on with no other warning before further problems developed.
Multiple complaints describe the engine catching fire, in some cases while the vehicle was parked and turned off.
One owner reported the EcoBoost engine was replaced after abnormal noise, smoke through the vents, and the check engine light coming on.
An owner noted a cracked water pump repaired at a dealer, followed by a burning odor and dizziness from the A/C/heat system.

When 2013 Ford Explorer engine complaints were filed

First complaint Aug 29, 2012, latest Sep 17, 2026.

316 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2012 Q3 to 2026 Q3; peak 2016 Q3 (23).

Engine recalls for the 2013 Ford Explorer

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Explorer model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201031 (27%)
2011113 (9%)
2012103 (12%)
2013316 (14%)
2014272 (16%)
2015299 (17%)
2016530 (22%)
2017317 (19%)
2018129 (18%)
201926 (9%)
2020162 (13%)
202169 (16%)
202238 (14%)
202313 (12%)
20241 (5%)
202514 (14%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems on the 2013 Ford Explorer?: NHTSA shows 316 engine complaints out of 2,234 total complaints for the 2013 Explorer, making up 14% of all complaints for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2013 Ford Explorer engine?: No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this engine complaint area.
At what mileage do engine problems typically show up on the 2013 Explorer?: The median mileage at failure for engine complaints on the 2013 Explorer is 55,790 miles.
Have engine problems caused fires or injuries on the 2013 Explorer?: NHTSA data tied to this engine complaint area lists 6 fires and 16 injuries, along with 3 crashes.