2013 Ford Explorer Fuel System Problems
NHTSA logged 153 Fuel System complaints for the 2013 Ford Explorer, 7% of all complaints for that year, with a median failure mileage of 50,000. Three related recalls (13V109000, 13V227000, 15V812000) cover fuel tank sealing and fuel delivery module defects.
- Fuel System complaints
- 153
- 7% of 2,234
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 3
- Median mileage
- 50,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 3
Typical fuel system symptoms owners report
- Owners report strong gasoline odor inside the cabin and outside the vehicle, often traced to a leaking fuel tank or fuel module.
- Some describe the fuel pump physically coming apart during normal driving, releasing raw gas fumes into the passenger cabin.
- Several owners smelled exhaust or hydrocarbon fumes through the air vents during acceleration, which dealers reportedly told them was normal.
- Some vehicles sat at dealerships for extended periods awaiting fuel pump replacement parts tied to a recall campaign.
- One owner reported a fuel tank that lacked a proper cap, causing pressurized hydrocarbon vapors to vent from the tank.
When 2013 Ford Explorer fuel system complaints were filed
First complaint Mar 15, 2013, latest Oct 6, 2025.
Fuel System recalls for the 2013 Ford Explorer
- NHTSA 15V812000Dec 2, 2015Fuel System868 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Explorer Police Utility, Taurus, Taurus Police Interceptor, Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may crack, allowing fuel to leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. The recall began on December 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 13S04-S1.
- NHTSA 13V227000May 31, 2013Fuel System390,783 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline
Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Taurus, Flex, Fusion, Police Interceptor Sedan and Police Interceptor Utility vehicles; and certain model year 2013 Lincoln MKS, MKT, and MKZ vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may develop a crack, allowing fuel to leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S04.
- NHTSA 13V109000Mar 27, 2013Fuel System3,037 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly
Ford is recalling certain model year 2012 Taurus, Lincoln MKS, and model year 2013 Explorer vehicles manufactured July 19, 2011, through March 15, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the fuel tanks may have a marginally sealed seam in the side of the tank. As a result, the fuel tanks may not provide the expected strength in the event of an impact. The tanks may also leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel tanks and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2013. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S03. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.
Fuel System complaints by Explorer model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many fuel system complaints does the 2013 Ford Explorer have?
- NHTSA lists 153 Fuel System complaints for the 2013 Explorer, which is 7% of the 2,234 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a fuel system recall for the 2013 Ford Explorer?
- Yes. NHTSA lists three related recalls: 13V109000 for marginally sealed fuel tanks, 13V227000 for the fuel delivery module, and 15V812000, also for the fuel delivery module.
- At what mileage do fuel system problems show up on the 2013 Explorer?
- The median mileage at failure for fuel system complaints on the 2013 Explorer is 50,000 miles.
- Were there any injuries linked to fuel system problems?
- NHTSA data shows 3 injuries and 1 crash associated with fuel system complaints on the 2013 Explorer, with no fires reported.
- How does the 2013 Explorer compare to other years for fuel system complaints?
- The 2013 Explorer's 153 fuel system complaints and 7% share are higher than most other model years listed, including 2011 (40 complaints, 3%) and 2018 (23 complaints, 3%).