2013 Ford Explorer Structure & Body Problems
Structure & Body complaints make up 455 of 2,234 total complaints (20%) for the 2013 Ford Explorer, with a median failure mileage of 70,000. NHTSA lists three related recalls, including door handle and door lock/latch campaigns specific to this model year.
- Structure & Body complaints
- 455
- 20% of 2,234
- Crashes reported
- 4
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 10
- Median mileage
- 70,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 3
Typical body and structure symptoms owners report
- Owners report the driver's side door suddenly opening while the vehicle was in motion due to a failed interior door handle latch.
- Some owners describe the vehicle rolling away while shifted into 'park.'
- Owners describe smoke and a tapping noise near the center console followed by a fire.
- Owners report delays getting parts for the A-pillar trim recall repair even after receiving notification.
- Some owners noticed water leaking into the cabin through the third-row seatbelt area.
- Owners describe an exhaust smell entering the cabin during hard acceleration or hill climbing.
When 2013 Ford Explorer body and structure complaints were filed
First complaint Aug 31, 2012, latest Aug 31, 2026.
Structure & Body recalls for the 2013 Ford Explorer
- NHTSA 24V031000Jan 19, 2024Structure & Body1,889,110 vehicles
Structure:body:roof and pillars
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
Risk: A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024 and December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
- NHTSA 15V171000Mar 24, 2015Structure & Body194,484 vehicles
Structure:body:door
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the interior door handle return spring may unseat, resulting in interior door handle that does not return to the fully stowed position after actuation.
Risk: If the interior door handle return spring is unseated, the door may unlatch in the event of a side impact crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four of the interior door handles and either repair or replace them, free of charge. The recall began on July 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S11.
- NHTSA 13V270000Jun 26, 2013Structure & Body12,569 vehicles
Latches/locks/linkages
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Ford Explorer, Taurus, and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured November 29, 2012, through December 12, 2012. In the affected vehicles, with sufficient door openings and closings, the child safety locks may change from an activated position to a deactivated position without notice.
Risk: If the child lock is deactivated, the door could be unlocked and opened from the inside which could lead to personal injury to an unrestrained child.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will test the safety locks. If necessary, the locks will be replaced free of charge. The recall began on August 2, 2013. Ford's recall number is 13S07. Owners may contact the Ford customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
Structure & Body complaints by Explorer model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are structure and body complaints on the 2013 Ford Explorer?
- NHTSA lists 455 Structure & Body complaints for the 2013 Explorer, accounting for 20% of the 2,234 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for structure and body issues on the 2013 Ford Explorer?
- Yes. NHTSA lists three related recalls: campaign 24V031000 for A-pillar trim clips, 15V171000 for interior door handle return springs, and 13V270000 for door safety locks.
- At what mileage do these structure and body problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure for Structure & Body complaints on the 2013 Explorer is 70,000 miles.
- Were there any crashes or injuries linked to these complaints?
- NHTSA data tied to this problem area for the 2013 Explorer includes 4 crashes, 1 fire, and 10 injuries.
- How does the 2013 Explorer compare to other Explorer years for this problem area?
- The 2013 Explorer's 20% share of complaints in this area is lower than 2016 (25%), 2017 (40%), 2018 (40%), and 2019 (52%), but higher than 2011 (10%) and 2012 (18%).