2013 Ford Explorer: Engine complaints
Owner-reported issue (NHTSA complaints, not a recall)
Symptoms
NHTSA has 290 owner complaints for the 2013 Ford Explorer that list the engine component. Complaints are individual owner reports, not verified defects.
Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11764873 (filed 09/17/2026): “The water pump on these explorers are internal and if not caught by a professional in time, the water pump will fail and cause catastrophic engine failure…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11720077 (filed 02/24/2026): “I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding a severe design defect in the 3.5l v6 engine of my 2013 ford explorer. the vehicle is equipped with an internal, chain-driven water pump that is currently failing at 100000 miles, as evidenced by coolant actively draining from the factory weep hol…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11702622 (filed 12/03/2025): “I was leaving the store pulled out on a main road in town about to head on the highway. my steering wheel locked and would hardly move with all my strength and the help of my significant other we pulled back into the store parking lot rarely missing hitting several vehicles in the process. i had my …”
Likely causes
These complaints do not establish a single root cause; read the examples above and get a diagnosis.
Fix, in plain English
No single fix is established by these reports. Check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs) or extended warranty coverage, then have the system diagnosed.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Internal engine work (lifters, oil consumption, fuel dilution diagnosis) requires engine teardown or dealer software/tests. (Our assessment.)
Cost
No sourced cost range for this issue. Get a written quote after diagnosis.
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