Car Yearsto Avoid

2013 Ford Explorer Engine Problems

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

How common are engine problems on the 2013 Ford Explorer?

290 owners have reported engine problems on the 2013 Ford Explorer, 13% of all complaints for this year and the 3rd most reported problem area. Most reported problems happened at about 30,000–92,000 miles. No recall covers this problem.

290 complaints 13% of all 2013 complaints 59,000 miles typical

Which parts fail

The specific part named in each complaint.

Exhaust system 22
Pump 3
Radiator assembly 2
Manifold / header / muffler / tail pipe 1
Fan 1

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (215 of 290). The amber line is the middle value.

When problems were reported

Engine complaints by the year the problem happened.

Engine complaints by Explorer year

2008 Explorer 25
2009 Explorer 5
2010 Explorer 17
2012 Explorer 92
2013 Explorer 290
2019 Explorer 25
2021 Explorer 58
2022 Explorer 32
2023 Explorer 11
2025 Explorer 9
2026 Explorer 6

Related recalls

No recall covers engine problems on the 2013 Ford Explorer. See all 12 recalls for this year.

Get an email when your 2013 Ford Explorer gets a new recall

We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2013 Ford Explorer, you'll hear about it the same week.

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Other 2013 Ford Explorer problems

Common questions

What are common 2013 Ford Explorer engine problems?

Complaints most often name the exhaust system, pump and radiator assembly.

At what mileage do 2013 Ford Explorer engine problems happen?

Most complaints that gave a mileage fell between about 30,000–92,000 miles. The middle value is about 59,000 miles.

Is there a recall for 2013 Ford Explorer engine problems?

NHTSA lists no recall for this problem on the 2013 Ford Explorer. If you have the problem, file a complaint at nhtsa.gov so it is counted.

Which Explorer year has the most engine complaints?

The 2016 Explorer, with 483 complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports.