169 complaints reported

2013 Ford Explorer Engine

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
169
Crashes
0
Fires
3
Injuries
7

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Mar 2025 Fire

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked unattended and turned off for a few hours, it caught fire. There were no warning lights illuminated prior to the failure. The fire department extinguished the fire. There were no reported injuries airbag deployment or crash. The vehicle was towed to a police tow lot. A police report was filed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who assisted with a claim. The failure mileage was approximately 250,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Mar 2025
Jan 2025

Recently, I experienced a catastrophic water pump failure that has resulted in extensive damage to my vehicle’s, a 2013 Ford Explorer equipped with a cyclone engine, engine and turbocharger Details of the Incident According to Ford of Englewood, NJ, the water pump failure in my Explorer caused coolant to seep into the oil pan, mixing with other fluids. This has resulted in the need for a complete replacement of both the engine and turbocharger, at an estimated cost of $15000. See diagnostics attached. I recently discovered there have been several class action lawsuits launched regarding this exact problem. The vehicle is currently with the service department at Ford of Englewood. As mentioned above it has been diagnosed as premature water pump failure resulting in catastrophic engine damage. Luckily this issue presented its self at engine turnover, however had the failure occurred at speed on the highway the results could have been extremely dangerous indeed, not just to myself but to other unsuspecting road users. MOST concerning is that NO warning lamps or warning gauges were activated until well after the exhausts started spewing thick white smoke, and then only the check light flicked on but went off again after a few minutes. At which time i IMMEDIATELY contacted Ford of Englewood to book a diagnostic. As I non mechanically minded consumer I could never of guessed the extent of the damage.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Dec 2024
Sep 2024

The engine water pump started leaking heavily (as discovered later) and the engine overheated in traffic. Since the water pump is located inside the engine, i have bee quoted an astronomical repair estimate of at lease $2,500 (including the parts) just to fix the water pump!! That is completely insane and apparently a design flaw, in my opinion, that I think the manufacturer should be responsible for.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jun 2024
Sep 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. Additionally, the contact stated that the A/C unit was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the air compressor and the CV joint had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired by the dealer. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was a leak of Freon. The mechanic also diagnosed that there was a strong odor of carbon dioxide coming into the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 109,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Sep 2023
Jul 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was leaking coolant. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact added additional coolant as necessary. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the water pump was leaking and needed to be replaced. The contact called the local dealer, who stated there was no recall coverage for the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2024
Jul 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the coolant temperature warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while driving to the nearest independent mechanic to add coolant to the vehicle, the engine was running rough as if the vehicle would stall. The contact pulled over and parked the vehicle. The contact walked to the independent mechanic and purchased coolant to add to the coolant reservoir. The vehicle operated as needed; however, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the water pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the same assessment was made, and a cost for the repair was performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered to trade the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 144,300.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jul 2024
Jun 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly hesitated and lost motive power. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the water pump. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 93,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jun 2024
May 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, an unknown message and warning light were illuminated. The contact pulled to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact waited 4 hours for the vehicle to cool down and then refilled the vehicle with coolant before successfully restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to three different independent mechanics to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2024
Apr 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed but the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The check engine warning light was reset, and the contact was informed that the check engine warning light was due to the air filter that needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact purchased a scanner to check on the codes herself. The contact retrieved a code related to the catalytic converter. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was confirmed that the catalytic converter had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 14,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Mar 2022
Apr 2024 Injury

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving, the contact noticed a strong unusual odor in the interior of the vehicle. The contact stated that the air conditioner was on, and the odor came through the vents. In addition, the contact stated that he and his minor child developed a headache and became nauseous. Medical attention was not sought as of yet. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not assist. The contact researched and discovered Customer Support Program 19N05, which had a similar failure description. However, the contact was informed that the repair was completed on the contact's vehicle on February 5, 2020. The contact t was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 157,625.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Mar 2024
Mar 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that anti-freeze was leaking from the vehicle. While driving at unknown speeds, the message that the engine was overheating was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the water pump. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: May 2024
Mar 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated when his wife was driving the vehicle she became sleepy from the exhaust fumes. The contact stated his wife would feel fine when she was not in the vehicle. The were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who informed the contact's wife to drive with the windows down and not to drive passengers. The vehicle was not repaired, but the mechanic discussed replacing both exhaust manifolds. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 119,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Mar 2024
Oct 2023

Leaking water pump at bolt

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Oct 2023
Sep 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there was a loud squeaking sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The contact then became aware that there was coolant leaking from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the water pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact called the dealer and was informed that the failure was a known issue. The contact was referred to NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 165,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jun 2023
Sep 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the engine overheated warning light was illuminated. The vehicle also started sputtering. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and waited approximately 10 minutes before restarting the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle to a nearby certified mechanic who diagnosed that the water pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000. The contact is requesting to be reimbursed for the water pump repair for the vehicle.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jun 2023
Sep 2023

Faulty water pump causing coolant loss and engine shutting off in traffic!

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jul 2023
Aug 2023

My water pump started leaking coolant. My reservoir leaks out from night until morning being parked. Engine has always been maintained and it seems to be a faulty part. I saw where Ford had to replace a big number of faulty water pumps by recall and lawsuits. Mine never has been took in for a recall. Please help with this or do you think I need to call my attorney?

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jul 2023
Aug 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed in 20-degree weather, the engine was smoking and then overheated. The contact checked under the hood and noticed that the coolant level was low. The contact had previously added additional coolant. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the dealer who informed her about a diagnostic test, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Aug 2023
Jul 2023

I’d first like to say whoever designed this water pump seriously needs a new job. I brought my car into the shop a year ago for an AC replacement, where it was brought to my attention that there was a small water pump leak. I couldn’t afford to have it fixed and was told to keep coolant in it until I can have it fixed. I was quoted $3000 to fix it, WHILE at an event at a local ford dealership I was putting coolant in my car when a lady with the EXACT same car next to me said she just had to pay $3000 to have hers fixed the week before. This is apparently an issue that goes refuses to acknowledge or replace for their customers. $3000 for a family with 4 kids is very hard to save up, so again I just kept up with my coolant. Going down the interstate last week my engine locked up, with my wife and 4 kids in the car. The water/coolant mixed with the engine oil because of where it’s placed. $5000 fix to replace the entire motor with a used engine. We are not under warranty and our lives were at stake because of a faulty water pump that is being IGNORED by ford. Not only are we now out of a car, but we have to figure out how to come up with $5000 to fix a major problem because of fords terrible placement of a faulty water pump. Avoid these cars at all costs and don’t hold your breath to get any help from them pertaining to something that should’ve been recalled by now!

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jul 2023
Jul 2023

Driving down the street to my house at 25mph. Suddenly there was a ticking sound coming from under the hood. I pulled into my driveway shutoff the vehicle and looked under the hood. The engine had not overheated, it hadn’t even revealed a maintenance code. I checked the oil and noticed that the color was not as dark as it should be and seemed like there was a lot of air bubbles in the oil. I allowed the vehicle to cool down an hour drained the oil and it was the consistency of chocolate milk, and coolant leaking. Took it to a Ford dealership, they say the engine is a total loss due to water pump failure even though it wasn’t run or driven any Significant distance after the water pump failed. There are no safety recalls, there was no warning, and now I’m left with only purchasing another engine or vehicle. Numerous other have reported similar experiences. This is the result of faulty design and Ford should be held accountable.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2023
Jul 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, he became aware that there was water leaking from the vehicle onto the ground. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the water pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Feb 2023
Jun 2023

My explorer has 120000 miles and water pump started going bad. Bought parts to get it fixed. $80 for pump, $300 for timing chain kit due to it being a stupid internal chain driven pump. $1200 labor to break motor down just to change an $80 part. Less than 28 days, was pulling out of driveway. Went about 50 feet and Chain breaks locking motor up ruining motor due antifreeze leaking into motor from where internal water pump was going bad Originally. Now have to pay additional $3000 for a new motor due to internal pump. Please help. An internal water pump is the most stupid idea they ever came up with. Too many critical parts were tied in to this part. Would’ve been easier for it to be external with a serpentine belt driving it. Fire whoever came up with this stupid and very expensive idea.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jun 2023
May 2023

a Ford Dealership informed me my water pump was severely leaking and needed to be replaced. The water pump is located inside the engine, which is EXTREMELY costly to repair. After digging into it I realized that this is common in this type of engine but Ford has not issued a recall in the US, but Canada has a recall. Now we have to come out of pocket to fix this issue when it is well know to Ford that this water pump inside the engine is a massive design and mechanical flaw.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: May 2023
May 2023

My car was showing oil engine replace message, it was not performing as usual, when taken for normal service at ford dealer to change oil, they identified cooling liquid leaking inside the engine as it seems in the ford explorer and other models the water pump is inside the engine which makes identifying any leakage very challenging as it is not easily visible.the faulty water pump leaks liquid inside the engine which overheats and damages the engines and lead to car failure when driving it. Since leakage is not easy to detect the faulty water pump and bad design(by putting the water pump inside the engine) may lead to engine failure when driving the car and accidents leading to life threatening situation. When seaerching on the net it seems several ford explorer 2013 owners faced same issues and were not able to identify the leakage easily and had engine damage and had to pay a lot of money to fix it. Ford should recall and change the pumps on its own cost.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Apr 2023
Apr 2023

WATER PUMP! WATER PUMP! WATER PUMP! The same exact issue with every other Ford Explorer that they knew about when coming off the assembly lines and not doing anything to be held accountable. As the Millions of Americans get screwed over because we have to now pay Minimum $2K to have it repaired. Canada has them as a recall, why not USA ? Absolutely Ridiculous on FORD to get away with this.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2013 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Oct 2022

Trend Over Time

Complaints by year

Quick Summary

The 2013 Ford Explorer has 169 Engine complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.