Of the 382 body complaints filed for the 2013 Ford Explorer,
here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 150,000+ mi.
0-25k
0 (0%)
25-50k
0 (0%)
50-75k
0 (0%)
75-100k
0 (0%)
100-125k
0 (0%)
125-150k
0 (0%)
150k+
2 (100%)
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted.
Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits
and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Among the 17 model years of Ford Explorer in our records for body problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Owners have filed 382 body complaints against 1 active recall — roughly 382 complaints per campaign.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles
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.
Fix: 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.
What owners are reporting
4 most recent
body · 178,000 mi
· filed 12/30/2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000(Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the passenger's side and driver's side windshield exterior A- Pillar trims had detached from the vehicle.…
body
· filed 12/30/2024
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the driver’s and passenger’s side exterior A-pillar around the front windshield was detaching. The contact placed the A-pillars back in position. The contact stated that water was leaking into the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign…
body
· filed 12/29/2025
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the recall remedy parts were not fully available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the recall remedy was partially available. The dealer stated that the driver-side A-pillar trim was available, but the passenger-side A-pillar trim was not yet…
body · 170,000 mi
· filed 12/29/2023
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while opening the trunk lid, he became aware of the liquid. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was stated that the leak was coming from a cracked weld seal near the liftgate. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 170,000.
Had body trouble with your 2013 Ford Explorer?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the body problem on the 2013 Ford Explorer?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 382 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $1,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the body typically fail?
Across the 213 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most body failures cluster between 46,500 and 120,000 miles, with the median around 73,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 46,500; a quarter make it past 120,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,500 for body repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to body?
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover body issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Ford/Explorer.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.