2013 Ford Explorer powertrain problems
critical 95 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Owners have filed 95 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: A 2013 Explorer with a powertrain issue is a financial landmine—transmissions fail at 50,000+ miles, the PTU leaks and fails without a service plan, and shifter assemblies that won't hold park are well-documented. Expect $2,000–$15,000+ out of warranty to fix what Ford won't recall.
The 2013 Ford Explorer's powertrain is a minefield. The 6-speed automatic transmission fails hard: complete loss of drive or reverse, clunking, severe jerking, and stalling—often between 50,000 and 70,000 miles, right outside the 5-year/60,000-mile warranty. Rebuilt units can fail within days. Transmission fluid leaks, gears slip during shifts, and the whole thing can cost $5,800–$14,000 to replace.
The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) is engineered as "maintenance-free" with no drain plug. It overheats, fluid breaks down, leaks onto the exhaust, and fails around 71,000 miles. Owners smell propane in the cabin. Ford added drain plugs and cooling in 2014+ models but refuses to recall 2013s—replacements cost $2,000–$14,781.
The shifter assembly repeatedly fails: the electronic park-position sensor won't clear a false "Shift to Park" warning, or the transmission won't actually lock in park and the vehicle rolls away on slopes or from a garage. This happens at 15,000 miles and recurs after dealer repair. Ford won't cover it (TSB-0047 exists but is out-of-warranty). Cost: $250–$1,000 per replacement.
The throttle body fails intermittently, dropping the vehicle into limp mode at highway speeds with no warning. Even replacement units fail immediately. Water pumps fail before 70,000 miles—one $155 part costs $1,800+ to install because it's buried in the engine. Transfer cases break apart on the road. Owners describe fear of driving these vehicles.
Same Ford Explorer powertrain reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Ecoboost Engine Misfire / Intercooler Condensation
3.5L EcoBoost engine experiences violent shaking, power loss, and limp mode after extended cruise-control driving in humid conditions. Owners report the symptom occurs when hard acceleration follows prolonged low-throttle operation. Ford service advisors have acknowledged condensation accumulation in the intercooler as the suspected cause, though the manufacturer later denies the issue exists and claims no error codes are stored.
When: After 1.5+ hours of cruise control operation in humid/rainy conditions; also reported as isolated incidents
Symptoms owners cite: Violent engine shaking; Complete loss of power during acceleration; Flashing check engine light; Vehicle enters limp mode; Power returns after engine restart
Repairs/costs cited: No permanent repair offered by Ford; dealerships unable to reproduce or diagnose the issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford claims the 2013 Explorer is isolated; aware of similar issues in F-150 with same engine; filed lawsuits exist involving 2013 Explorer Sport and EcoBoost engine despite Ford's denial
Shift-to-Park Indicator / Shifter Assembly Failure
Electronic shift-lever switch fails, causing false 'Shift to Park' message even when vehicle is in park. The switch is located within the shifter assembly. Owners report repeated failures requiring complete shifter replacement. TSB-0047 exists for 2011–2015 Explorer, Edge, Taurus, and Lincoln MKX. Poses serious safety risk if vehicle actually disengages from park and rolls away.
When: Occurs at low mileage (15,769 miles reported) and recurs after dealer repair; one case at 50,043 miles after previous repair at 15,769 miles
Symptoms owners cite: False 'Shift to Park' warning message on dash; Vehicle appears to be in park but message persists; Message requires multiple attempts to clear; Dashboard light remains on when engine is off, draining battery; Vehicle may disengage from park on slopes and roll away
Repairs/costs cited: Complete shift-lever assembly replacement required; owners report costs of $250–$1,000 depending on dealer; labor-intensive
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB-0047 filed; Ford denies warranty coverage (not covered under 5yr/60k warranty); dealer recalls for 2011–2015 models documented; owners report denial or discovery of TSB only after escalation
Vehicle Roll-Away from Park Position
Vehicle disengages from park position and rolls away despite shifter being in park. Occurs on slight inclines (1–3 degree slopes) and even while parked in garage. May result from shifter assembly failure or transmission engagement issue. Multiple owners report repeated occurrence even after shifter adjustment or replacement.
When: Occurs minutes to hours after parking; one case within 5 minutes of engine shutoff in garage
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward or forward despite being shifted to park; No warning before roll-away; Occurs on minimal slopes (1–3 degrees); May follow 'Shift to Park' warning messages; Vehicle may disengage without warning
Repairs/costs cited: Shift linkage adjusted and replaced in some cases; continues to recur; one owner reports three separate repair attempts
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented; owners report continued problems after dealer repairs
Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Failure and Fluid Leakage
The PTU is engineered without a drain plug and marketed as 'maintenance-free' for the vehicle's lifetime. Due to proximity to hot exhaust components and small fluid capacity, the unit overheats and fluid breaks down prematurely. Leaking PTU fluid drips onto exhaust, causing odors in cabin and potential vehicle stalling. Design defect recognized by Ford in later model years (2014+) which added air dams for cooling and drain plugs for service. 2013 models remain unrecalled.
When: Failures reported within warranty at 50,000 miles; continues to failure outside warranty at 71,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Propane or 'glistening' fluid smell inside cabin; Vehicle seizing when braking or accelerating; Vehicle stalling while in motion; Visible fluid leakage under vehicle; Grinding noises from transmission/drivetrain area; Loss of drive control
Repairs/costs cited: PTU replacement required at owner expense (cost: $2,000–$14,781); replacement unit may be non-serviceable and prone to same failure; one dealer unable to repair severely damaged transfer case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued for 2013 model; Ford has not issued a customer satisfaction program; later model years (2014+) incorporate design improvements (air dams, drain plugs, service intervals)
Throttle Body Failure / Limp Mode
Throttle body fails intermittently, causing vehicle to enter limp mode (reduced power) at highway speeds or during acceleration. Occurs without warning and can happen repeatedly even after cleaning or replacement. Engine code P2111 (Throttle Actuator Control System – Stuck Open) documented in at least one case.
When: Occurs after traffic stops, during acceleration, and sometimes in cycles (months between events); one case had six occurrences in one week
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of engine power / acceleration; Vehicle enters limp mode (reduced speed ~5 mph); Wrench warning light illuminates; Terrain Management System fault warning; Power returns after engine restart; Repeated failures even after throttle-body service or replacement
Codes mentioned: P2111
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body cleaning ($100+) often temporary; replacement required; two owners report 'bad' replacement parts that failed immediately after installation; cleaning and replacement costs vary
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford has issued voluntary repairs ('Customer Satisfaction Plans') for some Ford models but did not include 2013 Explorer in the program; owners report dealers stating this is a 'normal reaction' on the vehicle
Water Pump Failure and Coolant Leakage
Water pump fails and leaks coolant, causing engine overheating. The pump is internally positioned within the engine, requiring complete engine disassembly for replacement. A single $155 part replacement requires $1,800+ in labor costs. Failure occurs early in vehicle life (under 70,000 miles) and without warning. Overheating can cause complete engine shutdown on highway.
When: Failures reported between 27,000 and 170,000 miles; some within manufacturer warranty period
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant leaking under vehicle; Engine overheating warning message on dash; Vehicle shuts off on highway due to overheating; Antifreeze level drops over weeks; Engine damage (broken timing chain reported) if leak persists
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump replacement (part cost ~$155) requires $1,814–$2,930 in total labor and supplementary parts (gaskets, seals, bolts); not covered under warranty in some cases; tow costs ($400+) reported
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 16V925000 (engine and engine cooling) exists but does not cover all 2013 models; affected owners report their VIN is not included despite having the same engine and year; later model improvements suggest design defect recognized
Transmission Failure (Mechanical / Internal Damage)
Transmission fails mechanically, causing complete loss of drive or reverse, severe jerking, hard shifts, abnormal noises, and stalling. Failures occur at relatively low mileage (50,000–69,000 miles) and often outside warranty period (5yr/60k). Rebuilds and replacements do not resolve underlying issues; some rebuilt transmissions fail shortly after reinstallation.
When: Failures between 50,000 and 94,000 miles; one rebuilt transmission failed 1 day after reinstallation
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of drive or reverse (no power transfer); Vehicle will not move despite engine revving; Loud 'clunk' sound when shifting or stopping; Hard upshifts and downshifts; Jerking and lurching sensation; Severe over-revving of engine (redlining to 6500 rpm); Transmission fluid leakage and burning odor
Codes mentioned: P0756, P2701, U3003
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission overhaul or complete replacement required (cost: $5,800–$14,000+); some repairs include front pump, torque converter, center support replacement; rebuilt transmissions may fail within days
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Repairs performed within warranty period; out-of-warranty failures denied coverage; one case: overhaul at 50,982 miles (under warranty), failure at 71,000 miles (outside warranty)
Transmission Fluid Leakage
Transmission leaks fluid internally and externally, causing burning odor, low fluid levels, and poor shift performance. Fluid drips onto hot transmission case, causing vapor and smoke in cabin. Gears struggle to transfer power during shifts, and transmission emits abnormal noises.
When: Leakage reported as early as 27,058 miles and persisting to 44,678 miles; not repaired by dealership
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fluid leaking onto hot transmission case; Burning of transmission fluid and vapors entering cabin; Noxious oil smell; Slow gear transfers (2nd–3rd, 4th–5th); Severe over-revving of engine during gear changes; Jerking sensation during gear transitions; Abnormal loud noises from transmission
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership misdiagnosed as leaking oil pan rather than transmission; no permanent repair documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Acknowledged by dealership but not addressed; repair not performed
Stalling at Traffic Stops / After Deceleration
Vehicle stalls unexpectedly after coming to a stop at traffic lights, stop signs, or when decelerating. Accompanied by 'clunk' sound from transmission and/or wrench warning light. Engine can be restarted and operation resumes normally until next occurrence.
When: Occurs after stopping at traffic lights and signs; one case reported six stalls in one week
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls after complete stop; Loud 'clunk' sound from transmission area; Wrench warning light (powertrain fault) illuminates; Vehicle requires restart to resume operation; Power returns to normal after restart
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to identify issue; service advisor stated Ford engineers confirmed this is 'normal reaction' on the vehicle
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford engineers consulted; issue labeled as normal for the platform; no repair offered
Transfer Case Failure
Transfer case fails, causing severe vibration, lurching, pulsating, and loud metallic noises. In one case, a large section of the transfer case/PTU broke off and fell from the underside of the vehicle while driving. Loss of drive control and potential for sudden lockup reported. Repairs or replacement needed at significant cost ($3,000–$5,000).
When: Failures reported at 94,000 miles; one case with catastrophic damage (missing transfer case piece) at ~45 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Severe vibration and lurching; Pulsating and bumping at all speeds; Loud metallic hitting sounds from underside; Loss of drive control; AWD light flashing; Loud squealing upon acceleration from stop; Potential sudden lockup (risk to occupants)
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement or repair required; cost estimated $3,000–$5,000; mechanical failure of bracket and CV axle reported; one owner experienced large piece of transfer case/PTU coming loose
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 20V692000 (Powertrain) exists for 2014+ models; 2013 model VINs not included despite being built at same plant and exhibiting identical symptoms including roll-away from park
Link Shaft Bracket and CV Axle Failure
Link shaft bracket and CV axle break in half, causing loss of power and loud metal-on-metal sounds. Vehicle also exhibited roll-away from park. Failure not diagnosed or repaired. Related to broader transfer case/PTU defect recognized in 2014+ recalls but not applied to 2013 models.
When: Failure mileage unknown
Symptoms owners cite: Loud abnormal sound from underside; Loss of power; Loud metal-on-metal hitting sound; Vehicle rolls away from park; Broken bracket and CV axle; Jerking at low speed (5 mph)
Repairs/costs cited: Not diagnosed or repaired by dealership or independent mechanic; owner noted recall 20V692000 exists for 2014+ but their 2013 (built at same plant) was excluded
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response; Recall 20V692000 applies to 2014+ models only despite identical failures in 2013 built at same facility
Driveshaft/U-Joint Failure
Driveshaft fails or U-joint breaks, causing loss of power and loud noises. One owner experienced a large piece of the driveshaft hanging down from underside of vehicle after a portion fell off while driving.
When: One case reported at approximately 45 mph during highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of drive control; Loud metal-hitting sound; Driveshaft component falling or dragging from underside
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; owner initially thought it was U-joint or driveshaft
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Grille Design / Air Condenser and Transmission Cooler Blockage
Grille design allows debris, rocks, insects, and birds to damage the air condenser and transmission cooler. This causes the transmission to overheat and enter shutdown/limp mode as a safety mechanism, leaving vehicle stranded. Owners face repeated out-of-pocket costs for condenser/cooler replacement.
When: Failures reported during normal highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle enters shutdown/limp mode on highway; Loss of power during driving; Terrain Management warning light; Orange wrench icon
Repairs/costs cited: Condenser and/or transmission cooler replacement required at owner expense (cost not specified); no design correction available
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford acknowledges grille design causes condenser/cooler damage; frames shutdown as intentional safety mechanism; no design recall or repair program offered
Terrain Management System Malfunction
All-terrain management system continuously faults or fails completely, causing terrain management light and wrench icon to illuminate. System may fault intermittently, then fail entirely. Vehicle loses traction control and grip regardless of weather conditions. System fault occurs even after previous repair in 2016; recurred in 2019 and stopped working completely by March.
When: Initial fault circa 2016 (repaired); recurred 2019; completely non-functional by March 2020
Symptoms owners cite: Terrain Management System fault warning light; Wrench icon illuminated; Loss of traction control; Vehicle loses grip on road; Faults immediately after startup; Extreme safety concern reported
Repairs/costs cited: Repaired in 2016; failure recurred after 2 years of normal operation; no permanent fix available
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Engine Overheating Due to Intake/Cooling System Defects
Engine overheats due to water pump failure or related cooling system issues. Antifreeze drains into engine (reported in one case) causing internal damage and broken timing chain. Vehicle can shut down suddenly on highway.
When: Engine shutdown while driving on interstate; overheating reported across multiple cases
Symptoms owners cite: Engine temperature rises; Vehicle overheats and shuts down; Antifreeze leaks or drains into engine; Timing chain breaks; Engine shuts off in traffic or on highway
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump replacement required; one case required complete engine repair due to timing chain failure caused by coolant intrusion
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Partial recall (16V925000) exists but does not cover all 2013 models; affected owners report exclusion despite identical symptoms
Spontaneous Acceleration
Vehicle lunges forward at high rate of speed during low-speed maneuver (parking lot entry) despite driver applying brake. Brake unable to control acceleration. Vehicle strikes pole, then automatically shifts into reverse (even with brake applied) and strikes parked truck.
When: Occurred while pulling into parking space at low speed
Symptoms owners cite: Extreme and spontaneous forward acceleration; Brakes unable to control vehicle; Unintended reverse engagement; Airbags did not deploy despite sufficient impact force
Repairs/costs cited: Not documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; airbag failure also noted
Power Steering Failure
Power steering ceases suddenly while reversing out of driveway, becoming difficult to maneuver. No warning lights illuminated prior to failure.
When: Occurred while reversing out of driveway at approximately 112,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering ceases; Steering becomes difficult to maneuver; No warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Steering gear and cam bolt replacement required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer diagnosed and recommended repair; no further manufacturer response documented
Engine Sputtering and Misfire on Gear Changes
Engine sputters, hesitates, and seizes when shifting from park to drive or park to reverse. Vehicle feels like it will lose power or stall at stops. Vibration occurs when downshifting from higher speeds to stop. No trouble codes stored.
When: Occurs at low mileage (64,000 miles reported); vehicle stored in garage
Symptoms owners cite: Engine sputters and seizes when shifting from park to drive or reverse; Feels like vehicle will lose power and die; Downshift vibration from 45 mph to stop; No trouble codes stored; Internal transmission issue suspected
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership suspects internal transmission defect requiring removal and teardown or complete transmission replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Transmission Hesitation and Hard Shifts
Vehicle hesitates to accelerate, transmission shifts jerky and hard, and unusual noises occur during gear transitions. Check engine light illuminates. Transmission fluid may be low or transmission may require replacement.
When: Reported at approximately 65,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Hesitation during acceleration; Hard upshifts and downshifts; Unusual noises during gear transitions; Check engine light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission fluid added; transmission replacement may be required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer advised contact NHTSA Hotline; no direct assistance offered
Engine Emissions Odor During Hard Acceleration
Strong emissions odor fills cabin during hard acceleration (merging, hill climbing, full throttle). Odor dissipates when accelerator released. Occurs with recirculated air (MAX A/C). Concern about air quality and emissions safety.
When: Reported at 32,000 miles on used purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Strong emissions odor in cabin during acceleration; Odor occurs during hard pedal application; Odor dissipates when pressure released; Occurs with recirculated cabin air
Repairs/costs cited: None documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Exhaust System Odor / Carbon Monoxide Concern
Vehicle emits bad odor (propane-like or bad smell) upon hard acceleration or under engine strain. Dealership temporarily masked smell with deodorizer but issue returned. Owner suspects exhaust system defect and carbon monoxide concern.
When: Occurs during hard acceleration or engine strain
Symptoms owners cite: Bad odor emission during hard acceleration or engine strain; Propane-like smell reported in other narratives; Smell returns after temporary dealership deodorizing
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership deodorized exhaust system temporarily; no permanent repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford claims no knowledge of the issue
Transmission Valve Body and Solenoid Failure
Transmission jerks and revs hard into next gear while accelerating from cold start. Seals in direct clutch are destroyed, requiring complete transmission teardown. Cost nearly $4,000 for diagnosis and repair.
When: Occurred at 36,500 miles on an 8-year-old vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revving and jerking into next gear upon acceleration; Issue resolved after first gear cycle, recurs on cold starts
Repairs/costs cited: Valve body and solenoid body replacement required; transmission completely disassembled for diagnosis; labor cost ~$4,000
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Synthesized from 95 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2013 Ford Explorer?
It's a serious issue. 95 complaints have been filed, including 8 reports involving a crash and 1 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 71 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 44,100 and 88,500 miles, with the median around 64,586. A quarter of owners report trouble before 44,100; a quarter make it past 88,500. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.