Problems · by component
2013 Ford Explorer engine and engine cooling problems
67 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2013 Ford Explorer cite engine and engine cooling, 3% of all 2,237 complaints for this model year.
Complaints
67
3% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
Reported by owners
What owners say about the engine and engine cooling
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
Showing 6 of 67 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.