2013 Ford Explorer fuel/propulsion system problems

“In September I started to notice a strong fuel odor coming from my 2013 Ford Explorer. I had the exterior of the vehicle cleaned thoroughly to ensure no gasoline was spilled on the vehicle while refuelling. The smell did go away temporarily, until I refuelled the vehicle. The odor has returned, and will not go away. On 10/6/2025 I took my vehicle to a local mechanic that works on my vehicles. A visual inspection was performed and they informed me that there is a leak and it appears to be coming from the top of the tank or an area above the tank. It is hard to identify the exact source without lowering the tank. They mechanic also informed me that Ford has a safety recall issue for something similar, 13S04. I checked with Ford and while there is a recall for the same model and year of my vehicle, my 2013 Explorer is not a part of the recall. I have contacted a local Ford Service Center and am waiting for a response from them.”

“Service advancetrac light came on while driving. Lost all propulsion and power steering. Almost went off road around a curve due to no power steering. Ford dealership diagnosed it as faulty steering sensor. Had that replaced about 18 months ago, now this near accident just happened. Service trac light traction control light are both on with no propulsion or power steering. I’ve been doing research on this and this seems to happen to a lot of ford owners as ford is the only manufacturer to produce vehicles with advancetrac system. How has this not been a recall yet?”

“The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon approaching the vehicle she smelled a strong odor of gasoline inside her inclosed garage, after which, she overserved gasoline leaking from underneath the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel delivery module. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V812000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 55,000.”

“Fail emissions dealership not complying refuse fix a car that shouldn't be finances to me seatbelt don't work got car 5/14/2024 the heat resistance wasn't replaced correctly and they won't trade or give my money back or fix it I emissions test reports as well what wrong what need be fix car stop yesterday I'm paying out pocket for repair that wasn't cause by me and car not of 458.81 plus 17 dollars charged with it they want keep paying cash but I won't so they said they wouldn't accept it if not in cash.”

“Check engine light indicated Fuel injection system leaking on 2013 Ford explorer taken to Ford dealer. Investigated online 2013 Ford explorer have fuel injection leaking problems reported for 2013 Ford explorers”

“This winter I began starting my vehicle and letting it warm up before driving it. After letting it run approximately 10 to 15 minutes, I opened my door and to get in and there was a very strong exhaust smell inside. I would have to roll my windows down to clear the cabin of the fumes. This happened every single time I would let it sit and warm up. There is also something happening with what I believe is my drive-train. There is a lot of different noises (squealing/whining, grinding (metal to metal), clanking and thumping) when I give it gas after sitting at a light. As soon as I step on the gas pedal it makes all the above noises and jerks, then acts like it doesn't want to go. It finally kicks in then goes. Once it kicks in, it drives just fine. The noise sounds like its coming from the undercarriage and sometimes the rear end. I am not driving the vehicle now, it is parked in my driveway, so I am currently without transportation. There is also a very loud popping noise coming from the front end. I was told this could be ball joints or possibly stabilizers.”