Problems · by component

2013 Ford Explorer structure problems

439 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2013 Ford Explorer cite structure, 20% of all 2,237 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 2 recalls on this component.

Complaints
439
20% of all complaints
Crashes
4
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
9
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the structure

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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 not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger’s side A-pillar trim had detached. The local dealer confirmed the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 8, 2026StructureODI 11769807
“The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the parts to complete the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that both windshield exterior A-pillar trims had dry-rotted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was inspected. The dealer confirmed that parts were unavailable and placed the vehicle on a waiting list. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. The VIN was unavailable.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 31, 2026StructureODI 11760888
“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 not yet available. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH in snowy and stormy weather, the driver’s side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to several dealers, where it was inspected, and it was confirmed that parts were unavailable to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 15, 2026StructureODI 11750508
“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 not yet available. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 22, 2026StructureODI 11745607
“The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on the driver’s side windshield started to detach. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part required for the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that the remedy parts were not yet available and were on backorder. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 13, 2026StructureODI 11737590
“The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's side A-pillar trim detached. The failure distracted the contact while driving, nearly causing a collision. The contact drove over gravel on the road, causing damage to the front windshield. The contact stated that Safelite AutoGlass repaired the front windshield. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the front passenger's side A-pillar trim had also detached. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 11, 2026StructureODI 11737003

Showing 6 of 439 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

2 recalls on this component

Structure: roof and pillars

Free remedy

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.

StructureReported Jan 19, 2024NHTSA 24V031000

Structure: door

Free remedy

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the interior door handle return spring may unseat, resulting in interior door handle that does not return to the fully stowed position after actuation.

StructureReported Mar 24, 2015NHTSA 15V171000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.