2013 Ford Explorer Recall

On certain vehicles, the exterior A-pillar trim on either side of the windshield may not be properly attached. As a result, the trim(s) could loosen and separate from the vehicle.

Trim that detaches from the vehicle could create a road hazard for others and increase the risk of a crash.

Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, replace the A-pillar trim.

On certain vehicles that have had one (or both) of the rear wheel knuckle(s) replaced, the outer ball joint for the rear suspension toe link may seize. If this happens, the toe link could break while driving. This could cause a sudden loss of vehicle stability. Note: This recall only affects vehicles equipped with a rear ball joint manufactured by ZF.

A loss of vehicle stability could cause a loss of control and increase the risk of a crash.

Ford will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to inspect if it has had ball joints installed to replace the original bushings in the rear suspension. If so, the ball joints will be inspected. If a ball joint requires replacement, the dealer will replace the rear suspension knuckle and toe link, as necessary.

On certain vehicles, the outer ball joint for the rear suspension toe link may seize. If this happens, the toe link could break while driving. This could cause a sudden loss of vehicle stability. Note: This recall only affects vehicles equipped with a rear ball joint manufactured by ZF.

A loss of vehicle stability could cause a loss of control and increase the risk of a crash.

Ford will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the rear suspension toe links and inspect the ball joints. If a ball joint requires replacement, the dealer will replace the rear suspension knuckle.

On certain vehicles, the outer ball joint for the rear suspension toe link may seize. If this happens, the toe link could break while driving. This could cause a sudden loss of vehicle stability.

A loss of vehicle stability could cause a loss of control and increase the risk of a crash.

Ford will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to inspect the ball joints for the rear suspension toe links. If a ball joint requires replacement, the dealer will replace the rear suspension knuckle.

On certain vehicles, the rear suspension toe link(s) could break. This could cause a sudden loss of vehicle stability. Note: This problem is more likely to occur on vehicles that are driven on rough roads.

A loss of vehicle stability could cause a loss of control and increase the risk of a crash.

The company will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their vehicle to a dealer to install improved rear suspension toe links.

On certain vehicles operated in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, soil properties unique to these areas could cause an accumulation of soil to occur at the attachment point of the rear suspension toe link. This could impede the toe link's travel, causing bending stresses and potential fracture. A fractured toe link would affect vehicle handling and could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the toe links with revised parts.

A failure of this component (suspension) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

On certain vehicles, the return spring within the interior door handle assembly could become unseated, resulting in an interior handle that does not return to the fully stowed position after actuation. This could allow a door to unlatch during a side impact crash, which could increase the risk of injury to a seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will inspect, and repair or replace the interior handles as necessary.

A failure of this component (structure) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

On certain vehicles, a fault in the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system could result in an immediate loss of power steering assist without warning to the driver. This would unexpectedly increase the steering effort force necessary to steer the vehicle at lower vehicle speeds, which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will affect repairs as necessary and will reprogram the EPS controller with updated software. In the event that an EPS fault occurs, this updated software would allow for continued EPS function while displaying visual and audible warnings to the driver until the end of the drive cycle.

A failure of this component (steering) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

On certain vehicles, the child safety lock actuation cam may have been manufactured incorrectly. As a result, the child lock may inadvertently disengage, which could allow the rear door to be opened using the inside door handle, possibly resulting in injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect the child safety lock and, if necessary, replace the door latch assembly. In the interim, drivers that have a need to use the child lock feature are advised to check the child lock to ensure it is in the ON position before each use.

A failure of this component (other) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

On certain vehicles, the fuel delivery module may develop a crack which could allow fuel to leak. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the fuel delivery module.

A failure of this component (fuel system) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

On certain vehicles, the fuel tank may have been manufactured incorrectly. As a result, some of the fuel tanks may not provide the expected strength in the event of an impact, and may leak. A fuel leak may also occur even in the absence of an impact. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire, increasing the risk of injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the fuel tank.

A failure of this component (fuel system) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).

Certain vehicles fail to conform to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Specifically, the compliance label identifies the vehicle type as "TRU/CAM" instead of "MPV/VTUM". Correction: Due to the inconsequential nature of this non-compliance, no action will be taken.

A failure of this component (accessories) may increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Authorized dealerships will inspect the vehicle and complete all necessary repairs free of charge (parts and labor).