The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the windshield exterior A-pillar trims had become loosened, and water entered the vehicle through the interior light near the rearview mirror. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where tape was applied to the trim pieces. 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 140,000.
2013 Ford Explorer: water leaks into the cabin
34 of the 2,239 complaints about the 2013 Ford Explorer describe water leaks into the cabin.
- owner complaints
- 34
- of this car's complaints
- 2%
- typical mileage
- 60,000
- recalls
- 2
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls and 10 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Water leaks into the cabin by model year
What owners say
I have a 2013 ford explorer xlt and the back up camera has gone out. The problem began about a year ago with the camera working somedays and other days the screen was blank with a message for me to contact my ford dealership. From what I've read, this is a very common problem with the ford explorers. Several other ford models with the same problem around this particular year have been recalled but not the explorer, this is a very dangerous situation as most ford explorer owners will tell you that it is very difficult to see properly when reversing in a ford explorer especially without the back up camera. The back up camera is very much needed for this situation. I've also read that the problem stems mainly from a leak in the tailgate where water leaks in on the camera connection thus causing it to malfunction and eventually go out completely. As yet, I have not had the vehicle inspected yet by for or a licensed mechanic. I wanted to check to see if I could find where a recall was issued for this problem on my explorer, but after extensive research I haven't been able to find any. I'm just wondering why they haven't recalled the explorers to fix this problem.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the glass moon roof panel became inoperable, and could no longer be opened. Additionally, there was rainwater leaking into the vehicle from the sunroof drainage system. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the Extend Coverage related to the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while it was raining, water was leaking into the vehicle through the front windshield. While making a turn, water entered the vehicle, and the front seat passenger became wet. The seat was damaged by the water. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact ordered a power window switch online. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Bought the car 07/03/23 from private party and its been leaking water since. Found the cracks 02/28/25. Body is cracking on top rear roof of vehicle close to the rear hatch hinges on driver and passenger side which causes water to come inside the rear interior part of the vehicle. 3rd row seatbelts are soaking wet when it rains. Water also leaks in the trunk and spare tire space. Originally, thought it was from clogged sunroof drains, but found the cracks after further investigation. Pictures have been attached.
Water leaking from ceiling
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that there was water leaking onto the dashboard and the infotainment system screen through the upper passenger’s side corner of the windshield. The local dealer was contacted. 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 failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the sunroof leaked water, causing the rearview mirror and rear seat belts to become wet. The contact stated that the sunroof motor and dashboard were previously replaced due to the failure; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Due to trim panel recall, trim came off and while driving and now water leaks in windshield when it rains. Leaking water dripped on to climate control panel and caused it to stop working. Now I can’t control heat or AC in car and it continues to leak when it rains
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency 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 while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front windshield trim panel detached. The contact stated that the trim panels were loose on the driver's and the passenger's side of the windshield. The contact stated that rainwater entered the vehicle due to the failure. The front floor mats were soaked. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the front passenger's side windshield exterior pillar trim separated and flew off the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that there was water leaking inside the vehicle, on the front passenger's side carpet. The contact later received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted several times. 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 failure. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while entering the vehicle after it had rained, there was water accumulated in the cup holders inside the vehicle and on the front passenger's side carpet. Additionally, there was evidence of a water leak on the armrest, the infotainment system, and the passenger's side glove compartment. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and turning, the contact became aware that there was water leaking from the cabin interior lamp onto the cupholders. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Service bulletins that may apply
- For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to
- This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected
- Customer Satisfaction Program 19N09 Certain 2011-2014 Model Year Edge and MKX and 2013-2014 Model Year...
- Loose driver side B-pillar front door upper moulding
- Corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust
- Certain 2013-2017 Model Year Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles
- Door ajar lamp illuminated with all doors closed
- 2011-2015 explorer and mkt vehicles requiring replacement of right front axle shaft no longer require...
Related recalls
Structure: body: roof and pillars
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024 and December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
Recall number 24V031000 · Recall details
Structure: body: door
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- If the interior door handle return spring is unseated, the door may unlatch in the event of a side impact crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four of the interior door handles and either repair or replace them, free of charge. The recall began on July 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S11.
Recall number 15V171000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2013 Ford Explorer water leak
Is water leaks into the cabin a common problem on the 2013 Ford Explorer?
34 of 2,239 owner complaints about the 2013 Ford Explorer (2%) mention water leaks into the cabin. The model year with the most reports is 2013.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2013 Ford Explorer?
There are 2 recalls and 10 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2013 Ford Explorer
Power steering loss 409Fuel smell 207Loss of power 142Steering lock-up 114Engine failure 89Backup camera 62Grinding brakes 45Check engine light 45Door locks 38Stalling 38Jerking 34Overheating 31Steering noise 21Fire or smoke 19Headlights 16Ball joint 13Fuel leak 13Harsh shifting 12No deployment 11Fuel pump 11ABS 10Screen failure 10Wipers 10Knocking 9Battery drain 8Hesitation 8Lane assist 8Won't shift 8Shudder 7Pulling 6Brake failure 5Misfire 5Whining noise 5Won't start 5
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