2013 Ford Explorer: ABS light or ABS activating

Filed Jan 7, 2026 · Brakes · 147,719 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the ABS, the brakes, and the traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the ABS module had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer initially informed the contact that the part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was later informed that the part had been discontinued. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,719.

Filed Jan 20, 2025 · Steering · FL

With the vehicle on, will sometimes get simultaneous warnings for "Hill Descent Control Fault" and "Service AdvanceTrac" along with 3 warnings/flags (ABS, Service AdvanceTrac, and Service AdvanceTrac OFF). Additionally, the instrument cluster/display will occasionally (less often) reset while the vehicle is still on and driving.

Filed Dec 4, 2024 · Steering · MI

While driving in a straight line the steering wheel seems momentarily disconnected from the wheels. The car feels like it is "fishtailing" and veers violently to one directing before returning to it's previous direction of travel. This action is random with no identifiable cause. The occurrences seem to be increasing in frequency. The last incident started with the vehicle traveling approximately 60mph on a straight, flat road. The vehicle suddenly, with no driver input, violently crossed the centerline, struck the shoulder on the opposite roadside before veering back across the highway. The brakes were applied as soon as the vehicle veered left and the ABS was working. The vehicle is currently parked at a service garage and not being driven as it is a safely hazard to others and the driver/occupants.

Filed Sep 24, 2024 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 65,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the ABS, traction control, and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic test was performed. The contact stated that the brake lines were flushed, and brake fluid was added to the vehicle; however, the failure returned several days after the repair. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic where an ABS pump fault code was retrieved. The contact was then informed that the part needed to repair the vehicle was on backorder. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

Filed May 30, 2023 · Brakes, Driver assistance · OR

Vehicle began exhibiting intermittent, momentary ABS activation (right front) which would cause vehicle to randomly and severely pull to the right and momentarily flash the traction control warning lamp. This problem began early in 2022 and was first taken to Ford dealership in May 2022. Multiple visits to dealer resulted in inability to diagnose due to lack of recorded codes although they were able to reproduce. Dealer hypothesized a bad electronic steering rack. Subsequent visits to non-Ford repair shops yielded no solution despite replacing ABS Control Module, Electronic Steering rack, yaw sensor, and front struts. Repair shop was able to reproduce. Recently took vehicle to Ford dealer who reproduced and performed pinpoint tests identifying the yaw sensor in the Restraint Control Module (RCM) as most likely cause, but replacement failed to solve. Dealer then removed the front bumper assembly and cleaned and calibrated the cruise control module. Dealer finally identified the problem as a failed Steering Wheel Rotation Sensor and replaced/repaired on May 25, 2023 (over a year after first exhibiting). This part (Ford BB5Z-3F818-A) covers 25 fitments ranging from 2011-2016 and is on national back-order. Speaking with dealers across the US while searching for the part, we found many dealers have been awaiting this part to fix similar problems for a year or more and there were only 7 dealers nationwide with this part in inventory. Based on these facts, it would appear this is likely a "known" issue for Ford, however there has never been a TSB or recall issued to resolve or prevent this from occurring. On multiple occasions, the intermittent ABS activation nearly pulled the vehicle into another lane of traffic and/or into other vehicles' path. I believe this part failure poses a significant safety risk and should, at a minimum, be disclosed to Ford/Lincoln/Mercury dealers via a TSB or through a recall.

Filed Jul 7, 2021 · FL

The traction control , hill assist and abs light comes on and when it does the stability light warning come on also. When traveling in mountain you don’t know if the braking system is working or not

Filed Oct 24, 2020 · Body, Electrical · CT

Leaks from poor quality welds above rear tailgate. Creates mold in carpet ABS spare tire insulation. Known problem on vehicle. Addition leaks in sunroof due to poor drainage causing motor to fail. Paint bubble fail on hood (known issue on explorers and expeditions)

Filed Dec 9, 2019 · Steering · 76,100 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford explorer. While driving 65 MPH, the steering, traction control, and ABS warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering assist was faulty and replaced. The vehicle was then taken to tomball ford (22702 tomball pkwy, tomball, tx 77375, (281) 378-3160), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v286000 (steering). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 76,100.

Filed Nov 4, 2018 · Electrical, Steering · 80,000 miles · TN

When turning on the vehicle a system error comes up 'power steering assist failer' and 'auto traction system needs servicing'and my traction control and ABS lights tinted in as well. I've tried turning my vehicle in and off again and even trying to move the vehicle and I have no power steering at all. There was a factory recall for my make and year model vehicle in 2014 but I do not know if it was corrected as I lurched the vehicle used from a ford dealer in 2017.

Filed Jan 9, 2018 · 128,000 miles · OH

As I was driving my car, out of nowhere, my dash started flashing these errors/issues/warnings. The car to seem to be driving normal, so I think. All of a sudden the terrain management system fault light appears, dial no longer works to get 4 wheel drive or traction control system to work, ABS light on! Researching and seeing a lot of same issues but after dealer looking at the diagnostics nothing truly wrong? This seems to be happening to a lot of these models.