2013 Ford Explorer: gas smell in the cabin

Filed Nov 4, 2026 · Engine · MN

They’re been multiple occasions when my daughter and I are driving to either school or Daycare, where she would yell in the backseat that it smells back there. After having myself sit back and ride as my wife, I experienced lightheadedness, dizziness, and would smell like exhaust fumes in the car. I have read multiple reports online about exhaust manifold, cracking or warping and allowing exhaust to enter the car I also came across the temporary fix that was implemented which I don’t think is fair. But just today driving to work I experience lightheadedness from the driver seat and add some coughing sooner. They roll the windows down. I started to feel better. I keep trying to turn the air circulation on to hopefully keep the exterior exhaust fumes out but the air circulation times out and allows exhaust fumes to enter the cabin. As far as I can tell, there aren’t any issues with the exhaust system I do not hear any exhaust leaks. This only happens under 25% or more throttle when the vehicle kicks down to another passing gear. I have not contacted the dealership yet to have the issue diagnosed. But I feel it is the exhaust manifolds cause the issue

Filed Feb 16, 2026 · MI

I am filing a safety complaint for my 2013 Ford Explorer (VIN: [XXX] ). There is a strong raw fuel smell inside the cabin, which is a severe fire hazard. This model has a history of cracked fuel delivery modules. Additionally, my vehicle has open recalls for the Rear Suspension Toe Link (19V435/20V675) and the A-Pillar Exterior Trim (24V031). Despite these critical safety issues, the dealer (Midland Ford) claims they see no open recalls and refuses to inspect the fuel leak without a diagnostic fee. I am concerned about a potential fire and the risk of a suspension failure while driving." INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 6, 2025 · Fuel system · NC

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.

Filed Sep 10, 2025 · Fuel system · 93,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel injectors were leaking, but the vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the purge valve was replaced as a temporary repair. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated intermittently after the repair. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle after the vehicle had been refueled, the vehicle failed to start and shuddered. The vehicle was able to be restarted after several attempts. Additionally, the contact stated that there was an abnormally strong fuel odor coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failures to the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 13V227000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 15V812000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recalls. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

Filed Apr 10, 2025 · Fuel system · 200,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon reaching arriving to the destination, there was an abnormal gasoline odor coming from the rear of the vehicle. After a visual inspection, the contact observed gasoline leaking from the fuel tank. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel tank filler neck. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 15V812000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 200,000.

Filed Nov 4, 2024 · Fuel system · 160,000 miles · MA

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal gasoline odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and became aware of fuel leaking from the rear wheel well from a place near the fuel tank. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 15V812000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

Filed Mar 21, 2024 · Engine · 119,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated when his wife was driving the vehicle she became sleepy from the exhaust fumes. The contact stated his wife would feel fine when she was not in the vehicle. The were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who informed the contact's wife to drive with the windows down and not to drive passengers. The vehicle was not repaired, but the mechanic discussed replacing both exhaust manifolds. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 119,000.

Filed Dec 5, 2023 · Fuel system · 170,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage, an abnormally strong fuel odor was detected. The contact moved the vehicle out of the garage due to the strong fuel odor. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the fuel tank was leaking. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

Filed Nov 2, 2023 · Fuel system · 100,000 miles · WI

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon approaching the vehicle, he smelled a strong gasoline odor. After a visual inspection underneath the vehicle, the contact observed a puddle of gasoline. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined there was rust on the sending unit and fuel tank, causing the fuel tank to crack and leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Sep 7, 2023 · Fuel system, Steering · 120,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the contact loss control of the steering wheel and the vehicle drove off the road. The contact drove onto the curb where the vehicle come to a complete stop. The contact shut off the vehicle and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer stated that the rack and pinion and the bushing on the steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. On another occasion while starting the vehicle, the contact smelled an abnormal gasoline odor inside the vehicle. The contact examined the vehicle and noticed a fuel leak. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and stated that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the VIN was not under recall. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

Filed Jan 17, 2023 · Fuel system, Suspension · OK

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.

Filed Jan 14, 2023 · Engine · MI

I know there was a recall on exhaust fumes coming in the vehicle months ago, and it's starting again I've had really bad fumes coming in my car .