2013 Ford Explorer: harsh or hard shifting

Filed Apr 11, 2025 · Steering · 104,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the steering wheel had became difficult to turn to the left or to the right, and there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the steering wheel, underneath the front end of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the struts and bushings had failed. The struts and bushings were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the steering rack had failed and needed to be replaced. The mechanic informed the contact that the vehicle was included in recall the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) and referred the contact to the dealer. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. No further information was available. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to file a safety complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.

Filed Oct 31, 2024 · Steering, Suspension · 106,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced a death wobble. The contact stated that there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the vehicle while driving or while idling. The failure became more persistent and more pronounced over time. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, a final diagnostic result was not provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 106,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Jan 25, 2022 · Suspension · 112,000 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. 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 indicated that while driving over a bump in the roadway, there was a clunking sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not determined. VIN tool confirms parts are not available. The failure mileage was 112,000.

Filed Sep 13, 2021 · Steering · OH

I noticed a "clunking" in my steering, when i turn steering wheel. so husband put it up on jack stand to see if anything was loose. While up on jack stands and turning the wheel, it done a "shutter" feeling. when pulling back and forth on tire, it moved fine. I made appointment with local Ford dealer and they inspected the front end and steering rack. I paid 100.00 for the diagnose. They told me I needed to replace steering rack. costing up to 2500.00 If the price hadnt been bad enough news, they told me it was not recalled, but complaints were high. Also, told me that they can not get parts to fix it for a month or so??? which means, I am paying for a car that i can not drive. Something needs to be done!! As i read through all the complaints on here about steering rack issues, they need to watch over our saftey and others. Im not happy with this situation.

Filed Sep 2, 2021 · Steering · TX

A significant clunk noise is present any time the steering wheel is used but worse when in reverse. The clunking is present when parked and the steering wheel is moved and while driving. If turning, the clunk is present and there is an involuntary slight but forceful pull of the wheel that has nearly caused an accident. Frequent instances with unusual handling and feels very unsafe, and after being evaluated at a local mechanic it was mentioned that there is a possible misaligned affecting the rear wheel and slight axel off set. It has been stated that if a fracture or bend is present that over time it will significantly diminishes steering control, and put my family at risk for an accident. My local Ford dealership, Bluebonnet Ford of New Braunfels Texas, refuses to assist despite the recent recall due to my VIN not being included in the recent release. I need assistance immediately to keep myself and children safe. I have poured thousands of dollars into this vehicle after sensor failure and AC/hose failure which was essential poisoning my family for months.

Filed May 27, 2020 · Steering · 88,000 miles · MA

Car makes bang or clunk sound when turning left.

Filed Feb 20, 2020 · Steering, Wheels · 116,000 miles · PA

Had just picked up my mail from mailbox and started crossing road to enter my lane/private driveway when heard a loud clunk and was unable to steer car. Kept pushing gas pedal to try to move forward and get across the road and barely did but couldn't control direction the car was moving. When felt was safe I got out and walked around car to see if I could see what was wrong. Noticed front right passenger wheel was turned in while others were straight. I got back in car to turn steering wheel and see if it would move but it did not. I called family to come help and upon further looking discovered wheel had become disconnected from the tie rod. The car was towed to a garage and upon their inspection I was told that I needed a new inner and outer tie rod and that the axle centre bracket had broken. I googled the internet to see if this was a known problem and found a website carproblemzoo.com where 29 reports were listed of similar instances with a most recent date of 7/12/2019. This driver did contact ford customer care as did I but had no assistance or resolution from them. In fact ford told me they can't monitor every website and I told them this wasn't acceptable because one complaint said a mother's neck was broken. These problems must be further investigated.

Filed Feb 16, 2020 · Driver assistance, Steering · 99,500 miles · PA

About two months ago the steering was getting tough with little noise like clunking, took the explorer to a ford dealer was told my front struts needed changed. Had that done, did not fix my steering problem. Said my VIN was outside of the recall ford had on the steering rack. Now just yesterday I start my car and my steering wheel is stuck no movement. Turned it off and back on and got movement but no power steering it's a manual. Warning lights came on 1. "service power steering now" 2. "service advance trac". Also noticed my turn signal will not stay engaged must hold in place to signal.

Filed Jul 10, 2019 · Steering · 140,000 miles · NC

When I turn the wheel in my vehicle it makes a loud clunk noise and also when I apply my brakes. I looked up all ford explorer recalls and noticed one in 2014 that has to do with the electric power assist system. How can I know if my vehicle was on the recall list being so long ago and can this be covered under that recall? I see alot of complaints involving this same issue. I bought the car used in 2017.

Filed Feb 10, 2019 · Driver assistance, Steering · 86,000 miles · AZ

Issue already reported.see the federal safety agency ld.number 11174395.vehicle is awd. Clunking noise coming from front axil area only. Current milage86644.

Filed May 17, 2018 · Suspension, Wheels · 120,000 miles · GA

While driving the passenger side started 'clunking' while turning. The noise happened if the vehicle was stationary or in motion. We had the strut replaced and it fixed the issue for a little under 6 weeks. All replacement pets came straight from ford. Within 6 weeks of replacement the ford replacement parts have now gone bad again and damaged the cv axle causing a terrifying shake when accelerating.

Filed Aug 3, 2016 · Engine, Fuel system · 88,500 miles · NC

On two separate occasions, the car stalled after de-accelerating to a stopped position and made a "clunk" sound from the transmission area. During the first event at a traffic light, a very noticeable "clunk" was heard that sounded like the transmission. The car was re-started and seemed to drive normally. To be on the safe side, we brought the car to the dealership to have it checked but they could find nothing wrong. During the second event at a stop sign, another very noticeable "clunk" was heard from the underside of the car and the car actually shifted so that it was felt by the body. After re-starting the car this time and placing it into drive, this time the car did not move when pressing down on the gas pedal. Instead, only the engine revved up. In addition, when putting the gear into the reverse or drive position, that loud "clunk" sound and the physical shifting of the vehicle also happened. Because the car would literally not go, we called for a tow-truck and took it to the ford dealership. At the dealership, a customer care rep and a technician came outside to look at the car. When putting the car into reverse and drive, the same "clunk" and shifting of the vehicle was observed and acknowledged by both men. However, at this point the car would move forward when applying the gas. We left the car at the dealership for evaluation. When following up early the next week, ,we were informed that they had driven the car about 100 miles over the course of three trips and the car was running normally. Also, we were told that the diagnostic/evaluation of the PCM and transmission did not show anything was wrong. In my opinion, there are two problems here: #1, the stalling/transmission problem and #2, the inability to identify the problem for such a major event