Ford Explorer fuel leak problems

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 Nov 18, 2025 · Fuel system · 152,000 miles · AR

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed fuel leaking from near the fuel tank. The contact was unsure which warning light was illuminated, but stated that a yellow warning light was illuminated, and there was a strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe to drive and that the failure could potentially result in a fire. The vehicle was then towed to the residence, where the failure continued. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 152,000.

Filed Apr 7, 2025 · Fuel system · 172,582 miles · NM

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that there was fuel leaking from the driver's rear end of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not able to be started. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 172,582.

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 Apr 14, 2024 · Driver assistance, Fuel system · SC

On April 28, 2023, while driving our Forf Explore, we smelled gasoline from our vehicle. We immediately stopped at the next exit, and my husband looked under the vehicle and saw gas dripping from under the engine. We immediately went to the nearest Ford dealership where the vehicle had stayed for a week. We were advised that the leak was one of the metal fuel lines that rubbed onto the frame and caused the leak, also the engine light code was due to the small hole in the fuel line. Which we had taken to a Ford dealership previously due to the engine light on, but they cannot detect the problem. We have contacted Ford Headquarters via phone and mail for further assistance. And up to today, which is April 15, 2024 we have never received a response from Ford Headquarters. This was a very scary situation, which could’ve caused a vehicle fire.

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 May 31, 2023 · Fuel system · 122,490 miles · OH

My check engine light keeps reading a evap code. I have replaced the evap throttle 3x’s. My car smells of a gas leak coming from somewhere. I have taken it to Ford, and to two other mechanics. They claim that the check engine code is wrong and they cannot find where the fuel smell is coming from without the proper code. My check engine light turns on and off with the same error everytime. The evap code is not the problem. I have made a complaint months ago, and still nothing. Not sure what else I can do.

Filed Dec 6, 2022 · Fuel system · CA

Fuel leak from damaged fuel line. Fuel leaking onto the upper part of the engine resulting in raw fuel fumes into the cabin thru ventilation. Extreme fire hazard in the engine compartment and or to the entire car. observed cause : crimp clamp located on the air box intake hose was installed in a position where the crimped part of the hose clamp rubs on the metal fuel line causing leak.

Filed Jun 17, 2022 · Fuel system · 60,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was starting the vehicle, she noticed a fuel leak underneath the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the fuel pump had detached causing the fuel leak. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

Filed Apr 28, 2022 · Fuel system · 1,400 miles · WA

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V088000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and an appointment was scheduled to determine whether the vehicle was safe to drive. 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 and informed the contact that they were focusing on repairing the unsold vehicles first. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency for assistance. The contact stated upon refueling in the vehicle, the fuel shut-off valve failed to stop fuel from being pumped when the gas tank was full, causing a fuel leak. The failure mileage was approximately 1,400. Parts distribution disconnect.