In today's high-priced car market, many car shoppers have been buying "older" vehicles that have aged well as a way to save money. Should the 2013 Explorer be on that list? Well, a lot of it will come down to its reliability.
Unfortunately, history seems to have proven that the 2013 is not among it's most reliable years. While many owners have experienced solid long-term performance with only regular maintenance, there are a significant number of others that have experienced more significant problems and inconvenience.
J.D. Power has given it a Quality & Reliability score of 68/100, which is only "Fair". It's also had 11 recalls and more owner complaints than other full-size SUVs. The 2014 has had far fewer issues, making it a likely better choice.
This is not to say all 2013 Explorers are bad news. There are just risks to be aware of that support very careful shopping.
So here, ...
- We'll take a look at the 2013 Exlorer's overall pros and cons.
- Then we'll list mechanical problems that some owners have experienced that should be checked before buying.
- And finally, if you find one still in excellent condition and/or repaired and very well-maintained, we'll suggest ways of buying it at the lowest price.
2013 Ford Explorer
Way back when, the Ford Explorer was one of the key players in earning the SUV a special place in the hearts of American drivers and families. And its immense popularity has continued thanks to its very capable road manners, upscale cabin and excellent safety ratings. Very simply, it has long resided among the top choices in its segment.
And new for the 2013 model was a Sport model outfitted with a turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension. Also new were standard front passenger knee airbags for all models, while new available features for the Limited model included a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column, a heated steering wheel and a lane-departure warning system. In addition, the optional xenon headlights added automatic high-beam control.
2013 Ford Explorer Pros
Cost Savings: Older models like the 2013 Explorer can be significantly cheaper than buying a newer vehicle in the current high-priced market. However, while this may save a substantial amount upfront, the savings have to be weighed against the risk for increased maintenance and repair costs going forward.
Features vs. Cost: The 2013 Explorer, despite being an older model, might still offer several modern features such as Bluetooth connectivity, touchscreen infotainment, and advanced safety features. You could get these features at a lower price compared to newer models with similar functionalities.
Depreciation: Older cars have already undergone the steepest part of their depreciation curve, so buyers won't experience the same rapid depreciation as with a late model vehicle.
Spacious Interior: It offers a roomy cabin with ample space for passengers and cargo, making it great for families or those needing extra room.
Upscale Cabin: The interior is attractively designed and solidly contructed with high quality materials. The overall look and feel creates an overall upscale ambience. The cabin's quietness is on a par with many luxury-level models, while a fully loaded Explorer is quite comparable as well.
Good Towing Capacity: It has a respectable towing capacity for its class, making it suitable for hauling trailers or boats. It can handle 5,000 pounds with the larger engine, while the four-cylinder can tow up to 2,000 pounds.
Available All-Wheel Drive: All-wheel-drive models provide good traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Solid Performance: The V6 engine provides decent power and acceleration, while still maintaining reasonable fuel efficiency for its size.
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Ride Quality: There's a strong balance of handling and ride quality. The Explorer's handling is secure and confident, while its electric powering steering (which also improves fuel economy and enables the automatic parking system) is impressively precise and responsive. It's capable road manners do not come at the sacrifice of ride quality, however, as the suspension does a fine job absorbing most road bumps and rough spots.
Four-Cylinder Turbocharged Version: While the standard engine is a 290-horsepower V6, the optional turbocharged 2.0-liter "EcoBoost" four-cylinder for front-wheel-drive models offers best-in-class gas mileage.
Also mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission, it still produces a healthy 240-horsepower and 270-pound-feet of torque. Although not as fast as the V6, it adequately accelerates the Explorer during daily use while getting 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.
Excellent Crash Test Scores: In government crash testing, the 2013 Explorer was awarded the top score of five out of five stars for overall occupant crash protection, consisting of five stars for overall frontal-impact protection as well as five stars for overall side-impact protection.
2013 Ford Explorer Cons
Reliability Concerns: Some owners have reported issues with reliability and mechanical problems, particularly with the transmission and electrical systems (more on this below). Given these potential issues, repair costs could occur sooner than with a newer vehicle.
Fuel Efficiency: While not the worst in its class, the Explorer's fuel efficiency might be lower than some of its competitors, especially if it's driven in the city or with heavy loads. Also, as cars age, their fuel efficiency might decrease due to wear on the engine and other components. The 2013 Explorer might not have the same fuel efficiency it did when new.
Potentially Outdated Technology: While the 2013 Explorer has some modern features, they might not be as advanced as what you'd find in newer models. If having the latest tech is essential, this might be a downside.
Third-Row Space: The third row might feel cramped for taller passengers, and it might not be as comfortable for long journeys.
Limited Visibility: The vehicle's design might restrict visibility, especially towards the rear, which could make parking or maneuvering more challenging.
Handling: Some drivers find the handling to be less nimble compared to other SUVs in its class, feeling more like a truck than a crossover.
Third-Row And Cargo Space: While overall interior roominess is not really an issue, its maximum cargo capacity of 80 cubic feet is a bit less than rivals such as the Chevy Traverse, Dodge Durango, Ford Flex and GM Acadia. The third row is also somewhat more cramped than its rivals.
No V8 Model: Those looking for extra power will find there isn't an available V8 model. While that may be missed in some circumstances, it should be noted that most drivers will likely find that the V6 does a satisfying job of bearing the load.
MyFord Touch Not Always User-Friendly: While it certainly offers some great features, especially when combined with the Sync voice-activation system, it also is a bit unwieldy with initially hard to identify buttons that are also too easy to press accidentally. There's definitely a learning curve with this system.
2013 Ford Explorer Mechanical Problem Watchlist:
It's important to note that while these issues have been reported, not all owners have experienced them. Reliability can vary between individual vehicles based on factors like maintenance history, driving habits, and how well the car has been cared for over its lifetime.
Also, Ford has worked to address some of these issues in subsequent model years, implementing improvements and updates to enhance reliability.
Transmission: Complaints have surfaced about rough shifting, slipping gears, and in some cases, transmission failure. These issues might require repairs or, in severe cases, replacement.
Electrical System: Some drivers have experienced problems with the electrical components, including issues with the power windows, infotainment system glitches, or sensor malfunctions.
Engine: While not as prevalent as transmission issues, some owners have reported engine-related concerns, such as oil leaks or problems with the engine's performance.
Suspension and Steering: There have been occasional reports of problems with the suspension system, leading to a rough ride or steering issues.
Brakes: A few users have mentioned issues with the brakes, such as premature wear or brake system malfunctions.