There isn’t a single universal defect for the 2013 Explorer’s suspension. The most commonly reported issues involve wear or failure of certain front and rear components, which can lead to clunks, wandering handling, and uneven tire wear, especially as mileage climbs.
To understand why these problems occur, it helps to know how the Explorer’s suspension is laid out, which parts tend to wear first, and what symptoms they produce. This article covers the design, the common failure points, how to diagnose them, and how recalls or service bulletins may apply to your vehicle. It also provides steps to verify any open recalls for your VIN and what you can do to keep the suspension in good shape.
Suspension design and weak points
The 2013 Ford Explorer uses a front MacPherson-strut suspension with coil springs and a rear independent multi-link (coil-sprung) setup. This arrangement aims to balance ride comfort and handling, but like many late-model SUVs, it has a few components that can wear with time and miles, potentially affecting ride quality and alignment.
Front suspension issues
Front-end wear is commonly linked to components that locate the wheel and manage steering response. The following items are frequently cited as the primary front-end risk points.
- Worn or degraded front lower control arm bushings, which can cause clunking, vibrations, and changes in toe alignment.
- Worn or loose front ball joints or related hardware, leading to looseness in steering and unusual tire wear.
- Squeaks or clunks from stabilizer (sway) bar links or worn strut mounts, especially over potholes or speed bumps.
- Aged or leaking shocks/struts, which diminish ride quality and cornering control.
Symptoms in this area often show up as a banging or rattling sound over bumps, wandering steering, or uneven tire wear. If you notice these signs, a professional inspection is advisable.
Addressing front-suspension issues typically involves replacing worn bushings or ball joints, and in some cases the front control arms or struts, followed by a proper alignment to restore geometry.
Rear suspension issues
Rear-end wear concerns are tied to the multi-link arrangement and associated hardware. Common wear points include bushings, toe-links (or track bars), and rear shocks, which can degrade ride quality and handling characteristics.
- Worn rear suspension bushings, leading to clunking noises or loose ride feel and potential misalignment.
- Worn rear toe-links or track bars, causing improper wheel alignment and uneven tire wear.
- Aged or leaking rear shocks/struts, reducing stability and ride comfort, particularly on rough roads.
- Loose or worn stabilizer bar links or mounting hardware, producing clunks or squeaks.
Rear-suspension problems often surface as a rougher ride, extra body roll in corners, or noise when the vehicle is moved from side to side while parked. Resolution usually involves replacing worn bushings or links and, if necessary, the related mounting hardware, followed by alignment checks.
Symptoms to watch for and diagnostic steps
Recognizing the signs early can prevent more serious wear or alignment damage. The following indicators commonly point to suspension-related issues on the 2013 Explorer.
- Clunking, banging, or creaking noises when going over bumps or entering/exiting driveways.
- Uneven tire wear or pulling to one side, suggesting alignment or component wear.
- Excessive body roll or instability during highway driving, especially in turns or crosswinds.
- A rough or jiggle-prone ride that doesn’t improve after tire rotations or balancing.
Diagnostic steps include a road test to reproduce the symptoms, visual inspection of the front and rear suspension components, and a wheel alignment check. A mechanic may also perform a bounce test on each corner and use a hoist to inspect bushings, joints, and shocks for play or leaks.
Recalls, service bulletins, and how to check your Explorer
There have been recalls and service bulletins that touch suspension areas on Explorers from this era. To determine if your specific vehicle is affected, always verify with official sources using your VIN.
Before you start, note that not every 2013 Explorer will be covered by a recall or bulletin; coverage depends on manufacturing dates, production lots, and local recalls. The safest approach is to check the following:
- Look up your VIN on the NHTSA recalls database (nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see active or past recalls for your vehicle.
- Visit Ford’s official Owner site or My Ford Mobile and enter your VIN to see any open recalls or service alerts.
- Speak with a Ford dealer and provide your VIN to confirm whether any suspension-related recalls or TSBs (technical service bulletins) apply.
If a recall or TSB does apply, qualified dealers are obligated to perform the repair at no cost to the vehicle owner.
Maintenance tips and preventive care
Regular maintenance and proactive checks can extend the life of the Explorer’s suspension. Keep an eye on these practices to reduce the risk of major suspension problems.
- Schedule periodic wheel alignments, especially after suspension work or tire replacements, to maintain proper toe and camber settings.
- Inspect front and rear bushings for signs of wear or cracking during routine service intervals; replace as needed.
- Test shocks/struts for leaks or diminished performance; replace in pairs if wear is evident to preserve balanced ride and handling.
- Check sway bar links and mounting hardware for looseness or noise; replace worn parts promptly.
Proactive maintenance helps keep handling predictable and can prevent more extensive (and costly) repairs down the line.
Summary
The suspension issues reported for the 2013 Ford Explorer are not tied to a single defect but rather to wear or failure in several front and rear components over time. Front lower control arm bushings and ball joints, as well as rear bushings and links, are among the most commonly affected parts, leading to clunks, wandering handling, and uneven tire wear. If you suspect suspension trouble, a thorough inspection, timely replacement of worn parts, and verification of any recalls or service bulletins via VIN checks are essential steps to keep the Explorer safe and comfortable on the road.
What are the common suspension problems affecting the Ford Explorer?
Explorer suspension issues are also connected to manufacturer recalls. Examples include rear suspension failure due to corrosion affecting certain 2011-2017 Explorers and a faulty rear suspension bolt in 2020-2022 Explorers. Other suspension-related recalls have been issued in past model years.
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How much to fix suspension on Ford Explorer?
The average cost for a Ford Explorer Suspension Shock or Strut Replacement is between $698 and $822. Labor costs are estimated between $229 and $336 while parts are priced between $469 and $485. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.
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What is the most common problem with a 2013 Ford Explorer?
The top 3 issues plaguing the 2013 Ford Explorer are bubbling paint, rusting paint, and body issues. With costly repairs for bubbling paint, concerns over structural integrity due to rust, and additional body concerns, owners face mounting worries.
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Why did Ford issue a recall for the Explorer's suspension?
Vehicles recalled: Ford Explorer SUVs manufactured between May 16, 2017, and March 3, 2019. The problem: Fracture of a rear toe link diminishes steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. Although the cause has yet to be determined, some toe link failures occurred after a cross-axis ball joint seized.
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