What is the class action lawsuit on the 2013 Ford Explorer?
There isn’t a single, defining class action titled “the” 2013 Ford Explorer case. Instead, multiple lawsuits have been filed by owners in different courts alleging a range of defects in the 2013 Explorer and related model years. The most common claims center on transmission problems, infotainment/electronics issues, and other mechanical or safety-related faults, with varying outcomes across jurisdictions.
Background: how litigation around the 2013 Explorer has evolved
The 2013 Ford Explorer, part of Ford’s popular SUV lineup, has been the subject of several consumer lawsuits since its early years on the road. Plaintiffs in these actions typically accuse Ford of selling vehicles with latent defects or of failing to disclose known issues. Because class actions are filed in different states and, at times, consolidated in multidistrict litigation, there is no single docket or verdict that covers every 2013 Explorer case.
Common claims raised in lawsuits involving the 2013 Explorer
The following list captures the types of allegations most frequently reported by plaintiffs in these actions. It is not a guarantee that every case includes all of these claims, but it reflects the typical patterns observed across multiple suits.
- Transmission problems, including shuddering, slipping, hard downshifts, or complete transmission failure in certain model-year ranges.
- Infotainment and electronics defects associated with the MyFordTouch/Touchscreen system, such as unresponsive displays, freezing, or failure to boot, which plaintiffs say impair usability and safety.
- Electrical or steering-related issues, including problems with electric power steering assist or other electronic control systems that critics say compromise vehicle handling or safety.
- Brake-related or sensor-related defects that plaintiffs allege lead to false warnings or inadequate stopping performance.
- Other defect claims, sometimes including cooling, fuel system, or door latch issues, depending on the plaintiffs’ experiences with specific vehicles.
These patterns illustrate the kinds of claims that have driven litigation, though the exact allegations, model years referenced, and relief sought vary by case and jurisdiction.
Notable settlements and court outcomes
These outcomes reflect the diverse resolutions that have occurred across different cases and courts. Some actions have been settled, some dismissed, and others remain ongoing or unresolved. The terms can include recalls, repairs, extended warranties, financial restitution, or injunctive relief, depending on the jurisdiction and the specific defects alleged.
- Certified classes and/or consolidated suits: Several claims have been certified as class actions in state or federal courts, or consolidated into multidistrict litigation where applicable, affecting how plaintiffs pursue remedies.
- Settlement terms: Where settlements occurred, fixes often included authorized repairs or warranty extensions, with sometimes limited or no out-of-pocket costs for class members.
- Litigation status: Some cases progressed to trial or dismissal, while others reached early settlements or remain pending, with outcomes shaped by evidence, expert testimony, and court rulings on class certification.
- Jurisdictional variation: The availability and scope of relief can differ widely by state, and some suits focus on specific features (like infotainment systems) rather than the entire vehicle line.
Because class actions and related suits involve many jurisdictions and changing procedural rules, individual plaintiffs should consult court records or a qualified attorney for precise case status and eligibility.
How to determine if your 2013 Explorer might be affected
If you own or leased a 2013 Ford Explorer, consider these steps to understand potential exposure and options:
- Review your vehicle’s warranty and any extended warranty programs Ford has offered for the model year, especially around transmission, electronics, or steering components.
- Check for recalls from Ford or NHTSA that cover your vehicle’s VIN and year, and verify whether the problem you’re experiencing is part of a recall repair.
- Consult court dockets or consumer-facing lawsuit databases to see if your specific model year and defect type have active or settled class actions in your jurisdiction.
- Speak with an attorney who specializes in consumer or automotive defect litigation to assess eligibility for any settlement, warranty extension, or repair program.
These steps can help determine whether a particular 2013 Explorer is subject to a class action remedy or other recall/repair program.
What to do if you believe you’re affected
If you suspect a defect covered by a class action or recall:
- Document symptoms, times, and driving conditions when the issue occurs, and gather all maintenance records and communications with Ford or dealers.
- Contact Ford customer service and your local dealer to request an inspection or repair under any applicable recall or warranty terms.
- Consult a consumer rights or automotive defect attorney to review potential eligibility for any class action settlement or out-of-pocket reimbursement options.
- Monitor official recall lists and court updates for any developments related to the 2013 Explorer model line.
Proactive record-keeping and professional guidance can help you understand remedies that may be available in your case.
Summary
Across jurisdictions, the 2013 Ford Explorer has been the subject of multiple class-action and related lawsuits rather than a single, definitive action. The core claims typically involve transmission defects, infotainment/electronics problems, and other mechanical or safety-related faults, with outcomes ranging from settlements and warranty extensions to ongoing litigation. Owners should verify any recall notices, review warranty terms, and consider legal counsel to determine eligibility for relief in their specific circumstances.
