EcoBoost 2.0L Oil Consumption & Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
high- Typically appears
- 50–120k mi
- Estimated repair
- $300 – $900
2013 Ford
ExplorerSUV
SUV
The 2013 Ford Explorer is a three-row, five-door midsize SUV built on a unibody car platform — a major departure from the truck-based body-on-frame Explorers of the past. Ford repositioned it as a crossover with carlike ride quality and better fuel economy while keeping seating for up to seven. The 2013 model year sits in the middle of the second-generation redesign (2011–2015), with minor refinements over the launch year. The base engine is a 2.0L turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder, shared with the FWD configuration here. It delivers reasonable power for around-town use, though it can feel strained when fully loaded or towing. The optional 3.5L V6 and 3.5L EcoBoost V6 were more popular with buyers needing more performance or towing capability. This generation Explorer has a mixed reliability reputation. Owners report solid bones and a comfortable interior, but a handful of recurring issues — particularly around the EcoBoost engine's oil consumption, the PTU/rear differential on AWD models, and exhaust fume intrusion — make careful inspection non-negotiable when buying used.
Reliability
3/5
Verified data
Specs shown for Explorer FWD — the most common configuration.
Other trims may vary in engine, drivetrain, or fuel economy. Sign in to see your vehicle's exact specs.
Engine
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Drivetrain
FWD
Fuel
Gasoline
MPG
20 city / 27 hwy / 23 combined
Seats
—
Doors
—
Body
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Overview
AI-curatedThe 2013 Ford Explorer is a three-row, five-door midsize SUV built on a unibody car platform — a major departure from the truck-based body-on-frame Explorers of the past. Ford repositioned it as a crossover with carlike ride quality and better fuel economy while keeping seating for up to seven. The 2013 model year sits in the middle of the second-generation redesign (2011–2015), with minor refinements over the launch year. The base engine is a 2.0L turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder, shared with the FWD configuration here. It delivers reasonable power for around-town use, though it can feel strained when fully loaded or towing. The optional 3.5L V6 and 3.5L EcoBoost V6 were more popular with buyers needing more performance or towing capability. This generation Explorer has a mixed reliability reputation. Owners report solid bones and a comfortable interior, but a handful of recurring issues — particularly around the EcoBoost engine's oil consumption, the PTU/rear differential on AWD models, and exhaust fume intrusion — make careful inspection non-negotiable when buying used.
Known for
- Three-row seating in a unibody crossover package
- EcoBoost fuel economy advantage over traditional V6 SUVs
- Comfortable, car-like highway ride
- MyFord Touch infotainment (love it or hate it)
- Strong towing for a unibody crossover (up to 2,000 lbs on the 2.0L)
Best for
- Families needing three rows without a full-size SUV
- Highway commuters wanting SUV practicality with decent MPG
- Drivers who prioritize ride comfort over off-road capability
- Those okay with a used-market value buy despite some known issues
Watch for
- Exhaust fume intrusion into the cabin — a known safety concern on this generation
- 2.0L EcoBoost oil consumption and carbon buildup on intake valves
- MyFord Touch system failures and software glitches
- AWD PTU (power transfer unit) seal failures — less of a concern on this FWD example
- Panoramic roof rattle and seal leaks
Common issues by mileage
6 knownVCT/Camshaft Phaser & Oil Control Solenoid Faults
medium- Typically appears
- 60–130k mi
- Estimated repair
- $200 – $700
Turbocharger Bypass Valve Failure
medium- Typically appears
- 70–120k mi
- Estimated repair
- $150 – $450
MyFord Touch / SYNC Infotainment System Failures
high- Typically appears
- Any mileage
- Estimated repair
- $100 – $1,200
Exhaust Fume Intrusion into Cabin
medium- Typically appears
- Any mileage
- Estimated repair
- $0 – $500
O2 / Heated Oxygen Sensor Heater Circuit Faults
medium- Typically appears
- 80–150k mi
- Estimated repair
- $150 – $400
Maintenance schedule
- 1 Every 5,000 miles or 6 months Engine oil and filter change — use full synthetic 5W-30
The 2.0L EcoBoost is highly sensitive to oil quality. Extended intervals or conventional oil accelerate carbon buildup and VCT solenoid wear. Don't stretch to the OIL LIFE monitor's maximum on a used example.
- 2 Every 20,000–30,000 miles Inspect and replace engine air filter
A clogged air filter stresses the turbo and reduces EcoBoost efficiency noticeably. Lake Geneva road conditions include dusty summer gravel — check annually.
- 3 Every 60,000 miles Spark plug replacement
Ford specifies 100k intervals but the EcoBoost benefits from fresh plugs at 60k given its higher combustion pressures. Worn plugs worsen carbon buildup symptoms.
- 4 Every 60,000 miles or 5 years Coolant system inspection and coolant flush
Turbocharged engines run hotter and are harder on coolant. Check for signs of weeping from hose connections and the thermostat housing.
- 5 Every 60,000 miles Transmission fluid change (6-speed 6F35)
Ford lists this as 'lifetime' but independent shops see transmission wear accelerate past 100k on units with original fluid. A $150–200 fluid service is cheap insurance.
- 6 Every 2 years regardless of mileage Brake fluid flush
Wisconsin road salt accelerates brake system corrosion. Fresh fluid prevents moisture buildup in the ABS modulator and calipers.
- 7 Every spring after winter Inspect underbody, frame seams, and exhaust system for rust and fume leak points
Road salt is extremely aggressive in Lake Geneva. Check exhaust manifold-to-pipe flanges (common fume entry point), floor pan seams, and subframe mounting points annually.
- 8 Every fall, or at 4 years of age Battery load test
The EcoBoost's stop-start-style electrical demands and sub-zero Wisconsin winters kill marginal batteries fast. A weak battery also causes SYNC/MyFord Touch gremlins.
Always defer to the manufacturer's service manual for warranty-mandated intervals.
Cost of ownership
Annual maintenance
$700 – $1,400
Fuel
At 23 MPG combined and ~15,000 miles/year, expect roughly $1,950–$2,300/year at $3.00–$3.50/gal regular unleaded.
Insurance
Midsize SUV; expect $1,100–$1,600/year for full coverage in the Lake Geneva / Walworth County area depending on driver profile and coverage limits.
The 2013 Explorer FWD 2.0L is a moderately affordable vehicle to run if you stay on top of oil changes and catch small issues early. The EcoBoost engine rewards disciplined maintenance and punishes neglect. Budget toward the higher end of the maintenance range for any example over 80k miles. A deferred-maintenance example can produce $2,000–$4,000 in catch-up repairs quickly.
Seasonal care
Lake Geneva, WI Winter
- Switch to full synthetic 5W-30 if not already used — it flows immediately at sub-zero temps and protects the turbo on cold starts.
- Load-test the battery every fall. A battery over 4 years old should be replaced proactively; MyFord Touch is especially sensitive to low voltage.
- Install winter wiper blades and fill washer fluid reservoir with a -20°F or lower rated fluid. The flat hood design throws a lot of road spray onto the windshield.
- Inspect and lubricate door seals and weatherstripping before freezing temps — the panoramic roof seals are especially prone to freezing shut or tearing.
- After each significant snow, rinse the underbody at a touchless car wash to remove road salt from exhaust hangers, brake lines, and subframe seams.
- Check tire pressure weekly — pressure drops roughly 1 PSI per 10°F temperature drop, and under-inflated tires on wet/icy roads are dangerous.
Summer
- Check tire pressure in the morning before driving — summer heat can inflate tires above the door-placard spec, especially after sitting in the sun.
- Inspect the A/C system for proper cooling output. The cabin on this Explorer is large; a marginally performing A/C system will struggle on hot Wisconsin days with a full passenger load.
- Check coolant level and inspect hoses for swelling or cracking — turbo heat soak is more pronounced in summer stop-and-go traffic.
- Inspect the cabin air filter — pollen and road dust accumulate quickly in spring/summer and restrict airflow to the HVAC system.
- Check for any exhaust odor entering the cabin with windows closed and A/C in fresh-air mode — this is easiest to detect in warm weather at idle.
Comparable vehicles
2013 Chevrolet
Traverse
Same three-row midsize crossover segment, similar price point, larger interior. The 3.6L V6 is less finicky than the EcoBoost 2.0L and has a stronger reliability track record for this era.
2013 Honda
Pilot
Comparable three-row family SUV with Honda's 3.5L V6. Slightly less refined on the highway but substantially more reliable with lower long-term ownership costs.
2013 Toyota
4Runner
If you want three-row capability and long-term durability, the 4Runner's body-on-frame V6 routinely exceeds 250k miles. Less car-like to drive but significantly more dependable.
2013 Jeep
Grand Cherokee
Two-row alternative in a similar price range with strong V6 and V8 options, better off-road chops, and comparable towing. A good alternative if you don't need the third row.