Ford Recalls 2013 Explorer, Taurus, and MKS for Child Safety Lock Defect
Ford is recalling 2013 Explorer, Taurus, and Lincoln MKS vehicles because child safety locks may deactivate without notice, posing a risk to unrestrained children.
What this means for you
Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product where personal injury to an unrestrained child is possible, but no injuries or fatalities have been reported in the source text.
Plain-English summary
Ford Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2013 Ford Explorer, Ford Taurus, and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured between November 29, 2012, and December 12, 2012. The recall involves approximately 12,569 vehicles.
In the affected vehicles, the child safety locks may change from an activated position to a deactivated position without notice after sufficient door openings and closings. If the child lock is deactivated, the door could be unlocked and opened from the inside, which could lead to personal injury to an unrestrained child.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will test the safety locks. If necessary, the locks will be replaced free of charge. The recall began on August 2, 2013. Owners may contact Ford's customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
The recalled product
- Product
- FORD, LINCOLN EXPLORER, MKS, TAURUS
- Brand
- FORD
- Manufacturer
- Ford Motor Company
- Category
- Vehicle — Child Safety Locks
- Affected units
- 12,569
Is your product affected?
Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.
Model numbers (3)
- EXPLORER
- MKS
- TAURUS
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
Related recalls
Same brand · FORD
- SevereFord Recalls 2024-2026 Mustangs for Wiring Harness Ground Fracture Risk
NHTSA · 2026-08-25
- SevereFord Recalls 2026 Vehicles for Engine Piston Dome Manufacturing Defect
NHTSA · 2026-08-25
- SevereFord Recalls 2026 Maverick, F-150, and Bronco Sport for Joint Issues
NHTSA · 2026-08-25
- HighFord F-650 SD Recall: Liftgate Platform Deck Pins May Break
NHTSA · 2026-08-20
- SevereFord Recalls 2026 Explorers Due to Engine Bearing Seizure Risk
NHTSA · 2026-08-13
Same manufacturer · Ford Motor Company
See all →- High
- HighFord Recalls 2023-2025 Mustang Mach E for Rear Window Trim Defect
NHTSA · 2026-07-28
- High
Same hazard · child injury
See all →- High
- SevereBMW Recalls 2015-2019 X6 Models for Child Seat Anchor Bar Defect
NHTSA · 2019-11-18
- SevereNissan Recalls 2013-2016 Sentra for Front Passenger Air Bag Defect
NHTSA · 2016-04-26
- HighGM Recalls 2014-2015 Chevrolet Impala for Passenger Air Bag Defect
NHTSA · 2015-07-24
- HighFord Recalls 2013 Focus, C-Max, and Escape for Child Lock Defect
NHTSA · 2013-03-07