Recall 13V109 affects 3,037 2012-2013 Ford Taurus, Mks, and Explorer vehicles for fuel-tank seam leaks. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 3,037 2012-2013 Taurus, Mks, and Explorer vehicles because a marginally sealed fuel-tank seam can leave the tank weaker in an impact and allow fuel to leak. A fuel leak near an ignition source increases fire risk, and the Ford dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The fuel tank on affected 2012-2013 Ford Taurus, Mks, and Explorer vehicles stores gasoline and feeds it to the engine through the fuel system. It also has to keep fuel contained and hold its shape when the vehicle is hit. The tank depends on its side joint staying sealed and strong.
On these vehicles, the side joint of the tank was sealed with too little margin. That joint is the edge where sections of the tank meet. When the joint is weak, the tank does not provide the expected strength in an impact. It can also leak fuel from the tank assembly.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner is not expected to hear, see, or feel a clear symptom before the tank loses strength or starts to leak.
Who's affected?
Covers the Taurus, Mks, and Explorer across the 2012 and 2013 model years, all tied to the fuel tank assembly.
| 2012 Ford Taurus | fuel system |
|---|---|
| 2012 Lincoln Mks | fuel system |
| 2013 Ford Explorer | fuel system |
| Units affected | 3,037 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A fuel leak near an ignition source can result in a fire. Until the fuel tank inspection is complete, avoid heat, sparks, and open flames around the vehicle, and schedule dealer inspection promptly. Repair will be free at any franchised Ford dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2013 Ford Taurus, Mks, or Explorer is included in this recall.
- Watch for Ford's owner notice, which was mailed after the recall began on May 9, 2013.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer and ask for the free fuel-tank inspection and replacement if the tank has a weak side seal or leak.
- Reference recall number 13V109 when you call the dealer.
- Avoid ignition sources near the vehicle and contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 with recall questions.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician inspects the fuel tank for the marginally sealed side seam condition and replaces the tank when the inspection shows it is affected. Parts and labor are covered by the recall. This campaign text does not identify the remedy as available, so confirm timing with a Ford dealer before scheduling. The dealer repair will be free once available.
Timeline
| March 27, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 9, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V109?
Recall 13V109 covers 3,037 2012-2013 Ford Taurus, Mks, and Explorer vehicles with fuel tanks that can lose strength in an impact and leak fuel. A fuel leak near an ignition source can result in a fire. Ford dealers inspect the tank and replace it if needed for free.
What should I do if my 2012-2013 Ford Taurus, Mks, or Explorer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 13V109. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer and ask for the fuel tank inspection under Ford campaign 13S03. The dealer replaces the tank if needed, and the repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires Ford to repair this defect at no cost. For recall 13V109, a franchised Ford dealer inspects the fuel tank and replaces it if needed free of charge, including parts and labor.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire from a fuel leak. Ford reported that the affected fuel tanks can lose expected strength in an impact and leak fuel. If leaking fuel reaches an ignition source, a fire can result. Confirm your VIN, then arrange the free dealer inspection.
What if I bought this vehicle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN to see whether your 2012-2013 Ford Taurus, Mks, or Explorer is included, then reference recall 13V109 or Ford campaign 13S03 when you call the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V109000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V109 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V109000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →