I bought a used 2013 Ford Explorer base model. The dealer said although it has phone controls the base model can't use them. True or false?

I bought a used 2013 Ford Explorer base model. The dealer said although it has phone controls the base model can't use them. True or false? - 1

True - not without modification. You had to buy a higher trim level to have that function enabled from the factory.

It's true, it happens on most level base cars. The buttons may be there but they do nothing at all.

If you have Sync, which was an option on the base trim, then you can use the phone controls. If the original owner didn't pay the $295 for Sync then the buttons on the steering wheel don't do anything.

If you look at this window sticker

You can see that Sync voice controls were an option on the base model Explorer in 2013.