2012 Ford Explorer
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 827 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 12th highest complaint count among 26 Explorer model years with reports.
Of the 2012 reports, 10 involved a crash and 6 involved a fire. 13 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Structure, body, roof and pillarsJan 19, 2024
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024 and December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
Campaign 24V031000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearSep 22, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. These vehicles may be equipped with a cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) replacement part that could seize, and result in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealer will inspect for the presence of a CABJ. If a CABJ of any design is found, the dealer will inspect the tightness of the CABJ, and replace the CABJ, knuckle, and/or toe link as necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters were mailed November 10, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 17, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S43.
Campaign 21V746000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearJun 10, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, and inspect both rear toe link ball joints, replacing the rear wheel knuckle(s), if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S17.
Campaign 19V435000 on NHTSA.gov
Wheels, hubAug 28, 2017
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain Wheel Hub Bearing assemblies, part number HB5Z-1104-C, incorrectly listed as being for installation on the rear axles of 2011-2017 Ford Explorer 4X2 vehicles. These bearings assemblies were manufactured without a self retention feature, possibly resulting in the separation of the wheel or wheel end.
A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify the distributors of the hubs specifying that they are to only be used on drive axles. It is believed that none of the hubs were purchased from Ford dealers for the incorrect application. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 17E048000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, doorMar 24, 2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the interior door handle return spring may unseat, resulting in interior door handle that does not return to the fully stowed position after actuation.
If the interior door handle return spring is unseated, the door may unlatch in the event of a side impact crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four of the interior door handles and either repair or replace them, free of charge. The recall began on July 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S11.
Campaign 15V171000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, electric power assist systemMay 29, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured May 17, 2010, through February 28, 2012. The affected vehicles may experience an intermittent connection in the electric power steering gear, which can cause a loss of the motor position sensor signal resulting in a shut down of the power steering assist.
If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist it will require extra steering effort at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) software, free of charge. If a vehicle shows a history of a loss of motor position sensor signal when the vehicle is brought in for the recall remedy, its steering rack assembly will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on July 23, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S06.
Campaign 14V286000 on NHTSA.gov
SteeringJan 6, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain replacement steering gears installed on model year 2011-2012 Explorers as service parts in September 2013 and January 2014. The affected gears may lock, preventing the driver from being able to steer the vehicle.
The inability to steer the vehicle increases the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners and dealers will replace the suspect steering gears with new steering gears, free of charge. The recall began on January 29, 2014. Customers may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 13S14.
Campaign 14E001000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
92 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 13, 2016
FOR ABOUT THE LAST YEAR, I WOULD SMELL SOMETHING BURNING INSIDE MY VEHICLE WHEN ENTERING THE FREEWAY. I WAS NEVER ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE SOURCE OF THE SMELL, EVEN AFTER REPEATEDLY STOPPING TO SNIFF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND AROUND THE TIRES AND EXHAUST. I COULD NOT DETECT THE SMELL OUTSIDE OF THE CAR, NOR DID I FIND ANY EVIDENCE OF ANYTHING BURNING (NO SMOKE, CHARRED AREAS, STUCK BRAKES, MELTED RUBBER, ETC). THERE DIDN'T APPEAR TO BE ANY PATTERN, AS I WOULD SMELL SOMETHING BURNING AT DIFFERENT POINTS IN MY COMMUTE, WITH THE ONLY TIME I CONSISTENTLY EXPERIENCED IT BEING MERGING ONTO THE FREEWAY. ON JUNE 20, 2016 AT 1:38 PM CENTRAL TIME, I SENT MY HUSBAND THE FOLLOWING TEXT: "IS THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER STILL IN THE CAR?" DUE TO THE OVERPOWERING SMELL OF SMOKE IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT SHORTLY AFTER GETTING ON THE FREEWAY. I ROLLED DOWN THE WINDOWS AND EXITED THE FREEWAY, STOPPING AT THE FAR END OF A PARKING LOT. THERE WAS NO SMOKE NOR ODOR EMANATING FROM THE EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. DUE TO THE HEAT, WE DRIVE WITH THE AIR RECIRCULATING MOST OF THE YEAR. MUCH OF OUR DRIVING IS IN THE CITY, WITH LIGHT ACCELERATION. TYPICALLY, THE ONLY TIME WE RAPIDLY ACCELERATE IS WHEN ENTERING THE FREEWAY. ON THIS OCCASION, I ACCELERATED MORE THAN NORMAL DUE TO A SEMI'S POSITION IN THE RIGHT LANE. AT TIMES, MY 7 YEAR OLD HAS COMPLAINED ABOUT NOT BEING ABLE TO BREATHE WITH THE WINDOWS ROLLED UP.
Engine, Sep 6, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000.
Engine, Aug 26, 2016
EXHAUST SMELL IN CABIN AFTER ACCELERATION, FOR EXAMPLE DURING ATTEMPTS TO PASS ON HIGHWAY, ETC. SOMETIMES REFERRED TO AS "ROTTEN EGG SMELL". SMELL IS DEFINITELY GETTING IN TO CABIN. DISSIPATES AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES. HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING NEUROLOGICAL PROBLEMS FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS NOW (RANDOM, CONSTANT MUSCLE FASCICULATIONS THROUGHOUT BODY, STRANGE HEADACHES AND HEAT-RELATED SENSATIONS, ETC), TRYING TO WORK WITH DOCTORS TO FIGURE OUT IF SYMPTOMS ARE RELATED TO VEHICLE AND THE SMELL. THE SMELL IS WELL-DOCUMENTED ON THE POPULAR FORD EXPLORER FORUMS ONLINE, AND HAPPENS USUALLY UNDER HARD ACCELERATION OR HIGHWAY SPEEDS.
Engine, Aug 10, 2016
SINCE DAY ONE OF OWNERSHIP I SIGNALED TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT I SMELL FUMES IN THE CAR WHILE USING CLIMATE ON HEAT OR COLD. THEY TESTED AND SAID ALL IS OK. AFTER 1 YEAR IT STILL HAPPENS EVERY TIME I USE CLIMATE, SOMETIMES MORE OBVIOUS THAN OTHER TIMES. NO SMOKE ENTERS THE CABIN, JUST A HEAVY ODOR. I ALWAYS HAVE TO OPEN THE WINDOW TO BE ABLE TO STAY IN THE CAR. WORRIED ABOUT LONG TERM EFFECTS ON MY FAMILY AND OUR FUTURE BABY. CALLED FORD EVEN TODAY TO ASK IF THEY HAVE ANY DOCUMENTATION ON THIS PROBLEM..SAID NO.
Engine, Jul 23, 2016
WHEN WE ACCELERATE IN OUR 2012 FORD EXPLORER, THE CABIN IS FILLED WITH EXHAUST FUMES. MANY TIMES WE ARE REQUIRED TO ROLL THE WINDOWS DOWN TO LET THE FUMES OUT AS THEY CAUSE HEADACHES AND SMELL BAD. THIS MAINLY OCCURS WHEN WE ACCELERATE ON TO A HIGHWAY/INTERSTATE FROM THE ON RAMP.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 20, 2016
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY MY EXPLORER MADE A LOUD CLUNK SOUND AND THEN THE WRENCH SYMBOL APPEARED ON MY DASHBOARD. THEN THE GAS PEDAL QUIT WORKING, AND WE HAD TO ROLL OFF THE HIGHWAY AVOIDING BEING HIT BY OTHER TRAFFIC. I HAD TO STOP AND RESTART MY CAR 5-6 TIMES BEFORE THE GAS PEDAL WOULD WORK AGAIN. THIS HAS HAPPENED 5 TIMES IN THE PAST TWO MONTHS, AND WHEN I CALLED TO HAVE IT SERVICED THEY TOLD ME THE WRENCH LIGHT HAD TO BE ON FOR THEM TO IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. BUT I CANT GO ANYWHERE WHEN THE WRENCH LIGHT COMES ON AND A TOW TRUCK WILL NOT TOW A CAR WITH IT RUNNING FOR ME TO GET IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE TESTED. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING. THE THROTTLE BODY IS GOING OUT ON MANY EXPLORERS AFTER 55,000 MILES. IS IT GOING TO TAKE DEATHS BEFORE THIS IS A RECALL?
Engine, Jul 18, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE LOW ENGINE PRESSURE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE DEALER REPROGRAMMED THE COMPUTER, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 56,700. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 7, 2016
WHEN ACCELERATING TO GAIN ACCESS TO A HIGHWAY OR JUST SPEEDING UP ON A LOCAL STREET, THERE IS A GAS OR BURNT OIL SMELL THAT PERMEATES THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME I ACCELERATE, EVERY DAY.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 5, 2016
EXHAUST ODORS IN THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT AND OIL IN THE AIR FILTER
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 4, 2016
I OWN A 2012 FORD EXPLORER XLT ECOBOOST WAS FUNCTIONING FINE TILL ONE DAY DRIVING MY FAMILY BACK FROM THE AIRPORT MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND BEGAN TO FLASH. THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR SUV BEGAN TO SHAKE HORRIBLY AND WOULD NOT IN ACCELERATION. AFTER HAVING THE EXPLORER TOWED TO THE FORD DEALER IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE ECOBOOST SYSTEM FAILED.
Engine, Jun 16, 2016
ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY FAILURE WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. VERY DANGEROUS.
Engine and engine cooling, May 23, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT NOTICED AN ABNORMAL ODOR THROUGH THE VENTS WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER OR HEATER WAS ACTIVATED. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE AREA OF THE EXHAUST WHILE FUMES CONSUMED THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE FOR YEARS. THE CONTACT REPORTED THE FAILURE TO THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY PROVIDED NO ODOR TESTING AS WELL AS NO SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATION TO THE DEALER FOR A REPAIR SOLUTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 1, 2015
BURNING SMELL UNDER ACCELERATION.
Engine, Sep 28, 2015
AS I WAS BREAKING TO TURN LEFT AT A STREET LIGHT MY CAR STARTED TO SHAKE, WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND STALLED. I TOOK IT TO JORDAN FORD IN SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS, THEY TOLD ME THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE ERROR MESSAGE AND NOTICED A CARBON BUILD UP AND RECOMMENDED CLEANING. ALMOST $500 TO PAY FOR SOMETHING THAT MAY NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. I NOTICED OTHER COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE THAT HAPPENED TO MY VEHICLE AND I'M VERY WORRIED. I DRIVE MY CHILDREN IN THIS CAR. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY THERE AREN'T ANY RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE.
Engine, Sep 18, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER THE INITIAL ATTEMPT. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON THREE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,920. *CN
Engine, Sep 10, 2015
EXHAUST GASES ENTER THE CABIN WHEN ACCELERATING - SMELLS LIKE ROTTEN EGGS - TO TEST THEORY PLACED HOUSE HOLD CO2 ALARM IN VEHICLE CABIN AND DROVE UP INTERSTATE - EXCEEDING 3500RPM FOR 2-3 SECONDS - CO2 ALARM WENT OFF TO INDICATE CO2 PRESENT INSIDE OF CABIN - CONDITIONS WERE - ALL WINDOWS CLOSED ALL DOORS CLOSED - AIR CONDITIONER RUNNING. DEALER STATES NO REPORTED OCCURRENCES OF THIS FROM OTHER EXPLORER OWNERS, SAID IT COULD BE A FAULTY CO2 ALARM - WENT TO HOME DEPOT - PURCHASED NEW CO2 ALARM - TESTED IN VEHICLE WITH WINDWOS AND DOORS CLOSED - NEW CO2 ALARM ALSO ALERTS TO CARBON MONOXIDE (HIGH LEVELS). - CO2 IS 100% ENTERING CLOSED CABIN.
Engine, Jul 30, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, A WRENCH WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND DECELERATED TO 2 MPH. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT A ROARING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE ENGINE BUT WAS ABLE TO MERGE THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. SHORTLY AFTER, THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. DAYS LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 24, 2015
POWER CUT OFF. (GOLDEN WRENCH OF I DONT KNOW WHAT'S WRONG CAME ON) ON 4 LANE HAD TO PULL OVER TO SHOULDER OF ROAD. CUT OFF ENGINE, RESTART, NO LIGHT DROVE TO FORD SHOP MONDAY AND LEFT CAR. SHOP TO CHECK OUT AND GET BACK WITH ME. FRIDAY HAD TO CALL AND SEE IF ANY NEWS OF WHATS WRONG. TOLD AFTER 3 HR RUNAROUND, NEEDS BATTERY AND THROTTLE BODY $ 900.00 +- OUT OF WARRANTY CONSUMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 13N03
Engine, Jul 15, 2015
WHILE DRIVING MY FOR 2012 FORD EXPLORER ECOBOOST 2.0L, ACCELERATING AT APPROX 55MPH UP A HILL, I LOST POWER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS STARTING ON JULY 11TH. I HAD TO PULL OVER AND DRIVE 10MPH WITH HAZARDS ON. THANKFULLY WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND NOT ON THE FREEWAY. MY EXPLORER HAS BEEN AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP NOW FOR THREE DAYS AND THEY STILL DO NOT KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT, AND NOT ABLE TO FIX IT. I'M ALREADY GOING TO HAVE TO PAY 600 IN LABOR SO FAR AND OVER A 100 FOR A RENTAL AND OF COURSE IT'S NOT UNDER WARRANTY. I BELEIVE THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE, SINCE YOU LOOSE ALL POWER. YOU COULD END UP IN A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT IF THIS HAPPENS ON THE FREEWAY.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Apr 30, 2015
I WAS DRIVING BACK FROM THE MALL ON A SINGLE LANE HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH WITH THE WHOLE FAMILY. ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE VEHICLE JUST QUIT. I TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE WHILE IT WAS GLIDING WITHOUT POWER, BUT IT WOULD NOT START. I HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD UNTIL THE CAR STOPPED BY ITSELF. WHILE THE CAR WAS GLIDING TO A STOP, THERE WAS NO STEERING BRAKES OR ANYTHING AVAILABLE, SINCE THE ENGINE HAD CUT OFF AUTOMATICALLY. LUCKILY I DID NOT GET HIT BY ANYONE. I FINALLY PULLED OVER, RESTARTED THE CAR AND DROVE AGAIN. IN A COUPLE OF MINUTES THE CAR STALLED AGAIN WITH NO CONTROLS. THIS HAPPENED ABOUT 4 TIMES WITHIN A SPACE OF 15 MILES. I TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP THE NEXT DAY AND HAD TO SPEND $1000 FIXING IT, WHICH THEY BLAMED ON THE THROTTLE ACTIVATION OR BODY. THIS COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A FATAL SITUATION, ESPECIALLY BECAUSE THE VEHICLE HAD NO CONTROLS WHEN IT STALLED. I BELIEVE THERE HAS BEEN THE SAME ISSUE WITH OTHER FORDS AND LINCOLN VEHICLES ON THE WEB. THIS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, WHICH SHOULD BE FIXED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THIS COULD HAPPEN AGAIN TO SOMEONE AND RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY. I FEEL LIKE FORD SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FIX TO ENSURE PUBLIC SAFETY. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Visibility, Apr 2, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEATER FAILED TO BLOW HOT AIR WHICH PREVENTED THE WINDOWS FROM DEFROSTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 167. UPDATED 6/11/15*CN ALSO, THE THERMOSTAT WAS REPLACED, THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE JUMP STARTED. UPDATED 01/26/16.*JB
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 1, 2015
ON DECEMBER 27TH 2014 I PURCHASED A USED 2012 FORD EXPLORER WITH 42,990 MILES ON IT. SINCE THEN WE HAVE NOTICED UNDER ACCELERATING, YOU CAN SMELL THE EXHAUST FUMES IN THE CABIN. ANY HARDER THAN 50% ACCELERATION AND WITH THE REAR AC ON, IT IS AN ALMOST INSTANT SMELL. AFTER A FEW ROADS TRIPS IT IS PREDICTABLE AND WE TRY TO AVOID REPEATING THE ISSUE. IT HAS NOT BEEN TO OUR LCAL DEALER BECAUSE THEY "HAVEN'T HEARD" OF THIS ISSUE BEFORE (CALLED 2 DIFFERENT DEALERS). I CAN NOT AFFORD TO BE WITHOUT THE CAR, PAY FOR A RENTAL CAR, MY $100 EXTENDED WARRANTY DEDUCTIBLE, AND GET THE, "WE DON'T KNOW WHAT THE ISSUE CAN BE FROM." I HAVE HEARD AND READ ALLOT OF SEMI FIXES, BUT WISH I COULD GET A STRAIT ANSWER BEFORE TAKING TO THE DEALER FIRST. *TR
Power train, Engine, Nov 30, 2014
WHILE I WAS DRIVING MY 2012 FORD EXPLORER XLT, IT LOST ALL POWER FOR THE 4TH TIME. WHEN I PRESSED THE THROTTLE THERE WAS NO RESPONSE. INDICATOR LIGHTS SAID AWD OFF AND DISPLAYED A WRENCH ICON. I COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WHEN THIS HAPPENED THE FIRST THREE TIMES I TURNED THE CAR OFF, RESTARTED IT AND ALL WAS FINE FOR A FEW MINUTES, BEFORE THIS HAPPENED AGAIN. THIS IS QUITE A DANGEROUS SITUATION TO BE IN. I HAVE ALSO SEEN SEVERAL COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME PROBLEM FROM SEVERAL OTHER FORD AND LINCOLN OWNERS. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, SINCE STALLING IN THE MIDDLE OF ANYWHERE IS NOT SAFE AND CAN LEAD TO ACCIDENTS WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS NOW LIGHT AND I WILL BE TAKING IT TO THE FORD DEALER TO GET IT FIXED. IT IS GOING TO COST ME AN ARM AND LEG, BUT HOPEFULLY IT ENDS UP BEING A SAFETY RECALL AND FORD REIMBURSES DOWN THE LINE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 18, 2014
INVESTIGATION OF INTERMITTENT "SERVICE ENGINE" LIGHT EVENTUALLY LED TO A DETERMINATION OF A FAULTY EVAP PURGE VALVE PULLING FUEL INTO THE EVAP CANISTER. TECHNICIAN SAID HE WOULD NOT DRIVE THE CAR, AS THIS IS A FUEL LEAK AND UNSAFE CONDITION. DEALER ACKNOWLEDGED SAFETY ISSUE, CITES 1ST TIME THIS HAS BEEN SEEN, AND NOT COVERED BY ANY EXTENDED WARRANTY OR MAINTENANCE PROGRAM. PAPERWORK PROVIDED CITES "A FAULTY EVAP PURGE VALVE CAN CAUSE EXCESSIVE ENGINE VACUUM TO BE PLACED ON FUEL TANK, DRAWING FUEL/AIR FROM THE FUEL TANK THROUGH THE EVAP SYSTEM AND INTO ENGINE. THIS CAN CAUSE DRIVABILITY CONCERNS AS WELL AS RICH/LEAN CONCERN." *TR
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 10, 2014
AFTER A MONTH OF OWNING THE 2012 FORD EXPLORER WE NOTICED A VERY FOUL EXHAUST SMELL FROM INSIDE THE CABIN OF THE EXPLORER. WE WOULD SMELL THE ODOR UNDER ACCELERATION, ESPECIALLY WHEN RPMS REACHED 3,000 PLUS. THIS PARTICULAR ODOR SMELL UNDER THE ABOVE CONDITIONS HAVE BEEN OBSERVED EVER SINCE. WE DID NOT THINK ANYTHING OF THE SMELL UNTIL WE BEGAN RESEARCHING IT RECENTLY AND CAME ACROSS SEVERAL SOURCES INDICATING THIS COULD BE HARMFUL TO OUR HEALTH. *TR