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: steering
358 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Electrical system, Jun 4, 2022
Service AdvanceTrac Warning light illuminated, power steering fail...second time this happened around the same time last year. Also, right and left turn signals do not stay on while turning.
Steering, Jun 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 151,000.
Steering, Apr 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while she was at a stop sign, the steering wheel lost power steering inadvertently. The warning message "Power Steering Assist Fault" is illuminated. The contact turned the vehicle off for a minute. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle, the steering wheel regained power steering functionality. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering control module software needed to be updated. The independent mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for the repair. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion and the ABS needed to be replaced. The contact stated that she purchased the rack and pinion and her boyfriend completed the replacement; however, the failure reoccurred months later while driving 40-45 MPH. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the recall repair for NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) had previously been completed on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 147,841.
Steering, Apr 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her son was driving 70 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the service power steering warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to drive at a slower speed to his destination. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the electronic power steering module and the steering gear to be replaced. The contact called the manufacturer and was informed that NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) was completed by the previous owner. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 134,980.
Steering, Mar 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of electric power steering assist. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and directed the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was 133,837.
Steering, Mar 5, 2022
Driving the vehicle and the steering stopped working. Power steering assist fault was on the dash , along with the traction control failure.
Steering, Feb 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering assist. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed that an unknown steering wheel part needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that there was a previous recall for the steering associated with the VIN however, the recall had expired in September 2021. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.
Steering, Feb 23, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) failure. The contact was informed that the EPAS needed to be replaced. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but declined the EPAS replacement. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.
Steering, Feb 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 25 mph, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering wheel needed to be replaced however it was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 240,000.
Steering, Feb 9, 2022
At approximately 122,000 miles, my 2012 Ford Explorer had no power steering and error messages came up on the dash. It was towed to my local Goodyear where 7 error codes came up. They replaced the battery and 4 out of the 3 error codes went away but power steering was still locked up and not drive-able. They advised me I needed to take it to a Ford Dealership. Had to wait 2 weeks for an appointment at my local Ford Dealership where they advised me my Steering Gear needed to be replaced. After researching this, there was a recall on this. My vehicle fell under this recall, however it was just 5 months past the 10 year manufactures warranty expired. My local dealership advised me they tried to have it covered but Ford denied their request. How convenient that it was just 5 months outside of the expiration date. We called Ford customer care and they basically said "too bad". There are several hundred complaints on this SAFETY issue and Ford customer care said "it's NOT a SAFETY recall". How is this not a safety problem? So now I am out $3000 that I didn't have on a faulty vehicle.
Steering, Feb 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 15 MPH, the steering wheel locked inadvertently, causing him to lose control of the vehicle and the vehicle drove off the road. The contact depressed the brake pedal and was able to stop the vehicle. The warning message "Power Steering Failure" was illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle by forcefully steering the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering gear needed to be replaced and the repair could be completed under the Customer Satisfaction Program: 15N01. The dealer submitted a claim to SSSC but the claim was denied. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that the vehicle should be repaired under the Customer Satisfaction Program: 15N01. The manufacturer contacted the dealer and the dealer resubmitted a claim to SSSC; however, SSSC denied the claim as the vehicle had exceeded 150,000 miles. The contact also referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The contact followed up with the manufacturer and was referred to NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 250,000.
Steering, Jan 31, 2022
while driving the car the following errors popped up Service Advance Trac and Service Power Steering Now, once errors popped the steering because difficult for driving without a large amount of pressure being applied for steering. I had children in the car and this could of become worse, but was thankful it was a straight shot to home. Fear is that this will happen to the next person driving with their children and it will be a more dangerous problem
Steering, Jan 25, 2022
While driving my automatic power steering light came on and I was unable to easily steer the vehicle either at the speed I was going nor when I slowed down. Thankfully there were not that many cars in the parking area I turned into as I was unable to park within lines of a parking space. I called aaa to tow the car home, but the steering functionality had returned. I do not feel safe driving until this is repaired. It has not yet been repaired.
Steering, Jan 12, 2022
My vehicle lost power steering on December 4th, 2021, 10 days after the extended warranty date. After waiting several weeks for my vehicle to be fixed my power steering rack was finally replaced. An independent mechanic replaced the power steering rack the first week of January, 2022. I picked up the vehicle on 011122 and it drove fine. Approximately 15 miles later, the service power steering message appeared and I lost power steering again.
Steering, Jan 3, 2022
The contact's husband owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon startup of the vehicle, the power steering assist had failed as the power steering assist fault warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. After another man attempted to steer the vehicle, the contact left the vehicle in the parking lot and got a ride home. The next day, the contract called for a tow; however, the power steering functionality returned. With the tow truck following behind her, the contact was able to drive the vehicle to an independent mechanic. After a diagnostic test was performed, the mechanic informed her that he was not authorized to service the vehicle and advised her to take the vehicle to a dealer. The contact was then able to drive the vehicle to a dealer where she was given an appointment for a diagnostic test. The contact was able to drive the vehicle home and was instructed by the dealer to not drive the vehicle until it was repaired. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Steering, Jan 1, 2022
Upon starting the vehicle dash lights illuminate saying power steering assist faulty. Following this the hill descent and traction control lights illuminate with a faulty code and then abs. Car was scanned with multiple error codes and cleared but the problem reoccurs. Looking into recalls there is one of power steering but the car is outside of the warranty with having 177,000 miles and just over the 10 years. Reading other peoples reports this needs to be recalled, it’s putting lots of peoples lives at risk and they aren’t even aware of the problem ford fails to acknowledge.
Steering, Dec 27, 2021
The power steering on the vehicle stopped working while driving. The vehicle is currently at Ken Groody Ford in Redlands, CA (Formerly Redlands Ford). The vehicle gave a yellow Service Power Steering Soon indication and the steering became sluggish. Shortly after, within minutes, the indicator came on in red and the vehicle was unable to be effectively steered. This is the second time this has occurred on this vehicle. The first time was two years ago in November 2019 and was repaired at the same dealership.
Steering, Dec 8, 2021
I had my vehicle taken to a local ford dealership for recall 14S06 in 2017. The computer was reprogrammed but nothing was replaced. I have had the "Power Steering Assist Fault" numerous times in the last 4 years but I never lost power steering. On December 3, 2021, I received the same message; however, on this occasion I did lose control of my power steering. Upon diagnosis, it appears my rack and pinion need to be replaced at 117000 miles and 10 days over program number 15N01.
Steering, Dec 2, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the power steering rack replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
Steering, Nov 23, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the steering wheel locked up and was difficult to maneuver. The power steering assist fault message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with rack and pinion failure with codes U3000-49, U3000-96, and U3000-72. The rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was included in a recall for the steering however, the vehicle was 24 days past the 10-year warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.
Steering, Nov 8, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the service power steering warning message was illuminated, and the vehicle became difficult to steer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on three separate occasions for failure. The first time the vehicle was taken to the dealer, it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion were faulty. The dealer replaced the rack and pinion; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back a second time to the dealer, and the dealer cleaned the power steering connector. The failure recurred a third time. The vehicle was taken back a third time to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14E001000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 173,000.
Steering, Oct 30, 2021
As we were driving the car with the children, 4,6 and 13 the car suddenly became unable to steer as we were driving down a busy shopping mall area. The steering wheel became locked and heavy. It turns out that the steering assist motor is known to fail on these vehicles and Ford only covers them up to 150,000 miles, and my specific vehicle has 154,000 miles. This should be a recall.
Steering, Oct 6, 2021
On 10/4/21 while driving my 2012 Ford Explorer down interstate 95 approximately 70 mph and my steering wheel seized up. I lost all steering control and my steering wheel would not even turn. A red warning appeared that said "service power steering now". My car veered into the other lane of oncoming traffic due to my inability to steer. We somehow avoided oncoming vehicles and made it to the side of the road. My personal and trusted mechanic informed us there is an open recall for the issue. I called my local Ford dealership who confirmed there was an open recall. I took my Explorer to the dealership but they are refusing to service it stating that the code is no longer being thrown and the car is driving fine. They stated unless the car is showing problems while in the shop they are not required to repair anything under the recall. The problem is this is the first and only time in the 4 years I have owned this car that is has happened and that one time nearly killed us.
Steering, Oct 5, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while the vehicle pulling into a parking spot and adjusting the wheels on the vehicle the contact heard a loud grinding scraping noise while turning the steering wheel in either direction. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Steering, Sep 23, 2021
2012 FORD EXPLORER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO A RECURRING STEERING ISSUE. THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE BACKING OUT OF A GARAGE THE STEERING REVERTED TO MANUAL AND A STEERING ASSIST WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE STEERING ASSIST HAS LOCKED AND WARNING MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED FOR THE POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPROGRAMMED, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN NOTIFIED.