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: structure
144 reports, newest first. Show all
Structure, Dec 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Dec 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH on the interstate, the exterior A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but was unable to confirm when parts would become available. The failure mileage was 96,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Dec 11, 2024
Recall data refreshed on Dec 11,2024 1 Unrepaired Recalls associated with this VIN Jan 19,2024 Manufacturer Recall Number24S02 NHTSA Recall Number24V031 After almost a year, Ford has not made a fix available for this recall
Structure, Nov 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact stated that while driving the driver’s side A-pillar trim detached and flew off. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the A-pillar trim needed to be replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the trim pillars on the rear windshield cracked. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
Structure, Nov 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the passenger’s side A Pillar trim became loosened and was flapping in the slipstream. The contact stated that a piece of the trim had fractured. The contact stated that a dealer was contacted and advised the contact to bring the vehicle in for service. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that parts to repair the vehicle were not yet available. The contact stated that the trim on the driver's side A-pillar had loosened and fractured. The contact stated that a small crack had formed on the upper left corner of the driver's windshield. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Nov 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Nov 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, there was an abnormal snap and the contact saw the trim piece of the front windshield detach from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an auto glass shop and the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The trim panel had been replaced 3 times. The contact fourth set of trim panels had cracked and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the sets of trim panels were purchased from and installed by the same two companies each time. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 50,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Nov 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Nov 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Oct 4, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Sep 27, 2024
On October 31, 2020, I pulled up to the grocery store and my sunroof opened by itself. I realize it was not closing so too fast forward I found out that leaks from my sunroof had messed up my electrical wiring in my roof or filling on my car so it causes the sunroof electrical parts to stop working. Every time it rain, heavy or consistently I had a puddle of water in my front passenger seat. I’ve been able to get my sunroof closed and that hasn’t been an issue opening back up, but it does not work at this time after getting it fixed, but also I was nervous about opening it up in case it would not close because it wasn’t cheap to repair it. Now that I am living somewhere that it rains more often I am continuously getting leaks in my door frame, and it comes through my seatbelt or in my trunk. It leaks through the seatbelt or the ceiling of the back trunk. When I first had this problem, I googled it and I realize other people were having issues with the 2011 or 20 1244 and at this point I feel like it is poor construction when it comes to Feeling of the vehicle. I’m not sure how many people have reached out to discuss this but at this point is more of an issue because I am somewhere that rains a lot and I do not have anything to cover my car. If anything I wanted to still reach out to get the information out there Because I know a lot of them do have Ford Explorer. If is this something that is an issue for other people I wanted to at least be someone else to report this issue. None of these issues were due to me buying a car and this is something that was not provided when I bought the car. I am pretty sure every time it rain when I lived in IN, they had to clean out the puddle of water in passenger front floor. Although I know this is also error on dealership and I can take accountability that I was naive with buying car process I still feel like it’s something that needs to be fixed manufacturer problem as many people have had this issue.
Structure, Sep 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the black rubber lifted from the windshield. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the trim was hitting the windshield. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 146,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Sep 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side A-pillar trim detached. Additionally, the detached trim struck the front windshield, and the impact caused a crack in the front windshield. The contact stated that the failure occurred while driving on the highway. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Aug 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the A-pillar trim had started detaching on the driver’s and passenger’s side front windshield. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 170,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Aug 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Aug 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, there was an abnormal sound from the driver's side windshield and observed that the trim on the A-pillar was loose and was striking the windshield and side mirror. The contact stated that the trim was taped down. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Visibility, Structure, Aug 8, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Electrical system, Structure, Aug 7, 2024
See attached document for complaint
Structure, Jul 31, 2024
Exterior A - Pillar applique trim coming off vehicle while operating the vehicle. Comes off, risking damage to cars behind and potentially causing an accident. Cloninger Ford in Salisbury NC has inspected the vehicle and confirmed new parts are needed. Was told they don't have parts and there is no short term or long term solution solution. Have been unable to receive assistance from Ford Motor Company. One side is duct taped and the other side came off while driving. Unacceptable.
Structure, Jul 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver’s, and passenger’s side A-pillar trim detached. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Jul 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the A-pillar trim on the front windshield started detaching. The contact could hear the wind coming into the vehicle from the windshield while driving at various speeds. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 110,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Jul 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front windshield trim detached and flew off the vehicle. The contact stated that the corners of the front windshield were uncovered. In addition, the contact stated that the remaining front windshield trim was detaching. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000. VIN tool confirm parts not available.
Structure, Jul 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Jun 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the exterior A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle and flew off. The contact purchased the trim piece and replaced the trim piece three times; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, May 10, 2024
In February of 2024 I had a second windshield exterior trim come off on the highway. The poor people behind me almost lost control of their vehicle on the ice because of this hitting their car. I have purchased this part in the past for the right side as that was coming off the passengers side. I had it replaced at my expense and would like to get that money back as it was a faulty part obviously. This cost me a great deal of money. I do not have the money to do this again while you are waiting to figure out how to make all the parts for people. This is now becoming a bigger issue as water is getting inside my vehicle around the dash. It looks also like someone tried to repair this part that is attached to the vehicle long ago (glue or weld), previously broken on drivers side. I have called Ford here in Pocatello, Idaho three times now. They said, "We do not have a remedy just yet on the recall. It should happen later in the year around November and you will receive a letter." One person told me I could just buy the part and have it replaced. When there is a recall, I should not have to do this. Please contact me at: [XXX] or [XXX] I look forward to getting this resolved soon. Thank you! [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)