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, Jan 26, 2022
The hinge of the hatchback has cracked. water enters into my car through the rear right hinge. The water then runs down my 3rd row right seat belt. Down into the storage area for the spare. Mold has started growing. this is a safety hazard. I have searched and seen multiple complaints of the same issue. I purchased this car in 2018. And noticed from day one of rain. I also noticed the previous owners have tried to remedy with some type of caulking or glue. The car had been inspected by my mechanic.
Structure, Jul 21, 2020
WHEN IT RAINS WATER LEAKS INSIDE VEHICLE IN THE REAR AREA. I CHECKED ONLINE AND MANY PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME COMPLAINT ABOUT WATER LEAKS. IF IT RAINS A LOT THE SPARE TIRE COMPARTMENT FILLS WITH WATER. ALSO, WHEN WATER LEAKS YOU GET THAT FUNKY SMELL INSIDE VEHICLE. AFRAID THAT MOLD CAN BUILT OVER TIME.
Structure, Jul 21, 2020
WATER LEAKS INSIDE VEHICLE FILLING UP SPARE TIRE COMPARTMENT (REAR OF SUV). THIS HAPPENS WHEN IT RAINS. I HAVE READ MANY COMPLAINTS OF PEOPLE SAYING THE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR FORD EXPLORER.
Structure, Jul 9, 2020
I WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY TODAY AT 70MPH AND ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEARD A SLAPPING NOISE ON PASSENGER SIDE THE RUBBER MOLDING FROM WINSHIELD CAME LOOSE AND WAS HITTING PASSENGER WINDOW. AFTER STOPPING AT NEXT EXIT I WAS ABLE TO PUSH IT BACK INTO TRIM PIECE BUT THE TRIM PIECE IS A LITTLE LOOSE.
Electrical system, Structure, Other or unspecified, Jul 1, 2020
WATER IS LEAKING FROM THE ROOF THAT CAUSES ELECTRICAL ISSUES. BAD DESIGN BY FORD IN WHICH SEAL SEAMS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED, WHICH CAUSE LEAKS INSIDE VEHICLE.
Structure, Jun 15, 2020
WHILE DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY, DOWN A STRAIGHT STRETCH OF ROAD THE MOLDING ON MY DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW TRIM FLEW OFF. THERE WERE NO CRACKS OR DAMAGE TO IT PRIOR TO THIS HAPPENING. AFTER I LEAVING MY DESTINATION, THE STICKY RUBBER UNDERNEATH CAME LOOSE, FLAPPING AGAINST MY WINDSHIELD AND DRIVER SIDE WINDOW UNTIL IT FLEW OFF, HITTING THE CAR BEHIND ME. I WAS ALSO ON THE EXPRESSWAY DOING AROUND 75 MPH WHEN THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED. *TR
Structure, Feb 14, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH THE DRIVER SIDE EXTERIOR (A) COLUMN WINDOW TRIM FRACTURED AND WAS EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE LOCAL DEALER CHAMPAGNE FORD CITY (701 WEST MARKET VIEW CHAMPAGNE IL.) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT INSTALLED A REPLACEMENT PART TO REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON THE DRIVER SIDE (B) COLUMN TRIM. THE REPAIR WAS STILL PENDING. THE FAILURE WAS ALSO PRESENT ON THE REAR HATCH TRIM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
Structure, Jan 13, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A LEAK AND FOUR INCHES OF RAIN WATER ENTERED THE REAR WHEEL WELL OF THE SPARE TIRE. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT MOLD WOULD GROW UNDER THE CARPET OF THE REAR WELL. THE CONTACT CALLED MOORESVILLE FORD DEALER, (151 E PLAZA DR, MOORESVILLE, NC 28115, (704) 664-1300) AND WAS INFORMED ABOUT THE FEE OF THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER DUE TO THE REPAIR FEES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 62,000.
Seat belts, Structure, Other or unspecified, Jul 25, 2019
MY 2012 FORD EXPLORER LEAKS FROM THE 3RD ROW SEATBELT. IT HAS RUINED THE CARPET IN THE BACK AND MOLDED IT. IT ALSO FILLED UP THE SPARE TIRE AREA WITH WATER AND RUSTED THE RIM OF THE SPARE TIRE AND THE INSIDE WHERE THE TIRE SITS. I DID NOT NOTICE THIS UNTIL MANY MONTHS AFTER I BOUGHT IT BECAUSE I WASN'T USING THE 3RD ROW AT THE TIME.
Seat belts, Structure, May 13, 2019
WATER LEAKS IN THROUGH THE THIRD ROW SEAT BELT TENSIONER. WATER RUNS DOWN THE SEAT BELT AND POOLS ON THE FLOOR. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY OR MOVING. WATER IN THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY IS A SAFETY RISK. I REPORTED IT TO FORD, THEY DECLINED TO FIX IT.
Structure, Jan 17, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE BLACK PLASTIC TRIM NEAR THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW FRACTURED AND SCATTERED ACROSS THE HIGHWAY. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VISIBILITY WAS IMPAIRED. THE CONTACT CHECKED THE REARVIEW MIRROR AND NOTICED THE VEHICLE BEHIND HER SWERVE TO AVOID THE DEBRIS ON THE ROADWAY. KISSELBACK FORD (1118 13TH ST, ST CLOUD, FL 34769, (407) 892-5477) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INDICATED THAT THE PART MAY BE ORDERED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
Structure, Dec 18, 2018
WINDSHIELD SIDE MOLDING BRAKING APART AND FLYING OFF DURING DRIVE.
Structure, Dec 4, 2018
THE WINDSHIELD PILLARS FLY OFF WHILE DRIVING, AN THE WHEATHER STRIPPING UNDER IT DOES NOT STAY, IT SLOWLY FLAPS OUT WHEN AT DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 50-70MPH. WHEN THE WHEATHER STRIP FLYS OFF IT CAUSES THE PILLARS TO BREAK MORE WHEN DRIVING ON HIGHWAY
Structure, Oct 7, 2018
WATER LEAKS FROM ROOF RACK AND CRACKS IN WELDING AROUND TAIL-GATE ROOF AND WELDING AROUND HINGES. WATER IS POOLING AND STANDING IN THE SPARE TIRE WELL. WATER IS RUNNING DOWN THE DRIVER SIDE THIRD ROW SEAT BELT, DOWN THE SOUND PROOFING/ INSULATOR PAD OVER THE FRAME, WICKING ONTO THE SPARE TIRE COVER AND FLOOR COVER. AFTER INVESTIGATING THIS ON THE INTERNET, FOUND MANY OWNERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE AND FORD DEALERS ARE NOT ADDRESSING IT.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jul 20, 2018, crash
AFTER PARKING MY VEHICLE IN MY DRIVE WAY (VEHICLE WAS IN PARK WITH EMERGENCY BRAKE APPLIED) I EXITED THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE STARTED ROLLING FORWARDS DOWN MY SLOPPED DRIVEWAY. I ATTEMPTED TO CHASE THE VEHICLE HOPING TO JUMP IN AND APPLY THE BRAKE BUT WAS UNABLE TO. VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP AFTER HITTING MY FENCE, BUSHES, AND A SMALL TREE. THERE WAS BODY DAMAGE TO THE FRONT RIGHT PORTION OF THE VEHICLE.
Structure, Apr 6, 2018
DRIVERS SIDE INSIDE DOOR HANDLE, SPRING SPRUNG, AND DOOR HANDLE IS ALMOST ALL THE WAY OPEN. JUST BY TOUCHING IT, THE DOOR OPENS. WITH THIS BEING A FRONT DOOR, THE LOCK WONT ALLOW IT NOT TO OPEN. THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM, BUT THEY SAY MY VEHICLE ISN'T COVERED. THEY SAID THE VIN NUMBER ISN'T PART OF THIS RECALL, YET IT IS THE SAME ISSUE THE RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR. THE RECALL NUMBER IS15S11.
Structure, Dec 20, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WEATHER STRIPPING BECAME LOOSE. ALSO, THE INTERIOR DOOR PANEL MOLDING ON THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES SEPARATED FROM THE DOORS. FURTHERMORE, THE REAR HATCH WAS NOT WELDED TOGETHER, WHICH CAUSED WATER TO ENTER THE TRUNK AREA. THE FAILURES OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (RANDALL REED'S PLANET FORD 59, 19000 EASTEX FWY, HUMBLE, TX 77338). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL AND THAT THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AT 800-392-3673 AND ASKED THE CONTACT TO CALL NHTSA. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,000.
Structure, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 6, 2017
MY FORD EXPLORER 2012 HAS BEEN GETTING EXHAUST FUMES INSIDE CAR EVER SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR BACK TO DEALER A COUPLE OF TIMES AND ALL I GET IS A RUN AROUND. THUS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE SOME ONE DIES FROM THE FUMES.
Structure, Jul 28, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE PLASTIC TRIM BETWEEN THE FRONT WINDSHIELD AND THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR DETACHED AND BLEW AWAY. MULLINEX FORD IN MOBILE, ALABAMA WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE DEALER REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL OR REPORTS OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,317. UPDATED 10/24/17*LJ UPDATED 10/26/2017*JS
Structure, Mar 7, 2017
PAINT "BUBBLING" HAS TAKEN PLACE ON THE LIFT GATE IN THE VICINITY OF THE LIFT GATE HANDLE. THE BUBBLING HAS ENLARGED SIGNIFICANTLY SINCE I FIRST DISCOVERED IT IN DECEMBER OF 2016. NO ACCIDENT. NORMAL OPERATION AND USE BY A PRIVATE INDIVIDUAL
Structure, Dec 2, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER A PILLAR FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE A PILLAR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER A PILLAR PREVIOUSLY FRACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.
Structure, Oct 18, 2016
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD FLEW OFF. UPON STOPPING AND INSPECTING, THE PLASTIC SLIPS THAT HELD IT IN PLACE WERE BROKEN. I CHECKED THE DRIVER SIDE, AND THE CLIPS ARE STARTING TO BREAK ON THERE AS WELL, IT IS NO LONGER ATTACHED AT THE TOP AND IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME THAT FAILS COMPLETELY AS WELL. I HAVE ATTACHED PICTURES SHOWING THE PASSENGER SIDE THAT FLEW OFF AND THE DRIVER SIDE THAT IS FAILING. *TR
Structure, Sep 22, 2016
THE ALUMINUM HOOD CAUSE GALVANIC CORROSION AND RUST BUBBLES FORMED ON THE FRONT OF THE HOOD. THESE BUBBLES STARTED TO PEEL AND FORD REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THEIR DESIGN FLAW.
Structure, Jun 7, 2016
DRIVER DOOR BOUNCED WHEN CLOSING. WOULD NOT LATCH. TRIED TWICE. WENT OUTSIDE OF VEHICLE. FOUND PART OF DOOR LATCH ON GROUND. ABLE TO CYCLE LATCH WITH KEY FOB AND DOOR WAS ABLE TO LATCH TO GET HOME. WAS REPAIRED UNDER A SERVICE CONTRACT FOR $100. SEEMS LIKE A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE LATCH ASSEMBLY. VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT THE TIME .
Structure, May 24, 2016
THE HOOD HAS PAINT THAT IS BUBBLING UP AND COMING OFF. THE HOOD IS ALUMINUM SO IT ISN'T RUSTING, IT APPEARS THAT THAT THE METAL WAS NOT PREPPED PROPERLY AT THE FACTORY