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: other or unspecified
105 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Aug 26, 2026
It is actually the rearview camera on the vehicle has been going in and out sporadically for at least a year or so. Now more often than not it does not even work
Other or unspecified, Aug 26, 2026
Right after I bought this car used, it rides down the road like it's going to fall apart! It's horrible, the slightest little bump in the road you can feel every single one heaven forbid if it's a big bump in the road or a pothole it's priced the car hasn't fallen apart yet
Steering, Other or unspecified, Apr 21, 2026
Hi! I brought my car in to the Ford dealership in Lexington, SC to get a recalled A Frame Pillar repaired. They took the part off and didn’t repair it because they didn’t have the parts in. When I called corporate to check on the status of that part, I found out they had marked the recall as “complete” which was not the case. Corporate opened the case again for me, so it should’ve read incomplete in their system. (Therefore, maybe they would call me to let me know the part was in stock. That didn’t happen.) When I called back 2 months later, they had apparently marked it as complete a second time. Which again, was false. 12 months later, they’re finally agreeing to replace the part. I also found out from corporate in that same phone call that I had a recall to a power steering component. When I called the shop, they said that had been marked as complete too so I was not eligible for a second replacement. I have a hard time trusting that the original was actually replaced now. And the steering feels like a major safety concern! Point is, I’m worried that location may be doctoring their documentation, marking recalls as repaired when repairs have clearly not been made. I’d hate for it to cause a major accident or something. Bringing this up in case it warrants an audit. I’m sure I’m not the only person they’ve done this to. I’ve opened a case with Ford’s Automatice Safety Office as well and they are investigating but I thought it prudent to mention to an outside source. Like I said, I’d hate for someone to get in accident because they thought a repair had been made when it actually never was.
Other or unspecified, Feb 20, 2026
Recall 24V031 has not been fixed. I got my recall notice from Ford with regards to the A-pillar applique trim. I received my recall in February, 24. I have visited my local Ford dealer several times and as recently as 1 month ago. They state the parts are not available. My driver side A-pillar applique is missing. My passenger side applique is loose. Why are parts not available? After 2 years of recall notice!!
Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Oct 31, 2025
The rear back up camera is now displaying a message to contact dealership. It freezes up and stops working.
Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Oct 30, 2025
My back-up camera has flipped images so the left appears on the right and the right appears on the left as well as the safety lines have disappeared. The two Ford dealerships want a diagnostic fee that doesn't even go toward the cost of the repairs.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Jun 6, 2025
I started receiving recall information on or before February 2024 for this recall. I finally took it in for inspection maybe 6 months ago. They broke the a-pillar trim peices on both sides so then afterwards at some point they flew off. Then i was on the highway on 6/4 & then the molding peices underneath surrounding my windshield started coming off & flapping around. Thrashing my window while driving 70mph. I had to pull the peices in & roll them up in my window before i was able to pull over & detach them fully. After the inspection as well the guy at the dealer basically laughed & said ford isnt even making these parts & they are on “indefinite back order”. Now the peices are missing as well as my windshield being exposed. All looks very unsightly as well. I dont think FORD really cares because its been almost 2 years & no parts are available yet!!!!!! I am very disappointed & frustrated.
Other or unspecified, May 20, 2025
Recall for A-pillar applique trim clip attachment. I have called local dealership and was told that it would be well over a year before they could get the parts to get it fixed however when I'm driving I can hear the piece flapping against my car in the wind. I even called Ford themselves and asked and they said we aren't making the pieces for the recall right now and dont know when we are going to be making them.
Other or unspecified, Apr 29, 2025
Recall A-pilars were removed creating unsafe driving conditions. Parts were flying off vehicle while driving and creating new repairs issues. The manufacturer letter states repairs will take less than half a day but are unable to provide a delivery date. This is a huge concern.
Other or unspecified, Feb 20, 2025
I own a 2012 Ford Explorer involved in recall 23S02 / NHTSA 24V031. The notice I received is dated February 2024. I have been in contact with two Ford dealerships and the Ford Corporation trying to find out when the repair parts for this recall will be available, and I have written to the NHTSA twice asking the same question. The only response I receive from Ford is they don't have any idea and to wait for the next letter from Ford. I have had the driver side trim blow off my vehicle while driving and fortunately I was able to grab it before it flew into a vehicle behind me. Pictures are attached. My latest contact with a dealership and Ford Corporation was February 10, 2025 and no one has a clue when the parts may be available. Can you help?
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, 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.
Other or unspecified, Apr 29, 2024
Driving vehicle with my 15 year old daughter, noticed a smell in cabin, we both started feeling strange, getting a headache, dizzy, fearful of co2 pulled over and had it towed to dealer
Steering, Other or unspecified, Mar 9, 2024
The hazard lights have never worked in my vehicle and after spending months at the dealership they were not able to fix this. Also my window pillar flew off hitting another car while I was doing 75mph and the window cowl did the same thing. I've been working with a Ford dealership in Evansville, Indiana on Walnut Street and the window cowls need recalled and I was told that it will take 6 weeks to fix the pillars but the window cowl is so loose it's going to fly off in due time plus most of the vehicles the hazard lights do not work at all. Also I was able to turn the My Key feature on and I can't get it to turn off and my dealership can't figure it out. My electrical power steering unit, the steering gear box and steering knuckle also went out. And the rear end fractured on me while driving I lost steering 4 times while driving and almost hit a semi.
Other or unspecified, Jun 21, 2023
When backing up the the dash board (camera) screen is crossed. Items that appear on the right shows on the left on the screen. And things that appear on the left show up on the right. Some how the camera is flipped
Other or unspecified, May 19, 2023
My rear backup camera isn't working all the time. I feel this is a huge safety issue and needs to be recalled.
Other or unspecified, Feb 15, 2023
Front left windshield assembly came off while I was driving down the highway.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Jan 31, 2023
Window trim pieces have fallen off 3x. We have had them replaced multiple times. Once, the trim piece came off on the highway and caused the vehicle behind to swerve. No accidents. Currently, the drivers side trim piece is loose again, and I'm considering having it replaced, again.
Steering, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Nov 28, 2022
While driving down the middle of a busy interstate suddenly the power steering was lost and a power steering assist warning appeared. Vehicle was almost impossible to control with no steering. After making it off the roadway and into a local business and turning the car off, when I turned it back on the warning was gone and the steering worked normally. This is definitely a life threatening failure and it happens without warning.
Other or unspecified, Aug 5, 2022
Power Steering stopped working. EPS Fault. Seems like it should be a safety recall issue, but it's only an extended warranty. Unfortunately we're outside the warranty. Power steering should definitely be considered a Safety Recall
Other or unspecified, Jul 26, 2022
When I drive especially on roads with normal speed limits gas like smell or carbon monoxide smell comes into the car.
Other or unspecified, Jan 18, 2022
Heavy rain causes water to leak inside vehicle. Repaired sunroof on which electrical parts was “burned” out due to water leakage. Water continues to leak inside of vehicle through driver and 3rd row (driver side) seatbelts. Googled issue and looks like many people are having this problem. There is no way that dealership was not aware of this issue as it definitely rains in Indiana where car was purchased. Just would like this to be known and fixed as this can cause not only electrical issues (sunroof went out, radio dashboard has problems) but also health issue as mold can form in vehicle.
Other or unspecified, Nov 15, 2021
While driving 2 hours from home, service power steering light came on, steering became impossible to turn by myself. My friend and I turned steering wheel together to get vehicle off main road. We walked to the closest auto parts store to buy power steering fluid assuming there must be a leak. Instructed that it was electrical and needed to be repaired by mechanic. Closest Ford dealer was 40 minutes away and was very honest that if I had vehicle towed to them that my car would not be looked at for close to 2 weeks. Got car to local dealership and was told that it would be $2,000 to repair. No recalls or problems were mentioned to me by dealership. Did research to find that many people are having the same problem and called dealership back. They said there was not an actual recall but that there was an extended warranty placed on the part up to 150,000 miles. Like everyone else on the complaints page, my car is over that. 165,000 miles for me. Sounds like Ford did some good negotiating and was able to keep this from going to a full recall even though so many problems. I realize I won't be spared the economic loss of $2,000 but am very glad that I did not end up in an accident to find out about the well hidden problem!!!
Other or unspecified, Jul 12, 2021
Ford Sync screen goes black and stays black. You cannot control rear air such as heat and or a/c. With this in mind and someone having small children that ride in the back and live in an area that sees 90 to 104 degree temperature well I am sure you can guess how hot the car is inside for them. I have been told by dealerships this is a common problem with this year of ford so why is their not a recall for this yet as children and pets are suffering and risking heat stroke due to this issue.
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Apr 24, 2021
JUST PURCHASED THIS CAR, DECIDED TO LOOK UP ANY RECALLS AND FOUND 1 PERTAINING TO THE TOE LINKS. LOOKING THROUGHLY AT THE VEHICLE THERE ARE A LOT OF MAJOR DEFECTS. THIS IS GOING TO BE A DAILY DRIVER FOR MY DAUGHTER AND I AND I TRULY DON'T FEEL SAFE AS I'M READING ALL THE REVIEWS AND RECALLS. THE ONLY THING I CAN MENTION AT THIS MOMENT ABOUT THIS CAR WOULD BE THE BACK WASHER FLUID LEAKS INTO THE CABIN, THE HOOD OF THE CAR DOES NOT SHUT CORRECTLY-HANDLE FOR THIS AREA IS LOOSE. THE STATE OF THIS CAR IS UNKNOWN.