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
827 reports, newest first.
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.
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!!!
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.
Back over prevention, Oct 28, 2021
Back up camera reversing rear images which is very dangerous. Also the camera often times just doesn't work at all.
Engine, Oct 28, 2021
Water coolant leaking out, engine over heating. Having to constantly add coolant and limiting driving of the vehicle.
Suspension, Oct 9, 2021
I have had 3 upper rear lateral links snap off. 2 on the rear driver side and 1 on the rear passenger side. I am researching recalls. And there is a recall on some explorer models for the rear toe links. Sounds like the same thing that keeps happening to my vehicle. I am scared to drive it now. They literally just snap and the back tire starts steering however it wants.
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.
Engine, Oct 5, 2021
the car unexpectedly loses power while driving on the highway causing several near crashed having to move to the brake down lane .The wrench symbol shows up on dash and the car is trying to stall at idle. I have to shut it off and restart to drive it. Check engine light does NOT go on. Car has 96k miles .It has happened 4x's in the last month. My research says its the Throttle body. I am trying to bring it to Ford to confirm.
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.
Power train, Sep 24, 2021
I was driving with my child in the car when u hear a loud noise. After that i heard grinding. So when i got home we put the car on jack stands. There seemed to be no problems. The next day i took the car to a shop and was called to come back down. The mechanic showed us that the transfer case blew a part and cracked the transmission. Not one warning lights or service engine light came on. Had the drive shaft fell out as a result it could have killed me and my child.
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.
Wheels, Aug 13, 2021
purchased my ford from duval ford jax fl. heard a grinding noise. probably brakes. but cannot remove tires to check brake pads. swollen lug nuts. nothing will fit the nuts to remove the tire.
Back over prevention, Aug 6, 2021
The rear view camera shows the image as a mirror image. In example, items that are actually on the right side appear to be on the left side when viewing the camera. In addition, the camera often times just goes black and shows no image while in use.
Steering, Jul 28, 2021
Power steering gear failure while driving. Light appeared as failure occurred. SUV became barely steerable while driving through a vehicle dense inner city residential block. I have excellent upper body strength but I was barely able to maneuver the vehicle to an open area to suspend operation and park to call for AAA to come tow it to mechanic. If my wife and children were driving or in this vehicle at the time of power steering gear failure I am afraid that she most likely not be able to have achieved the safe result I was able to. Vehicle was towed to Sentry Ford, they were able to diagnose the issue. It was a failed power steering gear, which is a recall(Ford Recall #15N01). They contacted Ford recall center and were informed that it was out of the coverage range by 804 miles. 804! And Ford would not honor repair. I attempted to contact Ford directly to work with them to resolve this serious safety issue, they said “this recall repair is no longer supported”,I asked to speak with their recall department and they informed me “that team is no longer active, there was a class action lawsuit brought up regarding this recall and now was being handled by a different department”, that she would transfer me to the class action section to handle this recall. When she transferred me she inadvertently disconnected call, I called back and spoke with another representative, explained my previous call, conversation, and direction which the previous representative provided. This second agent stated “no such department exists, you are over the mileage for the recall repair, we will not be covering it”. I asked to speak with a supervisor, was told none available and one would return my call within 24-48 hours. Waited for the rest of evening and into next day, “supervisor” called while I was driving and call sent to voicemail. Supervisor stated on voicemail that “recall past coverage period” “won’t support” supervisor did not leave a number to speak directly with her
Steering, Jul 20, 2021
During the pandemic I have been mandated to drive everyday to work almost everyday to keep the community safe as I am a nurse. I received two recall letters over this time. I did not have an opportunity to take the car the the garage as some were closed and or short staffed unable to see my car anytime soon. The other day as I was driving to work the power steering light came on the dash and suddenly the power steering locked up almost causing a serious collision. With all of my strength I was unable to move the steering wheel to stay on the road. The explorer was towed to Ford. I was told that I am 4,255 miles over the recall requirements and I must pay thousands of dollars to fix this. There are no exceptions for the few miles that I am over. When filing a complaint with ford about this situation, I was told that the recall for power steering was already done on this vehicle before me owning it. ( the ford dealership was unaware of this) There is no warranty on the recall replacement? This is a very dangerous situation that obviously keeps happening in fords. This is not fair that this is not covered. I complained previously about the steering issues I had at the time when it rains and the way the car handled, along with a few other complaints. I was told if the car did not show power steering issues, so they could not fix something they did not see having issues. At that time the gear shifter was replaced. I was not a fan of the service I received at FORD because I thought they were ignoring many of my issues. I don't know if I would be without a car right now if FORD would of handled this differently.
Steering, Jul 18, 2021
My steering when driving at low speeds is really tight as if my power steering is not working. There is no warning for it and it does not happen non stop it will go away but when it does happen it's random and that can cause a lot of issues if I'm during a sharp corner. I have 2 kids I transport and working 5 days a week to meet clients. This is my only vehicle and have nothing else I can drive.
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.
Electrical system, Jun 29, 2021
ABS Trac light came on while driving Car was taken to the dealership twice to fix the problem but Ford wasn't able to find the problem. I know there is a problem with the Ford Focus ABS Module due to recalls and I think on the Ford Explore but Ford isn't saying anything about this problem with the ABS module.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 26, 2021
When filling up the fuel starts dripping in the bottom behind the rear wheel even though the tanks is not full yet.
Steering, May 24, 2021
Vehicle feels like loses control, briefly and warning lights coming on. Had noticed intermittent, but was heading back from vacation and warning lights stayed on. Drove cautiously back on back roads, avoiding highway and took to local Ford Dealership and it was determined that the past steering recall repair has failed (15N01). The fix is warranteed so they ordered parts needed to fix problem. Unfortunately the vehicle has been out of use due to serious safety concern as advised by dealership as well as Ford, but part has no ETA on when available. I have been without a vehicle for over a month. Dealership was aware I reached out to Ford and also contacted representative at Ford I had contacted. Claim was filed, but to this day we still have no ETA on the fix and I am without use of this vehicle and they won't do anything in the interim to rectify the concern. I have a claim with Ford with a Yeniss Frias Case No. CAS-31788394-F9K2Y9 - 1-866-631-3788 Extension #:79,088 and myself and Kyle at Kimber Creek Ford 1-218-818-4419 have reached out and we have no answers and I have no driveable vehicle and no info on when if ever I will. This is beyond poor customer service on Ford's behalf to rectify a dangerous problem and to tell a customer sorry we don't know when and the customer has nothing safe to drive in the interim and they won't help with that either, is VERY poor and may cause others if in similar situation to just take the risk and drive the defective vehicle as people need their transportation and to offer no timeline. I was told when asked about loaner or rental by Ford, I didn't qualify as I didn't have a warranty, despite the recall fix being warranteed. They told me basically sorry, these are unusual times so doing their best. But yet as I noted, I get unusual times, but then maybe some things like helping someone have a safe vehicle to use in the interim should be reconsidered. The consumer stated there is no communication with Ford and an inability to drive the vehicle due to the defect.
Steering, May 12, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS POWER STEERING ASSIST WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE DRIVEN WITH MANUAL STEERING ONLY. ROUNDTREE FORD (8770 BUSINESS PARK DR, SHREVEPORT, LA 71105, (318)798-3673) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE STEERING MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS THEN INFORMED THAT THE REPAIR WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
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.
Steering, Apr 15, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON THE STARTING OF THE VEHICLE, EXCESSIVE FORCE WAS NEEDED TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT CALLED LORENZO FORD (30725 SOUTH FEDERAL HIGHWAY, HOMESTEAD, FL 33030) WHERE THEY INFORMED HER TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR AN INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 97,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 13, 2021
PERSISTENT EXHAUST ODOR IN VEHICLE UPON START UP . WHEN THE VEHICLE CRANKS UP AND WITH A/C ON THERE IS A STRONG EXHAUST ODOR , IT ISN'T AS NOTICEABLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS BUT STILL THERE . THIS ISSUE STARTED A COUPLE WEEKS AGO AND HASN'T WENT AWAY