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, Apr 9, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER, AND AFTER WAITING FOR APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES, THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND THE STEERING FUNCTIONALITY WAS RESTORED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAULT WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT SPOKE TO A REPRESENTATIVE AT KEN STOEPEL FORD (400 SIDNEY BAKER ST S, KERRVILLE, TX 78028, (830)257-5553) AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED PREVIOUSLY UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000 (STEERING) HOWEVER, THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR A SECOND TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND CONFIRMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000.
Steering, Mar 26, 2021
AS I WAS PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT ONTO A CITY STREET THE POWER STEERING ALERT CAME ON AND I LOST POWER STEERING. THE CAR WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER AND I BARELY MANAGED TO STAY ON THE ROAD. TURNING WAS THE DIFFICULT PART. I PARKED THE CAR AND SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. WHEN I STARTED THE CAR AGAIN THE POWER STEERING HAD RETURNED.
Air bags, Feb 19, 2021
2/17/21 MY AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON... BUT WHEN I LOOKED FOR A RECALL OR WHAT TO DO IT SAYS I DON'T HAVE A RECALL....
Steering, Feb 1, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED AND MAKING A RIGHT OR LEFT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING ASSIST WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED LANDERS FORD SOUTH (95 GOODMAN RD E, SOUTHAVEN, MS 38671, (662) 349-4300) HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS LIKE THE FAILURE LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000 (STEERING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 186,000.
Steering, Jan 11, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING THE RACK AND PINION REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. RECENTLY, THE VEHICLE STARTED EXPERIENCING THE SAME SYMPTOMS, AND WAS TAKEN TO SUBURBAN FORD OF FERNDALE (21600 WOODWARD AVE, FERNDALE, MI 48220 248) 399-1000) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING THE RACK AND PINION REPLACED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000 (STEERING) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF FAILURE AND DETERMINED THAT THE CONTACT HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR THE REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 106,653.
Steering, Jan 10, 2021
VEHICLE HAD BEEN STATIONARY ALL DAY. GOT IN IT TO BACK AND AND POWER STEERING FAILED. LIGHT CAME ON THE DASH THAT SAID POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT.
Service brakes, Jan 5, 2021
FAILED STATE INSPECTION (EMERGENCY BRAKE), FURTHER DIAGNOSTICS REVEALED CALIPERS NOT WORKING FOR REAR DISC BRAKES, SIMILAR TO THE RECALL OF 2015/16 FORD EXPLORER'S BRAKE ISSUES- A DETAILED PICTURE OF REPORT/DIAGNOSTICS INCLUDED
Steering, Power train, Jan 2, 2021
THE POWER STEERING, FOUR WHEEL DRIVE, AND TRACTION CONTROL COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING EVEN AFTER I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP SOME MONTHS BACK TO FIX THIS PROBLEM! ALSO,THE MYFORD TOUCH GOES BLACK AND WILL NOT WORK FOR WEEKS. WHEN THE POWER STEERING QUIT I WAS ON A PAVED SIDE ROAD NEAR MY HOME.
Steering, Jan 1, 2021
POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILURE IS COMING ON AND THE STEERING WHEEL COMPLETELY LOCKS. IN RESEARCHING THIS- SEVERAL OTHER FORD EXPLORERS HAVE BEEN RECALLED DUE TO THIS. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS CONCERN - LUCKILY THIS HAPPENED TO ME WHILE IN MY DRIVEWAY- I CAN NOT IMAGINE WHAT THE OUTCOME WOULD BE IF I WERE ON THE ROAD RUNNING 50 MPH.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 28, 2020
THERE IS A STRONG SMELL OF CARBON MONOXIDE WHEN THE ENGINE IS REVED OVER 3000 -3500 RPM THIS HAPPENS EVERY SINGLE TIME. IT SEEMS TO BE ON PAR WITH THE OTHER COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS ISSUE WITH THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. I NOTICED THIS ISSUE SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM THE USED CAR LOT.
Steering, Nov 27, 2020
THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WARNING CAME ON AND I LOST POWER STEERING. THIS ISSUE WAS A RECALL ISSUE WITH FORD. T TOOK THE VEHICLE TO SANDERSON FORD AND THEY CONTACTED FORD SPECIAL SERVICE SUPPORT CENTER REGARDING THE RECALL AND WARRANTY ON THE VEHICLE FOR RECALL. FORD DID NOT APPROVE THE REPAIR STATING THE VEHICLE WAS 13000 MILES OVER THE ALLOTTED MILEAGE. REALLY??? FOLLOWING ARE THE EXACT COMMENTS FROM DEALER TO FORD AND FORD TO DEALER TAKEN FROM COPIES OF THEIR COMMUNICATION: DEALER COMMENT: NOVEMBER 23, 2020-REQUEST FORD AGENT: IF SAFETY PROGRAM 14S06 IS CLOSED AND STEERING GEAR IS REQUIRED THE VEHICLE MUST FALL WITHIN THE 10 YR/150,000 MILES TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THIS REPAIR. NOV 24, 2020-DEALER-14S06 LOOKS TO BE STILL OPEN TO MYSELF AND THE TECHNICIAN PLEASE CLARIFY FORD AGENT- 14S06 IS CLOSED ON OASIS THANK YOU. FORD AGENT- NOT APPROVED. PLEASE BE ADVISED THIS IS NOT APPROVED. IF 14S06 WAS OPEN WE COULD APPROVE IT BUT BECAUSE 14S06 IS CLOSED AND VEH IS OVER THE FSA GUIDELINES FOR 15N01 THEN WE CANNOT APPROVE. 14S06 WAS CLOSED BACK IN 08/07/2014. DEALER RESPONSE: MY APOLOGIES. JUST.TRYING TO DO MY DUE DILIGENCE FOR THE CUSTOMER. 15NO1 IS STILL OPEN. WHICH THEN REFERS TO 14S06 FOR EXPLORER. THE STEERING GEAR WAS NOT REPLACED WHEN THE 14S06 WAS CLAIMED YEARS AGO. ONLY THE REPROGRAM WAS PERFORMED. 14S06 HAS A SUPPLEMENT WHICH IS COPIED AND PASTED AS FOLLOWS: SUBJECT DEMONSTRATION/ DELIVERY HOLD-SAFETY RECALL 14S06-SUPPLEMENT #3 CERTAIN 2011-2013 MODEL YEAR EXPLORER VEHICLES REPROGRAM POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE AND STEERING GEAR EXTENDED COVERAGE WHY DID I NOT RECEIVE THE COVERAGE? I DON'T HAVE ENOUGH LETTERS ALLOWED TO CONTINUE THE QUOTE. BUT THE SUPPLEMENT SAYS IF DENIED THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY CAUSE VEH HAD EXCEEDED THE ORIGINAL RECALL I SHOULD GET A REFUND. FORD HAS HAD THIS SAFETY ISSUE FOR A LONG TIME. MY COST WAS $2,100.
Seat belts, Nov 13, 2020
FOR ALL THREE REAR SEAT BELTS THE LATCH PLATE WILL NOT ENGAGE IN THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE. THE REAR SEATS ARE RARELY USED SO I DON'T KNOW HOW LONG THEY HAVE BEEN INOPERATIVE.
Power train, Oct 4, 2020
VEHICLE SHUTTING DOWN WHILE DRIVING.
Steering, Sep 29, 2020
RECALL 14S06/15N01 PERFORMED IN 2016 FOR FAILED STEERING. COMPLETE STEERING RACK REPLACED. 4 YEARS LATER THE STEERING COMPLETELY FAILED AGAIN WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING. LUCKILY I WAS WITH. VEHICLE IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR HER TO STEER WHEN IT FAILED. I WAS ABLE TO TAKE OVER AND GET THE VEHICLE HOME. TAKES ALL THE STRENGTH YOU NEED TO TURN. TOOK IT TO FORD DEALERSHIP. FORD REFUSES TO REPLACE THE FAILED STEERING RACK AGAIN THAT WAS REPLACED UNDER A SAFETY RECALL. FORD ALSO REFUSES TO HELP WITH ANY FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR THE $3000 REPAIR. IN REVIEW OF 14S06 AND 15N01 THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE SUPPLEMENTS WITH EXTENDED COVERAGE BUT ONLY 1 TIME REPLACEMENT. THUS THEY ARE RECUSING THEMSELVES OF LIABILITY SHOULD A CRASH HAVE OCCURRED. THE SAFETY RECALL SOLUTION IS SIMPLY A CONTINUATION OF A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THEY DO NOT STAND BEHIND. I'M GRATEFUL MY WIFE AND KIDS WERE NOT ALONE OR IN AN ACCIDENT. OTHERS MAY NO BE SO LUCKY AND FORD NEEDS TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR SOLUTION. 8 YEAR OLD VEHICLE. STEERING HAS FAILED EVERY 4 YEARS SINCE NEW. RECALL MEANS NOTHING, PEOPLE WILL GET HURT.
Steering, Sep 1, 2020
LEAVING MY HOME AND DRIVING DOWN THE STREET POWER STEERING LOCKED, WAS UNABLE TO STEER VEHICLE AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. THERE WAS A PRIOR RECALL FOR THE STEERING COMPONENT AND THOUGHT THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN CORRECTED. VERY DANGEROUS TO LOSE STEERING POWER WHILE DRIVING. HAD MULTI POINT INSPECTION CHECKED BY DEALER JULY 23 AND NO ISSUE WAS FOUND BY THE DEALERS.
Steering, Traction control system, Aug 26, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT STATED THE SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL AND THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (HERTRICH FORD OF EASTON LOCATED AT 9617 OCEAN GATEWAY, EASTON, MD 21601, (410) 822-2900) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING THE RACK AND PINION REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 151,977. *LN *JS *JS
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 4, 2020
POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT, MY STEERING WAS INTERMITTENT BUT NOW ITS COMPLETELY GONE. I CAN NOT STEER MY CAR. IT WAS STATIONARY , IT HAPPENED AS SOON AS I STARTED MY CAR.
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.
Steering, Jul 14, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE LOSS POWER STEERING ASSIST WITH THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AND INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO RETRIEVED DTC CODE: (U2011-49). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO EARNHARDT FORD LOCATED AT 7300 W ORCHID LN, CHANDLER, AZ 85226, AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE MILEAGE LIMITATION HAD BEEN EXCEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,140.
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.
Steering, Jul 6, 2020
THE POWER ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSIST, THE POWER STEERING, MY BLINKERS, ALL WENT OUT WHEN MY GEAR BOX DID. FOR THE SECOND TIME. FORD HAS RECALLS ON THESE PARTS BUT NOT FOR MY VIN NUMBER.
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.
Steering, Jun 25, 2020
I OWN A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. RECENTLY I RECEIVED A WARNING ON THE DASHBOARD INDICATING THAT THERE IS A "POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT. " THIS HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITH MY FAMILY (LUCKY AT A LOW SPEED). I AM AWARE OF A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE. IN SHORT, THE RECALL COVERS 2011-2013 EXPLORERS AND MANDATES THAT FORD REPLACE FIRST THE SOFTWARE FOR THE STEERING RACK ASSEMBLY AND IF THAT DOES NOT RECTIFY THE PROBLEM THEN THE ENTIRE STEERING RACK ASSEMBLE ITSELF. I VISITED MY LOCAL FORD DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THE ISSUE AND STATED THAT THE ENTIRE STEERING RACK ASSEMBLE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THEY ALSO INFORMED ME THAT MY VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. MY QUESTION IS WHY? A KNOWN STEERING ISSUE FOR 2012 EXPLORERS IS CLEARLY EVIDENT ON MY VEHICLE. SEEMS FORD IS PASSING THE BLAME FOR A KNOWN ISSUE! I MUST NOTE THAT THERE ARE ONLY 45,000 MILES ON THIS VEHICLE AND FOR THIS TO FAIL WITH SO FEW MILES (WHILE I WAS DRIVING) IS UNACCEPTABLE. IT IS UNCLEAR TO ME WHY FORD WOULD NOT COVER THIS UNDER THE RECALL ESPECIALLY SINCE IT IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000 *TR
Steering, Suspension, Seats, Jun 22, 2020
FORD SPAIN UNABLE TO CONDUCT RECALLS DUE TO NO PARTS AVAILABLE FOR EXPLORER 2012. DISCUSSED WITH. *TR