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, Electronic stability control (ESC), Nov 16, 2018
WHILE DRIVING THE STABILITY CONTROL LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE WHEEL GOT TUFF.
Service brakes, Nov 11, 2018
MULTIPLE TIMES MY BRAKES HAVE HAD TO HAVE REPAIRS BECAUSE OF A FAILURE IN THE EMERGENCY BRAKE SYSTEM. TWICE WITHIN THE PAST 6 MONTHS I HAVE HAD THE E-BRAKE LOCK UP, GET STUCK, OR FAIL IN A WAY THAT REQUIRED FULL REPLACEMENT OF MY ROTORS, PADS, BRAKE LINES, AND FLUID RESULTING IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN DAMAGES. AFTER THE FIRST FAILURE IN THIS, I STOPPED USING THE E-BRAKE, HOWEVER HAD THE PROBLEM REPEAT ITSELF ONLY A FEW MONTHS LATER. THE TIME EARLIER THIS YEAR WAS NOTICED WHEN THE BRAKES WERE PULSATING WHILE DRIVING, AND THE SECOND OCCURRENCE THIS YEAR WAS NOTICED WHEN THE FLUID WAS DRAINED AND A "LOW BRAKE FLUID" LIGHT CAME ON, AND WAS FURTHER EXAMINED AFTER FLUID DID NOT STAY IN THE SYSTEM FOR VERY LONG (MATTER OF AN HOUR OR TWO).
Steering, Nov 8, 2018
STEERING GEARS LOCK STEERING SYSTEM ALMOST CAUSING A CRASH WITH MY 11 YEAR OLD SON IN THE CAR.
Air bags, Oct 26, 2018
THE AIRBAG LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON, IT HAS BEEN ADDRESSED BEFORE BY THE DEALER BUT CONTINUES TO HAPPEN. NOW THAT MY CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY I WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS ISSUE THAT IS VERY COMMON WITH THIS CAR.
Electrical system, Air bags, Seat belts, Oct 24, 2018
FRONT PASSENGER SEAT PRETENSIONER HAS FAILED CAUSING THE AIRBAG LIGHT TO COME ON. A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN HAS BEEN CREATED ON FORD'S END BLAMING THE CONNECT. SEE TSB 12-5-11. IT TELLS THE MECHANIC TO INJECT DIELECTRIC GREASE AS A FIX.
Steering, Oct 18, 2018
WHILE DRIVING AND GOING INTO TURN POWER STEERING WARNING CAME ON CAUSING TOTAL LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE. WAS ABLE TO STOP AND HAVE VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP.
Power train, Electrical system, Oct 14, 2018
2012 FORD EXPLORER XLT 4W. THE TERRAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FAULT LIGHT CAME ON AND CAR WENT IMMEDIATELY INTO LIMP MODE ON A MAJOR ROAD.THERE WAS NO WARNING AND WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED. TOOK TO DEALER OCT.1 AND THEY KEPT IT TWO DAYS. THE DEALER SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND A CODE. DEALER SAID IT IS FIXED BY UPDATING AND CALIBRATING THE ABS SYSTEM. IT WAS NOT FIXED. . OCT 13 SAME LIGHT WENT ON AND CAR IMMEDIATELY INTO LIMP MODE ON EXPRESSWAY. NEARLY CAUSED ACCIDENT BECAUSE CAR IMMEDIATELY SLOWED DOWN AND WOULD NOT GO MORE THAN 5MPH IN LIMP MODE. YOU LOOSE COMPLETE CONTROL OF THE TRANSMISSION AND THROTTLE. THERE ARE 53+ CASES WITH THIS PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET JUST THIS YEAR. HTTPS://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/EXPLORER/2016/ENGINE/WRENCH_LIGHT_ON.SHTML THIS HAPPENS SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE CAR IMMEDIATELY BEGINS TO SHUTTER AND VIBRATE AND IMMEDIATE BEGINS TO SLOW DOWN TO 5MPH. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION AND SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED. YOU HAVE NO CONTROL OVER THE SPEED OF THE CAR OR THE TRANSMISSION.. PLEASE GOOGLE (TERRAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FAULT LIGHT) AND SEE THAT THERE ARE MANY MORE FORD CARS ARE AFFECTED BY THIS PROBLEM THERE ARE 3 YOUTUBES SHOWING THIS PROBLEM. THEY CARS ARE NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. ANYONE WHO HAD A TERRAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM LIGHT THAT GOES ON WHILE DRIVING WILL EXPERIENCE THE SAME DANGEROUS SITUATION
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.
Engine, Sep 29, 2018
WHEN TRYING TO MAKE AN UNPROTECTED LEFT TURN AT A STOP SIGN, I PRESSED THE GAS AND MY CAR DIDN'T MOVE FOR A COUPLE OF SECONDS ONCE IT DOD MOVE IT TOOK A FEW MORE SECONDS FOR IT TO ACCELERATE QUICKLY TO SAFELY MAKE MY TURN. THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC IN THE LANE I WAS CROSSING OVER FOR THE TURN HAD TO BRAKE SUDDENLY BECAUSE MY CAR DIDN'T MAKE IT THROUGH THE INTERSECTION FAST ENOUGH. I WAS TOLD THAT MY TURBO BOOST WAS BAD. I HAVE A 2012 ECO BOOST MODEL AND IT WAS CLASSIFIED AS 'UNDER BOOST' WHICH WASN'T ALLOWING MY CAR TO ACCELERATE PROPERLY AND WOULD EVENTUALLY GIVE OUT COMPLETELY NOT ALLOWING ME TO ACCELERATE AT ALL.
Steering, Aug 30, 2018
"POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILURE" WARNING WHEN STARTING THE CAR CAN USUALLY BE RESOLVED BY RESTARTING THE CAR AND HAS BEEN INTERMITTENT FOR THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER THE POWER STEERING (WHICH IS COMPLETELY ELECTRONIC--NO PULLEY OR HYDRAULICS) IS NOW FAILING WHILE DRIVING MAKING THE CAR NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN AND ESPECIALLY AT LOWER SPEEDS BECAUSE YOU'RE FIGHTING THROUGH THE ELECTRONIC MOTOR IN THE EPAS SYSTEM.
Steering, Aug 22, 2018
MY VEHICLE HAS FAILURE ON THE ELECTRONIC POWER ATEERING ASSIST, AS NOTED ON RECALL CAMPAIN 14V286000 BY NHTSA FOR THIS VEHICLE BUT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT ON RECALL LIST. VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCE LOSS OF POWER ON ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING MAKING ATEERING HARD. TODAY WHEN DRIVING ON HIGHWAY PROBLEM HAPPENED FOR THE THIRD TIME, HAD SOME TROUBLE GETTING OUT OF HIGHWAY, I NEED TO MIVE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURN OFF VEHICLE FOR SOME TIME AND TURNED BACK ON TO RESTART THE ELECTRONICS.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Aug 21, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED, SHUT OFF, AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CROSSROADS FORD OF SANFORD (3251 NC-87, SANFORD, NC 27332, (888) 352-5045) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,362. *TT *TR
Air bags, Aug 1, 2018
AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATES SOON AFTER BEING FIXED AT DEALER. LITERALLY WENT ON PRIOR TO DRIVING HOME FROM DEALER ONLY TO TURN AROUND AND BRING IT BACK. HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE IN THE DEALERSHIP ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS IN THE LAST YEAR. NO ONE CAN ANSWER THE QUESTION: IS THE WHOLE AIRBAG SYSTEM DISMANTLED WHILE ON? IF YOU TURN CAR OFF AND ON IT WILL DISAPPEAR AND COME ON SOON AFTER. CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE ONLY TO BE TOLD THEY CAN'T ANSWER THE QUESTION. BEEN DEALING WITH THIS CONSTANTLY SINCE PRIOR TO AUGUST 2017
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.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jun 21, 2018
THE VEHICLE AT START UP HAS DISABLED POWER STEERING CAUSING THE VEHICLE UNABLE TO BE STEERED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN A DRIVEWAY AND WAS ABOUT TO PLACE INTO DRIVE GEAR WHEN THE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND COULD NO LONGER TURN THE STEERING WHEEL.
Seat belts, Jun 8, 2018
SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER. AIR BAG LIGHT ON AND OFF AT RANDOM WHILE DRIVING. NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.
Other or unspecified, Jun 6, 2018
TOOK MY 2012 FORD EXPLORER IN TO HAVE THE TIRES REPLACED AND THE NEXT DAY THERE WAS AN "ODOR" COMING INTO THE CAB AS WELL AS OUTSIDE OF CABIN AS I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND WHEN I STOPPED AND GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE.
Power train, May 28, 2018
THE PROBLEM OCCURS AGAIN TWICE ON 5/23/18 THE WRENCH ICON APPEARS AGAIN, LOST POWER, NO ACCELERATION, TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTART..MADE AN APPOINTMENT BACK TO COGGINS FORD AND THEY CHECKED AND STILL THERE IS NO CODE TO SEE WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE CAR. THEY SUGGEST THAT IT MIGHT BE THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY IF I WANT TO REPLACE IT BUT NOT GUARANTEE. WITH MY APPROVAL I AM TAKING MY CHANCES TO REPLACE IT BECAUSE I AM SCARED I WILL BE IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF I WILL NOT DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. I HOPE THIS WILL FIX THE PROBLEM AND ALSO HOPING THAT YOU WILL DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS INCIDENT. THANK YOU.
Air bags, Visibility/wiper, May 26, 2018
THE WIPERS WILL RANDOMLY TURN ON EVEN IF THE SWITCH IS OFF. I HAVE FOUND THAT I HAVE TO TURN THE WIPERS ON TO THE HIGHEST SETTING THEN IMMEDIATELY TURN THEM OFF YOU GET THE WIPERS TO STAY OFF. MY SECOND PROBLEM IS THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WILL TURN ON AT RANDOM TIMES WHILE DRIVING. I CAN GO WEEKS OR MONTHS WITH OUT IT TURNING ON BUT I CAN ALSO GO WEEKS WITH IT STAYING ON 24/7. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO A FORD DEALER TO BE LOOKED AT AND THE ANSWER I GOT WAS 'WE ARE NOT SURE WHY IT'S DOING IT BUT JUST PUT A TOWEL ON THE DASH TO KEEP IT FROM GETTING HOT AND THAT SHOULD FIX IT MAYBE'. I HAVE FOUND THAT WHILE DRIVING IF MY WIFE TURNS AROUND TO GET/GIVE SOMETHING TO OUR CHILD THE LIGHT WILL TURN ON WHEN SHE FULLY SITS BACK DOWN.
Other or unspecified, May 22, 2018
SYNC SYSTEM DIED- NO SCREEN/NO USB POWER/NO NAVIGATION/NO HEAT/COOL CONTROL/NO RADIO/NO HAND-FREE PHONE WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY- UNABLE TO RESTART OR REBOOT.
Power train, May 14, 2018
THIS IS THE CONTINUATION OF MY 2012 FORD EXPLORER FOLLOW UP COMPLAINT ABOUT THE POWER TRAIN MALFUNCTION AND REDUCED POWER THAT HAPPEN ON 5/12/2018. AS I MENTIONED IN MY LAST COMPLAINT THAT I TOOK IT TO COGGINS FORD IN JACKSONVILLE ON 5/14/18 AND THEY CHECKED MY CAR AND THE SERVICE ADVISOR SAID THAT THEY TEST DROVED AND CHECKED BUT NO CODES SO THEY CANNOT DO ANYTHING AND HE ADVISED TO KEEP ON DRIVING UNTIL IT HAPPENS AGAIN AND TO BRING IT BACK. NOW, I AM NERVOUS DRIVING THIS CAR, IT MIGHT PUT ME AND MY PASSENGERS IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION IF SUDDENLY THIS HAPPEN AGAIN LOSS OF POWER AND STALLING WHILE DRIVING. THIS A SERIOUS SAFETY AND IT CAN LEAD TO ACCIDENTS, INJURY OR DEATH. I HOPE FORD WILL INVESTIGATE AND HAVE A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM.
Power train, May 12, 2018
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH THE SPEED OF 60 MILES PER HOUR AND SUDDENLY THE WRENCH ICON SHOWS ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE OF MY STEERING WHEEL AND MY CAR SPEED IS SLOWING DOWN. I TRIED TO PUSH MY ACCELERATOR HARDER BUT IT WILL NOT PICK UP SPEED, SO I PULL OFF THE ROAD AND TURN OFF MY ENGINE. AFTER A FEW MINUTES, I STARTED MY CAR AND IT STARTS AND DROVE HOME WITH A LOW SPEED AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO COGGINS FORD IN JACKSONVILLE,FL.05/14/2018. I WILL FOLLOW UP ON THE RESULT.
Engine, Apr 20, 2018
WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, LOST POWER AND SPEED DROPPED. IT WAS LIKE ENGINE STOPPED WORKING PROPERLY. HAD TO PULL OFF ROAD, IT WAS SO SCARY ON HIGHWAY TO LOOSE POWER NOT TO MENTION DANGEROUS!!! CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER TAKING TO FORD DEALERSHIP, FOUND OUT THAT ECOBOOST TURBO HAD BLOWN AND SEIZED UP.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Apr 9, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS AN ODOR BEING EMITTED FROM THE EXHAUST THAT CAUSED THE CONTACT TO FEEL NAUSEOUS AND DIZZY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BARBER FORD (640 E 8TH ST. HOLLAND, MICHIGAN 49423) ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS TO HAVE THE VOLUNTARY FORD EXHAUST CAMPAIGN COMPLETED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE HE WAS EXPERIENCING WAS NOT PART OF THE VOLUNTARY FORD EXHAUST CAMPAIGN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE NOT PROVIDED.
Steering, Apr 6, 2018
SUDDEN GRINDING IN THE STEERING WHEEL. SUSPECT IT IS RELATED TO A PREMATURELY FAILING STEERING GEAR BOX. OCCURRED WHILE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY