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.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Nov 1, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE OIL PRESSURE AND POWER TRAIN WRENCH WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO START ON THE FIRST ATTEMPT. THE FAILURE RECURRED OVER THREE TIMES. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE FAILURE AFTER SHE DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AFTER A COMPLETE STOP. THE LOCAL DEALER (GULF COAST FORD, N, 3000 STATE HWY 288, ANGLETON,TX, 77515) WAS CONTACTED SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT FOR TWO DAYS LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 31, 2017
THERE IS A SMELL OF GASOLINE IN AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AT ALL TIMES. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS REAPPEARING EVEN AFTER CONTINUOUS EXAMINATION.
Power train, Oct 23, 2017
2012 FORD EXPLORE LIMITED. WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, THE CAR SUDDENLY WITH NO WARNING DECREASED SPEED THEN A WRENCH WARNING LIGHT CAME ON IN THE LOWER LEFT DASH PANEL, AND THE CAR WAS IDLING VERY ROUGH. EVEN THOUGH I WAS PRESSING ON THE GAS PEDAL TO ACCELERATE, THERE WAS NO RESPONSE. I WAS ABLE TO LIMP IT HOME AT LITERALLY 2 MPH IN "LIMP MODE". THE CAR DID NOT RESPOND WHEN I PRESSED THE ACCELERATION PEDAL ALTHOUGH I STILL HAD POWER. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO DEALERSHIP TO BE CHECKED OUT. AFTER RESEARCHING WHAT IT COULD BE, I LEARNED IT IS POSSIBLY THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY (ETB) AND/OR PURGE VALVE. I AM PASSED EXTENDED WARRANTY NATURALLY AND PROBABLY GOING TO BE LEFT WITH A HUGE BILL. WHY IS THIS NOT A RECALL FORD????? IT IS CLEARLY A MANUFACTURED ISSUE WITH THIS MANY PEOPLE EXPERIENCING THIS SAME ISSUE.
Service brakes, Oct 21, 2017
BRAKE SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONING AND FORD DEALERSHIP HAS THE VEHICLE FOR 2 MONTHS AND UNABLE TO REPAIR DUE TO BAD PRODUCTION PARTS
Steering, Oct 14, 2017
POWER STEERING QUIT WORKING IN THE PARKING LOT. HAS NO POWER STEERING. HAS HAD A SOFTWARE UPDATE TO FIX THE STEERING AND WAS TOLD THE STEERING NEEDED REPLACED BUT THE PART WAS ON BACK ORDER AND THEN WAS TOLD THE VEHICLE DIDN'T QUALIFY TO HAVE THE STEERING RACK REPLACED AND NOW IT HAS FAILED.
Steering, Power train, Other or unspecified, Oct 13, 2017
GEAR SHIFT MESSAGE - 'SHIFT TO PARK' AFTER PUTTING VEHICLE IN PARK AND IGNITION IS TURNED OFF.
Other or unspecified, Oct 5, 2017
WHEN TAKIN OFF AT HIGHER SPEED LIKE TO PASS SOMEONE, A SMELL OF EXHAUST FUMES FILLS THE CAR THROUGH THE AIR SYSTEM. IT'S SO BAD WE HAVE TO ROLL THE WINDOWS DOWN TO GET IT TO GO AWAY. MY BABIES EVEN COMPLAIN OF THE HORRIBLE SMELL. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR MONTHS AND I'VE HEARD OF NOW AS A BIG PROBLEM.
Engine, Sep 18, 2017
AN EXHAUST ODOR REPEATEDLY OCCURRED IN THE CABIN WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS ACCELERATING.
Engine, Sep 17, 2017
ROTTEN EGG/SULFUR SMELL INSIDE CABIN/OCCUPANT AREA COMING FROM VENTS WHEN ENGINE UNDER HEAVY LOAD SUCH AS GOING UP HILL OR COMING ONTO HIGHWAY AND RPM'S INCREASE, ACCELERATING AT HIGHER SPEEDS TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC FROM OFF RAMP. NOTICED MORE WHEN AC IS ON. BOUGHT VEHICLE USED FROM A LOCAL CAR DEALER IN FEB OF 2017
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 29, 2017
(RE)STARTING AUGUST 1, 2017, WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING DECELERATE, WITH NO RESPONSE FROM THE GAS PEDAL. FORD CALLS THIS THEIR "LIMP HOME MODE." THE WRENCH ICON WARNING WOULD DISPLAY AND THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WOULD SHUDDER UNTIL IT WAS PUT IN PARK AND TURNED OFF. USUALLY, IT WOULD RESUME NORMAL OPERATIONS AFTER BEING RESTARTED, HOWEVER, ON ONE OCCASION, IT TOOK THREE ATTEMPTS TO RESTART. AFTER TWO SUCH INCIDENTS OCCURRING IN LESS THAN A MILE, I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY (OR, REALLY, ANY OTHER PLACE) AS THERE IS NO INDICATION TO OTHER DRIVERS AND THE VEHICLE ACTIVELY DECELERATES, RATHER THAN COASTING. DURING ONE SUCH INCIDENT, THE DECELERATION WAS SO PRONOUNCED THAT PASSENGERS JERKED FORWARD IN THEIR SEATS AND A CANINE PASSENGER LOST ITS FOOTING, FALLING INTO THE BACK OF THE SEATS. WE PREVIOUSLY EXPERIENCED THIS SAME ISSUE IN 2015, LEAVING ME AND A SMALL CHILD STRANDED WHEN THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESTART AT ALL. AS PART OF A "GOODWILL" REPAIR DUE TO THE VEHICLE BEING JUST OUT OF WARRANTY, THE ETB (ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY) AND PURGE VALVE WERE REPLACED BY FORD. I FILED COMPLAINT 10787972 WITH THE NHTSA ON 10/25/2015. IN 5 YEARS, THIS WILL BE THE SECOND REPLACEMENT OF A PART THAT'S EXPECTED TO LAST WELL OVER 6 YEARS. FORD IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, IS AND HAS BEEN SUED, AND IS BEING INVESTIGATED.
Engine, Aug 23, 2017
PURCHASED THIS CAR IN AUGUST 2015. EVERY TIME I ACCELERATE QUICKLY TO PASS SOMEONE OR GO UP HILL FUMES ENTER THE CAR. VERY STRONG ODOR AND I HAVE TWO YOUNG DAUGHTERS WHO ARE UNABLE TO TELL ME IF THEY FEEL FUNNY FROM THE FUMES. PURGE VALVE SENSOR REPLACED DUE TO ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON REPEATEDLY.
Other or unspecified, Aug 16, 2017
EXHAUST LEAKING BACK INTO THE VEHICLE. AS I ACCELERATE, IT SMELLS LIKE GAS FUMES COMING FROM A/C VENTS. I NOTICED IT FROM THE DAY I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE.
Other or unspecified, Aug 16, 2017
I HAVE SMELT THE EXHAUST FUMES COMING FROM THIS VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES. I CAN REALLY SMELL THE FUMES IF I AM GOING THROUGH A DRIVE-THRU AT A RESTAURANT AND ROLL DOWN THE WINDOW. I NEVER THOUGHT MUCH OF IT UNTIL I STARTED RESEARCHING THE COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER VEHICLE OWNERS.
Other or unspecified, Aug 10, 2017
SINCE WE PURCHASED THE SUV WE NOTICED A STRONG ODOR OF FUMES IN THE VEHICLE CABIN. IT ALWAYS OCCURS WHEN ACCELERATING, LIKE WHEN ENTERING THE HIGHWAY, AND THE SMELL STARTS AT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WHERE MY 2 KIDS ARE. WE HAVE HAD ALL 3 REVISIONS DONE AND STILL THE ODOR PERSIST. WE ARE OBLIGATED TO LOWER THE WINDOWS EACH TIME TO NOT FEEL NAUSEOUS AND AVOID THE STRONG HEADACHES THAT USUALLY FOLLOW. MY 9 YEAR OLD SON HAS ASTHMA AND SUFFERS GREATLY FROM IT AND CONSTANTLY COMPLAINS OF DIZZINESS AS WE ARE DAILY HIGHWAY DRIVERS. MY 4 YEAR OLD HAS HAD MULTIPLE OCCASIONS OF SUDDEN VOMITING WHILE IN THE CAR, DIZZINESS AND HEADACHES. I TOO HAVE HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD DUE TO THE INTENSITY OF THE FUMES AND FEELING FAINT. I CONTACTED THE FORD HOTLINE ON THIS ISSUE AND WAS ISSUED A CASE # YET FORD RESPONDED WITH NO SOLUTION. THEY STATE THE REPAIRS THEY HAVE AVAILABLE HAVE BEEN EXHAUSTED AND THEY HAVE NO FURTHER SOLUTION. I ASKED FOR A BUY BACK AND APPARENTLY DO NOT QUALIFY FOR THAT EITHER. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. WE HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH MULTIPLE YEARLY VISITS WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT, YEAR AFTER YEAR. WE HAVE DOCUMENTATION SHOWING HOW SINCE THE YEAR OF PURCHASE WE HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE IN FOR THE FUMES ODOR ISSUE AND THEY HAD EITHER NO REPAIR OR PRETENDED I WAS MAKING IT UP. I'M GLAD THIS ISSUE HAS SURFACED IN THE MEDIA AS I OBVIOUSLY WAS NOT MAKING IT UP, AND IT'S A REAL PROBLEM. I WORRY MORE THAN ANYTHING ABOUT THE HEALTH OF MY CHILDREN AND THEIR SAFETY. WE HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY THIS ISSUE LONG BEFORE MOST OF THESE COMPLAINTS EVEN APPEARED, AND WE'VE HAD TO OUT OF POCKET PAY FOR MANY OF THE REPAIRS. PLEASE HELP.
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.
Other or unspecified, Aug 4, 2017
EXHAUST SMELL IN CAR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 4, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED AN EXHAUST ODOR COMING FROM THE VENTS. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THIS WAS THE RESULT OF THE CARBON MONOXIDE ISSUE IN THE NEWS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,613. ... .UPDATED 11/16/17 *BF THE FAILURE AFFECTED THE CONSUMER'S ASTHMATIC CONDITION. *JS
Other or unspecified, Aug 2, 2017
EXHAUST FUMES IN CABIN. ON A COUPLE OF OCCASIONS, AN ODOR SIMILAR TO A ROTTEN EGG SMELL HAS ENTERED THE CABIN AREA WHILE DRIVING. NOT QUITE SURE AT THIS TIME IF I WAS ACCELERATING OR IF THE AC WAS ON THE RECIRCULATION/FRESH AIR MODE WHEN THE SMELL ENTERED. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT CO2 EXPOSURE TO MY FAMILY.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 2, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EXHAUST SYSTEM FAILED AND CAUSED AN ODOR TO PENETRATE THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. THE ODOR CAUSED THE CONTACT TO HAVE NAUSEA SYMPTOMS AND HEADACHES. THE CONTACT DID NOT SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Air bags, Aug 1, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (LOMBARD FORD, INC LOCATED AT 385 NEW HARTFORD RD, BARKHAMSTED, CT 06063; (860) 379-3301) WHERE THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CONTACT NEEDED TO PAY TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AT 800-392-3673 AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: CAS-12821614. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,149.
Other or unspecified, Jul 30, 2017
IN 2015, FORD CHARGED ME MORE THAN $700 TO MAKE THE REPAIRS NECESSARY TO ELIMINATE EXHAUST FUMES IN THE CAR. THEY HAD A KNOWN FIX AT THAT TIME, BUT STILL CHARGED ME FOR THE REPAIR.
Steering, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jul 28, 2017
I WAS DRIVING ON AN INTERSECTION THAT DASHBOARD LIGHTS STARTED FLICKERING AND THE CAR INDICATED CHECK MANUAL AND ORANGE WRENCH CAME OUT... AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN CAR STOP & I TRIED STARTING IT BUT IT WOULD IT WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE... I WAS ON 342 N. SAN FERNANDO RD., LOS ANGELES, CA 90031 AROUND 2:00 PM
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
Other or unspecified, Jul 28, 2017
STRONG ODOR IN CABIN, MAKING OCCUPANTS ILL.
Visibility/wiper, Jul 27, 2017
FUMES IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT