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.
Other or unspecified, Jul 21, 2017
THE CO DETECTOR I INSTALLED (BATTERY OPERATED) SOUNDS IF I CLOSE MY WINDOWS FOR MORE THAN A FEW MOMENTS DURING A TRIP. MY 10 YEAR OLD SON CAN NOT RIDE IN MY TRUCK AS HE HAS VOMITED SEVERAL TIMES DURING TRIPS IN THE PAST. THE IDEA THAT THE VEHICLE I DRIVE IS POISONING MY SON INFURIATES ME. THE EXHAUST ODOR IS UNBEARABLE, COUPLED WITH THE NAUSEA AND HEADACHES THAT RESULT FROM THE CO LEAKS I FIND MYSELF MORE AND MORE ANGRY THAT WE SPENT $30K ON A DEATH TRAP
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 15, 2017
TURBO GONE BAD - CAR BEGAN MAKING LOUD RATTLE NOISE WHEN STARTED. NOISE WOULD SUBSIDE SOME AFTER A FEW MINUTES. CAR HAS BEEN VERY SLOW TO ACCELERATE, WHENEVER IT'S BEING DRIVEN, OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS. HAVE TO REALLY PRESS DOWN ALL THE WAY ON THE GAS IN ORDER TO KEEP IT GOING. THE MPG HAVE BEEN STEADILY DECLINING AS WELL OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS. DEALER TOLD ME IT'S A "TURBO PROBLEM". WAS TOLD THAT 180 OTHER 2012 EXPLORERS ARE ALSO AFFECTED, PARTS ON BACK-ORDER FOR SIX WEEKS. CAN'T DRIVE CAR. REPAIR COST APPROXIMATELY $3500. FORD OFFERING NO RELIEF AT THIS POINT.
Power train, Jul 7, 2017
I HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR 2 YEARS AND HAVE HAD AT LEAST 10+ INCIDENTS OF MY CAR LOSING ALL POWER FOR ACCELERATION. IT HAS HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY GOING 65+, IT HAS HAPPENED ACCELERATING ONTO THE HIGH WAY, IT HAS HAPPENED ON RESIDENTIAL STREETS, IT HAS HAPPENED ON STATE HIGHWAYS, IT HAS HAPPENED IN PARKING LOTS. THE CAR SUDDENLY REVS SUPER HIGH BUT PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR DOES ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. I HAVE TO LIMP TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, TURN THE CAR OFF AND USUALLY IT FIXES THE ISSUE. BUT SEVERAL TIMES I HAVE HAD TO TURN IT OFF AND RESTART SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE I HAVE NORMAL CONTROL OF THE CAR AGAIN. I HAVE BROUGHT IT IN SEVERAL TIMES AND EVERY TIME THEY TELL ME UNLESS IT IS HAPPENING AT THAT MOMENT THEY CAN'T FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM. I HAVE KIDS IN MY CAR MOST OF THE TIME AND TO SUDDENLY LOSE POWER IS A TRAGEDY WAITING TO HAPPEN. TODAY DURING A ROUTINE OIL CHECK, IT WAS DISCOVERED MY PTU IS LEAKING. IN A 5 YEAR OLD CAR I WOULD NOT EXPECT THIS TO BE THE CASE.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 26, 2017
I AM EXPERIENCING THE EXHAUST FUMES SMELL IN MY VEHICLE WHEN ACCELERATING UP HILLS OR WHEN MERGING INTO TRAFFIC. MY FAMILY HAS SUFFERED SYMPTOMS SUCH AS HEADACHES AND LIGHTHEADEDNESS DUE TO THE SMELLS. THE SMELL IS A VERY STRONG EXHAUST FUMES SMELL AND LASTS FOR AT LEAST 30 SECONDS TO A MINUTE.
Other or unspecified, Jun 19, 2017
2012 FORD EXPLORER RELEASES STRONG BURNT RUBBER SMELL WHEN I ACCELERATE OR REACH 3000 RPMS. IT IS GETTING WORSE THE MORE MILES I PUT ON MY CAR. CAUSES MYSELF AND MY 2 CHILDREN TO FEEL CAR SICK OR HAVE HEADACHES. THE ONLY WAY I CAN GET THE SMELL TO GO AWAY IS TO TURN OFF THE A/C OR HEAT AND ROLL THE WINDOWS DOWN. I HAVE MENTIONED IT TO LOCAL DEALERSHIP TWICE NOW AND THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IS CAUSING IT BUT I'VE TOLD THEM ABOUT THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AND THEY STILL ACT LIKE THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF IT. THE FIRST TIME I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE SMELL THE CAR WAS ALSO MAKING A NOISE WHEN THE A/C WAS ON SO I WAS TOLD THAT THE REPAIR THEY DID WOULD FIX WHATEVER WAS CAUSING THE NOISE AND THE SMELL. I JUST TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP TODAY FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND ONCE AGAIN MENTIONED THE SMELL AND THEY SAID THEY HAVE NO IDEA ABOUT A BURNING SMELL AND NOBODY HAS HAD THAT ISSUE THAT THEY KNOW OF. NOW THAT I KNOW IT IS LEGITIMATELY A CONCERN AND MY KIDS AND I AREN'T JUST ACTUALLY GETTING "CAR SICK" I AM EXTREMELY UPSET THAT I'M NOT BEING TAKEN SERIOUSLY. I AM SUPPOSED TO TAKE THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP MONDAY TO HAVE OTHER ISSUES FIXED AND I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHAT THEY TELL ME NOW THAT I HAVE MADE THEM AWARE OF THE LEGITIMATE PROBLEM WITH THE EXHAUST ODOR.
Suspension, Jun 16, 2017
THE STRUT MOUNTS ON THE EXPLORER ARE FAULTY. RESULTING IN A HORRIBLE NOISE WHEN TURNING OR ENCOUNTERING A BUMP; AND POSSIBLE SEPARATION OF THE STRUT MOUNT FROM THE VEHICLE BODY. I WAS ALERTED THAT IN MY SMALL COMMUNITY ALONE, I WAS ONE OF 5 VEHICLES OF THE SAME YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL WHO HAVE HAD TO REPLACE BOTH STRUT MOUNTS ON THE VEHICLE WITHIN THE PAST 6 MONTHS. FORD HAS BEEN ALERTED TO THE PROBLEM, BUT SEEM TO TAKE NO ACTION IN RESOLVING IT.
Other or unspecified, Jun 15, 2017
WHEN THE SHIFTER IS MECHANICALLY AND SECURELY IN PARK, THE VEHICLE'S SENSOR SYSTEM DOES NOT RECOGNIZE IT IS IN PARK. THIS LEADS TO STARTING ISSUES NBECASUE OF TWO FACTORS: 1. THE BATTERY WEARS DOWN SINCE THE CAR DOES NOT COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN AND 2. STARTING THE VEHICLE REQUIRES IT TO BE IN PARK WHICH THE VEICHILE DOES NOT RECOGNIZE IT IS IN.
Engine, Jun 15, 2017
TURBO FAILURE WHILE DRIVING, LARGE LOSS OF POWER AND POTENTIAL FOR AN ACCIDENT. TURBO CHARGER FAILED ON MY 2.0L ECOBOOST ENGINE AT 58,000 MILES. TURBO FAILED WHILE IN TRAFFIC AND CAUSED VERY POOR PERFORMANCE AND COULD HAVE EASILY CAUSED A WRECK. TURBO FAILURE DOES NOT CREATE A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR GIVE ANY INDICATION THAT IS HAS FAILED OTHER THAN A LARGE LOSS OF POWER AND THE ENGINE CONTINUES TO RUN. TURBO FAILURE IS SUDDEN AND THERE IS NO INDICATIONS PRIOR TO IT FAILING. THE TURBO WAS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY DUE TO VEHICLES AGE EVEN THOUGH UNDER 60K.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 12, 2017
I ABRUPTLY ACCELERATED AROUND A CAR THAT MANEUVERED INFRONT OF ME AND MY INTERIOR CABIN WAS FILLED WITH AN NAUSEATING EXHAUST SMELL. I GOT A HEADACHE, LIGHT HEADED, AND PULLED OVER, BECAUSE I WAS STARTING TO GET DIZZY AND DEVELOP HEADACHES. THIS OCCURRED ON A HIGHWAY, AND NEARLY KILLED ME. I AM FURIOUS.
Engine, Jun 12, 2017
OUR 2012 FORD EXPLORER HAS A HEAVY FUEL SMELL IN THE CABIN AFTER DRIVING FOR MORE THAT A FEW MINUTES. IT SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORSE AS TIME PASSES.
Steering, Jun 8, 2017
POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT SHOW UP AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS VERY HARD TO MOVE. I START AND TURNED OFF A COUPLE TIMES NOTHING HAPPENS. THIS IS MY SECOND TIME THIS HAPPEN. THE FIRST TIME START WORKING AGAIN BUT NOW HAVE 2 WEEKS IN MAY GARAGE WITHOUT BE ABLE OF MOVE THE CAR.
Other or unspecified, Jun 7, 2017
THERE IS A LEAK SOMEWHERE AROUND THE REAR WINDOW/ DOOR OR TOP. EVERYTIME IT RAINS, WATER ENTERS THE CAR POURING DOWN THE 3RD ROW SEATBELT. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES.
Steering, Jun 7, 2017
IMMEDIATELY AFTER IGNITION IS TURNED ON, POWER STEERING FAILURE LIGHT COMES ON AND STEERING WHEEL CAN BARELY TURN. TURN OFF IGNITION AND BACK ON AGAIN AND IT IS GONE. THIS HAS HAPPENED 5 TIMES IN THE LAST 2 MONTHS.
Suspension, Other or unspecified, May 9, 2017
FRONT STRUT BEARINGS CLUNKING/ FAILED. NEEDED REPLACED. 55,000 MILES. STRONG ODOR OF CARBON MONOXIDE WHEN ACCELERATING OR FOLLOWING LARGE TRUCKS.
Other or unspecified, Apr 17, 2017
THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDSHIELD TRIM BLEW OFF THE CAR WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH ON AN INTERSTATE CREATING A DANGEROUS PROJECTILE FOR VEHICLES BEHIND ME.
Other or unspecified, Apr 5, 2017
SMELLS EXHAUST IN THE CABIN. I HAVE BEEN GETTING HEAD ACHES AND NAUSEA WHEN I DRIVE. VEHICLE IN MOTION AND AFTER BEING IN THE CAR I GET AN EXHAUST SMELL AND GET SICK.
Other or unspecified, Mar 28, 2017
EXHAUST SMELL IN CABIN, HAVE TAKEN TO DEALER 5 TIMES AND THEY PERFORMED A FIX BUT DID NOT FIX
Other or unspecified, Mar 22, 2017
THERE'S BEEN A SMELL EACH TIME I WOULD GO IN MY TRUCK AND IT WOULD GIVE ME A HEADACHE. DURING THIS TIME I WAS PREGNANT. I RECENTLY FOUND OUT THAT IT'S BEEN THE EXHAUST FUMES ENTERING THE VEHICLE. I HAVE NOT BEEN USING MY TRUCK AND I CAN'T DRIVE MY 1 MONTH OLD BABY IN THIS CAR. THIS HAS NOT BEEN THE ONLY PROBLEM WITH THE TRUCK IT HAS BEEN SHAKING AND SHUTS OFF. I'VE ALREADY TAKEN IT TO GET REPAIRED BUT IT STILL SHAKES. I'M CONCERNED ABOUT THE FUMES COMING INTO THE CAR. IT DEFINITELY IDN'T SAFE FOR ME TO HAVE MY BABY RIDE IN. I CAN'T BELIEVE I USED THIS TRUCK DURING MY PREGNANCY THINKING IT WAS JUST ME BUT SEEING IT ON THE NEWS MADE ME REALIZE SOMETHING HAS BEEN WRONG WITH THE TRUCK THE WHOLE TIME.
Other or unspecified, Mar 21, 2017
I PLACED A CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR IN MY VEHICLE AFTER READING ABOUT ISSUES. IT HAS BEEN GOING OFF DUE TO HIGH LEVELS OF CO DETECTED INSIDE MY CAR. THE DETECTOR ONLY STOPS BEEPING WHEN I OPEN ALL OF THE WINDOWS AND TURN OFF THE AIR CONDITIONER. I USE A KIDDE CO DETECTOR THAT WILL ALARM IF LEVELS ARE ABOVE 30PPM. I HAVE SMALL CHILDREN IN THE CAR MOST OF THE TIME, AND I WANT A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE TO GET IT FIXED AND PREVENT ISSUES WITH THEIR HEALTH OR AN ACCIDENT THAT CAN ENDANGER BOTH MY FAMILY AND OTHERS, AS WELL AS FIX ALL EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE. THE DETECTOR GOES OFF WHEN THE WINDOWS ARE CLOSED AND THE AIR CONDITIONER IS ON, AND WHEN I ACCELERATE.
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 21, 2017
FUEL AND EXHAUST FUMES OR SMELL OF BURNING OIL. PROBLEMS WITH TURBO.
Other or unspecified, Mar 10, 2017
UPON HEAVY ACCELERATION (MERGING, PASSING A VEHICLE,ETC.) EXHAUST FUMES ARE DETECTED IN THE VEHICLE. IRRELEVENT AS TO WHETHER HEAT, AC OR VENT IS OPEN.
Structure, Mar 7, 2017
PAINT "BUBBLING" HAS TAKEN PLACE ON THE LIFT GATE IN THE VICINITY OF THE LIFT GATE HANDLE. THE BUBBLING HAS ENLARGED SIGNIFICANTLY SINCE I FIRST DISCOVERED IT IN DECEMBER OF 2016. NO ACCIDENT. NORMAL OPERATION AND USE BY A PRIVATE INDIVIDUAL
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Mar 7, 2017
BAD SMELL WITH HEAT OR AC ON AT HIGHER SPEEDS HEADACHES AND LIGHTHEADEDNESS FELT AT TIMES. A SEPERATE ISSUE ALTOGETHER WINDOWS AND DOOR LOCKS HAVE FAILED TO WORK A COUPLE TIMES LEAVING ME STUCK INSIDE CAR UNTIL IT DECIDES TO WORK. DEALER HAS HAD SUPOSED PART ON BACK ORDER FOR 2 MONTHS.
Other or unspecified, Mar 2, 2017
LEAKING EXHAUST I HAVE BEEN TESTED AND HAVE HIGH LEVELS OF CARBON DIOXIDE IN MY BLOOD I NOW HAVE A BATTERY OPERATED CARBON DIOXIDE TESTER IN MY VEHICLE. I PRAY THIS PROTECTS ME. I WAS SO FATIGUED LAST SUMMER, I WENT STRAIGHT TO BED AFTER WORK. NOW I FINALLY KNOW WHY!
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 21, 2017
MY VEHICLES AIR TURNS ON ON IT'S OWN AS YOU DRIVE. THIS IS NOT THE AC NOR HEATER. AS YOU DRIVE YOU CAN HEAR YOUR AIR VENTS TURN ON AND YOU SMELL A FOUL SMELL AND THE AIR PUSHING THROUGH THE VENTS IS MUGGY STICKY AIR THAT MAKES YOUR SKIN FEEL CLAMMY. THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED TO THE DEALERSHIP BEFORE AND HAD BEEN "REPAIRED" HOWEVER, THE AIR CONTINUES TO PUSH THROUGH THE VENTS WHETHER YOU HAVE THE SWITCH SET TO ON OR NOT.