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.
Engine, Sep 18, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER THE INITIAL ATTEMPT. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON THREE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,920. *CN
Engine, Sep 10, 2015
EXHAUST GASES ENTER THE CABIN WHEN ACCELERATING - SMELLS LIKE ROTTEN EGGS - TO TEST THEORY PLACED HOUSE HOLD CO2 ALARM IN VEHICLE CABIN AND DROVE UP INTERSTATE - EXCEEDING 3500RPM FOR 2-3 SECONDS - CO2 ALARM WENT OFF TO INDICATE CO2 PRESENT INSIDE OF CABIN - CONDITIONS WERE - ALL WINDOWS CLOSED ALL DOORS CLOSED - AIR CONDITIONER RUNNING. DEALER STATES NO REPORTED OCCURRENCES OF THIS FROM OTHER EXPLORER OWNERS, SAID IT COULD BE A FAULTY CO2 ALARM - WENT TO HOME DEPOT - PURCHASED NEW CO2 ALARM - TESTED IN VEHICLE WITH WINDWOS AND DOORS CLOSED - NEW CO2 ALARM ALSO ALERTS TO CARBON MONOXIDE (HIGH LEVELS). - CO2 IS 100% ENTERING CLOSED CABIN.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Sep 8, 2015
PAINT ON HOOD IS BLISTERING - FORD KNOWS ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND ISSUED A TSB IN 2004 TO FIX THIS ISSUE IN 2004 WHY ARE WE STILL HAVING THIS ISSUE ON A 2012 VEHICLE - DEALER SAYS FORD HQ DENIED REPAIR TO HOOD PAINT SINCE VEHICLE IS OUT OF 3 YEAR 36,000 MILE WARRANTY - WHY IS PAINT CORRODING ON 3+ YEAR OLD $34,000 VEHICLE? FORD SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THIS ISSUE SINCE IT IS KNOWN AND DEVALUES THE VEHICLE BY MANY $K.
Structure, Sep 1, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXCESSIVE RUST UNDER EACH OF THE FOUR DOORS AS WELL AS THE REAR HATCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RUST OCCURRED IN AREAS THAT WERE PAINTED THINLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED UNTIL HOLES HAD FORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000. MA 10/22/2015 *CN
Service brakes, Aug 31, 2015, fire
THE LEFT REAR WHEEL BEGAN MAKING A LOUD SQUEALING SOUND (BREAK PADS) AND WHEN VEHICLE WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP, A LARGE CLOUD OF SMOKE WAS RADIATING OFF OF THE LEFT REAR WHEEL. THE WHEEL WAS REMOVED AND THE BRAKE PADS WERE STUCK AGAINST THE ROTOR. THE BRAKE PADS ARE FAIRLY NEW (REPLACED IN FEBRUARY 2015). THE CALIPER WAS REMOVED AND A RETAINING BOLT WAS BROKEN OFF/STUCK INSIDE OF THE CALIPER MOUNT. THE PISTON WAS PUSHED ALL THE WAY INSIDE OF THE CALIPER AND WOULD NOT EXTEND OUT. THE CALIPER WAS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. THE CALIPER COULD NOT BE SET BACK IN PLACE DUE TO THE FAULTY RETAINING BOLT.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 27, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE VEHICLE WOULD DELAY TO START AND STALLED WHEN THE METER MEASURED OVER A QUARTER TANK OF FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER DETERMINED A FUEL PUMP WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED WAS ON BACK ORDER UNTIL OCTOBER OF 2015. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Aug 21, 2015
WHILE DRIVING ON A 2-LANE HIGHWAY ABOUT 50 MHP, MY 2012 FORD EXPLORER SUDDENLY LOST ALL SPEED AND THE GAS PEDAL HAD NO EFFECT. AFTER DRIFTING OVER TO THE SHOULDER OUT OF HARMS WAY, THE POWER REMAINED ON AND THE DASHBOARD SAID "CHECK MANUAL" WITH A WRENCH LIT UP. WHAT HAPPENED WAS THAT IT JUST LOST ALL SPEED AND THE GAS PEDAL HAD NO EFFECT UNTIL I TURNED OFF THE POWER AND RE-STARTED. THIS WAS THE FIRST INCIDENT. THIS HAPPENED TWICE MORE IN THE FOLLOWING MONTH FOR A TOTAL OF THREE TIMES WHEN THE EXACT SAME THING HAPPENED, JUST LOST ALL SPEED. FINALLY FORD SERVICE WAS ABLE TO DIAGNOSE IT AND SAID IT WAS THE THROTTLE BODY. AFTER DOING RESEARCH, IT APPEARS THAT OTHER FORD MODELS HAVE THE SAME THROTTLE BODY PROBLEM, LOSS OF SPEED. THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL BUT SOMEONE DROPPED THE BALL, MAKING IT A PART OF THE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM (CSP 13N03) INSTEAD. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. FORD SERVICE HAS BEEN EXTREMELY DIFFICULT WORK WITH AS THEY WILL NOT HONOR CSP 13N03 FOR MY EXPLORER.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Aug 15, 2015
I WAS ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET DRIVING 35 MILES AN HOUR WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY WENT LESS THAN 5 MILES AN HOUR IMMEDIATELY. I DROVE IT OFF TO A SAFE SPOT AND PARKED IT. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS BEHIND MED AND I WAS NOT ON AN INTERSTATE OR HIGHWAY. NO WARNING. IT WOULD NOT GO OVER 5 MILES AN HOUR, EVEN WITH THE ACCELERATOR PUSH ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER, WHERE IT WAS EVALUATED AND I WAS TOLD IT NEEDED AN "UPDATE". NOW, I RECEIVED A LETTER IN THE MAIL FROM FORD AND WAS TOLD THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS CAR'S POWER STEERING UNIT. I AM AFRAID OF NOW DRIVING THE CAR TILL THE ELECTRICAL /COMPUTER SYSTEM IS FULLY TESTED. HOW DO I GET AN ANSWER?
Structure, Aug 6, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V171000 (STRUCTURE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. UPDATED 09/21/15*LJ *CN
Structure, Aug 5, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V171000 (STRUCTURE) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Air bags, Seat belts, Jul 30, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS REFERENCED IN SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER: 10044523. THE FAILURE ALSO PRODUCED AN AIR TENSIONER CODE, WHICH COULD PREVENT THE AIR BAG TENSIONER FROM TIGHTENING OR THE AIR BAGS FROM DEPLOYING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000.
Engine, Jul 30, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, A WRENCH WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND DECELERATED TO 2 MPH. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT A ROARING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE ENGINE BUT WAS ABLE TO MERGE THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. SHORTLY AFTER, THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. DAYS LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,000.
Other or unspecified, Jul 28, 2015
WE OUR PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FROM A LOCAL FORD DEALER. OVERALL WE LOVED THE VEHICLE UNTIL WE REALIZED THIS SUV WAS NOT 4 WHEEL OR ALL WHEEL IT WAS JUST A REGULAR VEHICLE. IT HAS 20" INCH WHEELS AND WE CANNOT FIND ALL SEASON TIRES TO FIT THIS VEHICLE. IT WAS THE SCARIEST WINTER OF OUR LIVES!! WE TAKE SMALL CHILDREN TO AND FROM SCHOOL(MENNONITE) AND ALSO HAVE TWO MENTALLY CHALLENGED FOLKS WHO LIVE WITH US AND HAVE TO TRANSPORT THEM TO DR'S APPT FROM TIME TO TIME. WHY ON EARTH WOULD A VEHICLE LIKE THIS BE ORDERED TO BE SOLD IN THIS REGION EQUIPPED WITH THE TIRES IT HAD ON IT. ITS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS IN WINTER CONDITIONS. WE'RE IN OUR LATE 60'S. AND HAD TO LITERALLY PUSH THIS VEHICLE OUT OF OUR DRIVEWAY IN NOTHING BUT A DUSTING OF SNOW!!! ANY TIRE DEALER WE TRIED TO GET TIRES FROM WERE IN TOTAL DISBELIEF THAT ITS AN SUV TYPE VEHICLE WITH NO EXTRA DRIVE CAPABILITIES AND THEY CANNOT FIND TIRES FOR THE 20" RIMS.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 24, 2015
POWER CUT OFF. (GOLDEN WRENCH OF I DONT KNOW WHAT'S WRONG CAME ON) ON 4 LANE HAD TO PULL OVER TO SHOULDER OF ROAD. CUT OFF ENGINE, RESTART, NO LIGHT DROVE TO FORD SHOP MONDAY AND LEFT CAR. SHOP TO CHECK OUT AND GET BACK WITH ME. FRIDAY HAD TO CALL AND SEE IF ANY NEWS OF WHATS WRONG. TOLD AFTER 3 HR RUNAROUND, NEEDS BATTERY AND THROTTLE BODY $ 900.00 +- OUT OF WARRANTY CONSUMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 13N03
Structure, Jul 15, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN IT RAINED, WATER ENTERED THE VEHICLE FROM THE THIRD ROW PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERIOR WALLS AND THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE BECAME WET. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. MA 09/25 UPDATED 11/27/2017*CN
Engine, Jul 15, 2015
WHILE DRIVING MY FOR 2012 FORD EXPLORER ECOBOOST 2.0L, ACCELERATING AT APPROX 55MPH UP A HILL, I LOST POWER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS STARTING ON JULY 11TH. I HAD TO PULL OVER AND DRIVE 10MPH WITH HAZARDS ON. THANKFULLY WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND NOT ON THE FREEWAY. MY EXPLORER HAS BEEN AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP NOW FOR THREE DAYS AND THEY STILL DO NOT KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT, AND NOT ABLE TO FIX IT. I'M ALREADY GOING TO HAVE TO PAY 600 IN LABOR SO FAR AND OVER A 100 FOR A RENTAL AND OF COURSE IT'S NOT UNDER WARRANTY. I BELEIVE THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE, SINCE YOU LOOSE ALL POWER. YOU COULD END UP IN A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT IF THIS HAPPENS ON THE FREEWAY.
Steering, Jul 2, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER AND THE SERVICE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING GEAR NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000 (STEERING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000.
Service brakes, Jul 1, 2015
HAD TO HAVE REAR BOTH REAR CALIPERS, ROTORS, AND BRAKE PADS REPLACED BECAUSE CALIPERS WERE HANGING UP CAUSING THE BRAKES TO DRAG. I ALSO NOTICED SMOKE, COULD FEEL HEAT, AND SMELL HOT METAL COMING FROM RIGHT REAR WHEEL ON OR AROUND 6/14/15. I ALSO NOTICED THE SAME ON 6/26/15. DEALERSHIP WHERE I HAD VEHICLE REPAIRED SAID THAT THE LEFT REAR BRAKES PADS WERE WORN OUT, THE RIGHT REAR PADS WERE 2MM FROM BEING WORN OUT. ALSO BOTH ROTORS WERE WARPED AND DISCOLORED. VEHICLE HAS ADVANCETRAC SYSTEM AS STANDARD EQUIPMENT, BECAUSE OF HEAT AND DRAGGING BRAKES, THE SERVICE ADVANCETRAC LIGHT WOULD COME ON WHEN THE ABOVE SITUATION OCCURED. COST OF REPLACEMENT CALIPERS FROM FORD WAS COVERED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY PURCHASED AT TIME OF VEHICLE PURCHASE. THE ROTORS, PADS, AND INSTALLATION COSTS TOTALED $412.93.
Steering, Jun 30, 2015
POWER STEERING FAILED ON INTERSTATE. DRIVER DROVE TO A SAFE PLACE. I MET THEM AND DROVE THE CAR TO A PLACE UNTIL IT COULD BE DRIVEN TO A DEALERSHIP. WHEN I TRIED TO DRIVE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, VEHICLE WOULD NOT STEER AT ALL. I CALLED A TOW TRUCK. DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THE STEERING GEAR NEEDED REPLACED. THEY SAID IT WASN'T COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. I CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY SAID THE RECALL HAD BEEN PERFORMED AND WAS CLOSED, THEREFORE THE STEERING GEAR WAS NOT COVERED. WHEN THEY PERFORMED THE SOFTWARE UPGRADE FOR THE STEERING I HAD NOT HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING. I BELIEVE FORD AGREED TO THE RECALL AND PROVIDED THE SOFTWARE UPGRADE TO AVOID FIXING THE REAL PROBLEM, THE STEERING GEAR. IF THE STEERING HAD COMPLETELY LOCKED UP ON MY WIFE, SHE COULD HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN A VIOLENT ACCIDENT AT 70 MPH. I THINK THE INVESTIGATION SHOULD BE REOPENED ON THE STEERING FAILURE, DUE TO THE FACT PEOPLE COULD BE INJURED OR KILLED IN AN ACCIDENT AND BECAUSE I BELIEVE FORD CHOSE TO MAKE THE LEAST COSTLY REPAIR TO AVOID CORRECTING THE PROBLEM. I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON THAT HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE SEEN MULTIPLE POSTS WHERE FORD DID THE SAME THING TO OTHER OWNERS WITH THIS PROBLEM. IT IS OBVIOUS THE COST DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SOFTWARE "FIX" AND THE STEERING GEAR REPLACEMENT AT A COST OF OVER $1,500.00 WOULD BE THE DESIRED FIX FOR FORD. THE SAFETY FIX WOULD BE REPLACEMENT OF THE STEERING GEAR. I BELIEVE YOU SHOULD INVESTIGATE ANY ACCIDENTS THAT MAY HAVE OCCURRED DUE TO THIS DEFECT AND MAY NOT HAVE BEEN INVESTIGATED DUE TO EXTENSIVE FRONT END DAMAGE. I COULD NOT STEER THE VEHICLE AT ALL, WHEN I WANTED TO DRIVE IT TO THE DEALER. THIS WAS WITNESSED BY RELATIVES AND THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER. I DON'T THINK FORD SHOULD BE ABLE TO OFFER A "SOFTWARE FIX" TO A PROBLEM THAT IS NOT FIXED BY THE SOFTWARE UPGRADE. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO. *TR
Steering, Jun 29, 2015
ON 6/23/2015 MY WIFE BROUGHT HER 2012 FORD EXPLORER TO ME STATING IT WAS VERY HARD TO STEER. BY THE TIME I LEFT WORK AT 6PM, THE HIXSON FORD DEALERSHIP WAS CLOSED. THE NEXT MORNING, WHILE ON THE WAY TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND WHILE GOING AROUND A LONG CURVE ON HWY 546, THE STEERING WHEEL TOTALLY LOCKED UP CAUSING ME TO BE WITHIN INCHES OF HITTING AN ON-COMING CAR IN THE CURVE. JERKING THE WHEEL IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION THAT I WAS TURNING IN THE CURVE AND THEN BACK UNLOCKED IT AND ENABLED ME TO GET BACK IN MY LANE. FORD STATES THAT THEY HAD ALREADY "REPROGRAMMED THE PSCM POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE" LAST JULY SO THEREFORE THE "RECALL" FOR THIS ISSUE (#14S06) HAS ALREADY BEEN CLEARED FOR THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE. WHETHER FORD ALREADY REPROGRAMMED THE PSCM OR NOT, THE ISSUE WHICH THE RECALL WAS ISSUED "POWER STEERING MAY LOCK UP" HAS HAPPENED. MY POSITION IS THAT "REPROGRAMMING" OR UPDATING THE SOFTWARE IS NOT GOING TO FIX A FAULTY SENSOR WHICH IS A PART OF THE STEERING GEAR SO THE "ALTERNATIVE" RECALL FIX SHOULD HAVE BEEN COMPLETED IN THE FIRST PLACE WHICH IS "REPLACING THE STEERING GEAR". HIXSON WANTS $1,795 TO REPLACE THE ELECTRONIC STEERING GEAR. THE FAULTY SENSOR CANNOT BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT'S APPARENTLY BUILT INTO THE STEERING GEAR. THIS RECALL ISSUE SHOULD BE PAID FOR BY FORD WHO HAS ALREADY ADMITTED TO A FAULTY SENSOR. IM NOW ON MY 6TH DAY OF A RENTAL CAR.
Visibility, Jun 29, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE WINDOW GUARD ON THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDSHIELD DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WINDOW GUARD PART NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ON THE THIRD OCCASION BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000. UPDATED 09/03/15*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED TWICE AND NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED ON BOTH THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AND DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 12/16/2015 *JS
Steering, Jun 28, 2015
WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL LEFT TO RIGHT IT MAKES CLUNKING SOUND SOUND COMES FROM UNDER CAR MOST OF THE TIME TO THE RIGHT
Steering, Jun 28, 2015
STEERING MAKING CLUNKING NOISE WHEN YOU TURN STEERING LEFT TO RIGHT MOST OF THE TIME TO THE RIGHT
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jun 25, 2015
DRIVING TO WORK AT THE NORMAL SPEED LIMIT 6:30 AM IN LIGHT TRAFFIC. AMBIENT TEMPERATURE WAS 65 DEGREES IN DRY CONDITIONS. SUDDENLY FELT LIKE THE TRANSMISSION HAD BEEN PLACED IN NEUTRAL. ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN BUT NO POWER TO THE TRANSMISSION. WAS ABLE TO LET THE CAR COAST UNTIL I COULD TURN ON TO A SIDE STREET AND STOP. AN ERROR CONDITION DISPLAYED "AWD OFF" AND THEN A WRENCH ICON APPEARED. I PLACED THE TRANSMISSION IN PARK AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. RESTARTED THE ENGINE AND THE CAR RESUMED NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. TOOK THE CAR THE NEXT DAY TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP. WAS TOLD THAT NO ERROR CODE WAS CAPTURED SO THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING. I ASKED HOW IT WAS THAT THE COMPUTER COULD DISPLAY THE "AWD OFF" MESSAGE AND THE WRENCH ICON WITHOUT A CODE BEING STORED. NO RESPONSE. WAS TOLD TO LEAVE CAR RUNNING NEXT TIME, CALL A TOW TRUCK AND THEN THEY COULD GET THE CODE. OF COURSE, I AM NOT ALWAYS CLOSE TO THE DEALERSHIP, IT COULD HAPPEN AFTER THEY CLOSED OR ON A WEEKEND. NOTED THAT IN MARCH 2014 FORD SETTLED A COMPLAINT ON "THROTTLE BODY" PROBLEMS IN ESCAPE, FUSION, ETC, THAT HAD A SIMILAR DESCRIPTION. EXPLORER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THAT SETTLEMENT. *TR
Steering, Jun 14, 2015
I FIRST ENCOUNTERED THE PROBLEM ON MONDAY JUNE 08, 2015 AS I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT ALL OF A SUDDEN THE STEERING WAS REALLY HARD TO STEER AS I WAS TRYING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN I HAD TO USE ALL OF MIGHT TO MAKE THE TURN VERY SCARY. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE MY CAR HOME AFTER WORK THAT NIGHT, EVERYTHING OKAY TILL WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2015 @ 7-8AM, DRIVING TO DROP MY KIDS OFF TO SCHOOL AND WORK, AS I WAS A MAKING A LEFT TURN IT HAPPENED AGAIN, BUT WORST IT WAS BUSIER DAY, 2 ERROR MESSAGE CAME ON ABOUT STEERING ASSIST AND TRAC ADVANCE MESSAGE, AND 2 LIGHTS CAME ON DASHBOARD WITH A CAR AND 2 WAVY LINES (ROAD) 2ND PICTURE WAS THE SAME WITH THE WORD OFF. I HAD TO USE ALL MY MIGHT AND DRIVE SLOW TO TURN INTO THE SCHOOL TURNED THE CAR OFF AND ON HOPING LIGHTS WILL GO OFF, STILL THE SAME CALL MY BOSS LET HER MY CAR ISSUES AND THAT IM RUNNING LATE. I CALLED FORD SERVICE DEPT, I WAS TOLD TO THE BRING CAR IN IMMEDIATELY NOT SAFE TO DRIVE BUT IT WILL COST ME TO TOW CAR. I DROVE CAR IN THAT NIGHT MYSELF, THURSDAY PICK UP RENTAL, FRIDAY -06/12/15, I RECEIVED A CALL FROM FORD SAYING PART WILL COST ME 1500.00- 2000.00, NOT INCLUDING LABOR. OUTRAGEOUS ITS A ELECTRICAL PROBLEM FORD SHOULD FIX IT FREE, BUT NO PER REP, LET HIM KNOW WHAT I WANT TO DO ON MONDAY RENTAL WILL BE ON MY OWN AFTER THAT. WOW, FIRST MY RENTAL I HAVE TO PAY FOR UPGRADE IT WAS NOT SAME SIZE AS MY VEHICLE, FAMILY OF 6(INCLUDING MY BLIND, DISABLED WHEELCHAIR FATHER) WHO WE CARE FOR, FORD STILL WONT COVER FOR A CAR SAME SIZE AS MY CAR. I WAS TOLD I NEED TO TAKE CARE OF THE DIFFERENCE FOR RENTAL UPGRADE IF I WANT A BIGGER CAR. SO, IVE DECIDED I DONT HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY SO I WILL PICK MY CAR UP ON MONDAY, JUNE 15, 2015 AND HOPE AND PRAY THAT I WONT GET INTO AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE FORD WILL NOT WORK ME. MY OPTION IS TO TRADE MY CAR IN FOR ANOTHER CAR AND SPEND MORE MONEY. VERY DISAPPOINTED IN FORD!!!!!