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, Jun 2, 2015
ON MY WAY TO WORK THE SERVICE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON IN MY 2012 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN I GOT WORK I CALLED THE FORD DEALER THEY SAID BRING THE VEHICLE IN THE STEERING COULD GO OUT. LATER THE SAME DAY I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THE STEERING WENT OUT IN THE 2.5 MILE TRIP TO GET TO THERE. I WAS GOING VERY SLOW AND MANAGED TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE CAR, IT WAS DIFFICULT AND SCARY, NO HYDRAULICS ANY MORE THESE SYSTEMS ARE ALL ELECTRONIC. THE DEALER HAS HAD THE VEHICLE FOR A WEEK AND HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO RECREATE OR DIAGNOSIS WHAT'S WRONG AND THEREFORE HOW TO FIX IT. FORD HAS BEEN ABSOLUTELY NO HELP WILL NOT RETURN PHONE CALLS, NOTHING. SO TODAY THEY STOP THE CAR RENTAL COVERAGE AND SHOVE AN UNDIAGNOSED SAFELY ISSUE BACK ON ME. I REALLY DO NOT WANT TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE NOT KNOWING IF THE STEERING MIGHT GO OUT AT ANY TIME. I FOUND ON THE INTERNET THERE HAVE BEEN STEERING RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR, BUT APPARENTLY ONLY THOSE ASSEMBLED IN CHICAGO. FORD HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE.
Steering, May 30, 2015
I WENT TO CRANK MY CAR AND WHEN I DID I IMMEDIATELY RECEIVED A POWER STEER FAIL ASSIST NOTICE. MY CAR HAD NO POWER STEERING. I WAS ABLE TO SLOWLY DRIVE TO A PARKING SPACE AND REVIEW MY OWNER'S MANUAL. I LET THE CAR SET FOR 10 SECONDS AND THEN CRANKED AGAIN IN HOPES THAT IT WOULD RESET. IT DIDN'T. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME AND PARK THE CAR. THIS MORNING I TOOK THE CAR TO HIXSON FORD IN MONROE, LA. BY THAT TIME I HAD RECEIVED A TRACTION ERROR ON THE DASHBOARD AND ALSO WAS UNABLE TO USE MY SIGNAL LIGHT. I WAS TOLD ALL OF THIS WAS IN RELATION TO THE POWER STEERING AND THE NEED TO REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN FOR A PRICE OF $1794.00. IT APPEARS THAT FORD IS VERY AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS OF THE POWER STEERING FAILURE. WHY HASN'T THERE BEEN A LARGER RECALL? MY CAR IS NOT ONE OF THE 2012 MODELS THAT WAS RECALLED. JUST OUT OF WARRANTY AND THEN THIS. I THINK FURTHER INVESTIGATION IS NEEDED IN THE PROBLEMS WITH THE POWER STEER FAILURE.
Steering, May 30, 2015
I AM UNABLE TO ENTER THE DATE OF 5/29/2015 WHICH WAS THE DATE THIS OCCURRED. THE CAR WAS DRIVING GOOD AND I STOPPED TO SHOP. I CAME BACK TO THE CAR, CRANKED THE CAR AND IMMEDIATELY RECEIVED THE MESSAGE OF POWER ASSIST FAILURE. I TRIED TO BACK UP AND REALIZED THAT I HAD NO POWER STEERING. I WAS ABLE TO GET TO A PARKING SPOT AND CHECKED THE SERVICE MANUAL. I FOLLOWED THE INSTRUCTIONS AND HOPED THAT THE POWER STEERING WOULD RESET AS WAS TOLD IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE SLOWLY AND GET HOME. TODAY I TOOK MY CAR TO HIXSON FORD, MONROE, LA AND HAD IT CHECKED. AT THIS POINT I WAS RECEIVING AN ADDITIONAL ERROR MESSAGES RELATED TO TRACTION. ALSO, MY SIGNAL LIGHTS WOULD NOT WORK. I HAD READ LAST NIGHT THAT THERE WERE SOME RECALLS ON THIS PROBLEM RELATED TO FORD EXPLORERS. THE TECHNICIAN CHECKED MY CAR AND TOLD ME WE WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFT/GEARS FOR $1,794.00. I HAD TO LEAVE MY CAR AT THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE IT IS NOT DRIVEABLE. I WOULD LIKE FOR YOU TO CHECK AND SEE IF THIS IS AN ON-GOING PROBLEM FOR CARS WITH VIN NUMBERS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I WAS TOLD THE RECALL WAS BASED ON WHERE THE CAR WAS MANUFACTURED. IT APPEARS TO ME THAT FORD HAS CONSISTENTLY HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE POWER ASSIST FAILURE ON 2012 FORD EXPLORERS.
Steering, May 27, 2015
STARTED CAR AND POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILURE WARNING CAME ON. YOU COULD NOT STEER AT ALL. HAD TO TURN CAR OFF AND ON A COUPLE TIMES TO GET COMPUTER TO RESET. CARS 3 YRS OLD JUST OUT OF WARRANTY AND FORD WON'T COVER IT EVEN THOUGH STEERING COULD LOCK UP AS YOUR DRIVING.
Power train, May 22, 2015
I PARKED THE VEHICLE TO GO INTO A STORE. WHEN I RETURNED AND STARTED THE VEHICLE. I HAD THE POWER ASSIST FAULT AND SERVICE TRACK MANAGEMENT ERRORS SHOW ON THE PANEL. I HAD TO DRIVE THE CAR HOME WITHOUT POWER STEERING. I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE YESTERDAY AND WAS TOLD THAT IT NEEDED A STEERING GEAR. I WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT THIS WOULD BE PART OF THE POWER STEERING RECALL ISSUED LAST YEAR, HOWEVER THAT IS NOT THE CASE. I WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE TECH THAT HE TRIED TO CONTACT FORD TO SEE IF THEY WOULD WORK WITH ME ON THIS AND THEY STATED THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. SO I BROUGHT THE CAR HOME WITHOUT REPAIR OR NEW PARTS ORDERED DUE TO THE COSTLINESS OF THIS ISSUE. IT APPEARS THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE HAVING THIS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS ISSUE WITH THEIR VEHICLE. AT THIS POINT, I AM QUITE DISAPPOINTED WITH FORD!!
Fuel/propulsion system, May 13, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP FAILED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS ON NATIONAL BACK ORDER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000.
Steering, May 7, 2015
I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE A WHILE AGO AND TOOK MY CAR IN RIGHT AWAY FOR THE SOFTWARE FIX. NOT LONG AFTER THAT, I STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WHERE THE POWER STEERING INTERMITTENTLY DIDN'T SEEM TO BE WORKING. 2 WEEKS AGO I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TO BE CHECKED. THEY SAID THEY FOUND NO PROBLEM. 7 DAYS LATER I GOT IN MY CAR AND IMMEDIATELY GOT A POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT ERROR ON THE DASHBOARD AND COULDN'T TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP BUT ONCE IT WAS THERE, THE POWER STEERING WAS WORKING FINE. NOW, 5 DAYS LATER, MY CAR IS STILL THERE AND THE ONLY THING THEY KEEP TELLING ME IS THAT THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM SO THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING. I SENT THE SERVICE REP A LINK TO MULTIPLE WEBSITES WHERE MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM WHICH CAN ONLY BE REPAIRED BY REPLACING THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY BUT THEY MADE IT CLEAR THAT THEY WON'T FIX IT UNTIL THEY SEE IT HAPPEN FOR THEMSELVES EVEN THOUGH THEY RETRIEVED THE ERROR CODE FROM THE DIAGNOSTICS IN THE CAR. I CONTACTED A FORD REP DIRECTLY AND GOT AN EMAIL MESSAGE FROM THE REGIONAL REP WHO ALSO SAID THAT IF THE DEALERSHIP CANNOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM THERE IS NO REPAIR. SO, UNLESS IT HAPPENS AGAIN WHILE THEY HAVE IT I'LL HAVE TO JUST DRIVE IT AND HOPE THAT WHEN IT DOES HAPPEN AGAIN IT ISN'T IN A SITUATION THAT INJURES ME OR A MEMBER OF MY FAMILY. ALSO, IF IT DOES HAPPEN AGAIN WHILE I'M DRIVING BUT DOESN'T GO OUT PERMANENTLY IT DOESN'T MATTER BECAUSE THEY'LL ONLY FIX IT IF IT HAPPENS TO THEM NO MATTER WHAT CODES ARE PRESENT IN THE SYSTEM. SO IT APPEARS THAT INTERMITTENT LOSS OF POWER STEERING IS OK FOR FORD SINCE THEY'LL ONLY REPAIR IT IF THEY EXPERIENCE IT NO MATTER WHAT THE CAR DIAGNOSTICS SAY! HOW MANY FORD OWNERS ARE ON THE ROAD NOW JUST WAITING FOR THEIR POWER STEERING TO GO COMPLETELY OUT? HOW IS THIS A SAFE POLICY? I SHOULDN'T BE AFRAID TO DRIVE MY CAR!!! *TR
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, May 7, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE SENDER AND PUMP ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED SINCE THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE ANYWHERE IN THE COUNTRY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Apr 30, 2015
I WAS DRIVING BACK FROM THE MALL ON A SINGLE LANE HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH WITH THE WHOLE FAMILY. ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE VEHICLE JUST QUIT. I TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE WHILE IT WAS GLIDING WITHOUT POWER, BUT IT WOULD NOT START. I HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD UNTIL THE CAR STOPPED BY ITSELF. WHILE THE CAR WAS GLIDING TO A STOP, THERE WAS NO STEERING BRAKES OR ANYTHING AVAILABLE, SINCE THE ENGINE HAD CUT OFF AUTOMATICALLY. LUCKILY I DID NOT GET HIT BY ANYONE. I FINALLY PULLED OVER, RESTARTED THE CAR AND DROVE AGAIN. IN A COUPLE OF MINUTES THE CAR STALLED AGAIN WITH NO CONTROLS. THIS HAPPENED ABOUT 4 TIMES WITHIN A SPACE OF 15 MILES. I TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP THE NEXT DAY AND HAD TO SPEND $1000 FIXING IT, WHICH THEY BLAMED ON THE THROTTLE ACTIVATION OR BODY. THIS COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A FATAL SITUATION, ESPECIALLY BECAUSE THE VEHICLE HAD NO CONTROLS WHEN IT STALLED. I BELIEVE THERE HAS BEEN THE SAME ISSUE WITH OTHER FORDS AND LINCOLN VEHICLES ON THE WEB. THIS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, WHICH SHOULD BE FIXED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THIS COULD HAPPEN AGAIN TO SOMEONE AND RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY. I FEEL LIKE FORD SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FIX TO ENSURE PUBLIC SAFETY. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Apr 8, 2015
TRAVELED TO FLORIDA FROM PENNSYLVANIA FOR VACATION. WINDOW ON PASSENGER SIDE DEVELOPED LINE OF SMALL BUBBLES VERTICALLY WHILE SITTING IN HOTEL PARKING LOT. WINDSHIELD THEN CRACKED IN MIDDLE IN A "Z" FORMATION. ITS A RATHER LARGE CRACK AND MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO SEE OUT FRONT WINDOW. I BELIEVE THE WINDOW IS DEFECTIVE LIKE THE FORD E SERIES WINDSHIELDS. I CONTACTED FORD BUT AS USUAL THEY WOULD NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY. THIS CAR HAS BEEN RECALLED TWICE ALREADY. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Visibility, Apr 2, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEATER FAILED TO BLOW HOT AIR WHICH PREVENTED THE WINDOWS FROM DEFROSTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 167. UPDATED 6/11/15*CN ALSO, THE THERMOSTAT WAS REPLACED, THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE JUMP STARTED. UPDATED 01/26/16.*JB
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 1, 2015
ON DECEMBER 27TH 2014 I PURCHASED A USED 2012 FORD EXPLORER WITH 42,990 MILES ON IT. SINCE THEN WE HAVE NOTICED UNDER ACCELERATING, YOU CAN SMELL THE EXHAUST FUMES IN THE CABIN. ANY HARDER THAN 50% ACCELERATION AND WITH THE REAR AC ON, IT IS AN ALMOST INSTANT SMELL. AFTER A FEW ROADS TRIPS IT IS PREDICTABLE AND WE TRY TO AVOID REPEATING THE ISSUE. IT HAS NOT BEEN TO OUR LCAL DEALER BECAUSE THEY "HAVEN'T HEARD" OF THIS ISSUE BEFORE (CALLED 2 DIFFERENT DEALERS). I CAN NOT AFFORD TO BE WITHOUT THE CAR, PAY FOR A RENTAL CAR, MY $100 EXTENDED WARRANTY DEDUCTIBLE, AND GET THE, "WE DON'T KNOW WHAT THE ISSUE CAN BE FROM." I HAVE HEARD AND READ ALLOT OF SEMI FIXES, BUT WISH I COULD GET A STRAIT ANSWER BEFORE TAKING TO THE DEALER FIRST. *TR
Visibility, Jan 19, 2015
REAR WINDOW SHATTERED WHILE PARKED IN PARKING LOT. NO EXPLANATION FOR THE SHATTERED GLASS. TEMPERATURE WAS APPROXIMATELY 15 DEGREE F. *TR
Steering, Jan 9, 2015
IN A PARKING LOT ON A FRIDAY DEC.19 AT 6AM, THE STEERING ASSIST DASH WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, AND IN SAME INSTANCE, STEERING LOCKED UP. I WAS UNABLE TO STEER, BUT WAS ABLE TO BRING MY 2012 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED TO A STOP. RESTARTING THE CAR ENABLED STEERING. I NOTIFIED MY SPOUSE WHO CALLED DEALERSHIP AND ARRANGED FOR A SERVICE VISIT THE NEXT MONDAY. DEALER HONORED RECALL ( 14S06 ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ) FOR ISSUE BY FLASHING THE SOFTWARE. MY 2012 FORD EXPLORER WAS PRESENTED TO ME AS REPAIRED & FIXED AND READY TO DRIVE IN A SAFE MANNER. SAME EVENT OCCURRED JAN. 8 AT 8PM IN A PARKING LOT. I TOOK MY EXPLORER TO SAME DEALER THE NEXT MORNING. THE DEALER CALLED AND STATED THE RACK & PINION AND SEVERAL STEERING MODULES REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. DEALER THEN STATED YOU ONLY GET ONE (1) FORD RECALL SERVICE FOR AN EVENT AND ANY FURTHER WORK WOULD NOT BE COVERED BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY. AFTER THE FIRST REPAIR ATTEMPT WHICH WAS NOT A SOLUTION, ALL COSTS ($1700-$2300 FOR RACK & PINION/ASSOCIATED PARTS CONTRASTED TO A VIRTUALLY NO COST SOFTWARE UPDATE DONE UNDER THE RECALL AS A POTENTIAL FIX(THUS USING UP YOUR RECALL AND CLOSING YOUR CASE, WHEN THE RECALL ADDRESSES THE PARTS FAILURE) ARE BORNE BY THE VEHICLE OWNER EVEN IF IT STILL A RECALL EVENT. DEALER DID STATE THEY WOULD CHECK WHAT FORD WOULD DO SINCE THE SECOND EVENT OCCURRED 2 WEEKS AND 600 MILES LATER. BASICALLY, FORD HAS DEVELOPED A POLICY TO CIRCUMVENT COVERING THE COST OF A MANDATED SAFETY RECALL. AN INTERNET SEARCH SHOWS THIS IS A BUSINESS-AS-USUAL PRACTICE FOR FORD FOR THIS STEERING LOCK UP RECALL. BOTTOM LINE - FORD IS KEEPING UNSAFE VEHICLES, WHICH HAVE A RECALL NOTICE, ON THE ROAD AS PEOPLE WHO DON'T HAVE THE FUNDS OR STAMINA TO FIGHT FORD, LEAVE THE FORD DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT WITH THE SAME UNREPAIRED SAFETY DEFECT PRESENT. *TR
Electrical system, Dec 8, 2014
I WENT TO UNLOCK MY VEHICLE AND THE SYSTEM DID NOT RESPOND TO UNLOCK MY DOORS. I UNLOCKED MY DOORS MANUALLY AND THERE WAS NO LIGHTING INDICATOR THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. I PLACED MY KEY IN THE IGNITION AND THERE WAS STILL NO POWER. I HAVE LESS THAN 20,000 MILES ON MY VEHICLE AND BARELY USE IT. HOW CAN A VEHICLE LESS THAN TWO YEARS OLD JUST STOP WORKING ALTOGETHER? THIS IS MY ONLY SOURCE OF TRANSPORTATION AND NOW I WILL HAVE TO PUT OUT ADDITIONAL FUNDING JUST TO GET IT TO A PLACE WHERE IT CAN BE CHECKED OUT. WHAT IS GOING ON WITH FORD VEHICLES? I AM REALLY FRUSTRATED!!! *TR
Wheels, Dec 1, 2014
WE HAVE 74000 MILES ON OUR 2012 FORD EXPLORER. I WAS DOING THE 6000 MILE SERVICE, CHANGE OIL AND FILTER, ROTATE TIRES, CHECK FLUIDS, BRAKE INSPECTION, AND DO INSPECT OTHER AREAS. I WAS IN THE PROCESS TORQUEING THE LUG NUTS AFTER THE TIRE ROTATION. I USE A CRAFTSMAN TORQUE 1/2" DRIVE RATCHET FOR THIS. ON THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT AND REAR WHEEL 1 OUT OF THE 5 WHEEL STUDS WOULD NOT TORQUE TOO THE 100 FT. POUNDS. THE STUDS ON EACH WHEEL STRETCH AND ARE READY TO BREAK. WHY WOULD FORD USE INFERIOR MEDAL IN SOMETHING SO IMPORTANT. WE RECENTLY OWNED A 2001 DODGE DURANGO AND BOUGHT IT NEW. WE HAD OVER 200,000 MILES ON THIS VEHICLE AND I NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM. AND TO REPLACE THESE FORD DIDN'T ALLOW ENOUGH ROOM. YOU HAVE TO REMOVE THE WHEEL HUB AND BEARING. WHICH I TRIED AFTER REMOVING THE 4 BOLTS AND AXLE NUT. IT WOULD NOT COME OUT. I BELIEVE IT'S BECAUSE OF THE 2 DIFFERENT MEDALS. THE ALUMINUM HOUSING AND THE STEEL BEARING HUB WAS FIND WHEN IT'S NEW BUT GIVE TIME IN THE ELEMENTS AND CORROSION SETS IN. I HAVE NO OTHER CHOICE BUT TAKE IT BACK TO FORD DEALER FOR THE REPAIRS. I DON'T TRUST THE OTHER WHEEL STUDS AND WANT ALL REPLACE FOR SAFETY CONCERNS. PLEASE HELP ON THIS PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THE MEDAL IS TO SOFT FOR WHEEL STUDS. THANK YOU. *JS
Power train, Engine, Nov 30, 2014
WHILE I WAS DRIVING MY 2012 FORD EXPLORER XLT, IT LOST ALL POWER FOR THE 4TH TIME. WHEN I PRESSED THE THROTTLE THERE WAS NO RESPONSE. INDICATOR LIGHTS SAID AWD OFF AND DISPLAYED A WRENCH ICON. I COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WHEN THIS HAPPENED THE FIRST THREE TIMES I TURNED THE CAR OFF, RESTARTED IT AND ALL WAS FINE FOR A FEW MINUTES, BEFORE THIS HAPPENED AGAIN. THIS IS QUITE A DANGEROUS SITUATION TO BE IN. I HAVE ALSO SEEN SEVERAL COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME PROBLEM FROM SEVERAL OTHER FORD AND LINCOLN OWNERS. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, SINCE STALLING IN THE MIDDLE OF ANYWHERE IS NOT SAFE AND CAN LEAD TO ACCIDENTS WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS NOW LIGHT AND I WILL BE TAKING IT TO THE FORD DEALER TO GET IT FIXED. IT IS GOING TO COST ME AN ARM AND LEG, BUT HOPEFULLY IT ENDS UP BEING A SAFETY RECALL AND FORD REIMBURSES DOWN THE LINE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 18, 2014
INVESTIGATION OF INTERMITTENT "SERVICE ENGINE" LIGHT EVENTUALLY LED TO A DETERMINATION OF A FAULTY EVAP PURGE VALVE PULLING FUEL INTO THE EVAP CANISTER. TECHNICIAN SAID HE WOULD NOT DRIVE THE CAR, AS THIS IS A FUEL LEAK AND UNSAFE CONDITION. DEALER ACKNOWLEDGED SAFETY ISSUE, CITES 1ST TIME THIS HAS BEEN SEEN, AND NOT COVERED BY ANY EXTENDED WARRANTY OR MAINTENANCE PROGRAM. PAPERWORK PROVIDED CITES "A FAULTY EVAP PURGE VALVE CAN CAUSE EXCESSIVE ENGINE VACUUM TO BE PLACED ON FUEL TANK, DRAWING FUEL/AIR FROM THE FUEL TANK THROUGH THE EVAP SYSTEM AND INTO ENGINE. THIS CAN CAUSE DRIVABILITY CONCERNS AS WELL AS RICH/LEAN CONCERN." *TR
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 10, 2014
AFTER A MONTH OF OWNING THE 2012 FORD EXPLORER WE NOTICED A VERY FOUL EXHAUST SMELL FROM INSIDE THE CABIN OF THE EXPLORER. WE WOULD SMELL THE ODOR UNDER ACCELERATION, ESPECIALLY WHEN RPMS REACHED 3,000 PLUS. THIS PARTICULAR ODOR SMELL UNDER THE ABOVE CONDITIONS HAVE BEEN OBSERVED EVER SINCE. WE DID NOT THINK ANYTHING OF THE SMELL UNTIL WE BEGAN RESEARCHING IT RECENTLY AND CAME ACROSS SEVERAL SOURCES INDICATING THIS COULD BE HARMFUL TO OUR HEALTH. *TR
Steering, Nov 5, 2014
POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILURE LIGHT CAME ON AND VEHICLE STEERING LOCKED UP. WAS TOLD BY FORD DEALER IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE YET THEY WANT ME TO DRIVE IT TO THEM TO BE REPAIRED WHICH THEY ARE GOING TO CHARGE ME FOR. I FEEL THIS SHOULD BE COVERED BY FORD IN FULL. *TR
Structure, Nov 3, 2014
WE OWN A 2012 FORD EXPLORER XLT AND ARE VERY PLEASED WITH IT OVERALL. HOWEVER, WE HAVE RECENTLY DISCOVERED THAT OUR INTERIOR DOOR PANEL ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES IS SPLITTING ON THE VINYL SEAM JUST BELOW THE ARM REST. OUR VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS 55K ON IT FOR MILEAGE, SO ANY HOPE OF THIS BEING COVERED UNDER WARRANTY IS GONE. I HAVE CONTACTED AN UPHOLSTERY REPAIR SERVICE AND THEY STATED THAT IT CANNOT BE REPAIRED BECAUSE IT IS VINYL, BUT WILL INSTEAD NEED TO BE REPLACED. I RECENTLY GOT AN ESTIMATE AND FOR PARTS AND LABOR IT WOULD COST US ALMOST $600 TO REPAIR BOTH SIDES. BECAUSE IT IS HAPPENING IN THE EXACT SAME LOCATION ON BOTH INTERIOR DOORS, I FEEL THAT THIS IS FAULTY DESIGN AND SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO RECALL. *TR
Visibility, Structure, Nov 3, 2014
I WAS DRIVING AT 55 MILES PER HOUR AND THE MOLDING FROM AROUND THE RIGHT SIDE WINDSHIELD FLEW OFF AFTER DRIVING ANOTHER 10-15 MILES THE LEFT HAND MOLDING ON THE WINDSHIELD ALSO BLEW OFF THIS COULD HAVE BEEN TROUBLE FOR ANY ONE BEHIND ME OR TO THE SIDE OF ME. *TR
Steering, Oct 18, 2014
POWER STEERING LOSS WHILE DRIVING. STEERING BECOMES DIFFICULT. MUST SHUT OFF CAR AND RESTART TO RECOVER POWER STEERING. HAPPENS OFTEN. TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE AND SOURCE OF PROBLEM WAS NOT ISOLATED OR FIXED. *TR
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 7, 2014
THE THROTTLE BOX HAS GONE BAD. THE CAR STALLS RANDOMLY WHEN TAKING OFF FROM A START AND REQUIRES A NEW THROTTLE BODY AT ONLY 47K MILES. THIS IS PART OF THE POWERTRAIN, BUT NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. FORD HAD LOTS OF PROBLEMS WITH THROTTLE BODIES IN EARLIER MODELS AND IT SEEMS THEY HAVEN'T FIXED IT YET. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Oct 7, 2014
I WAS DRIVING APPROX. 35MPH AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE WRENCH LIGHT ON THE ENGINE CAME ON I LOST ALL POWER TO THE ACCELERATOR. I HAD TO COAST TO STOP, TURN OFF THE VEHICLE, START IT BACK UP AND PROCEED. IT HAS HAPPENED 4 MORE TIMES SINCE THE ORIGINAL DATE. ONE OF THOSE TIMES WAS WHEN I WAS CROSSING AN INTERSECTION AND WAS ALMOST BROADSIDED. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND IS HAPPENING WITH NO WARNING OR PATTERN. I HAVE LOOKED ONLINE AND IT SEEMS TO HAVE HAPPENED WITH MANY FORD EXPLORER OWNERS. I AM READING IT HAS TO DO WITH THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE. *TR