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.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Apr 19, 2014
ON FRIDAY APRIL 18, 2014 MY WIFE AN I PRESTARTED THE CAR TO GO TO DINNER, AFTER ONLY 2 MINUTES THE CAR SHUT OF. UPON REVIEW OF THE ISSUE THE LOW OIL PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON, THE STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON, AS WELL AS HE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT. THE MILEAGE AT THE INCIDENT WAS APPROX 45,500 BUT THE COMPLAINT SAYS 44,000 BECAUSE THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IT HAS DONE THIS, AND THE FIRST TIME FOR THE STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. AFTER DINNER WE CAME HOME AND ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, EVERYTHING SEEMED NORMAL, IT STARTED IT DROVE, BUT SUBSEQUENTLY WE HAD IT TOWED TO FORD, SO THEY COULD ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Apr 18, 2014
THIS IS THE SECOND INCIDENT WITH THE STEERING ASSEMBLY. IN AUGUST OF 2012 MY POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE STEERING ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED AFTER A TWO MONTH WAIT FOR PARTS. (FIRST CLUE THERE WAS A SERIOUS PROBLEM) IT WAS REPAIRED AND 6 MONTHS LATER IT HAS FAILED AGAIN. I AM A POLICE OFFICER AND WE HAVE PURCHASED FORD EXPLORERS AS PATROL VEHICLE. I HAVE WRITTEN A LETTER TO THE POLICE ASSOCIATION WITH MY CONCERNS ABOUT OFFICER SAFETY ISSUE. WHEN IS NHTSA GOING TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND RECOGNIZE THE SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUES WITH THIS FLAW. THIS PROBLEM COULD HAVE BEEN BURIED YEARS AGO, BUT WITH SOCIAL MEDIA THE PROBLEM IS EXPOSED. YOUR CREDIBILITY AS AN INVESTIGATIVE BODY IS CERTAINLY AT QUESTION. THE FACT RECALLS WERE FORCED ON TOYOTA AND YOU BLATANTLY IGNORE THE ISSUES WITH FORD IS AN INTEGRITY ISSUE WITH YOUR ABILITIES TO BE IMPARTIAL. MY NEIGHBORS LOST A 4 YEAR OLD SON IN THE OLD CHRYSLER MINI VAN ISSUES WITH THE REAR LATCH PROBLEM. IT WAS UNCOVERED THAT CHRYSLER WAS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND WAS EXPOSED BY THE MEDIA. DEALING WITH FORD HEAD OFFICE GIVES ME THE IMPRESSION THAT THEY ARE NOT CONCERNED ABOUT CUSTOMER SAFETY OR MY CONCERNS. I WONDER HOW THEY WERE SO EMPOWERED. THERE ARE MANY ARTICLES SINCE 2012 ABOUT NHTSA INVESTIGATING THIS ISSUE. INFLUENCED BY CORPORATE POWER OR AN INEPT INVESTIGATIVE BODY. I THINK BOTH. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Apr 16, 2014
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 2012 FORD EXPLORER DOWN THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE STEERING WENT STIFF (POWER STEERING WENT OFF), CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SWERVE INTO THE OTHER LANE, AFTER WHICH THE TERRAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FAULT LIGHT CAME ON. I HAPPENED TO BE IN OUR OTHER CAR FOLLOWING DIRECTLY BEHIND HER AND WAS ABLE TO WATCH THE INCIDENT HAPPEN. SHE IMMEDIATELY SLOWED DOWN AND STEERED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I SWITCHED VEHICLES WITH HER AND DROVE THE EXPLORER TO OUR HOUSE, WITH NO ADDITIONAL TROUBLE. AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, THE FAULT LIGHT WAS NO LONGER ON. OUR VEHICLE IS AT THE DEALER NOW, AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY ISSUES. I DID A GOOGLE SEARCH AND FOUND THIS WEBPAGE, WHICH CLEARLY SHOWS THAT THIS ISSUE IS WIDE SPREAD AND COULD EASILY CAUSE A FATALITY: HTTP://WWW.ABOUTAUTOMOBILE.COM/COMPLAINT/2012/FORD/EXPLORER/STEERING FORTUNATELY, MY WIFE WAS ONLY TRAVELING 45 MPH AND THERE WAS NO OTHER VEHICLE IN THE OTHER LANE WHEN THE CAR PULLED OUT OF THE LANE. WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE YET, BUT WE RECOMMEND NHTSA CONTACTS FORD IMMEDIATELY TO INQUIRE ON WHAT THEY ARE DOING TO IDENTIFY THE DEFECT AND IMPLEMENT AN IMMEDIATE SOLUTION. THIS ISSUE, IF NOT CORRECTED, MAY RESULT IN A FATALITY - ESPECIALLY IF THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED BY A YOUNG, ELDERLY OR DISTRACTED DRIVER. *TT
Steering, Apr 3, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONED MAKING THE STEERING WHEEL VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE DISABLED AIR BAG AND DISABLED TRACTION CONTROL SENSOR LIGHTS ILLUMINATED DURING THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND BACK ON SEVERAL TIMES IN ORDER TO CORRECT THE DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT BUT NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,805.
Visibility/wiper, Mar 14, 2014
SLUSH ON THE WINDSHIELD PULLED THE WIPER FROM THE WIPER ARM ON THE PASSENGER SIDE MAKING ME PULL OVER ON A BUSY STREET. THE MANUFACTURED ARM IS THE CHEAPEST AND MOST UNRELIABLE ARM I'VE EVER SEEN. I CHECKED WITH OTHER 2012 FORD EXPLORERS AND THEY HAVE THE SAME ARM. THE 2013 AND 2014 HAVE DIFFERENT STYLE ARMS THAT HOLD THE WIPER ON SECURELY. I'M GOING BACK TO THE DEALER TO SEE IF THEY CAN PUT DIFFERENT ARMS ON BUT THIS DEFINITELY IS A SAFETY ISSUE. JUST BY RAISING THE WIPER ARM UP AND GRABBING THE BOTTOM OF THE BLADE THE WIPER SNAPS OFF. I WAS LUCKY NOT TO BE ON THE INTERSTATE HWY WHEN THIS HAPPENED. *TR
Seats, Mar 13, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLODER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE THIRD-ROW POWER SEAT DETECTION SYSTEM FAILED TO OPERATE PROPERLY. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT WHILE PUTTING BAGS IN THE HATCH AREA, THE THIRD- ROW POWER SEAT BUTTON WAS ACCIDENTLY DEPRESSED AND CAUSED THE SEAT TO MECHANICALLY RISE TO THE SEATED POSITION. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT DURING THE TRANSITION FROM THE FOLDED POSITION TO THE SEATED POSITION, A COAT AND BOOT BECAME STUCK UNDER THE SEAT. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE THIRD- ROW POWER SEAT DETECTION SYSTEM DID NOT REVERSE THE DIRECTION OF THE SEAT AFTER MAKING CONTACT WITH THE OBJECTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Mar 12, 2014
ON MONDAY 10MARCH2014, MY 2012 FORD EXPLORER STARTED AND IMMEDIATELY STALLED OUT, WHEN I LOOK AT THE DASH IT HAD SAID IT HAD LOW OIL PRESSURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO CAVALIER FORD IN CHESAPEAKE, VA WHERE IT HAS BEEN DETERMINED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINE AND HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP HAVE TO BE REPLACED. DURING FURTHER TROUBLE SHOOTING IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT HENDERSON FORD IN BAY ST. LOUIS, MS HAD INSTALLED A FUEL INJECTOR INTO THE ENGINE WITHOUT PROPERLY ENSURING THE CLEANLINESS OF EITHER THE INJECTOR OR THE POINT OF INSERTION. IT HAS BEEN DETERMINED BY CAVALIER FORD THAT HENDERSON FORD IMPROPERLY INSTALLED A REPLACEMENT PART, AND ALLOWED ME TO DRIVE OVER 1,000 MILES WITH THIS PROBLEMATIC PART IN PLACE! *TR
Power train, Engine, Mar 10, 2014
ON MONDAY MARCH 10, 2014 I STARTED THE MY 2012 FORD EXPLORER AND DROVE IT TO WORK APPROXIMATELY 2 MILES AND SHUT IT OFF, AFTER 25 MINUTES I RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE AND ATTEMPTED TO START IT. THE VEHICLE STARTED AND THEN IMMEDIATELY SHUT OFF AND SAID LOW OIL PRESSURE, I PROCEEDED TO REMOVE THE KEY AND OPEN THE HOOD. I CHECKED THE OIL AND ALL WAS WITHIN RANGE, NO ISSUE IMMEDIATELY NOTED, I CLOSED THE HOOD AND ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE CAR. UPON THE ATTEMPTED RESTART THE CAR TOOK A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF TIME TO FINALLY TURN OVER, I IMMEDIATELY SHUT THE CAR OFF AND FIGURED IT NEEDED TO REFRESH ITSELF AND WAITED A MOMENT. AFTER RESTARTING ON THE THIRD TRY I THEN ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE IT ALL INDICATORS HAD TURNED OFF. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IT REFUSED TO ACCELERATE OVER 35MPH, I IMMEDIATELY REPORTED THE ISSUE TO FORD AND THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO CAVALIER FORD IN GREENBRIER, VA. *TR
Steering, Mar 6, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT, A GRINDING NOISE WAS HEARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 44,000. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 5, 2014
WHEN CAR WAS 3 WEEKS OLD, WE HAD AN INTERMITTENT GAS ODOR WHEN RESTARTING CAR. ALSO, WHEN SITTING IN GARAGE. DEALER COULD NOT REPRODUCE PROBLEM. EVENTUALLY DID AND REPLACED THE FUEL CANISTER. ODOR CAME BACK WITHIN 3 WEEKS. NOW HAS 40,000 MILES AND STILL HAVE SAME PROBLEM. SAW 2 RECALLS ON 2013 EXPLORER RELATED TO FUEL ODOR AND THOUGHT ARE 2012 WOULD BE INCLUDED, BUT FORD SAYS NO. OUR CAR WAS BUILT ON 12/15/2011. *TR
Steering, Feb 19, 2014
WHILE TRAVELING 70 MPH ON A HIGHWAY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP, POWER STEERING ASSIST LIGHT AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING. VEHICLE BEGAN TO SWERVE AS BRAKES WERE APPLIED. WAS ABLE TO COAST OFF OF HIGHWAY WITH MUCH EFFORT AND PULL INTO A PARKING LOT TO CALL FOR ASSISTANCE. VEHICLE TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP. ORIGINALLY TOLD IT "SOUNDS LIKE A SENSOR HAS GONE BAD." NOTIFIED TODAY THAT RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY MUST BE REPLACED FOR AN APPROXIMATE COST OF $2300. BASIC WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED AND THIS IS NOT COVERED UNDER POWER TRAIN WARRANTY. THIS VEHICLE IS ONLY 2 YEARS OLD!!! ALSO NOTIFIED THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON THE SYNC SYSTEM THAT I WAS NEVER MADE AWARE OF. HAVE HAD THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE IN THE SHOP 5 TIMES SINCE I GOT IT BUT CAN'T AFFORD TO REPLACE IT! *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Traction control system, Jan 22, 2014
MAY 2013 (13490 MILES) WAS DRIVING 30 35 MPH POWER STEERING WENT OUT, TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT WENT ON, I TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED. ALL WAS OK. TOOK TO DEALER AND DEALER REPLACED THE STEERING RACK DECEMBER 23,2013, (21173 MILES) WAS DRIVING 40 MPH POWER STEERING WENT OUT, TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT WENT ON. WOULD NOT RESET BY TURNING ON AND OFF. DROVE TO DEALER WITH NO POWER STEERING AND DEALER RESET COMPUTER AND SENT ME ON MY WAY. JANUARY 17,2014 (21808 MILES) WAS DRIVING 35 MPH POWER STEERING WENT OUT, TRACTION LIGHT WENT ON WOULD NOT RESET BY TURNING ON AND OFF. DROVE TO DEALER WITH NO POWER STEERING. DEALER RESET COMPUTER AND SENT ME ON MY WAY. *TR
Power train, Jan 13, 2014, crash
ON DEC. 2, 2013 I WAS STOPPED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH A SLIGHT DECLINE AT A SCHOOL BUS STOP. I PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK (WHILE STILL ON) AND GOT OUT OF THE CAR TO RETRIEVE A FORGOTTEN ITEM FROM THE BACK FOR ONE OF THE CHILDREN (AS I HAVE DONE NUMEROUS TIMES BEFORE WITHOUT INCIDENT). WHEN I EXITED THE VEHICLE, IT STARTED TO ROLL FORWARD (WHILE STILL IN PARK). IT ROLLED OFF OF THE ROAD, DOWN AN EMBANKMENT, INTO A DITCH/RAVINE, CRASHED INTO A TREE AND ROLLED ONTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE, COMING TO REST AT AN APPROXIMATE 45 DEGREE ANGLE. MY 20-MONTH-OLD CHILD WAS IN THE CAR AT THE TIME AND WAS SEATED ON THE SIDE OF THE CAR THAT WAS IN CONTACT WITH THE GROUND WHEN THE CAR CRASHED. AFTER RETRIEVING THE CHILD (PHYSICALLY UNHARMED) FROM THE CAR WITH HELP FROM A PASSERBY, I NOTICED THE CAR WAS STILL RUNNING. THE PASSERBY AND I WENT DOWN TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND REMOVE THE KEYS, AT WHICH POINT IT WAS VERIFIED THAT THE CAR WAS IN FACT STILL SHIFTED INTO THE PARK POSITION. THE TOW TRUCK COMPANY ALSO VERIFIED THAT THE CAR WAS IN PARK WHEN THEY ARRIVED. SPEED OF THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF IMPACT IS UNKNOWN, AS IT STARTED FROM A STOP AND INCREASED IN SPEED AS IT CONTINUED TO ROLL FORWARD AND DOWN THE EMBANKMENT. POST CRASH, THE 20-MONTH-OLD WAS PHYSICALLY FINE, BUT EXPRESSED SIGNIFICANT EMOTIONAL ANXIETY WHEN BEING PLACED IN HIS OTHER CAR SEAT FOR SUBSEQUENT CAR RIDES. SIDE AIRBAGS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE CAR DEPLOYED, FRONT DID NOT (PRESUMABLY BECAUSE NO ONE WAS SEATED IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE). ONCE THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND THE KEYS WERE REMOVED, THE HORN BEGAN HONKING (PRESUMABLY A BUILT IN SAFETY FEATURE). ONCE REMOVED FROM THE CRASH SITE (TIME TO REMOVE: 2.5 HOURS USING 2 DIFFERENT TOW TRUCKS), THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE AND AFTER 21 DAYS THE CAR WAS DETERMINED TO BE A TOTAL LOSS. *TR
Other or unspecified, Jan 2, 2014
AFTER NUMEROUS TRIPS TO THE DEALER TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE WAY THIS CAR WAS DRIVING MY CAR FINALLY FAILED ON AND COMPLETELY SHIFT ITSELF OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN. I COULD NOT STEER OR ACCELERATE. I COASTED TO THE SHOULDER. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY FINALLY SAID IT WAS THE THROTTLE BODY STICKING AND REPLACED IT. LUCKILY IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY. MY PRIOR VISITS I WAS TOLD THAT THE COMPUTER SOFTWARE NEEDED TO BE UPDATED AND THAT MAYBE THE GAS I WAS PUTTING INTO THE CAR HAD TO MUCH ETHANOL. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Dec 24, 2013
THE VEHICLE POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING MAKING PULLING OVER AND STOPPING VERY DIFFICULT FOR A MATURE MALE DRIVER. I FIND IT DIFFICULT I CAN ONLY IMAGINE HOW DIFFICULT AND DANGEROUS THIS COULD BE FOR MY WIFE OR ANY SMALLER OR LESS EXPERIENCED DRIVER. THIS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES DURING REGULAR DRIVING ON FAIRLY SMOOTH SURFACE NORMAL CONDITIONS. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Dec 10, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 50 MPH WHEN THE ADVANCE TRACKING WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ELECTRONIC POWER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE INCIDENT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000. *TR
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Nov 29, 2013
THIS IS A CONTINUAL PROBLEM REPORT ONE 8/10/13 19,000 MILES: POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON AND POWER STEERING WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE <15 MPH AND BACK CEILING LIGHT CAME ON AND WOULDN'T GO OUT. FORD: 8/13/2013 SAID CEILING LIGHT SHORTENED OUT BATTERY AND CAUSED POWER STEERING TO GO OUT - ORDERED LIGHT BULB CAME BACK IN 3 DAYS TO REPLACE LIGHT BULB - THEY SAID POWER STEERING WAS FIXED. REPORT TWO 9/23/13 23,891 MILES: POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON WHILE PARKED. FORD: DID DIAGNOSTIC SAID THE ISSUE WAS MOST LIKELY WIRING AND SAID ISSUE WAS FIXED AND I LEFT WITH CAR REPORT THREE 10/02/13 24,280 MILES: POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON DASHBOARD AND POWER STEERING WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY 65 MPH, PULLED OFF HWY. REPORTED INCIDENT TO FORD. FORD: RAN DIAGNOSTIC, SAID ISSUE WAS MOTHERBOARD. ORDERED PART AND I RETURNED IN A FEW DAYS TO REPLACE COMPUTER BOARD. TOLD ISSUE WAS RESOLVED AND LEFT WITH MY CAR. REPORT FOUR 10/31/2013 25,295 MILES: POWER STEERING YELLOW LIGHT CAME ON DASHBOARD AS I STARTED VEHICLE IN PARKING LOT. POWER STEERING HAD NOT GONE OUT ONLY HAD WARNING LIGHT SHOWING. I DROVE A FEW MINUTES HOME WITHOUT THE STEERING GOING OUT. I STARTED CAR ABOUT AN HOUR LATER IN GARAGE AND POWER STEERING WAS COMPLETELY OUT. BRIGHT RED LIGHTS ON DASHBOARD. WARNING LIGHT SAID SOMETHING TO THE TUNE OF 'REPORT POWER STEERING IMMEDIATELY". FORD: KEPT CAR FOR 4 FULL DAYS WHILE WE DROVE RENTAL AND WAS TOLD THEY HAVE NO SOLUTION AND FORD REGIONAL'S ENGINEERS SUPPOSEDLY SAID 'THIS IS NOT AN ISSUE THEY HAVE SEEN BEFORE' (EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE ALMOST 100 REPORTS ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE ABOUT THIS EXACT ISSUE) AND TO REPORT IF HAPPENS AGAIN. REPORT FIVE 11/28/13 27,000 MILES: POWER STEERING WENT OUT WHILE STARTING VEHICLE IN GARAGE DASHBOARD LIGHT UP WITH RED WARNING SIGNS. HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL AFTER HOLIDAY TO REPORT TO SERVICE. *TR
Steering, Nov 11, 2013
STEERING SUDDENLY BECAME EXTREMELY HARD AND STIFF TO THE POINT WHERE I COULD NOT MAKE A TURN OF MORE THAN 10% AT ANY SPEED. LUCKILY I WAS ONLY GOING 25MPH AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT SO I WAS ABLE TO GRADUALLY GUIDE THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BRINGING IT TO A FULL STOP. I TRIED RESETTING THE "ERROR CONDITION" BY RESTARTING THE CAR, BUT THE STEERING BECAME ONLY MARGINALLY BETTER. I WAS HOWEVER ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR DOWN THE SIDE STREET AT 5-10MPH TO MY HOUSE WHICH WAS A FEW SHORT BLOCKS AWAY. SINCE THE CAR WAS UNDRIVABLE, I HAD IT TOWED TO ALL AMERICAN FORD IN PARAMUS NJ, FOR SERVICE. WHERE THEY CLAIMED THAT THEY HAVE ONLY HEARD OF ONE OR TWO CASES SUCH AS MINE. I DIRECTED THEM TO THIS SITE TO HELP THEM WITH THEIR RESEARCH, WHICH THEY OF COURSE THEY WERE NOT INTERESTED IN. *TR
Steering, Oct 22, 2013
POWER STEERING FAILED DURING A TURN MAKING CONTROLLING THE VEHICLE DIFFICULT. WARNING LIGHTS FOR POWER STEERING ASSIST, TRACTION CONTROL AND TERRAIN MONITOR CAME ON. AFTER SHUTTING DOWN THE CAR AND RESTARTING THE VEHICLE THE PROBLEM WAS CLEARED. *TR
Steering, Oct 15, 2013
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY STEERING WHEEL BECAME STIFF AND A MESSAGE APPEARED "POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED". VEHICLE WAS VERY HARD TO STEER BUT I MANAGED TO TURN ON FLASHERS, REDUCE SPEED AND STEER SAFELY TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND CALLED FOR ASSISTANCE. WHILE WAITING FOR HELP I RESTARTED THE VEHICLE TO TRY TO MANEUVER TO A SAFER ROADSIDE POSITION. AT THAT TIME THE POWER STEERING SEEMED TO BE WORKING AGAIN SO I DROVE CAREFULLY HOME. I THEN VISITED THE FORD DEALERSHIP WHERE NO ERROR CODES OR ERROR HISTORY WAS FOUND AND THEY FOUND NO PROBLEM AND SENT ME ON MY WAY. *TR
Equipment adaptive/mobility, Service brakes, Oct 7, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ENGAGED THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED WITH A UNIQUE BRAKING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO ENGAGE WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS APPROACHING A SECOND VEHICLE. THE SYSTEM ENGAGED DESPITE THERE NOT BEING A VEHICLE IN FRONT OF THE CONTACT?S VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THERE WAS NO REMEDY FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 28,000. ...UPDATED 12-24-13 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL WORKED FINE WHEN HE WAS FOLLOWING A VEHICLE IN HIS LANE. HOWEVER, WHEN HE WAS IN A SEPARATE LANE, PASSING A LARGE SEMI WITH LARGE BRIGHT ALUMINUM OR LIGHT COLORED SIDES, ON A STRAIGHT HIGHWAY WITHOUT CURVES, THE VEHICLE OCCASIONALLY APPLIED THE BRAKES AS IF HE WERE FOLLOWING IN THE SAME LANE AS THE TRUCK. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE RADAR SENSORS ON THE VEHICLE WERE REFLECTING FROM THE LARGE BRIGHT SIDES ON SOME TRUCKS.
Vehicle speed control, Sep 17, 2013
THE THROTTLE BODY ON THE FORD EXPLORER FAILED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL SEVERAL TIMES AT VARIOUS SPEEDS FROM 15 MPH TO 60 MPH ON LOCAL STREETS AND HIGHWAYS. THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE UNIT IDENTIFIED IT AS A FAILED THROTTLE BODY. *TR
Steering, Sep 4, 2013
POWER STEERING FAULT WITH ADVANCE TRAC AND TERRAIN MANAGEMENT FAULTS. POWER STEERING WAS LOST. THIS HAS OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES AT LOW, MEDIUM AND HIGH SPEEDS. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF AND THEN RESTARTED AND THE FAULTS WERE GONE AND POWER STEERING WAS RESTORED. *JB
Steering, Aug 28, 2013
POWER ASSIST FAULT, SERVICE ADVANCETRAC, TERRAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FAULT. DISABLES POWER STEERING AND TERRAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS. VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY BECOMES EXTREMELY HARD TO STEER AND VERY DANGEROUS. HAS OCCURRED 3 TIMES AND IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. *TT
Engine, Aug 28, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AS THE WRENCH WARNING ICON ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MERGED TO THE SHOULDER AND WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,000.