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, Jul 24, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE THEN INDEPENDENTLY CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. HE WAS ABLE TO RESET THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE DEALER STATED THEY NEEDED TO REPLACE THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND THE POWER STEERING RACK. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 13,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Engine, Jul 20, 2012
WHEN USING THE PASSING GEAR ,TO PASS A VEHICLE ,TOXIC EXHAUST FUMES GET SUCKED IN THE CABIN ,TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE FORD DEALER ,AND WAS TOLD THAT IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING TO THE FORD EXPLORER,AND THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY KNOWS ,BUT DOES NOT KNOW WHAT IS CAUSING IT ; THIS HAPPENS ONLY WHEN USING THE PASSING GEAR TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE ,THE FUMES ARE SO BAD INSIDE THE CABIN THAT THE WINDOW HAS TO BE OPEN TO THE LET THE FUMES OUT . THIS A HAZARD AND HEALTH ISSUE . *TR
Steering, Jul 18, 2012
WE HAD JUST DRIVEN 1 1/2 HOURS (ABOUT 100 MILES) FROM HOME TO A CAMPGROUND, PULLING OUR FLEETWOOD POP-UP CAMPER. DROVE HIGHWAY SPEEDS, WITH AIR CONDITIONING ON (AS IT WAS HOT OUTSIDE), SOMETIMES USING THE "TOW" MODE OTHER TIMES NOT. VEHICLE ACTED FINE DURING OUR TRIP. PULLED INTO THE PARKING LOT TO REGISTER AT THE OFFICE AND SHUT OFF THE MOTOR FOR ABOUT 15 MIN. STARTED IT AGAIN TO PULL INTO OUR SITE AND THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING. GOT A WARNING ON THE DASH THAT SAID "POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT". NOTE: THIS HAD HAPPENED A COUPLE WEEKS PRIOR TO THIS UNDER SIMILAR CIRCUMSTANCES, BUT AFTER SHUTTING OFF THE IGNITION AND RESTARTING, PROBLEM CLEARED ITSELF. NOT SO LUCKY THIS TIME. POWER STEERING DID NOT COME BACK. IT WAS 4:30 PM THE DAY BEFORE A NATIONAL HOLIDAY (JULY 4TH) AND I KNEW IT WAS NOT GOING TO GET LOOKED AT UNTIL AT LEAST 2 DAYS LATER. FORD ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE COULD ONLY OFFER TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALER 21 MILES AWAY. I DECIDED TO HAVE IT TOWED ON JULY 5TH. ON JULY 4TH, AFTER LETTING IT SIT ALL NIGHT AND COMPLETELY COOL DOWN, I STARTED IT UP. SAME PROBLEM PLUS TWO ADDITIONAL WARNING MESSAGES: "SERVICE ADVANCETRACK" AND "TERRAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FAULT". VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER AND DIAGNOSED AS NEEDING THE STEERING GEAR (PART OF THE ELECTRONIC RACK AND PINION STEERING). PART #BB5Z-3504-HE. I WAS TOLD THERE WERE OVER 500 ON BACK ORDER AND NO ESTIMATED DATE AS TO WHEN THEY WILL BE IN STOCK. HAD I KNOWN THERE WAS THIS KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE EXPLORERS I CERTAINLY WOULDN'T HAVE BOUGHT ONE. WHY WASN'T THERE A RECALL? THERE ARE NOW ALMOST 600 OF THESE PARTS ON BACK ORDER WHICH TELLS ME THERE ARE A LOT OF CONSUMERS AFFECTED AND POTENTIALLY MANY MORE TO COME. THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THE DESIGN OF THE PART WAS CHANGED AFTER MY FORD WAS BUILT. *TR
Steering, Jul 17, 2012
GREETINGS, I SAW INFORMATION ON THE WEB THAT STATED THE NHTSA IS INVESTIGATING ISSUES WITH 2011 FORD EXPLORER POWER STEERING FAULT AS TO A POSSIBLE SAFETY RECALL. THE INFORMATION I SAW WAS SPECIFIC TO THE 2011 MODEL YEAR. HOWEVER, I HAVE A 2012 WITH THE SAME ISSUE. FOR NO APPARENT REASON, A "POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT" MESSAGE IS DISPLAYED FOLLOWED BY "SERVICE ADVANCE TRACK". THIS CAN HAPPEN AT ANYTIME, WITHOUT WARNING, REGARDLESS OF YOUR SPEED. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS !!! MY WIFE ALMOST HIT THE RAILING ON A CURVED BRIDGE WHEN THE POWER STEERING DECIDED TO QUIT. AND LUCKILY, THERE WAS NO ONCOMING TRAFFIC AT THE TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS JUST PURCHASED LAST NOVEMBER (2011) AND HAS APPROXIMATELY 10K MILES. THIS IS DEFINITELY A DANGEROUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE !!! [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Steering, Jul 13, 2012
AS I WAS DRIVING THROUGH TWO CONSECUTIVE 90 DEGREE TURNS AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN. DUE TO THE LOSS OF POWER, THE VEHICLE NEARLY LEFT THE ROAD INTO AN ADJACENT DITCH. THE VEHICLE WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASH DID LIGHT UP INDICATING A FAILURE. ONCE REGAINING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. UPON RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, THE FAILURE LIGHTS WERE STILL LIT. AFTER READING THE OWNER'S MANUAL, I DETERMINED IT WOULD NOT HARM THE VEHICLE TO CONTINUE DRIVING IT WITHOUT POWER STEERING. APPROXIMATELY 0.2 MILES LATER THE POWER TO THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM WAS RESTORED. *TR
Steering, Jul 10, 2012
I IMPORTED THIS 2012 FORD EXPLORER TO BOLIVIA, BOUGHT IN MIAMI, FL. I WAS DRIVING ON A STRAIGHT ROAD, RELATIVELY SLOW (30MPH). SUDDENLY THE STEERING GOT STIFF, MAKING IT EXTREMELY HARD TO TURN. I SLOWLY PARKED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE DASHBOARD SHOWED A SIGN THAT READ: STEERING FAULT ASSIST. I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF, THEN BACK ON AGAIN. THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY. I AM LUCKY THAT I WAS NOT GOING ANY FASTER, ON A HIGHWAY, OR ON A CURVE. A FRIEND WHO BOUGHT A 2012 EXPLORER HERE IN BOLIVIA, FROM AN NEWLY (2012) AUTHORIZED DEALER, HAD THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. HE WAS ON A HIGHWAY, GOING AT APPROX 60MPH. FORTUNATELY FOR HIM, HE WAS GOING STRAIGHT, AND WAS ABLE TO PARK ON THE SIDE. *TR
Steering, Jul 6, 2012
WHILE DRIVING APPROX 45MPH THE SYSTEM TRACK WARNING LIGHT CAME ON & BEEPED, IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWED BY THE POWER STEERING FAILURE LIGHT. I WAS IN AN AREA WITH HEAVY CONSTRUCTION & COULD NOT PULL OFF THE ROAD IMMEDIATELY & STEERING BECAME LESS & LESS RESPONSIVE & IN LESS THAN A MINUTE AS I FOUND A PLACE TO PULL OFF, THE STEERING LOCKED UP TOTALLY. I CALLED FOR TOW SERVICE AFTER TURNING OFF & BACK ON WITH THE SAME WARNINGS & UNABLE TO TURN IT AT ALL. WHILE WAITING ON TOW, I TURNED IT OFF A COUPLE OF MORE TIMES & THE STEERING WAS BACK BUT THE SYSTEM TRACK CONTROL LIGHT REMAINED ON. ONCE THE CAR MADE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AFTER CHECKING, DRIVING & RECHECKING FOR FOUR DAYS. I WAS TOLD TO DRIVE IT & RETURN IF IT HAPPENED AGAIN. I AM SCARED TO DEATH TO DRIVE THIS CAR FOR FEAR OF IT HAPPENING ON THE FREEWAY AT MUCH HIGHER SPEEDS OR MY NORMAL ROUTE TO WORK WHICH INVOLVES NUMEROUS CURVES & CURVES ON BRIDGES WITH NO PLACE TO GET OFF THE ROAD EVEN IF I COULD MANAGE TO GET IT OFF THE ROAD. MY HUSBAND ALSO FEARS FOR MY SAFETY IN THIS VEHICLE. HOW MANY CHANCES DO I GET BEFORE I CRASH & HURT OR KILL MYSELF AND/OR SOMEONE ELSE. I FOR SURE DO NOT WANT TO CARRY ANY PASSENGERS IN A VEHICLE THAT IS CAPABLE OF CARRYING SEVEN. *TR
Steering, Jul 2, 2012
I WAS ON THE ENTRANCE RAMP TO THE GET ON THE HIGHWAY AND MY STEERING LOCKED UP. I LOST MY POWER STEERING AND THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT LIGHT CAME ON AND THE SERVICE ADVANCE TRAC WARNING ALSO CAME ON FLASHING BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN THE TWO. THIS TERRIFIED ME AND THANK GOODNESS THERE WASN'T MUCH TRAFFIC AND I WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE HIGHWAY AND STOP THE CAR. THE POWER STEERING CAME BACK ON WHEN THE CAR WAS STARTED. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND I HOPE IT IS ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY. *JS
Steering, Jun 29, 2012
LOST ALL POWER STEERING SUDDENLY ON THE FREEWAY, MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. WAS ONLY ONE MILE FROM MY DEALER, SO I DROVE THERE. VERY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER TURNS. LATER DETERMINED BY DEALER THAT THE POWER STEERING GEAR NEEDED REPLACEMENT. HAS BEEN ON BACK ORDER FOR ONE WEEK NOW, PART WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL FOLLOWING WEEK AT LEAST. NEW VEHICLE, ONLY 11,000 MILES. *TR
Steering, Jun 26, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE WAITING AT TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 11,000.
Engine, Jun 13, 2012
OVERHEATING LARGE AMOUNT OF FLUID LEAKING UNDER CAR AND STEAM OR SMOKE COMING OUT OF TAIL PIPE? TOW TRUCK WAS CALLED CAR TOWED TO LOCAL DEALER. MY 2012 FORD EXPLORER HAS BEEN IN SHOP 3 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS FOR SAME THING: NO HEAT , NO AIR CONDITIONING, OVERHEATING, MY FORD SYNC RECALL??? *TR
Engine, May 14, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 60 MPH WHEN BURNING FUMES WERE EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT UNDER HEAVY ACCELERATION, THE GILLS ALLOWED EXHAUST FUMES TO BE EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO PROVIDE A REMEDY FOR THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 6,309.
Steering, Apr 29, 2012
POWER STEERING FAILURE WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH ON HIGHWAY CHANGING LANES. SECOND TIME POWER STEERING HAS FAILED ON FREEWAY AT LOWER RATE OF SPEED. VEHICLE NOW AT FRITTS FORD IN RIVERSIDE FOR THIRD TIME REGARDING SUDDEN POWER STEERING FAILURE. *TR
Steering, Apr 20, 2012
WHILE DRIVING GRANDCHILD TO SCHOOL THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY WENT OUT REQUIRING A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF TORQUE TO TURN CAR. I RECEIVED SEVERAL FAULTS INCLUDING TRACTION CONTROL, TRACTION CONTROL OFF, POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT. I WAS ABLE TO MANHANDLE THE CAR TO A SAFE PLACE AND SHUT DOWN THE ENGINE AND AFTER A FEW MOMENTS RESTARTED AN ALL FAULTS CLEARED. IF MY WIFE HAD BEEN DRIVING AT THIS TIME WE WOULD HAVE BEEN REPORTING AN ACCIDENT FOR SHE COULD NOT HAVE POSSIBLY HAVE TURNED THIS CAR. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE CAR TO RIGGINS MOTORS (SELLING DEALER) AND HAD TO LEAVE THE CAR WITH THEM FOR INVESTIGATION. THIS IS A PROBLEM FORD NEEDS TO OVERCOME NOW AND NOT STALL LIKE THEY DID ON THE MY TOUCH PROBLEM FOR THIS COULD EASILY CAUSE A LOSS OF LIFE IF IT HASN'T ALREADY HAPPENED. *JS
Steering, Electrical system, Apr 3, 2012
WHILE CHANGING LANES ON THE 60 WEST FREEWAY I ATTEMPTED TO CHANGE LANES AND VEHICLE POWER STEERING SHUT DOWN. I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF MY LANE CHANGE AND WAS NEARLY STRUCK BY A TRAILING DIESEL TRUCK. I WAS ONLY ABLE TO MOVE STEERING WHEEL ONE INCH TO THE RIGHT AND ONE INCH TO THE LEFT. I PULLED OFF HIGHWAY BASED ON MY ADVANCED DRIVING SKILLS AS A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER. THIS VEHICLE IS MY ASSIGNED WORK VEHICLE. SEVERAL FAULTS TO INCLUDE HILL FAULT, TRACTION FAULT FLASHED ON THE DASHBOARD. I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND ON AND THE POWER STEERING WORKED. I IMMEDIATELY NOTIFIED MY WORKPLACE. A COWORKER FOLLOWED ME TO THE FRITTS FORD IN RIVERSIDE, CA. I TOLD THEM ABOUT THE SAFETY ISSUE. FRITTS FORD TESTED MY VEHICLE FOR TWO DAYS. THEY SAID THE ERROR COULD NOT BE REPEATED BUT MY VEHICLE HAD NUMEROUS FAULTS RECORDED WITH THE DRIVETRAIN, STEERING, HILL, TRACTION CONTROL. THEY SAID IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE. THERE IS A SERIOUS ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED BUT IT NEARLY COST ME MY LIFE. I FEAR SIMILAR INCIDENTS WILL CAUSE FATALITIES WITH UNSKILLED CIVILIAN DRIVERS. *TR
Electrical system, Apr 2, 2012
FIRST INSTANCE (2 MONTHS AFTER I BOUGHT XLT MODEL - BOUGHT LATE SEPTEMBER 2011), IN DECEMBER 2011, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WAS DRAINING MY BATTERY CAUSING MY TOUCH TO GO OUT, MY ENGINE LIGHT TO GO OFF, ETC. NOW, SECOND INSTANCE (MARCH 31, 2012), DRIVING AN HOUR TO A DESTINATION, TURNED OFF THE CAR FOR 10 MINUTES, GOT BACK IN THE CAR, THE CAR STALLED AND LOCKED THE STEERING WHEEL. AFTER TALKING TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT, THEY TOLD ME IF I GOT THE CAR RUNNING, THAT IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. FINALLY GOT THE CAR TURNED ON FOR THE DRIVE BACK, HALF WAY BACK, THE RPMS WERE REVVING AND THEN THE CAR WAS SUCKING BACK, ALMOST HOME AND THE CARS POWER STEERING STARTED TO GO OUT AND IT WAS STALLING AT EVERY LIGHT. TOOK INTO FORD DEALERSHIP, THEY ARE STILL TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AND THINK IT IS A SHORT SOMEWHERE IN THE SYSTEM WHERE THEY CAN'T FIND IT. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR RIGHT NOW. *TR
Electrical system, Feb 24, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MY SYNC FUNCTION THAT WAS INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE CAUSED THE COMPUTER SYSTEM TO FAIL LY INCLUDING THE AIR CONDITIONER, HEATING SYSTEM, RADIO AND DEFROSTER SYSTEM. ALL SYSTEMS REMAINED AT A CONSTANT RATE IF ACTIVATED AND HE WAS UNABLE TO CHANGE THE FUNCTION. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE COMPUTER SYSTEM WAS FAULTY BUT HE DID NOT CURRENTLY HAVE A REMEDY FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT FAILED TO OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 5,200 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000.
Electrical system, Equipment adaptive/mobility, Feb 20, 2012
I BOUGHT A NEW 2012 FORD EXPLORER ON 11/26/11. THE "MY TOUCH" COMPUTER DIDN'T WORK FROM THE BEGINING. THE RESPONSE IS SLOW OR NON-EXISTENT. THE SCREENS CHANGE ON THEIR OWN. THE SYSTEM FREEZES UP AT TIMES LEAVING NO CONTROL OVER NAV, STEREO, CLIMATE, PHONE, OR EITHER OF 2 DASHBOARD SCREENS. IT WILL SWITCH TO RADIO AND PLAY REALLY LOUD AND THEN SWITCH BACK ON IT'S OWN. FORD KNOWS OF THIS PROBLEM AND CAN'T FIX IT. THEY'VE HAD MY CAR 3 TIMES AND NOW REFUSE TO SEE ME MORE ABOUT THIS. THEY SAY A FIX WILL COME IN THE FUTURE. MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM. FORD IS SELLING BROKEN CARS, CHARGING NEW CAR PRICES, AND CAN'T FIX THEM. *TR
Seat belts, Feb 8, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE REPLACEMENT SEAT BELT WAS ALSO EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SEAT BELTS WERE BEING REDESIGNED AND THE VEHICLE WAS AWAITING NEW PARTS FOR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,112 UPDATED 02/27/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE REPLACEMENT SEAT BELT ALSO FAILED. UPDATED 02/28/12
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 8, 2012, crash
I STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN AND TOOK A LEFT HAND TURN AS I PROCEEDED DOWN A HILL. MY STEERING WHEEL WOULDN'T TURN,LIKE THE WHEEL LOCKED UP, AND THE BRAKES WERE HARD TO PUSH, NOT SLOWING ME DOWN. THE EXPLORER WENT OFF OF THE ROAD STRIKING A CONCRETE POLE. IT DESTROYED THE ENTIRE RIGHT FRONT END, AND DESTROYED THE POLE. THE DEALER SAID THAT THEY COULD FIX THE PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING, AND THE BRAKES, BUT THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DAMAGE. THEY SAID THAT IT'S NOT FORD'S FAULT FOR THE DAMAGE. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 16, 2011
WHILE I WAS PUMPING GAS THE GAS WAS LEAKING FROM UNDER THE CAR. *TR
Electrical system, Dec 13, 2011
IN THE WORDS OF ONE OF THE SEVERAL FORD MOTOR CO. CUSTOMER CARE CASE MANAGER I'VE SPOKEN TO SINCE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE ABOUT 6 WEEKS AGO, FORD'S MYTOUCH SYSTEM IS "TOTALLY DYSFUCNTIONAL". THE SOFTWARE UPON WHICH THIS SYSTEM IS BASED WAS APPARENTLY CO-AUTHORED BY MICROSOFT AND FORD IS CURRENTLY TELLING CUSTOMERS THEY HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE NEXT RELEASE, SUPPOSEDLY DUE TO BE RELEASED IN "THE FIRST QUARTER OF NEXT YEAR". HAS ANYONE EVER HEARD THIS KIND OF MESSAGE BEFORE...THINK MS VISTA! MY EXPLORER HAS AN APPROX. 8"X5" TOUCHSCREEN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DASH. IT IS SUPPOSED TO COME ON WHEN I START THE VEHICLE AND MANY FUNCTIONS OF THE VEHICLE ARE CONTROLLED BY TOUCHING ICONS ON THE SCREEN. UNFORTUNATELY, WHEN THE SCREEN FAILS TO COME ON, USUALLY FOR ABOUT THE INITIAL 20 MINUTES AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER CONTROLS ARE UNAVAILABLE. THIS INCLUDES FEATURES LIKE BEING ABLE TO VIEW THE REAR-VIEW CAMERA, TURNING ON THE HEATED SEATS, CLIMATE CONTROL FEATURES, DEALING WITH PHONE CALLS AND SELECTING MUSIC SOURCES AND RADIO CHANNELS, ETC.. MYTOUCH ALSO INCLUDES A FEATURE WHERE ITS SUPPOSED TO SYNC TO THE DRIVER'S MOBILE PHONE, BUT THIS ONLY WORKS INTERMITTENTLY AT BEST. THE WORST PROBLEM WITH THIS SYSTEM, WHICH I BELIEVE MAKES THE VEHICLE UNSAFE FOR NIGHTTIME DRIVING, IS WHEN THE TOUCHSCREEN, WHICH CANNOT BE TURNED OFF OR DIMMED, STARTS FLICKERING (FORD'S TERM IS "STROBING") VERY RAPIDLY WHILE DRIVING AFTER DARK. THIS CAN CONTINUE FOR UP TO 30 MINUTES AT A TIME, AND IS INCREDIBLE DISTRACTING WHILE TRYING TO DRIVE. I'VE POSTED A VIDEO ON YOUTUBE UNDER THE HEADING "FORD MYTOUCH STOBING". THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN KNOWN TO FORD SINCE THE 2011 MODEL YEAR AND THEY CONTINUE TO SELL THESE PROBLEMATIC VEHICLES WITHOUT TELLING CUSTOMERS UNTIL AFTER THEY TAKE POSSESSION. *TR
Visibility, Equipment, Nov 20, 2011
THIS FORM DOES NOT ALLOW ENTRY OF MULTIPLE DATES. THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH MYFORDTOUCH WITH THIS VEHICLE THAT IS CONTINUAL. PUTTING IN ONE DATE IS POINTLESS. THE CLIMATE (DEFROSTER, ETC) SYSTEM AND THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM ARE PART OF THIS MODULE, ALONG WITH PHONE AND AUDIO FEATURES. THIS MODULE LOCKS CONTINUALLY AND IT IS DANGEROUS BECAUSE YOU CAN'T CONTROL THE DEFROSTER OR NAVIGATION SYSTEM MANUALLY WHEN THIS OCCURS. REPEATED TRIPS TO THE DEALER HAVE BEEN FRUITLESS AND MY WIFE WAS IN DANGEROUS SITUATIONS SEVERAL TIMES IN HEAVY TRAFFIC CORRIDOR CONDITIONS IN NORTHERN NEW JERSEY. IT IS UNCONSCIONABLE THAT FORD IS SELLING THESE VEHICLES FOR NEARLY $50,000 THAT ARE DEFECTIVE AND THEY KNOW THEY ARE DEFECTIVE.
Vehicle speed control, Equipment, Nov 19, 2011
TWO EXTREMELY FRIGHTENING EXPERIENCES HAPPENED THIS DAY. (1) I WAS DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 95 AND THE EXPLORER BRAKED EXTREMELY HARD FROM A SPEED OF 65 MPH TO ZERO. THERE WAS NOTHING AROUND AND I COULD NOT DETERMINE ANY REASON FOR THIS. I PROCEEDED ON TO MY DESTINATION AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INEXPLICABLY TO 95 MPH. I TRIED TO TURN OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL MANUALLY AND BY TAPPING THE BRAKE (I WAS FEARFUL OF THE VEHICLE ROLLING). THANK GOD, I WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER AROUND TRAFFIC IN NORTHERN NEW JERSEY AND THEN THE VEHICLE REDUCED SPEED. IT WAS A VERY TERRIFYING EXPERIENCE AND ONE THE FORD DEALER TOLD ME HE HAS NO EXPLANATION FOR. I HAVE HAD MANY, FAILURES OF THE MYFORDTOUCH SYSTEM WHICH I WILL DETAIL IN A SEPARATE INCIDENT REPORT.
Equipment, Nov 18, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT TOUCHSCREEN OF THE NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO BUT THEY ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE CORRECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHO ADVISED THAT A REMEDY FOR THE FAILURE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,450.