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, Aug 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard an abnormal sound, and the steering column was inoperable, and the vehicle was immovable. The contact stated that he was able to shift into reverse and safely drove the vehicle into a parking lot. The contact stated that when he inspected the vehicle, he noticed that the tie rod was fractured. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had recently been serviced for two safety recalls and a front-end alignment prior to the tie rod failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 137,137.
Steering, Suspension, Aug 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 20-30 MPH, the steering wheel became significantly difficult to steer. The contact was able to continue driving by using his physical strength to steer the steering wheel. There was no further information provided. The contact stated that as he arrived to the residence, the steering wheel locked. The vehicle was towed to the used car dealer it was purchased from, and it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The Ford dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be covered under Ford Campaign Number: 15N01, as the campaign had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V435000 (Suspension). The manufacturer were contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 183,000.
Electrical system, Jul 22, 2023
The part that is needed for the suv to work called the body module chip is not made by Ford anymore and I am still paying on this vehicle
Steering, Jul 21, 2023
We recently purchased this vehicle and after getting is home and researching the vehicle, we discovered that there is an open recall involving the rear toe link with the potential to diminish steering control and potentially increasing the risk of a crash. Our local Ford dealer does not see the seriousness of this recall and refuses to look at the vehicle in a timely manner.
Steering, Jul 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at slow speeds, the steering wheel was firm while turning. No warning light was illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that Customer Satisfaction Program: 15N01 (EPAS Steering Efforts) had expired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Steering, Jul 4, 2023
Power steering failure as laid out in NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 14V286000. The car does not qualify for recall and we would like Ford to be notified and have our VIN qualify for recall.
Structure, Jun 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-40 MPH, the trim around the windshield suddenly detached from the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who confirmed that it was a known failure. The contact was informed that the trim needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Other or unspecified, Jun 21, 2023
When backing up the the dash board (camera) screen is crossed. Items that appear on the right shows on the left on the screen. And things that appear on the left show up on the right. Some how the camera is flipped
Steering, Jun 15, 2023
Our Power Steering Assist went out and the truck couldn't steer then this code came up and we looked up the Recalls and found this very problem. 2012 FORD EXPLORER RECALL NHTSA 14V286000 SPONSORED Release Date: May 29, 2014 Applicable Country: USA NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company Component(s): •STEERING oELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM Summary 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. Remedy 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.
Steering, May 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while his wife was driving at approximately 25 MPH, his wife attempted to make a turn however, the vehicle lost power steering assist functionality. The contact then stated that he pushed the vehicle into his driveway. The contact’s son retrieved the error codes: U300049-48, U300072-48 and U300096-C8 for the power steering module. The son's friend, an independent mechanic, determined that the power steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that Customer Satisfaction Program: 15N01 (EPAS Steering Efforts) had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 86,974.
Other or unspecified, May 19, 2023
My rear backup camera isn't working all the time. I feel this is a huge safety issue and needs to be recalled.
Steering, May 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the steering wheel was seized. Additionally, the service advancetrac warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 168,000.
Structure, Apr 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the passenger's side windshield trim panel separated and flew off the vehicle. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact was able to continue driving. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Steering, Apr 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 97,563.
Steering, Apr 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the service power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated he parked the vehicle and while restarting the vehicle, the service power steering now, the anti-lock braking system (ABS), the traction control, and the Advancetrac warning lights were illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer; Lebanon Ford (425 Miracle Mile, West Lebanon, NH 03784: (603) 448-3363), where it was diagnosed with needing the power steering rack unit to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated the previous owner of the vehicle had NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) repaired at the local dealer: Portsmouth Ford (400 Spaulding Turnpike, NH-16, Portsmouth, NH 03801: (603) 433-1221). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,422.
Steering, Apr 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the steering wheel seized. The message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred several times, and upon turning off and restarting the vehicle, the steering wheel responded as needed. The contact stated that the failure persisted after restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power steering gear needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) software update was previously completed under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Steering, Mar 31, 2023
While driving my daughter to school, the steering wheel locked up and was very difficult to turn. Warning light for power steering assist and traction control were illuminated. This could cause an accident. Research on the internet shows that this is a known safety problem. I called ford and was told that the car would not be covered due to the mileage and age. I never received any notification about this safety issue from ford. Safer bulletin is only good for 10 years, 150,000 miles. Ford needs to be held accountable for this safety issue
Steering, Mar 30, 2023
My vehicle experienced sudden intermittent connection to the electric power steering gear, which caused a loss of the motor position sensor signal resulting in a shut down of the power steering assist. I struggled to safely steer the vehicle to the side of the road to avoid an accident and running over several people. Luckily I was able to stop in time and avoid any serious injury. There is a known recall for this issue #14S06 for the same year, make, and model of my vehicle but my VIN is not part of the recall. I contacted Ford Customer Care to discuss my incident and they refused to help. My vehicle is currently at a local dealership awaiting repair and I was quoted $3,500 for the cost. This is half the value of the vehicle.
Engine, Mar 26, 2023
Engine mounds wearing out and Ford says they are in backorder for almost a year now. If there's such a demand. Then why isn't there recall that so many people are requesting them but Ford can't supply them.
Steering, Mar 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering. The "Service Power Steering Now" and "Shift to Park" warning messages were illuminated. The vehicle was inoperable and was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering gear needed to be replaced. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting the repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 191,000.
Air bags, Mar 13, 2023
Airbag light suddenly comes on for the last few weeks. I did some research and found that when the airbag light is on that it is disabled. If the vehicle was to be involved in an accident the airbag would not deploy. I am concern that this vehicle is a family vehicle. I have taken the vehicle to two Ford Dealership and was told they are so backed up that it would take at least two weeks before I can get an appointment. One of the service tech even joke about making sure to wear my seatbelt because the airbag is not working. I tried looking for a recall but have not found one. I also learned this is a very common problem with most Ford vehicle and there is not permanent fix.
Steering, Mar 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the dealer stated that the EPS module was updated but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer again and the dealer stated that no failure was found. The failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the warranty had expired. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 11,000.
Structure, Mar 10, 2023
Driver's side windshield trim panel detached at highway speed.
Steering, Feb 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving out a gas station, the steering wheel became firm, with an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer stated that the vehicle was experiencing the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 165,000.
Visibility, Structure, Feb 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the front windshield trim detached from the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the front windshield trim to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.