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2012 Ford Explorer problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2012 Ford Explorer has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated November 2, 2026.
- 7safety recalls
- 829owner complaints
- 10crash reports
- 6fire reports
- 13injuries reported
829 complaints, against an average of 945 for the other 14 Ford Explorer model years.
Every Ford Explorer model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
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What goes wrong with the 2012 Ford Explorer?
The components named most often in the 829 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2012 Ford Explorer owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 829 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Fault codes 2012 Ford Explorer owners mention
Diagnostic trouble codes owners wrote in their complaints. Open a code to see what it meant on other cars and whether a recall names it.
Has the 2012 Ford Explorer been recalled?
7 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Structure: Body: Roof And Pillars 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.
Risk: A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Suspension: Rear 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.
Risk: A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Suspension: Rear 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.
Risk: A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Wheels: Hub 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.
Risk: A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Structure: Body: Door 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Steering: Electric Power Assist System 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Steering 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.
Risk: The inability to steer the vehicle increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Is the 2012 Ford Explorer recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
EU Safety GateThe A-pillar trim may not be fastened correctly.it may come loose and fall onto the road, posing a risk to the following traffic.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateCorrosion of the bearing pin in the bearing bush can increase the frictional resistance of the bearing to such an extent that the vertical…Corrosion of the bearing pin in the bearing bush can increase the frictional resistance of the bearing to such an extent that the vertical forces occurring are absorbed by the track rod itself. As a result, the track rod of the rear suspension system may break reducing the steering control of the vehicle and increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe rear axle tie rods are defective and may break.This may lead to loss of control over the vehicle, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe interior door handles may crack, allowing the handle return spring to become unseated and not return to the fully closed position.In extreme circumstances this could allow the door to open unintentionally, posing a risk to vehicle occupants and other road users.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 29/03/2016
EU Safety GateIt may be possible over time for the fuel delivery module in the fuel tank to develop a crack that could result in a fuel leak.Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
What do 2012 Ford Explorer owners report?
12 of the 829 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, the vehicle was restarted; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the residence, and an independent mechanic arrived to diagnose the vehicle. The contact was informed that the steering wheel had seized due to the electric power steering failure. The contact was informed that the electric power steering and ABS module needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was 110,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while pulling out of the driveway, the power steering became inoperable, with the power steering fault message displayed. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn while driving at slow speeds. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the driver's side and passenger's side exterior A-pillar trim detached. The contact used tape on the driver's side to secure the molding to the windshield. The contact stated that the passenger's side A-pillar trim detached and fell off the vehicle. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the vehicle was inspected. The contact was informed that parts were unavailable to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received…
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, and it was realized that both front A-pillar trims were loose. The vehicle was repaired using duct tape as a temporary fix for both front A-pillar trims. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 159,000.
Total loss of Electric power steering assistance while driving on the interstate.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-45 MPH, the steering wheel started shaking abnormally. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V435000 (Suspension). The local dealer was contacted and provided a cost for the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called another local dealer, [XXX] [XXX] ) but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000. INFORMATION REDACTED…
Hello I’m a concerned citizen and I have a question about the Ford recall on the back up cameras, I have 2012 Explorer and my camera has been acting up for a while the same way that ford has mentioned, so I was wondering why isn’t the Explorer not included in this recall.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the traction control and check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that a minute and a half later, while attempting to make a right turn, the steering wheel became firm, and added effort was needed to turn the steering wheel. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40-60 MPH, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) and linked the failure to the recall; however, the VIN nor the year, make, or model was included. The vehicle was not repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure…
while driving the vehicle goes into what I have found is called sleep mode.. The check engine lite comes on and the left info panel shows that the all wheel drive is not working. The dealer tried to see what codes were set and found none. My solution is to pull off the road, put the vehicle in park and turn off the ignition. After about 30 seconds I can restart the vehicle and drive again. The restart lasts from 15 seconds to a month. I found a TSB ( 16-0139) that covered this problem. However it did not offer any cure. I am concerned that someone will hit me when this happens.
Airbag lights kept going on and off and now stays on giving code B1212. It is a safety issue since it has to do with the Driver seatbelt buckle pretensioner circuit. Airbags may not deploy incase of an accident. Apparently it is a problem with ford explorer vehicles which ford has failed to rectify or have a recall for it. I need to know the fix or resolution for this before anything unfortunate happens.
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.
2012 Ford Explorer: questions owners ask
Is the 2012 Ford Explorer reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 829 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Ford Explorer; the most common categories were steering (360, 43.4%), structure (144, 17.4%), engine (79, 9.5%). There are 7 safety recalls. 10 complaints mention a crash, 6 mention a fire, 13 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Ford Explorer?
Across 829 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are steering (43.4% of complaints), structure (17.4% of complaints), engine (9.5% of complaints), electrical system (7.6% of complaints), power train (6.6% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2012 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2012 Ford Explorer; the most recent (campaign 24V031000, 2024-01-19) concerns Structure: Body: Roof And Pillars. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does the power steering fail or feel heavy on my 2012 Ford Explorer?
132 of the 829 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Ford Explorer (15.9%) describe power steering failing, locking up or turning heavy. 2 related recalls exist: campaign 14V286000 (steering: electric power assist system). The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) software, free of charge. One owner wrote: "Loss of power steering assist . Yes it is available for inspection on request. I can't steer it . It has not been confirmed by anybody yet. It has not been inspected by anybody yet. There are no warning lights on dash ." (NHTSA complaint 11751715, July 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2012 Ford Explorer stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
77 of the 829 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2012 Ford Explorer (9.3%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "Loss of power steering assist . Yes it is available for inspection on request. I can't steer it . It has not been confirmed by anybody yet. It has not been inspected by anybody yet. There are no warning lights on dash ." (NHTSA complaint 11751715, July 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Explorer
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved November 2, 2026. Model year 2012 only. How these reports are made.