CarRecallWatchThe 2012 Ford Explorer has 5 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 830 complaints with NHTSA, including 10 crashes, 6 fires, 13 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Steering (361 reports).
2012 Ford Explorer recalls
Trim on A-pillar may detach and fall off
The A-pillar trim retention clips on certain Explorers may not be properly engaged, which can allow the trim piece to come loose and detach from the vehicle.
Rear Suspension Part May Seize and Break, Causing Loss of Steering
Certain 2011-2013 Ford Explorers in specific Northeastern, Midwestern and Mid-Atlantic states may have a cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) replacement part in the rear suspension that could seize.
Rear Toe Links Can Fracture, Causing Sudden Handling Loss
The rear suspension toe links on these Explorers may fracture because of stress on the rear suspension.
Door May Unlatch in Side Crash
The interior door handle return spring can become unseated, so the handle does not return fully to its stowed position after use.
Most common 2012 Ford Explorer problems
Problem areas named in the 830 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Steering | 361 |
| Structure | 145 |
| Unknown Or Other | 105 |
| Engine | 79 |
| Electrical System | 64 |
| Power Train | 56 |
| Air Bags | 27 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 27 |
| Suspension | 22 |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 19 |
What owners report
Had to pull over to chnage my tire and when attenpting to put my hazard lights on, or warning lights they did not work which resulted in several cars almost hitting me because I could not signal my lights. The way Ford designed the 2012 Ford Explorer hazard light button is flawed. Its not an actual button and relies solely on the touch screen which failed.
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 notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair wa
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.
2012 Ford Explorer questions
Does the 2012 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls for the 2012 Ford Explorer: Trim on A-pillar may detach and fall off; Rear Suspension Part May Seize and Break, Causing Loss of Steering; Rear Toe Links Can Fracture, Causing Sudden Handling Loss; Door May Unlatch in Side Crash; Steering:Electric Power Assist System. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Ford Explorer?
Based on 830 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Steering (361), Structure (145), Unknown Or Other (105).
How do I check if a recall on my 2012 Ford Explorer has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.