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2012 Ford Explorer complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2012 record →

Steering
Filed Aug 18, 2023159,658 milesVA

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the steering wheel became firm. The contact stated that the "Check Power Steering" message was displayed with an unknown red warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over on the side of the road. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. Additionally, the contact was informed that the warranty had expired. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 159,658.

Seat Belts
Filed Aug 17, 202370,000 milesMO

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the rear second passenger’s side seat belt was faulty. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the rear second passenger’s side seat belt to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts not being available. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. The contact stated the issue has been resolved via local dealer opening up mechanism and finding twist in seatbelt, which wouldn’t allow use of the seatbelt but haven't received a new seatbelt which seems to be on backorder.

Steering
Filed Aug 13, 2023FL

Steering locks

Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly
Filed Aug 9, 2023137,137 milesGA

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.

Suspension
Filed Aug 3, 2023183,000 milesTX

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
Filed Jul 22, 2023SC

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
Filed Jul 21, 2023FL

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
Filed Jul 12, 2023140,000 milesKS

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
Filed Jul 4, 2023FL

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
Filed Jun 27, 2023GA

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.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 21, 2023GA

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
Filed Jun 15, 2023MI

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
Filed May 26, 202386,974 milesOH

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.

Unknown or Other
Filed May 19, 2023PA

My rear backup camera isn't working all the time. I feel this is a huge safety issue and needs to be recalled.

Steering
Filed May 8, 2023168,000 milesGA

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
Filed Apr 28, 202372,000 milesOR

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
Filed Apr 27, 202397,563 milesVA

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
Filed Apr 25, 2023100,422 milesVT

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
Filed Apr 17, 2023100,000 milesSD

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
Filed Mar 31, 2023CT

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
Filed Mar 30, 2023FL

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
Filed Mar 26, 2023NC

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
Filed Mar 20, 2023191,000 milesOK

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.

Steering
Filed Mar 13, 202311,000 milesNC

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.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 13, 2023NC

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.

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 10, 2023TX

Driver's side windshield trim panel detached at highway speed.

Steering
Filed Feb 28, 2023165,000 milesCA

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.

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 24, 2023CA

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.

Engine
Filed Feb 18, 2023NJ

Water Pump on the vehicle (That is inside the engine) start leaking without driver notice it. If you're driving in a busy Highway the engine can lose presure and stop in the middle of the highway puting driver and passengers in a risky position. This is a design mistake from FORD that they should address.

Visibility › Windshield
Filed Feb 16, 202350,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal snap and saw the trim panel of the front windshield detach from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an auto glass shop and the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was out of warranty and that there was no recall for the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000. The contact stated that the trim panel has been replaced 3 times now. The fourth set of trim panel is now cracked and will have to be replaced again. All sets of trim panel were purchased from and installed by the same two companies each time. The contact also stated that the failure mileage was 50,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 15, 2023KY

Front left windshield assembly came off while I was driving down the highway.

Visibility › Windshield › Critical Fasteners
Filed Feb 12, 2023CO

After seeing in the news that trim parts had come off explorers while driving we wanted to report the same issue that we have had. Last year the trim piece on the front passenger door came off while traveling at highway speed. About one year before that the driver side windshield trim piece also came off while traveling on the highway. The driver side far rear trim piece has also been cracked for a couple years. We replaced the two pieces that cam off with aftermarket replacements. The vehicle is available for inspection. The trim pieces coming off startled us while driving and could cause injury or accident to vehicles travelling on the highway behind us. The problem has not been reported to, reproduced or confirmed b a dealer or independent service center. The vehicle or component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. There was no warning of the impending failures.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 9, 2023TN

While I was driving the service advance trac light came on as well I stopped the car turned the key off went to leave and another light popped up in red saying service power steering now. There was a csp called the epas efforts on my vehicle and Ford dealer said it had been fixed in 2014 but I didn’t own the car so I’m not sure if it was

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Feb 8, 2023151,000 milesMI

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undetermined speed, the warning indicator lights illuminated. The service power steering, traction control, anti-lock brakes became inoperable. The turn signal handle failed to remain down. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who cleared the codes. The contact called the local dealer who referred her to the manufacturer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted who informed her she failed to meet the requirements for the customer satisfaction program and referred her to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000 The consumer stated the local mechanic completed the job and the power steering, traction control, anti lock brakes, and turn signal have been working properly ever since..

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 8, 2023GA

While traveling at highway speeds, the windshield trim panel on the passenger side of my Explorer, suddenly flew off my car, and caused the car behind me to swerve side to side. Fortunately, they did not have an accident, but it looked like they would for a moment. We weren't sure what happened until we pulled off an exit and examined my car. Unfortunately, traffic was heavy and I wasn't able to go back and pick up the trim piece. I have priced out the repair, and I understand the should be done by the dealer, or a glass shop, as it's now suggested the trim pieces be applied with some form of adhesive, in addition to the clips which normally hold it in place. My explorer has only 140,000 miles on it, and it's in excellent condition inside and out. I believe both trim pieces should be replaced by the dealer, performing the additional necessary steps to insure the trim pieces are bonded into place properly.

Visibility › Windshield › Critical Fasteners
Filed Feb 2, 2023GA

Driver side Pillar trim molding flew off multiple times while driving on the interstate causing safety issues to the other drivers.

Visibility › Windshield › Critical Fasteners
Filed Feb 2, 2023MD

Driving south/west on US301 in MD, from NY, and the driver side windshield frame came off at highway speed. There was no other traffic nearby. I ordered a replacement frame off Ebay and installed but it does not fit as well as the original. Heard on the radio there had been other reports of this, hence why I am making this report now. The incident took place before Christmas. There were no warning signs of this potentially happening. I am the only owner of this vehicle, purchased it new

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 1, 2023UT

Driving down the freeway and one of the windowshield trim pieces flew off the car. About a week later it happened again with the other side.

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 1, 2023FL

Windshield trim on my 2012 Ford Explorer keeps coming/flying off. The trim keeps coming apart. Happened twice since owning my SUV and replaced.

Structure
Filed Feb 1, 202382,000 milesMN

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the driver’s side windshield trim panel detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who installed a replacement panel to fix the failure. The contact stated that the passenger’s side windshield trim panel also experienced the same failure. The contact stated the failure had occurred twice on the driver’s side windshield panel and twice on the passenger’s side panel. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 82,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 31, 2023MA

Window trim pieces have fallen off 3x. We have had them replaced multiple times. Once, the trim piece came off on the highway and caused the vehicle behind to swerve. No accidents. Currently, the drivers side trim piece is loose again, and I'm considering having it replaced, again.

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 31, 2023MI

Driving around 70 mph during last summer and trim piece on driver side pillar flew off. Into traffic. I bought a new one and installed. Saw a news article today about it and wanted to let you know.

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 31, 2023IN

The windshield trim is deteriorating and flies off occasionally while driving down the road. These pieces of flying debris could fly off and hit another car or worse a motorcyclist. This pertains to the investigation the nhtsa and ford are currently working on.

Steering
Filed Jan 25, 2023NY

Power Steering Assit is intermittent and Steering Efforts increase to an unsafe level.

Steering
Filed Jan 24, 2023215,002 milesKY

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed and driving around a curve, the power steering assist warning light illuminated, and the steering wheel became firm. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The following morning the contact started the vehicle, and the steering wheel was firm with the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed and the mechanic stated that the vehicle was experiencing the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (STEERING). The contact stated that an Extended Warranty for the failure had expired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the Extended Warranty had expired. The failure mileage was 215,002.

Steering
Filed Jan 20, 2023143,000 milesUT

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the power steering assist fault warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact used excessive force to drive the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a steering gear failure. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) which he linked to the failure however, the VIN was not included. The contact called the manufacturer and was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall or under warranty. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.

Steering › Electric Power Assist System
Filed Jan 19, 202380,639 milesGA

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while reversing, the "Electronic Power Steering Assist" message displayed, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. After turning off and restarting the vehicle, the failure had self-corrected, and the vehicle operated normally. The vehicle was later driven to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering gear was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was previously serviced under the NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The contact was concerned that the same failure had occurred after the recall repair had been performed. The failure mileage was 80,639.

Steering
Filed Dec 21, 2022NJ

2012 Ford explorer has a recall 14s06 which my vehicle allegedly isnt apart of , but for some reason im having this issue. Which is extremely dangerous

Steering
Filed Dec 5, 2022133,182 milesMA

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while making a right turn to drive into a parking lot, he experienced a loss of power steering functionality. The "Service Advancetrac" and "Service Power Steering Now" warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the contact was made aware that a steering Extended Warranty had expired. The vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting a diagnostic test and repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised to file a complaint with the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was 133,182.

Steering
Filed Nov 29, 2022170,000 milesMI

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, there was an audible chime heard along with the message to "Service Power Steering" before the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer. The cause of the failure was unknown. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under the Manufacturer’s Extended Service Program which was related to the failure. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 170,000.

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

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