2012 Ford Explorer complaints

While driving down the middle of a busy interstate suddenly the power steering was lost and a power steering assist warning appeared. Vehicle was almost impossible to control with no steering. After making it off the roadway and into a local business and turning the car off, when I turned it back on the warning was gone and the steering worked normally. This is definitely a life threatening failure and it happens without warning.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 30 MPH, several unknown codes appeared on the instrument panel and the steering became difficult to maneuver. The driver was able to stop on the side of the road and turned off the vehicle for a few minutes. When the vehicle was restarted the power steering functionality resumed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the code was an electric power steering failure and informed the contact of an unknown recall that was related to the failure. The manufacturer was notified and stated that the vehicle had to be taken to a dealer for diagnosis to confirm the failure and once confirmed, the repairs would be covered by Ford. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the electric power steering failure was confirmed. The manufacturer informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under an electric power assist recall. The contact was also informed that the vehicle was out of warranty and that the manufacturer would not cover the repairs. The vehicle was assumingly previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The approximate failure mileage was 142,000.

EPASS STEERING GEAR The power steering locked up on me while driving in town, thank goodness I was not on the freeway. I was finally able to steer it off the road, with incredible difficulty going 10 miles per hour to do so. The dealer says it is customer satisfaction issue and not a safety issue. I never received any letter that informed me of the problem. My vehicle just turned over 150,000 miles and they say it is out of warranty. It is about to cost me over $2500. The vehicle is at the dealership now, as I had to have it towed there. No warnings except right before it locked up.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH and turning left onto a street, the vehicle lost power steering assist and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stopped and turned the vehicle off and placed the vehicle in neutral(N) and with help was able to push the vehicle off the roadway. The contact stated he did not notice any warning lights being illuminated. The vehicle was towed back to the residence and later driven to a dealer. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear toe link and suspension needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, however, the contact stated that the steering failure reoccurred. The contact researched online and related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program Number: 15N01 (EPAS Steering Efforts). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.

Steering Assist alert for power steering. Has continued to go out on numerous occasions in which steering is nearly impossible to turn wheel. Verified with mechanic and believed to be in regards to recall : 14V286000. Called ford with no assistance. Researched online with several issues. Almost crashed with 5 children in the car.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while her husband was driving 65 MPH, the front driver’s side trim detached from the vehicle and landed in the middle of the road. The driver then continued driving to his destination. The driver took the vehicle to the local dealer and ordered the front driver’s side trim. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while his wife was attempting to reverse out of the garage, the steering wheel became difficult to steer. The message “Power Steering Fault” was displayed. The contact stated that his wife turned off and restarted the vehicle and the message disappeared. The contact stated that the power steering assist became operable; however, the failure recurred while driving. The contact stated that his wife was able to continue driving to the residence in a straightforward direction. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while pulling out a parking lot, the steering wheel seized, and the contact was not able to move the steering wheel. The service power steering assist message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle that the was not under recall. Additionally, the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 131,000.

When my car starts in the morning I receive a warning that the power steering is not working. I cannot turn the wheel and am at the point where I have to stop and start my car until the power steering comes back on. I am very concerned that this will happen while driving and I will be in a serious accident. I do not want to drive the car on the highway. I took this to Ford in Feb 2022 because Firestone informed me that there was a recall for this issue. Ford said the warning had been cleared after taking my car for about 3 days. This keeps happening so I called Ford twice in September 2022 and they told me the recall was expired. I took this to Lorentz this week and they confirmed the power steering issue and recall.

Power steering suddenly failed. Power steering assist light would come on spontaneously, but go off again after vehicle was restarted. Took vehicle to a local shop and was informed about the recall. Ford refuses to make repair claiming mileage has exceeded. Vehicle was not included in original recall, and we have received no paper work informing us about this recall

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the warning light disappeared. The contact stated that on another occasion, after restarting the vehicle the warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the steering rack assembly needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 120,000.

The vehicle loses steering ability at highway speeds. I have taken it to my local mechanic and been told it is a programming issue from ford. It was reprogrammed by ford several times under the previous steering recall.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, he heard an abnormal snapping sound then a clunking sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The traction control and the ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to get the vehicle back to the residence while driving approximately 10 MPH. The contact stated that the front subframe was corroded, causing the subframe to fracture and the wheels were pushed outwards in opposite directions. The contact had taken the vehicle to a certified mechanic who replaced the subframe. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 139,000.

Power steering failed while driving the car. Car displays warnings of Power Steering Assist failure, Service AdvanceTrac, and Terrain Management System failure. I took the car to my dealer, who advised that the issue is tied to Ford recall 15N01 and my vehicle would need a new steering rack, however, Ford denied the warranty coverage as outside the 10-year time period. When I contacted Ford to note that the May 17, 2019 letter posted on the NHTSA website to dealers and service centers appears to waive the 10-year time and 150,000 mile limitation for warranty coverage, Ford refused to pay for the repair and stated that the NHTSA notice was not an official Ford document.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the power steering warning light illuminated and the steering wheel became difficult while turning the steering wheel. The contact stated that the steering wheel shuddered as he had attempted to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that he pulled into a parking lot and turned the vehicle off. The contact restarted the vehicle and the power steering warning light illuminated and the vehicle lost power steering assist. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering rack and electric power steering assist system needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.

The contact's wife owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while his wife was driving 30-35 MPH, the steering wheel seized and the message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed. The contact was able to veer to the side of the roadway. The contact stated that upon turning off and restarting the vehicle several times, the steering wheel regained power steering functionality. The contact's wife was able to drive to the residence; however, the failure reoccurred the next day. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact's wife that she had to pay a repair fee as the vehicle had previously received the one-time free repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000. The contact stated that they paid out of pocket to have their vehicle repaired.

The truck has been in shop 5 times or actually 5 different dealerships. The recall has yet to be fixed but I continually pay to have the problem INVESTIGATED. The dash flashes loss of fuel pressure, service advance track soon, Battery level and mechanic wrench . I have this on video as it is constant occurrence. Each time ford takes it in they can't make the issue happen or recreate it. As told several times happens sporadic and not under any certain conditions. Over and over paying diagnostic fee and what they say will repair the issue only it happens pulling off the lot at 5 star ford Dallas Texas took it in under default to Bob Tomas Mckinney where they scanned it and found 17 communication errors left it there nothing was done but more exploration of issues going down the list of com failures and paying for each 3 anyway and it did it again leaving me stranded 3 times to count eventually leaving at Don Davis Ford Arlington Texas where it was again said repaired and is currently at Planet Ford Dallas where historically I paid $2850 and NOTHING was done as it again left me stranded and towed there where it can sit until it's fixed meaning this loss of horsepower the electric flashes and the gears in transmission ACTUALLY FUNCTION AS PER REQUESTED EACH TIME IN SERVICE

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 35-60 MPH, the front passenger's side vertical rubber gasket of the windshield detached and was slapping against the windshield. The contact continued driving. Upon arriving to her destination, the contact pushed the part into place; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the front passenger's side vertical rubber gasket of the windshield was scuffing the windshield. The contact also stated that the failure was distracting and obstructed her vision while driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle into the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering assist needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was 125,394.

Power steering locks while driving on highways forcing me to stop on side of road to restart vehicle. Vehicle pier steering no longer working. Took to mechanic and they advised it was a recall issue 13S14 - called Ford and was told the recall was already performed on the vehicle. Either not properly performed or this vehicle is a defect.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at 10 MPH, the power steering EAS warning light was illuminated. The contact continued driving to her residence. However, the steering wheel became difficult to steer. The contact towed the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering), however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Power Steering stopped working. EPS Fault. Seems like it should be a safety recall issue, but it's only an extended warranty. Unfortunately we're outside the warranty. Power steering should definitely be considered a Safety Recall

This last weekend, while my daughter and her boyfriend were driving over a very treacherous mountain pass on their way to Aspen, Independence Pass, the power steering system suddenly went out in her car. It’s NO EXAGGERATION to say that had my daughter’s boyfriend not been driving the vehicle, they likely would not be alive today. The vehicle is nearly impossible to maneuver safely with no power-steering, particularly on a winding mountain pass, and my daughter’s boyfriend, who is a very strong athlete, had difficulty driving them to safety. They ended up sleeping in their car near Aspen, because they could not drive safely to their intended destination. We were told that the power steering assist system failure was similar to a recall, but falls instead under a "customer satisfaction program" and Ford was willing to repair it free of charge for ten years only. Even though the car has under 150k miles, we were 8 months beyond the ten year period to have it fixed at no cost and are now told it will cost thousands to repair out of pocket. There is a ten year free repair coverage period and even though it’s a 2012 (and now 2022) because the vehicle was originally purchased in 2011, we have “missed” the coverage period by just a few months to have the part fixed at no cost and this will now cost us thousands of dollars to fix, which we don’t have. When purchasing, were shown the Carfax report, told everything looked fine, and signed as casually instructed. Obviously, from the lay

When I drive especially on roads with normal speed limits gas like smell or carbon monoxide smell comes into the car.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH and attempting to make a turn, the vehicle was difficult to turn. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The contact bought power steering fluid; however, she then became aware that the power steering was an electronic power steering, not a hydraulic power steering. The vehicle remained at the location of the failure and had a friend take her to the local dealer. The dealer diagnosed the failure as an electronic power steering assist failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

My wife was travelling on a state highway when she came to a curve and began slowing for the curve. She then started into the curve to the right when her power steering system had a failure. She could not steer the vehicle and the vehicle went straight into the oncoming lane which had a dump truck travelling in it. They both were able to come to a stop before a collision. My wife then shut her vehicle of and restarted the vehicle and the problem went away. She took a picture of the instrument cluster that had a message of "Power Steering Assist Fault". The vehicle has made the same fault message two more times since this first incident. This is a dangerous safety issue.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH and slowing for a traffic sign, the power steering failed while turning to the right. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to safely stop the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle to her residence without a power steering assist. The contact drove the vehicle to a dealer to be diagnosed. The mechanic determined that the steering gear and rear bushings needed to be replaced. The rear bushings were replaced; however, the steering gear was not repaired. The failure persisted. Additionally, the vehicle now constantly would steer to the right and the contact had to compensate to keep moving in a straight line by counter-steering to the left. The contact researched and found that the steering failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 168,000.

Rear Hub assembly’s making loud grinding noise. This should be a Warranty Recall similar to NHTSA 17E048000. Please advise.

Service AdvanceTrac Warning light illuminated, power steering fail...second time this happened around the same time last year. Also, right and left turn signals do not stay on while turning.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 151,000.

Hazard Light switch is not functional. Hazard lights that are inoperable causes high risk for vehicle occupants and others on the road when traffic flow is altered. The issue has been reproduced by the dealer and another repair shop. The main symptom is the ability to not turn on the hazard lights. The issue first appeared Nov 2021

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while she was at a stop sign, the steering wheel lost power steering inadvertently. The warning message "Power Steering Assist Fault" is illuminated. The contact turned the vehicle off for a minute. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle, the steering wheel regained power steering functionality. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering control module software needed to be updated. The independent mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for the repair. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion and the ABS needed to be replaced. The contact stated that she purchased the rack and pinion and her boyfriend completed the replacement; however, the failure reoccurred months later while driving 40-45 MPH. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the recall repair for NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) had previously been completed on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 147,841.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while her son was driving 70 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the service power steering warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to drive at a slower speed to his destination. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the electronic power steering module and the steering gear to be replaced. The contact called the manufacturer and was informed that NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) was completed by the previous owner. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 134,980.

Display failure due to ACM and APIM module failure. Vehicle left without backup camera, no phone connectivity, no heat/ac control, no navigation.

Air bag light on dash is on. Comes on and have taken it in several times to be fixed only to come back on

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of electric power steering assist. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and directed the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was 133,837.

In September 2021 the tranfer case craked and also cracked the transmission. I had both replaced. I got the car back in April of 2022 3 weeks later the tranfer case cracked again no waring lights no warn or symptoms indicating it was going bad just cracked.

Driving the vehicle and the steering stopped working. Power steering assist fault was on the dash , along with the traction control failure.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering assist. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed that an unknown steering wheel part needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that there was a previous recall for the steering associated with the VIN however, the recall had expired in September 2021. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) failure. The contact was informed that the EPAS needed to be replaced. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but declined the EPAS replacement. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 25 mph, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering wheel needed to be replaced however it was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 240,000.

At approximately 122,000 miles, my 2012 Ford Explorer had no power steering and error messages came up on the dash. It was towed to my local Goodyear where 7 error codes came up. They replaced the battery and 4 out of the 3 error codes went away but power steering was still locked up and not drive-able. They advised me I needed to take it to a Ford Dealership. Had to wait 2 weeks for an appointment at my local Ford Dealership where they advised me my Steering Gear needed to be replaced. After researching this, there was a recall on this. My vehicle fell under this recall, however it was just 5 months past the 10 year manufactures warranty expired. My local dealership advised me they tried to have it covered but Ford denied their request. How convenient that it was just 5 months outside of the expiration date. We called Ford customer care and they basically said "too bad". There are several hundred complaints on this SAFETY issue and Ford customer care said "it's NOT a SAFETY recall". How is this not a safety problem? So now I am out $3000 that I didn't have on a faulty vehicle.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 15 MPH, the steering wheel locked inadvertently, causing him to lose control of the vehicle and the vehicle drove off the road. The contact depressed the brake pedal and was able to stop the vehicle. The warning message "Power Steering Failure" was illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle by forcefully steering the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering gear needed to be replaced and the repair could be completed under the Customer Satisfaction Program: 15N01. The dealer submitted a claim to SSSC but the claim was denied. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that the vehicle should be repaired under the Customer Satisfaction Program: 15N01. The manufacturer contacted the dealer and the dealer resubmitted a claim to SSSC; however, SSSC denied the claim as the vehicle had exceeded 150,000 miles. The contact also referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The contact followed up with the manufacturer and was referred to NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 250,000.

While driving the car the following errors popped up Service Advance Trac and Service Power Steering Now, once errors popped the steering because difficult for driving without a large amount of pressure being applied for steering. I had children in the car and this could of become worse, but was thankful it was a straight shot to home. Fear is that this will happen to the next person driving with their children and it will be a more dangerous problem

The hinge of the hatchback has cracked. water enters into my car through the rear right hinge. The water then runs down my 3rd row right seat belt. Down into the storage area for the spare. Mold has started growing. this is a safety hazard. I have searched and seen multiple complaints of the same issue. I purchased this car in 2018. And noticed from day one of rain. I also noticed the previous owners have tried to remedy with some type of caulking or glue. The car had been inspected by my mechanic.

While driving my automatic power steering light came on and I was unable to easily steer the vehicle either at the speed I was going nor when I slowed down. Thankfully there were not that many cars in the parking area I turned into as I was unable to park within lines of a parking space. I called aaa to tow the car home, but the steering functionality had returned. I do not feel safe driving until this is repaired. It has not yet been repaired.

Heavy rain causes water to leak inside vehicle. Repaired sunroof on which electrical parts was “burned” out due to water leakage. Water continues to leak inside of vehicle through driver and 3rd row (driver side) seatbelts. Googled issue and looks like many people are having this problem. There is no way that dealership was not aware of this issue as it definitely rains in Indiana where car was purchased. Just would like this to be known and fixed as this can cause not only electrical issues (sunroof went out, radio dashboard has problems) but also health issue as mold can form in vehicle.

My vehicle lost power steering on December 4th, 2021, 10 days after the extended warranty date. After waiting several weeks for my vehicle to be fixed my power steering rack was finally replaced. An independent mechanic replaced the power steering rack the first week of January, 2022. I picked up the vehicle on 011122 and it drove fine. Approximately 15 miles later, the service power steering message appeared and I lost power steering again.

The contact's husband owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon startup of the vehicle, the power steering assist had failed as the power steering assist fault warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. After another man attempted to steer the vehicle, the contact left the vehicle in the parking lot and got a ride home. The next day, the contract called for a tow; however, the power steering functionality returned. With the tow truck following behind her, the contact was able to drive the vehicle to an independent mechanic. After a diagnostic test was performed, the mechanic informed her that he was not authorized to service the vehicle and advised her to take the vehicle to a dealer. The contact was then able to drive the vehicle to a dealer where she was given an appointment for a diagnostic test. The contact was able to drive the vehicle home and was instructed by the dealer to not drive the vehicle until it was repaired. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Upon starting the vehicle dash lights illuminate saying power steering assist faulty. Following this the hill descent and traction control lights illuminate with a faulty code and then abs. Car was scanned with multiple error codes and cleared but the problem reoccurs. Looking into recalls there is one of power steering but the car is outside of the warranty with having 177,000 miles and just over the 10 years. Reading other peoples reports this needs to be recalled, it’s putting lots of peoples lives at risk and they aren’t even aware of the problem ford fails to acknowledge.