2012 Ford Explorer Problems
Compared with other Ford Explorer years
Typical for this model
46/100 0.9× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.9× that of a typical Ford Explorer year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 138 of its 830 complaints were filed by the end of 2014.
- Most reported problem: Loss of power steering assist (intermittent) (353 complaints, median 88,000 mi).
- 5 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2009, 2010
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 830filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles, 566 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 5campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 23 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 20 city / 27 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2012 Ford Explorer (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2012 Explorer most often describe two things: a loss of power steering assist that comes and goes, and exterior A-pillar/windshield trim that loosens or separates. Both are reported across a wide mileage range, from under 40,000 miles to well past 150,000, so a well-used example is not the only one likely to show them. Complaints also mention intermittent electrical and airbag warning light concerns at lower mileage.
- Steering
Loss of power steering assist (intermittent)
- 353 complaints (43%)
- median 88,000 mi at 7.2 yrs old (265 state mileage)
- 6 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $2,000 (median of 24 quotes)
- filed 2012–2026
Owners describe the steering wheel suddenly becoming very stiff, often with a "Power Steering Assist Fault" message on the cluster. In many accounts the assist returns after the vehicle is shut off and restarted, then the problem returns later, sometimes becoming constant. Dealers reportedly diagnosed the steering gear or rack, the power steering module, or the steering column, with some owners told their VIN was not covered by the earlier power steering recall. Reported from roughly 11,000 miles up past 200,000, often at low speeds, while turning, or right after starting the vehicle.
What to check: Ask whether the electric power steering assist recall work (14V286000) was done, and get the VIN checked against it. During a test drive, watch for the power steering warning message and feel for any sudden heaviness at low speed or while turning.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“As I was pulling out of a parking lot onto a city street the power steering alert came on and I lost power steering. The car was very difficult to steer and I barely managed to stay on the road. Turning was the difficult part. I parked the car and shut off the engine. When I started the car again the power steering had returned.”
NHTSA complaint #11404948, filed 2021-03, 88,000 miles“Recall 14s06/15n01 performed in 2016 for failed steering. Complete steering rack replaced. 4 years later the steering completely failed again while my wife was driving. Luckily I was with. Vehicle is impossible for her to steer when it failed. I was able to take over and get the vehicle home. Takes all the strength you need to turn. Took it to Ford dealership. Ford refuses to replace the failed steering rack again that was replaced under a safety recall. Ford also refuses to help with any financial support for the $3000 repair. …”
NHTSA complaint #11361898, filed 2020-09, 143,000 miles - Body and structure
Exterior A-pillar and windshield trim detaching
- 118 complaints (14%)
- median 113,000 mi at 12.3 yrs old (60 state mileage)
- filed 2014–2026
Complaints describe the exterior windshield or A-pillar trim coming loose and sometimes flying off at highway speeds, along with wind noise or air entering near the windshield. Some owners report the trim on both sides and rear hatch trim loosening and re-repairing without lasting success, and several mention being told recall parts were not yet available. Owners also describe temporary fixes like tape. Reported from roughly 35,000 miles to over 200,000, frequently at highway speeds.
Recall 24V0310001 related service bulletin
What to check: Check both A-pillar and windshield side trims for looseness, gaps, missing clips, or dried rubber seals, and listen for wind noise on a highway test drive. Ask whether recall 24V031000 has been completed on the vehicle.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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 contact stated that upon purchasing the vehicle, the trim on the lower part of the windshield detached and was loosened. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #11686724, filed 2025-09, 125,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11519402, filed 2023-04, 72,000 miles
Buying note. Check the steering assist behavior and the A-pillar/windshield trim carefully, and confirm which open recalls have actually been completed for the VIN. A pre-purchase scan for stored steering and airbag codes is worthwhile, since several of these concerns start intermittently.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 830 consumer complaints for the 2012 Ford Explorer. 566 of the complaints include a mileage, and 35% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 70,000 miles. Of all complaints, 10 involved a crash, 6 a fire, 13 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 87 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 15 Ford Explorer model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 46 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Steering360 43%
- Body and structure144 17%
- Other or unknown108 13%
- Engine79 9.5%
- Electrical system64 7.7%
- Transmission and drivetrain55 6.6%
- Fuel system34 4.1%
- Air bags27 3.3%
- Suspension22 2.6%
Also reported: Brakes (21), Electronic stability control (19), Vehicle speed control (17), Engine cooling (14), Seat belts (14), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (12), Equipment (7), Exterior lighting (6), Wheels (5), Seats (2).
Example complaints
Steering: “Power steering assist failure is coming on and the steering wheel completely locks. In researching this- several other Ford explorers have been recalled due to this. This is a very serious concern - luckily this happened to me while in my driveway- I can not imagine what the outcome would be if I were on the road running 50 MPH.”
NHTSA complaint #11386000, filed 2021-01, 111,000 milesBody and structure: “My 2012 Ford Explorer leaks from the 3rd row seatbelt. It has ruined the carpet in the back and molded it. It also filled up the spare tire area with water and rusted the rim of the spare tire and the inside where the tire sits. I did not notice this until many months after I bought it because I wasn't using the 3rd row at the time.”
NHTSA complaint #11234793, filed 2019-07, 37,000 milesOther or unknown: “When the vehicle is stationary and I turn on the vehicle it displays the following message power steering assist fault and the steering wheel locks and I am unable to move the vehicle until I turn it off and turn it back on at least 2 times. I am afraid if this fails while I am driving I could kill myself or someone else.”
NHTSA complaint #11234185, filed 2019-07, 120,776 milesEngine: “I have an exhaust smell coming from my vents. This odor is present in the front and back seats of the car. It is present when the vehicle is in motion, as well as when it is stationary. It happens at random times and can happen while driving at a slower rate, and while driving at high speeds. The dealership cannot identify the source of the smell.”
NHTSA complaint #11173547, filed 2019-02, 88,500 milesMileage when problems were reported
35% of the 566 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 40,000 and 122,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2012 Ford Explorer. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer · SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 17.4% risk |
| Explorer · SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 16.9% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2012 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning not available, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2013: 5 stars overall. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2012 Ford Explorer version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Explorer FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Explorer FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 18 | 25 | 20 | $3,350 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 24V031000Jan 19, 2024Structure › Body › Roof and pillarsCovers: Ford Explorer 2011–2019
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.
- 21V746000Sep 22, 2021Suspension › RearCovers: Ford Explorer 2011–2013
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…
- 19V435000Jun 10, 2019Suspension › RearCovers: Ford Explorer 2011–2017
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.
- 15V171000Mar 24, 2015Structure › Body › DoorCovers: Ford Explorer 2011–2013
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…
- 14V286000May 29, 2014Steering › Electric power assist systemCovers: Ford Explorer 2011–2013
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…
Recall details for the 2012 Ford Explorer → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE23001Windshield trim molding Item detachmentClosed · Jan 27, 2023
- EA17002Exhaust Odor in Passenger CabClosed · Jul 27, 2017
- PE16008Ford Explorer Exhaust OdorClosed · Jul 1, 2016
- PE12017Electric power steering failureClosed · Jun 19, 2012
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 87 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11029052Feb 24, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system, Body and structure. Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code…
- 11008948Oct 10, 2024Other or unknown. While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. While performing a transmission…
- 10254138Apr 24, 2024Equipment. All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should…
- 10232579Feb 7, 2023Suspension. Certain 2011-2017 Model Year Explorer Vehicles Rear Wheel Knuckle Replacement REASON FOR THIS SUPPLEMENT Program Terms: added 21R01 and 21R02 REASON FOR PROVIDING A NO-COST, ONE-TIME REPAIR: added…
- 10226952Nov 4, 2022Suspension, Other or unknown. Certain 2011 - 2013 Model Year Explorer Vehicles with Rear Wheel Knuckles that have been Replaced Rear Toe Link Inspection/Replacement Under Safety Recall 21S43, some of the affected vehicles that…
- 10226951Nov 4, 2022Other or unknown, Suspension. Certain 2011-2017 Model Year Explorer Vehicles Rear Toe Link Replacement Under Safety Recall 21S32, some of the affected vehicles exposed to a highly corrosive environment where road salt is used…
- 10222507Mar 31, 2022Wheels. Certain 2011-2017 Model Year Explorer Vehicles Rear Wheel Knuckle Replacement Ref 21S32 Submitting Owner Letter
- 10208271Feb 18, 2022Suspension. This program provides a no-cost, one-time repair (if needed) to the rear wheel knuckles for six (6) months from the Repair Order (RO) opening date for field service actions 21S32 or 21S43 provided…
- 10207049Jan 7, 2022Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Some 2011-2022 Explorer and 2020-2022 Aviator vehicles may experience an inoperative roof opening panel motor. If diagnostics lead to a motor replacement, visually inspect the original motor for…
- 10180428Sep 25, 2020Engine cooling. Some 2009-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbochargers may exhibit an oil leak from the turbocharger oil supply or return tubes, O-rings or 6.7L pedestal gasket. Although oil may…
Other model years of the Ford Explorer
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 42 | 2,600 | 14 | 5 | 24 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 107 | 3,000 | 20 | 5 | 21 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 21 | 8,832 | 10 | 5 | 21 | — | Too new |
| 2023 | 111 | 17,000 | 15 | 5 | 23 | 19 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 271 | 37,000 | 25 | — | 23 | 39 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 448 | 44,000 | 27 | 5 | 24 | 54 · Typical | Rising |
| 2020 | 1,244 | 23,750 | 34 | 5 | 24 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 300 | 54,000 | 6 | 5 | 20 | 2 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2018 | 734 | 50,000 | 7 | 5 | 20 | 42 · Typical | Rising |
| 2017 | 1,704 | 50,000 | 13 | 5 | 20 | 86 · More | Rising |
| 2016 | 2,463 | 48,850 | 14 | 5 | 20 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2015 | 1,812 | 57,000 | 8 | 5 | 20 | 91 · More | Rising |
| 2014 | 1,684 | 66,000 | 6 | 5 | 20 | 71 · More | Rising |
| 2013 | 2,237 | 76,439 | 11 | 5 | 20 | 73 · More | Rising |
| 2012 | 830 | 70,000 | 5 | 4 | 23 | 46 · Typical | Rising |
| 2011 | 1,197 | 70,000 | 6 | — | 20 | 76 · More | Rising |
| 2010 | 115 | 40,707 | 1 | — | 17 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 33 | 77,000 | 0 | — | 17 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 148 | 77,000 | 1 | — | 16 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 208 | 67,250 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2006 | 630 | 55,000 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 497 | 70,000 | 0 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 1,304 | 65,000 | 0 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 1,131 | 73,000 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 3,295 | 79,000 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 375 | 90,000 | 6 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 952 | 77,419 | 9 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 1,348 | 82,193 | 9 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 1,959 | 100,000 | 9 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 1,731 | 99,500 | 7 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 1,450 | 120,208 | 6 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1995 | 843 | 121,585 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 1,207 | 99,041 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1993 | 939 | 117,494 | 6 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1992 | 633 | 108,065 | 4 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 609 | 121,902 | 8 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1990 | 12 | 58,410 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Ford Explorer model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Ford Explorer?
Owners of the 2012 Explorer most often describe two things: a loss of power steering assist that comes and goes, and exterior A-pillar/windshield trim that loosens or separates. The issues reported most often: Loss of power steering assist (intermittent); Exterior A-pillar and windshield trim detaching.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012 Ford Explorer have?
NHTSA recorded 830 consumer complaints for the 2012 Ford Explorer as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2012 Ford Explorer is reported most often?
Steering is named most often, in 360 complaints (43% of the total), followed by body and structure with 144.
Has the 2012 Ford Explorer been recalled?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2012 Ford Explorer do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2012 Ford Explorer 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Ford Explorer get?
The EPA rates the 2012 Ford Explorer (Explorer FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 23 mpg combined, 20 city and 27 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,900 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2012 Ford Explorer reported?
Among the 566 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 70,000 miles and the middle half falls between 40,000 and 122,000 miles; 35% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.