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EquipmentPart report

2012 Ford Explorer Equipment Problems

Complaints
7about this part
Share
1%of 830 total for the year
Median mileage
3,725miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the equipment of the 2012 Ford Explorer, 1% of the 830 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 3,725 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Two extremely frightening experiences happened this day. (1) I was driving on interstate 95 and the Explorer braked extremely hard from a speed of 65 MPH to zero. There was nothing around and I could not determine any reason for this. I proceeded on to my destination and the vehicle accelerated inexplicably to 95 MPH. I tried to turn off the cruise control manually and by tapping the brake (I was fearful of the vehicle rolling). Thank god, I was able to maneuver around traffic in northern new jersey and then the vehicle reduced speed. …”

NHTSA complaint #10437069, filed 2011-11, 692 miles

“This form does not allow entry of multiple dates. There is an issue with myfordtouch with this vehicle that is continual. Putting in one date is pointless. The climate (defroster, etc) system and the navigation system are part of this module, along with phone and audio features. This module locks continually and it is dangerous because you can't control the defroster or navigation system manually when this occurs. Repeated trips to the dealer have been fruitless and my wife was in dangerous situations several times in heavy traffic corridor conditions in northern new jersey. …”

NHTSA complaint #10437068, filed 2011-11, 420 miles

“I bought a new 2012 Ford Explorer on 11/26/11. The my touch computer didn't work from the begining. The response is slow or non-existent. The screens change on their own. The system freezes up at times leaving no control over nav, stereo, climate, phone, or either of 2 dashboard screens. It will switch to radio and play really loud and then switch back on it's own. Ford knows of this problem and can't fix it. They've had my car 3 times and now refuse to see me more about this. They say a fix will come in the future. Many people are having this problem. …”

NHTSA complaint #10448596, filed 2012-02

“The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that touchscreen of the navigational system malfunctioned. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who but they advised that the failure could not be corrected. The manufacturer was notified of the failure who advised that a remedy for the failure was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 1,450.”

NHTSA complaint #10436374, filed 2011-11, 1,450 miles

“The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact smelled a strong fuel and burning odor in the vehicle. The failure was persistent. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the heat and air conditioner calibrations needed to be updated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was concerned about the fumes in the vehicle affecting her children. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.”

NHTSA complaint #10820259, filed 2016-01, 36,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Equipment: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202120%
202030%
201841%
201730%
201620%
201520%
201410%
201340%
201271%
201161%
200913%
200821%
200731%
2006112%
200561%
2004141%
2003141%
2002602%
2001113%
2000141%
1999272%
1998372%
1997392%
1996161%
199571%
1994323%
1993273%
1992234%
1991295%

Other parts of the 2012 Ford Explorer

Steering
360 complaintsBody and structure
144 complaintsOther or unknown
108 complaintsEngine
79 complaintsElectrical system
64 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
55 complaintsFuel system
34 complaintsAir bags
27 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
24 complaintsSuspension
22 complaintsBrakes
21 complaintsElectronic stability control
19 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2012 Ford Explorer

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.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology