2012 Ford Explorer Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 34about this part
- Share
- 4%of 830 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 51,426miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 34 complaints about the fuel system of the 2012 Ford Explorer, 4% of the 830 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 51,426 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“There is a strong smell of carbon monoxide when the engine is reved over 3000 -3500 RPM this happens every single time. It seems to be on par with the other complaints regarding this issue with the exhaust system. I noticed this issue since I bought the car from the used car lot.”
NHTSA complaint #11385367, filed 2020-12, 142,000 miles“Monday, february 18, 2019 when I startedmy car I started smelling a strong order of a natural gas smell coming from my car. It gets so bad that I have to roll down the windows at times. I contacted Ford regarding this however they said thatt since me car is out of warranty it will be be covered and there are no current recalls on this vehicle. It's a constant gas smell whether I'm driving, idling, or parked. This is not safe.”
NHTSA complaint #11185860, filed 2019-03, 195,000 miles“I abruptly accelerated around a car that maneuvered infront of me and my interior cabin was filled with an nauseating exhaust smell. I got a headache, light headed, and pulled over, because I was starting to get dizzy and develop headaches. This occurred on a highway, and nearly killed me. I am furious.”
NHTSA complaint #10994567, filed 2017-06, 59,000 miles“I am experiencing an odor of carbon monoxide inside the car. I live in el salvador central america and have found in the internet that there is a recall for this problem the agency in my country does not responsabilize on this I have small children and we cant be smelling this exhaust fumens and strange odors inside our car.”
NHTSA complaint #10621834, filed 2014-08, 6,000 miles“Power cut off. (golden wrench of I dont know what's wrong came on) on 4 lane had to pull over to shoulder of road. Cut off engine, restart, no light drove to Ford shop monday and left car. Shop to check out and get back with me. Friday had to call and see if any news of whats wrong. Told after 3 hr runaround, needs battery and throttle body $ 900.00 +- out of warranty consumer satisfaction program 13n03”
NHTSA complaint #10743324, filed 2015-07, 53,000 milesFuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 7% |
| 2025 | 3 | 3% |
| 2023 | 3 | 3% |
| 2022 | 37 | 14% |
| 2021 | 28 | 6% |
| 2020 | 42 | 3% |
| 2019 | 17 | 6% |
| 2018 | 23 | 3% |
| 2017 | 49 | 3% |
| 2016 | 112 | 5% |
| 2015 | 94 | 5% |
| 2014 | 72 | 4% |
| 2013 | 153 | 7% |
| 2012 | 34 | 4% |
| 2011 | 40 | 3% |
| 2010 | 9 | 8% |
| 2009 | 2 | 6% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 4 | 2% |
| 2006 | 27 | 4% |
| 2005 | 66 | 13% |
| 2004 | 33 | 3% |
| 2003 | 11 | 1% |
| 2002 | 72 | 2% |
| 2001 | 11 | 3% |
| 2000 | 19 | 2% |
| 1999 | 34 | 3% |
| 1998 | 63 | 3% |
| 1997 | 56 | 3% |
| 1996 | 23 | 2% |
| 1995 | 16 | 2% |
| 1994 | 33 | 3% |
| 1993 | 12 | 1% |
| 1992 | 18 | 3% |
| 1991 | 26 | 4% |
| 1990 | 2 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2012 Ford Explorer
360 complaintsBody and structure
144 complaintsOther or unknown
108 complaintsEngine
79 complaintsElectrical system
64 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
55 complaintsAir bags
27 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
24 complaintsSuspension
22 complaintsBrakes
21 complaintsElectronic stability control
19 complaintsVehicle speed control
17 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Ford Explorer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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