2012 Ford Explorer Other or unknown Problems
- Complaints
- 108about this part
- Share
- 13%of 830 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 57,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 108 complaints about the other or unknown of the 2012 Ford Explorer, 13% of the 830 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 57,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“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 miles“I own a 2012 Ford Explorer xlt ecoboost was functioning fine till one day driving my family back from the airport my check engine light came on and began to flash. Then all of a sudden the car SUV began to shake horribly and would not in acceleration. After having the Explorer towed to the Ford dealer it was determined that the ecoboost system failed.”
NHTSA complaint #10882401, filed 2016-07, 70,000 miles“While driving to work, exhaust fumes in my car nearly put me to sleep. I took it to my Ford dealership to find the problem, and learned that Ford has a service bulletin to correct this issue, so they have been aware of this problem. This should have been a safety related recall, but instead I must pay $885.00 to repair this known safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10780183, filed 2015-10, 57,000 miles“After parking my vehicle in my drive way (vehicle was in park with emergency brake applied) I exited the vehicle and the vehicle started rolling forwards down my slopped driveway. I attempted to chase the vehicle hoping to jump in and apply the brake but was unable to. Vehicle came to a stop after hitting my fence, bushes, and a small tree. There was body damage to the front right portion of the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11112762, filed 2018-07, 50,800 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11029052Feb 24, 2026Ford 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…
- 11008948Oct 10, 2024While 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…
- 10226952Nov 4, 2022Certain 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…
- 10226951Nov 4, 2022Certain 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…
Other or unknown: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 11 | 26% |
| 2025 | 19 | 18% |
| 2024 | 4 | 19% |
| 2023 | 26 | 23% |
| 2022 | 58 | 21% |
| 2021 | 90 | 20% |
| 2020 | 212 | 17% |
| 2019 | 48 | 16% |
| 2018 | 168 | 23% |
| 2017 | 374 | 22% |
| 2016 | 434 | 18% |
| 2015 | 407 | 22% |
| 2014 | 343 | 20% |
| 2013 | 351 | 16% |
| 2012 | 108 | 13% |
| 2011 | 118 | 10% |
| 2010 | 9 | 8% |
| 2009 | 6 | 18% |
| 2008 | 12 | 8% |
| 2007 | 5 | 2% |
| 2006 | 24 | 4% |
| 2005 | 16 | 3% |
| 2004 | 37 | 3% |
| 2003 | 48 | 4% |
| 2002 | 44 | 1% |
| 2001 | 12 | 3% |
| 2000 | 27 | 3% |
| 1999 | 27 | 2% |
| 1998 | 43 | 2% |
| 1997 | 40 | 2% |
| 1996 | 33 | 2% |
| 1995 | 16 | 2% |
| 1994 | 16 | 1% |
| 1993 | 11 | 1% |
| 1992 | 5 | 1% |
| 1991 | 16 | 3% |
| 1990 | 1 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2012 Ford Explorer
360 complaintsBody and structure
144 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 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 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