2012 Ford Explorer Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 144about this part
- Share
- 17%of 830 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 96,500miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 144 complaints about the body and structure of the 2012 Ford Explorer, 17% of the 830 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 96,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
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“I was driving on highway today at 70mph and all of a sudden I heard a slapping noise on passenger side the rubber molding from winshield came loose and was hitting passenger window. After stopping at next exit I was able to push it back into trim piece but the trim piece is a little loose.”
NHTSA complaint #11338484, filed 2020-07, 146,000 miles“While driving on the expressway, down a straight stretch of road the molding on my driver's side window trim flew off. There were no cracks or damage to it prior to this happening. After I leaving my destination, the sticky rubber underneath came loose, flapping against my windshield and driver side window until it flew off, hitting the car behind me. I was also on the expressway doing around 75 MPH when this incident occurred.”
NHTSA complaint #11329017, filed 2020-06, 98,700 miles“There are water leaks on the hatchback on both sides and it was determined by the dealership that there is a water leak in the right rear body seam..other leaks could be possible.when it rains the wheel well has 3 inches of water in it. We had to remove the spare tire and the mold is making me sick..it's a overwhelming smell and it is not safe to drive with no spare”
NHTSA complaint #10853055, filed 2016-04, 32,000 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 recalls
- 24V031000Jan 19, 2024Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim…Covers: Ford Explorer 2011–2019
- 15V171000Mar 24, 2015Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the interior door handle return spring may…Covers: Ford Explorer 2011–2013
Related 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…
- 10177863Jul 13, 2020This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit…
- 10163552Jul 4, 2019Some 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles equipped with a factory keyless entry keypad may exhibit a loose driver side B-pillar front door upper moulding. This may be caused by a lack of…
- 10156863Feb 7, 2019Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without…
- 10155551Feb 7, 2019Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without…
- 10095849Feb 22, 20172011-2015 explorer and mkt vehicles requiring replacement of right front axle shaft no longer require installation of the center support bearing heat shield(7f469). The heat…
- 10043550Jan 1, 2012Power lift gate may not be opening or may close after opening a very little.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 5% |
| 2025 | 7 | 7% |
| 2023 | 10 | 9% |
| 2022 | 11 | 4% |
| 2021 | 25 | 6% |
| 2020 | 45 | 4% |
| 2019 | 150 | 50% |
| 2018 | 288 | 39% |
| 2017 | 659 | 39% |
| 2016 | 591 | 24% |
| 2015 | 411 | 23% |
| 2014 | 276 | 16% |
| 2013 | 439 | 20% |
| 2012 | 144 | 17% |
| 2011 | 110 | 9% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 2 | 6% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 11 | 5% |
| 2006 | 11 | 2% |
| 2005 | 151 | 30% |
| 2004 | 426 | 33% |
| 2003 | 354 | 31% |
| 2002 | 486 | 15% |
| 2001 | 29 | 8% |
| 2000 | 29 | 3% |
| 1999 | 47 | 3% |
| 1998 | 48 | 2% |
| 1997 | 50 | 3% |
| 1996 | 63 | 4% |
| 1995 | 39 | 5% |
| 1994 | 158 | 13% |
| 1993 | 86 | 9% |
| 1992 | 62 | 10% |
| 1991 | 31 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2012 Ford Explorer
360 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 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