2012 Ford Explorer Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 24about this part
- Share
- 3%of 830 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 49,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the visibility of the 2012 Ford Explorer, 3% of the 830 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 49,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving at 55 miles per hour and the molding from around the right side windshield flew off after driving another 10-15 miles the left hand molding on the windshield also blew off this could have been trouble for any one behind me or to the side of me.”
NHTSA complaint #10651997, filed 2014-11, 28,000 miles“The wipers will randomly turn on even if the switch is off. I have found that I have to turn the wipers on to the highest setting then immediately turn them off you get the wipers to stay off. My second problem is the air bag warning light will turn on at random times while driving. I can go weeks or months with out it turning on but I can also go weeks with it staying on 24/7. I have taken it to a Ford dealer to be looked at and the answer I got was 'we are not sure why it's doing it but just put a towel on the dash to keep it from getting hot and that should fix it maybe'. …”
NHTSA complaint #11098067, filed 2018-05, 60,000 miles“Slush on the windshield pulled the wiper from the wiper arm on the passenger side making me pull over on a busy street. The manufactured arm is the cheapest and most unreliable arm I've ever seen. I checked with other 2012 Ford explorers and they have the same arm. The 2013 and 2014 have different style arms that hold the wiper on securely. I'm going back to the dealer to see if they can put different arms on but this definitely is a safety issue. Just by raising the wiper arm up and grabbing the bottom of the blade the wiper snaps off. …”
NHTSA complaint #10569267, filed 2014-03, 19,000 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“Window trim pieces have fallen off 3x. We have had them replaced multiple times. Once, the trim piece came off on the highway and caused the vehicle behind to swerve. No accidents. Currently, the drivers side trim piece is loose again, and I'm considering having it replaced, again.”
NHTSA complaint #11504625, filed 2023-01Related service bulletins
- 10207049Jan 7, 2022Some 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…
- 10164508Aug 9, 2019Some 2010-2020 vehicles may exhibit distorted glass with a subtle orange peel pattern or streaking etched into the surface. This is caused by hydrofluoric acid which is used in…
- 10162064Jun 7, 2019Some 2011-2015 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit front window glass that jumps/chatters during up/down movement. This may be due to various conditions in…
- 10057834Jul 1, 2015Ford: no service action is recommended for this condition. Please use at your discretion. Various 2010-2015 vehicles may experience a turbulence noise, similar to an helicopter…
- 10058219Mar 1, 2015Ford explorer 2011-2015: bulletin information regarding the front glass window chattering up/down while traveling. The front window regulator motor needs to be replaced.
- 10057395Sep 1, 2014Lincoln/ford: on some vehicles, the moon roof sunshade binding is experiencing issues such as retaining clips/tabs are broken and its hard to open or close. Model 2009-14 mks…
- 10053467Jun 12, 2013Ford: when front window glass, on some vehicles, are being opening or closing, there is a chattering or jumping movement. Models 2011-2013 explorer.
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 14% |
| 2025 | 13 | 12% |
| 2024 | 3 | 14% |
| 2023 | 11 | 10% |
| 2022 | 31 | 11% |
| 2021 | 48 | 11% |
| 2020 | 69 | 6% |
| 2019 | 8 | 3% |
| 2018 | 27 | 4% |
| 2017 | 77 | 5% |
| 2016 | 68 | 3% |
| 2015 | 45 | 2% |
| 2014 | 53 | 3% |
| 2013 | 63 | 3% |
| 2012 | 24 | 3% |
| 2011 | 23 | 2% |
| 2010 | 3 | 3% |
| 2009 | 3 | 9% |
| 2008 | 4 | 3% |
| 2007 | 9 | 4% |
| 2006 | 16 | 3% |
| 2005 | 26 | 5% |
| 2004 | 112 | 9% |
| 2003 | 62 | 5% |
| 2002 | 138 | 4% |
| 2001 | 17 | 5% |
| 2000 | 46 | 5% |
| 1999 | 217 | 16% |
| 1998 | 108 | 6% |
| 1997 | 90 | 5% |
| 1996 | 47 | 3% |
| 1995 | 19 | 2% |
| 1994 | 71 | 6% |
| 1993 | 56 | 6% |
| 1992 | 46 | 7% |
| 1991 | 32 | 5% |
| 1990 | 1 | 8% |
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 complaintsFuel system
34 complaintsAir bags
27 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