2012 Ford Explorer Wheels Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 1%of 830 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 132,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the wheels of the 2012 Ford Explorer, 1% of the 830 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 132,500 miles.
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.
“07/25- had recall ordered- toe link on both sides, rear. Performed at harrisonburg Ford, va. ; 09/04 driving on route 33 in va, mountain road. Heard grinding noise coming down mountain, noise steadily increased and began to feel like a loss of control. Slowed down and a mile from shop the noise stopped. Went to rice tire in va and had it checked. The bolt holding toe link on right side had dislodged nearly completely. Had it replaced and told to go to Ford to re torque both sides.; 09/05 went to Ford. Was informed that mechanic had hand torqued the bolts, essentially misread instructions. …”
NHTSA complaint #11279611, filed 2019-11, 120,000 miles“We have 74000 miles on our 2012 Ford Explorer. I was doing the 6000 mile service, change oil and filter, rotate tires, check fluids, brake inspection, and do inspect other areas. I was in the process torqueing the lug nuts after the tire rotation. I use a craftsman torque 1/2 drive ratchet for this. On the driver side front and rear wheel 1 out of the 5 wheel studs would not torque too the 100 ft. Pounds. The studs on each wheel stretch and are ready to break. Why would Ford use inferior medal in something so important. We recently owned a 2001 dodge durango and bought it new. …”
NHTSA complaint #10661374, filed 2014-12“purchased my ford from duval ford jax fl. heard a grinding noise. probably brakes. but cannot remove tires to check brake pads. swollen lug nuts. nothing will fit the nuts to remove the tire.”
NHTSA complaint #11429052, filed 2021-08Related service bulletins
- 10222507Mar 31, 2022Certain 2011-2017 Model Year Explorer Vehicles Rear Wheel Knuckle Replacement Ref 21S32 Submitting Owner Letter
- 10052787May 13, 2013Ford/lincoln: on some vehicles, when accelerating from stop or shifting between drive/reverse and/or reverse/drive, a noise is heard like pop, ting, click, coming from front…
Wheels: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 2 | 1% |
| 2021 | 5 | 1% |
| 2020 | 16 | 1% |
| 2019 | 4 | 1% |
| 2018 | 8 | 1% |
| 2017 | 60 | 4% |
| 2016 | 50 | 2% |
| 2015 | 15 | 1% |
| 2014 | 26 | 2% |
| 2013 | 20 | 1% |
| 2012 | 5 | 1% |
| 2011 | 9 | 1% |
| 2010 | 5 | 4% |
| 2009 | 3 | 9% |
| 2008 | 9 | 6% |
| 2007 | 10 | 5% |
| 2006 | 6 | 1% |
| 2005 | 15 | 3% |
| 2004 | 41 | 3% |
| 2003 | 56 | 5% |
| 2002 | 78 | 2% |
| 2001 | 10 | 3% |
| 2000 | 12 | 1% |
| 1999 | 6 | 0% |
| 1998 | 18 | 1% |
| 1997 | 12 | 1% |
| 1996 | 15 | 1% |
| 1995 | 4 | 0% |
| 1994 | 12 | 1% |
| 1993 | 6 | 1% |
| 1992 | 10 | 2% |
| 1991 | 13 | 2% |
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 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