Overall rating (best variant)
Safety ratings
2012 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD
- Lane departure warningNo
- Forward collision warningOptional
- Electronic stability controlStandard
2012 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV FWD
- Lane departure warningNo
- Forward collision warningOptional
- Electronic stability controlStandard
Crash test videos & photos
No public crash-test footage is available for this vehicle.
Recalls (7)
- STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEMCampaign 14V286000 · 29/05/2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured May 17, 2010, through February 28, 2012. The affected vehicles may experience an intermittent connection in the electric power steering gear, which can cause a loss of the motor position sensor signal resulting in a shut down of the power steering assist.
Risk: If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist it will require extra steering effort at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) software, free of charge. If a vehicle shows a history of a loss of motor position sensor signal when the vehicle is brought in for the recall remedy, its steering rack assembly will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on July 23, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S06.
- WHEELS:HUBCampaign 17E048000 · 28/08/2017
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain Wheel Hub Bearing assemblies, part number HB5Z-1104-C, incorrectly listed as being for installation on the rear axles of 2011-2017 Ford Explorer 4X2 vehicles. These bearings assemblies were manufactured without a self retention feature, possibly resulting in the separation of the wheel or wheel end.
Risk: A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify the distributors of the hubs specifying that they are to only be used on drive axles. It is believed that none of the hubs were purchased from Ford dealers for the incorrect application. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
- STRUCTURE:BODY:DOORCampaign 15V171000 · 24/03/2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the interior door handle return spring may unseat, resulting in interior door handle that does not return to the fully stowed position after actuation.
Risk: If the interior door handle return spring is unseated, the door may unlatch in the event of a side impact crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four of the interior door handles and either repair or replace them, free of charge. The recall began on July 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S11.
- SUSPENSION:REARCampaign 21V746000 · 22/09/2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. These vehicles may be equipped with a cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) replacement part that could seize, and result in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.
Risk: A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealer will inspect for the presence of a CABJ. If a CABJ of any design is found, the dealer will inspect the tightness of the CABJ, and replace the CABJ, knuckle, and/or toe link as necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters were mailed November 10, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 17, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S43.
- STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARSCampaign 24V031000 · 19/01/2024
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
Risk: A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024 and December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
- SUSPENSION:REARCampaign 19V435000 · 10/06/2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
Risk: A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, and inspect both rear toe link ball joints, replacing the rear wheel knuckle(s), if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S17.
- STEERINGCampaign 14E001000 · 06/01/2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain replacement steering gears installed on model year 2011-2012 Explorers as service parts in September 2013 and January 2014. The affected gears may lock, preventing the driver from being able to steer the vehicle.
Risk: The inability to steer the vehicle increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners and dealers will replace the suspect steering gears with new steering gears, free of charge. The recall began on January 29, 2014. Customers may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 13S14.
Owner complaints
Most-reported areas
- STEERING234
- STRUCTURE74
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER57
- ENGINE57
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM39
- POWER TRAIN35
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM22
- AIR BAGS17
Read individual complaints (50 most recent)
These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.
- 12/30/2024· STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the molding around the driver's side windshield was detaching. The contact had purchased and secured the molding with adhesive. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 60,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- 12/30/2019· STEERING
AFTER A RECALL FREE FIXED, THE CAR ITS SHOWING THE SAMETHING PROBLEM, BUT THE DEALERSHI SAY NOW I SHOULD TO PAY BECAUSE 4 YEARS AGO WAS FIX IT....
- 12/28/2020· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
- 12/28/2018· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE - AIR BAGS COULD MALFUNCTION AT ANYTIME DUE TO MISCOMMUNICATION WITHIN THE SYSTEM. AIR BAGS CAN DEPLOY AT ANYTIME OR CAN FAIL TO DEPLOY WHEN NECESSARY. AIR BAG LIGHT TURNS ON AND STAYS ON. ACCORDING TO FORD DEALER THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE BUT HAS NOT YET BEEN RECALLED. SEAT BELT BUCKLE REPLACED, AIR BAG DIAGNOSTIC MODULE REPLACED, PROGRAM CONTROL MODULE AIR BAG REPROGRAMED. LIGHT CONTINUES TO TURN ON. HAS A WIRE HARNESS ISSUE L/F DOOR MODULE SRS - WIRING LOOM NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.
- 12/27/2024· STEERING
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the steering wheel was locked. The message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle per the owner's manual; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering gearbox needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) because the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 138,800.
- 12/27/2021· STEERING
The power steering on the vehicle stopped working while driving. The vehicle is currently at Ken Groody Ford in Redlands, CA (Formerly Redlands Ford). The vehicle gave a yellow Service Power Steering Soon indication and the steering became sluggish. Shortly after, within minutes, the indicator came on in red and the vehicle was unable to be effectively steered. This is the second time this has occurred on this vehicle. The first time was two years ago in November 2019 and was repaired at the same dealership.
- 12/26/2023· STEERING
We seen multiple online post about our make model and year Ford having a recall. When our steering wheel locked and we lost complete control of our car more than once with kids and a baby in the car we brought it to Ford to be fixed. They told us as long as the computer matched up with that issue it would be covered under an existing campaign. They then said ford denied it because it just missed the cut off time limit by a couple months and we would have to come out of pocket. They had no loaners for us or any help. We borrowed money from a family Member, had to pay for a rental and we were reassured it was fixed. Then we have the same issue but worse happen Christmas Eve, weeks after getting it repaired and assured it was fixed . We repaired it at the dealership and then once again lost power steering. We have an infant and kids. If we would’ve been on a major road it would’ve been possibly deadly as the steering wheels randomly locks and power steering fails. This is not okay. Ford said they will get to it when they can and they have no loaners for us.
- 12/26/2018· STEERING
IN 2014 THERE WAS A RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE. IT WAS NOT FIXED BECAUSE WHEN CHECKED MY CAR DID NOT SHOW ANY PROBLEM. NOW I CANNOT DRIVE MY CAR DUE TO POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS INFORMED THEY CANNOT FIX MY CAR BASED ON WARRANTY BECAUSE IT PREVIOUSLY CHECKED OUT FINE. THIS CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AND QUITE EXPENSIVE TO FIX. WHY CAN'T THE RECALL STILL APPLY TO MY CAR. MY CAR WAS IN MY DRIVEWAY WHEN IT HAPPENED SO THANKFULLY NO ONE WAS HURT. BUT THE DANGER REMAINS IF I HAVE TO DRIVE IT ANYWHERE WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO GET IT FIXED.
- 12/24/2013· STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
THE VEHICLE POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING MAKING PULLING OVER AND STOPPING VERY DIFFICULT FOR A MATURE MALE DRIVER. I FIND IT DIFFICULT I CAN ONLY IMAGINE HOW DIFFICULT AND DANGEROUS THIS COULD BE FOR MY WIFE OR ANY SMALLER OR LESS EXPERIENCED DRIVER. THIS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES DURING REGULAR DRIVING ON FAIRLY SMOOTH SURFACE NORMAL CONDITIONS. *TR
- 12/23/2024· STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- 12/22/2023· STEERING
Failure of electronic power assist steering system. Without power steering, maneuverability becomes difficult as effort required for steering the vehicle drastically increases, putting the driver and those around them at risk. The dealer has reproduced and confirmed the issue. It has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. No warning lamps appear until failure is already evident. There is already a safety recall concerning the EPAS system. The service action for this recall at Ford dealers is to check for diagnostic trouble codes and replace the power steering rack if certain codes are found. If none are found, however, they are to reprogram the EPAS system and extended coverage is provided should the EPAS system still fail with 10 years or 150,000 miles. EPAS system failure is not a common occurrence on any other Ford models outside those affected by this recall, yet many still fail in affected vehicles shortly after the extended coverage expires. Reprogramming the EPAS system does not fix the defective part but merely delays the inevitable, passing the cost of the repair to the owners and potentially putting those on the road around them in danger when the failure occurs. My vehicle has had the reprogramming done, closing the recall, and has aged past the extended coverage for replacement of the defective steering rack, which has now failed, and Ford will not cover the cost of the repair.
- 12/22/2019· STEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
OUR SUV LOST POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING AND UNABLE TO STEER VEHICLE WITHOUT EXCESSIVE FORCE. WARNINGS THAT CAME ON DASH INCLUDE: SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW, ADVANCETRAC WARNING, AND ALL TERRAIN WARNING. THE TURN SIGNALS ALSO WILL NOT OPERATE PROPERLY.
- 12/21/2022· STEERING
2012 Ford explorer has a recall 14s06 which my vehicle allegedly isnt apart of , but for some reason im having this issue. Which is extremely dangerous
- 12/21/2019· STEERING
VEHICLE IN MOTION. STEERING BECAME MORE DIFFICULT. NO SENSOR LIGHT CAME ON. I PULLED OVER TO STOP AND SENSOR SAID POWER STEERING AND INTELLIGENT 4 WHEEL DRIVE NEED SERVICE. CALLED MECHANIC . TRIED TO DRIVE AND STEERING WAS COMPLETELY LOCKED .
- 12/20/2017· STRUCTURE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WEATHER STRIPPING BECAME LOOSE. ALSO, THE INTERIOR DOOR PANEL MOLDING ON THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES SEPARATED FROM THE DOORS. FURTHERMORE, THE REAR HATCH WAS NOT WELDED TOGETHER, WHICH CAUSED WATER TO ENTER THE TRUNK AREA. THE FAILURES OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (RANDALL REED'S PLANET FORD 59, 19000 EASTEX FWY, HUMBLE, TX 77338). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL AND THAT THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AT 800-392-3673 AND ASKED THE CONTACT TO CALL NHTSA. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,000.
- 12/19/2018· STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
POWER STEERING FAULT. THE POWER STEERING JUST STOPPED WORK WHILE I WAS DRIVING WITH NOW WARMING UNTIL IT WAS COMPLETELY INOPERABLE. I NEARLY CRASHED IT TO AN ON COMING CAR IN THE PARKING LOT OF MY GYM. I NOTICE THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS MAKE AND MODEL BUT WHEN I DID A VIN SEARCH MY TRUCK WAS NOT REGISTERING A RECALL.
- 12/19/2018· STEERING
OUR POWER STEERING FAILED COMPLETELY ON 12/17/2018. EXACT SYMPTOMS AS DESCRIBED IN FORMER RECALL 14V286000 - SOMEHOW FORD WAS ABLE TO CHANGE THIS RECALL TO AN EXTENDED WARRANTY WHICH LAPSES AT 150,000 MILES. OUR VEHICLE FAILED AT 150,950 MILES - RENDERING IT EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND IMPOSSIBLE TO CONTROL. REPAIR COSTS OVER $2300. HOW THE NHTSA CAN ACCEPT SUCH AN AGREEMENT AS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY IN PLACE OF A BLANKET RECALL DEMONSTRATES THE POWER OF THE AUTO-MAKER LOBBY AT THE EXTREME DETRIMENT AND DANGER TO THE AMERICAN PUBLIC. FORD AND NHTSA SHOULD BE ASHAMED.
- 12/18/2024· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
There is a recall on the trim. There are no replacement parts and now there is a tiny leak, The leak is hitting the center console. I have to have a plastic bag over it at all times. it at one point leaked into the hazards lights and I woke up multiple days in a row to find my hazards on and then I had to manually dry it and eventually they'd go back on . Other buttons on the display have stopped working. The fan for the heater will not turn off at all ever.
- 12/18/2024· STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- 12/18/2018· STRUCTURE
WINDSHIELD SIDE MOLDING BRAKING APART AND FLYING OFF DURING DRIVE.
- 12/16/2024· STEERING
Power steering (EPAS) has failed with no explanation
- 12/16/2011· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
WHILE I WAS PUMPING GAS THE GAS WAS LEAKING FROM UNDER THE CAR. *TR
- 12/15/2023· STEERING
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized in position. After the failure, the contact became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly. The power steering assist fault warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the steering gear. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
- 12/13/2011· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
IN THE WORDS OF ONE OF THE SEVERAL FORD MOTOR CO. CUSTOMER CARE CASE MANAGER I'VE SPOKEN TO SINCE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE ABOUT 6 WEEKS AGO, FORD'S MYTOUCH SYSTEM IS "TOTALLY DYSFUCNTIONAL". THE SOFTWARE UPON WHICH THIS SYSTEM IS BASED WAS APPARENTLY CO-AUTHORED BY MICROSOFT AND FORD IS CURRENTLY TELLING CUSTOMERS THEY HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE NEXT RELEASE, SUPPOSEDLY DUE TO BE RELEASED IN "THE FIRST QUARTER OF NEXT YEAR". HAS ANYONE EVER HEARD THIS KIND OF MESSAGE BEFORE...THINK MS VISTA! MY EXPLORER HAS AN APPROX. 8"X5" TOUCHSCREEN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DASH. IT IS SUPPOSED TO COME ON WHEN I START THE VEHICLE AND MANY FUNCTIONS OF THE VEHICLE ARE CONTROLLED BY TOUCHING ICONS ON THE SCREEN. UNFORTUNATELY, WHEN THE SCREEN FAILS TO COME ON, USUALLY FOR ABOUT THE INITIAL 20 MINUTES AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER CONTROLS ARE UNAVAILABLE. THIS INCLUDES FEATURES LIKE BEING ABLE TO VIEW THE REAR-VIEW CAMERA, TURNING ON THE HEATED SEATS, CLIMATE CONTROL FEATURES, DEALING WITH PHONE CALLS AND SELECTING MUSIC SOURCES AND RADIO CHANNELS, ETC.. MYTOUCH ALSO INCLUDES A FEATURE WHERE ITS SUPPOSED TO SYNC TO THE DRIVER'S MOBILE PHONE, BUT THIS ONLY WORKS INTERMITTENTLY AT BEST. THE WORST PROBLEM WITH THIS SYSTEM, WHICH I BELIEVE MAKES THE VEHICLE UNSAFE FOR NIGHTTIME DRIVING, IS WHEN THE TOUCHSCREEN, WHICH CANNOT BE TURNED OFF OR DIMMED, STARTS FLICKERING (FORD'S TERM IS "STROBING") VERY RAPIDLY WHILE DRIVING AFTER DARK. THIS CAN CONTINUE FOR UP TO 30 MINUTES AT A TIME, AND IS INCREDIBLE DISTRACTING WHILE TRYING TO DRIVE. I'VE POSTED A VIDEO ON YOUTUBE UNDER THE HEADING "FORD MYTOUCH STOBING". THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN KNOWN TO FORD SINCE THE 2011 MODEL YEAR AND THEY CONTINUE TO SELL THESE PROBLEMATIC VEHICLES WITHOUT TELLING CUSTOMERS UNTIL AFTER THEY TAKE POSSESSION. *TR
- 12/12/2024· STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH on the interstate, the exterior A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but was unable to confirm when parts would become available. The failure mileage was 96,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- 12/12/2019· STEERING
LOSS OF POWER STEERING CONTROL
- 12/12/2015· ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM LIGHT COMES ON DAILY. WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ON A CITY STREET, RADIO SHUT OFF, LIGHTS DIMMED AND CAR CUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC, STEERING ALSO BECAME DIFFICULT BEFORE SHUTTING OFF.
- 12/11/2025· STEERING
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. In addition, the power steering and advanced traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was very difficult to steer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with an electronic power steering module failure. The contact was informed that the electronic power steering module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was concerned that the failure might cause a crash. The contact referenced the notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14E001000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,239.
- 12/11/2024· STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Recall data refreshed on Dec 11,2024 1 Unrepaired Recalls associated with this VIN Jan 19,2024 Manufacturer Recall Number24S02 NHTSA Recall Number24V031 After almost a year, Ford has not made a fix available for this recall
- 12/10/2025· STEERING
Failure of Power Steering A hard steering wheel on a 2012 Ford Explorer with electric steering (EPAS
- 12/10/2013· STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 50 MPH WHEN THE ADVANCE TRACKING WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED AND THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ELECTRONIC POWER ASSISTANCE SYSTEM FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE INCIDENT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000. *TR
- 12/09/2019· ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT NOTICED AN ABNORMAL EXHAUST ODOR COMING FROM THE VENTILATION SYSTEM WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE ODOR WAS ONLY PRESENT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HASTINGS FORD INC (3013 E 10TH ST, GREENVILLE, NC 27858, (252) 758-0114) WHERE IT WAS TEST DRIVEN AND DETERMINED THAT THE EXHAUST WAS LEAKING AT THE MANIFOLD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 25071531. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 111,000.
- 12/09/2016· UNKNOWN OR OTHER
ABOUT A YEAR AGO I BOUGHT 2012 FORD EXPLORER XLT WITH A 2.0 FOUR CYLINDER ECO BOOST ENGINE FROM A DEALER IN AKRON OHIO. I LIVE IN ROCHESTER, NY. DURING THE FIRST WINTER MONTHS I HAD THE CAR, WHEN I HAD THE HEAT ON I NOTICED A STRONG EXHAUST SMELL IN THE CABIN. AT FIRST I THOUGHT I WAS CRAZY BECAUSE THE CAR WAS IN SUCH GREAT SHAPE, BUT THE MORE PASSENGERS WOULD SAY THE SAME THING I STARTED TO REALIZE IT WAS A REAL ISSUE. I DID SOME SEARCHING ONLINE AND SEE THAT OTHER PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. WHEN I HAVE THE HEAT ON AND I PUT THE CIRCULATION IN RECYCLE MODE, IT SEEMS TO SUBSIDE THE PROBLEM A LITTLE, BUT THEN THE RECYCLE MODE SHUTS OFF AND GOES INTO FRESH AIR MODE AUTOMATICALLY AGAIN I GET BLASTED AGAIN WITH THESE HORRIBLE FUMES. THIS HAPPENS ABOUT EVERY 5 MINUTES WHILE I AM DRIVING AND I HAVE TO KEEP HITTING RECYCLE AND OPENING UP THE WINDOWS WHILE I AM DRIVING TO AIR OUT THE FUMES. WHEN I AM MOVING AT 50 OR MORE IT DOES NOT SEEM TO BE AN ISSUE, I DON'T KNOW WHY, BUT WHEN I COME TO A STOP IT IS BAD, EXHAUST FUMES SPEW INTO THE CABIN. I GET HEADACHES ALL THE TIME WHILE DRIVING. I AM AFRAID TO TAKE MY KIDS IN THE CAR BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. IF I START THE CAR FIRST THING IN THE MORNING AND I FORGOT TO TURN THE HEAT OFF THE NIGHT BEFORE, THE HEATER KICKS IN WHEN I START IT AND IT IS BAD. THIS MORNING IT SNOWED HERE IN ROCHESTER SO I WENT OUT AND STARTED THE CAR AND LET IT WARM UP FOR 5 MINUTES, WHEN I CAME OUT IT SMELLED SO BAD I COULDN'T EVEN GET IN. I HAD TO ROLLS DOWN THE WINDOWS AND LET IT AIR OUT, AND EVEN THEN WHEN I CAME TO WORK TODAY I HAVE HAD A HEADACHE ALL DAY AND I SMELL LIKE AN EXHAUST STACK. PLEASE HELP ME. I LOVE THE CAR, EXCEPT FOR THE FUMES ISSUE.
- 12/08/2021· STEERING
I had my vehicle taken to a local ford dealership for recall 14S06 in 2017. The computer was reprogrammed but nothing was replaced. I have had the "Power Steering Assist Fault" numerous times in the last 4 years but I never lost power steering. On December 3, 2021, I received the same message; however, on this occasion I did lose control of my power steering. Upon diagnosis, it appears my rack and pinion need to be replaced at 117000 miles and 10 days over program number 15N01.
- 12/08/2017· STEERINGCrash
POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT, LOSE OF STEERING AT LOW SPEED LOST CONTROL AND HIT CURB
- 12/08/2017· AIR BAGS
THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON. IT DOES NOT FLASH IT'S JUST ON ALL THE TIME. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND ASKED THE FORD DEALERSHIP TO CHECK IT OUT AND THEY SAID THEY DID NOT HAVE TIME AND WHEN I ASKED IF IT WAS COVERED THEY SAID I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. I CALLED THE FORD DEALERSHIP TODAY AND ASKED ABOUT BRINGING IT IN AND ERIC AGAIN SAID I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT AND HE KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT A RECALL OR ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR BAGS. I HAVE READ ONLINE THAT THERE ARE OVER 850,000 FORDS WHO HAVE A RECALL DUE TO THE AIRBAGS MALFUNCTIONING. I AM ALSO TOLD THAT THE AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY. THIS IS MY ONLY TRANSPORTATION AND I FEEL THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER FORD AGAIN. THE CUSTOMER SERVICE IS HORRIBLE.
- 12/08/2014· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I WENT TO UNLOCK MY VEHICLE AND THE SYSTEM DID NOT RESPOND TO UNLOCK MY DOORS. I UNLOCKED MY DOORS MANUALLY AND THERE WAS NO LIGHTING INDICATOR THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. I PLACED MY KEY IN THE IGNITION AND THERE WAS STILL NO POWER. I HAVE LESS THAN 20,000 MILES ON MY VEHICLE AND BARELY USE IT. HOW CAN A VEHICLE LESS THAN TWO YEARS OLD JUST STOP WORKING ALTOGETHER? THIS IS MY ONLY SOURCE OF TRANSPORTATION AND NOW I WILL HAVE TO PUT OUT ADDITIONAL FUNDING JUST TO GET IT TO A PLACE WHERE IT CAN BE CHECKED OUT. WHAT IS GOING ON WITH FORD VEHICLES? I AM REALLY FRUSTRATED!!! *TR
- 12/07/2018· STEERING
WHILE I WAS ABOUT TO MAKE A TURN AT A FOUR-WAY STOP, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST NOTIFICATION CAME ON AND MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. I RAN UP ONTO THE SIDEWALK. HAD THERE BEEN ANY PEDESTRIANS, THEY WOULD HAVE GOTTEN HIT.
- 12/07/2017· STEERING
GEAR STEERING ASSY PROBLEM. STIFFNESS IN STEERING
- 12/06/2016· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUMES ENTERING THE CABIN MAKING THE PASSENGERS NAUSEOUS AND RESULTING IN HEADACHES. WE NOTICED THAT ONLY WHEN WE ARE IN MY HUSBAND'S CAR THAT MY CHILDREN AND I BECOME SICK WITH HEADACHES AND NAUSEA. MY HUSBAND DRIVES TO WORK IN THIS VEHICLE AND USUALLY ARRIVES TO WORK WITH A HEADACHE. HE DIDN'T REALIZE THAT THE CAR WAS MAKING HIM SICK. HE TRUSTED THE SERVICE PEOPLE WHEN THEY TOLD HIM THE CAR WAS FINE. HE TYPICALLY DIVES ON HIGHWAYS. THE FUMES ARE COMING THROUGH THE VENTS.
- 12/05/2024· STEERING
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 15-20 MPH and pulling into a parking lot, the steering wheel became inoperable, and the vehicle stalled. There was an unknown red light displayed. The contact stated that the failure was related to Customer Satisfaction Program: 15N01 (Steering). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the EPS needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The mechanic informed the contact that there was no coverage on the vehicle for the repairs. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 168,000.
- 12/05/2023· STEERING,STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while his wife was driving 45 MPH, she became aware that the electric power steering was not functioning properly with the "Service Power Steering” message displayed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and it was diagnosed and determined that the rear suspension toe link needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V435000 (Structure) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 130,000.
- 12/05/2022· STEERING
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while making a right turn to drive into a parking lot, he experienced a loss of power steering functionality. The "Service Advancetrac" and "Service Power Steering Now" warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where the contact was made aware that a steering Extended Warranty had expired. The vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting a diagnostic test and repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised to file a complaint with the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was 133,182.
- 12/05/2017· STEERING
A FEW TIMES AT SLOW SPEEDS THE 'POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT' LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. IF THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND BACK ON, IT WOULD CLEAR THE ISSUE. THIS LAST TIME IT HAPPENED THE 'SERVICE ADVANCETRAC' LIGHT ALSO CAME ON AND THE ISSUE COULD NOT BE CLEARED. THE CAR WAS TOO DIFFICULT TO STEER AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. ALL OF THESE HAPPENED AT SLOW SPEEDS.
- 12/04/2018· STRUCTURE
THE WINDSHIELD PILLARS FLY OFF WHILE DRIVING, AN THE WHEATHER STRIPPING UNDER IT DOES NOT STAY, IT SLOWLY FLAPS OUT WHEN AT DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 50-70MPH. WHEN THE WHEATHER STRIP FLYS OFF IT CAUSES THE PILLARS TO BREAK MORE WHEN DRIVING ON HIGHWAY
- 12/04/2016· AIR BAGS
VEHICLE HAS AN ILLUMINATED AIRBAG SERVICE LIGHT SUPPOSEDLY DUE TO A MALFUNCTION IN TO ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS OF THE AIRBAG SYSTEM OR A FAULTY DRIVERS SEATBELT TENSIONER. APPARENTLY THIS WILL RESULT IN THE AIRBAG NOT DEPLOYING DURING A CRASH. FORD DEALERS HAVE SERVICED OTHER PARTIES EXPLORER'S WITH THE ISSUE BY CHECKING ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS AND ADDING DIELECTRIC GREASE OR BY REPLACING THE DRIVER'S SEATBELT TENSIONER. THIS REPAIRS USUALLY RESULT IN UPWARDS ON 5 HOURS OF LABOR PLUS PARTS WHICH THE OWNERS WERE CHARGED. THESE FIXES ARE ONLY TEMPORARY AS THE PROBLEM TYPICALLY RETURNS. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE RESULTING FROM POOR MANUFACTURING OR INSTALLATION OF PARTS AND NUMEROUS EXPLORERS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN 2012 AND 2016 ARE EXPERIENCING IT. OWNERS SHOULD NOT BE CHARGED FOR THE INCOMPETENCE OF MANUFACTURING PROCESSES OR LACK OF PLANNING ESPECIALLY WHEN THE PROBLEM IS SAFETY RELATED.
- 12/03/2018· STEERING
STEERING ASSIST FAULT
- 12/02/2021· STEERING
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the power steering rack replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
- 12/02/2016· STRUCTURE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER A PILLAR FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE A PILLAR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER A PILLAR PREVIOUSLY FRACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.
- 12/01/2019· STEERING
STEERING SYSTEM FAILURE APPEARED IN MY CAR AND I COULD NO LONGER MOVE THE STEERING AS IT GOT TOO HARD FOR NO REASON, I DON'T EVEN WANT TO IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF I HAD DRIVEN ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY FAMILY I THINK IT IS THE DEFECT OF THE FORD FOR WHICH FORD SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR SOLVING THIS PROBLEM TO PREVENT CRASHES