Worst 2012 Ford Explorer Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Steering Defects
Engine Problems
Structural Problems
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2012 Ford Explorer.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 343 | 6 | 1 | 93,806 mi | |
| Engine Problems | 79 | 1 | 3 | 79,842 mi | |
| Structural Problems | 75 | — | 1 | 109,207 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 60 | 1 | 3 | 54,811 mi | |
| Body Structure | 59 | 1 | — | 64,544 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 55 | 1 | — | 63,019 mi | |
| Airbags | 27 | — | — | 64,457 mi | |
| Fuel System | 27 | — | — | 66,328 mi | |
| Suspension Failures | 22 | 1 | — | 189,413 mi | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 19 | — | — | 70,115 mi | |
| Brakes | 19 | — | 1 | 60,935 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 17 | — | — | 37,678 mi | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 14 | — | — | 62,994 mi | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 8 | — | — | 54,600 mi | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System | 7 | — | — | 63,770 mi | |
| Gasoline Fuel System | 7 | — | — | 46,032 mi | |
| Engine & Cooling | 5 | — | — | 36,198 mi | |
| Visibility | 5 | — | — | 20,884 mi | |
| Visibility:Windshield:Critical Fasteners | 5 | — | — | 82,000 mi | |
| Wheel Issues | 5 | — | — | 132,500 mi | |
| Backup Camera | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Steering:Electric Power Assist System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Instrument Cluster | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility:Windshield | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Warnings | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Other Equipment | 2 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Ford Explorer. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2012 Ford Explorer
5 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~3,607,517 vehicles.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Other Ford Explorer Years
2012 Ford Explorer — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2012 Ford Explorer reliable?
What are common problems with the 2012 Ford Explorer?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Ford Explorer?
How safe is the 2012 Ford Explorer?
Does the 2012 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2012 Ford Explorer?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Ford Explorer reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2012 Ford Explorer
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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