2012 Ford Explorer recalls and problems
The 2012 Ford Explorer has 5 safety recalls and 831 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2012 Ford Explorer vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2012 Ford Explorer recalls
Recall 24V-031: Structure
Problem: 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.
Recall 21V-746: Suspension
Problem: 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.
Recall 19V-435: Suspension
Problem: 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.
Recall 15V-171: Structure
Problem: 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.
Recall 14V-286: Steering
Problem: 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.
2012 Ford Explorer problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 362 | |
| Structure | 145 | |
| Unknown or Other | 105 | |
| Engine | 79 | |
| Electrical System | 65 | |
| Power Train | 56 | |
| Air Bags | 27 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 27 | |
| Suspension | 22 | |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 19 | |
| Service Brakes | 19 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 17 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 61
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 7
- Visibility › Windshield › Critical Fasteners — 5
- Steering › Electric Power Assist System — 4
- Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera — 4
- Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 3
- Visibility › Windshield — 3
- Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear — 2
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 70,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2012 Ford Explorer complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Ford Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2012 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2012 Ford Explorer: 24V-031 (structure), 21V-746 (suspension), 19V-435 (suspension), 15V-171 (structure), 14V-286 (steering). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Ford Explorer?
Owners report steering problems most often (362 reports), followed by structure (145). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 70,000 miles.
Are Ford recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ford dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.