2012 Ford Explorer problems and complaints
Owners have filed 827 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Ford Explorer. The most-reported areas: Steering (358), Structure (144), Unknown Or Other (105).
Key takeaways
- 827 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
- 10 involve a crash, 6 a fire, 13 reported injuries.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 358 | 43% |
| Structure | 144 | 17% |
| Unknown Or Other | 105 | 13% |
| Engine | 79 | 10% |
| Electrical System | 63 | 8% |
| Power Train | 55 | 7% |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 27 | 3% |
| Air Bags | 27 | 3% |
| Suspension | 22 | 3% |
| Service Brakes | 20 | 2% |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 19 | 2% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 17 | 2% |
One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| 2012 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV FWD | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Latest complaints, as filed
Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.
Structure - filed 2026-09-09
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the driver's side and passenger's side exterior A-pillar trim detached. The contact used tape on the driver's side to secure the molding to the windshield. The contact stated that the passenger's side A-pillar trim detached and fell of...
Structure - filed 2026-09-02
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 vehicle was taken to a local dealer, and it was realized that both front A-pillar trims were loose. The vehicle was repaired usin...
Steering - filed 2026-08-31
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and making turns, the steering wheel made loud grinding sounds and was loose. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case wa...
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More for the 2012 Ford Explorer
Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.