CarModelProblems.com

2012 Ford Explorer Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Steering — runs 6.8× the fleet median for that category across the 1655 model-years tracked on this site.
820Complaints
7Recalls
10Crashes
6Fires
13Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Steering (42.2% of complaints) — is covered by 2 NHTSA recall campaigns.

Steering complaints here are 6.8× the median for that category across the 1655 model-years tracked on this site.

3 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 3 rest on owner reports alone.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Steering346 · 42.2%RecalledRecall 14E001000 · Recall 14V286000
Engine79 · 9.6%Investigation closedEA17002 · PE16008
Structure77 · 9.4%RecalledRecall 15V171000 · Recall 24V031000
Structure:body61 · 7.4%RecalledRecall 15V171000 · Recall 24V031000
Electrical System60 · 7.3%No official action
Power Train55 · 6.7%No official action

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

STEERING346 · 42.2%
Unspecified / other103 · 12.6%
ENGINE79 · 9.6%
STRUCTURE77 · 9.4%
STRUCTURE:BODY61 · 7.4%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM60 · 7.3%
POWER TRAIN55 · 6.7%
AIR BAGS27 · 3.3%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM27 · 3.3%
SUSPENSION22 · 2.7%

Percentages are the share of the 820 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 7 campaigns

Suspension:rear

NHTSA campaign 19V435000 · 2019 · reported 06/10/2019

A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Wheels:hub

NHTSA campaign 17E048000 · 2017 · reported 08/28/2017

A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Structure:body:door

NHTSA campaign 15V171000 · 2015 · reported 03/24/2015

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Steering

NHTSA campaign 14E001000 · 2014 · reported 01/06/2014

The inability to steer the vehicle increases the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Steering:electric Power Assist System

NHTSA campaign 14V286000 · 2014 · reported 05/29/2014

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Suspension:rear

NHTSA campaign 21V746000 · 2021 · reported 09/22/2021

A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Structure:body:roof And Pillars

NHTSA campaign 24V031000 · 2024 · reported 01/19/2024

A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“RECEIVED RECALL LETTER FROM FORD TO GET MY VEHICLE IN IMMEDIATELY. CALLED SACRAMENTO DOWNTOWN FORD AND SPOKE WITH DAVID. DAVID SAID "SORRY, CAN'T HELP YOU…”NHTSA complaint 10617014 — filed 07/28/2014 · STEERING
“I WAS STOPPED AND THE CAR WAS IDLING IN DRIVE (I WAS BRAKING) WHEN THE CAR BEEPED AND DISPLAYED TWO WARNINGS, ONE ABOUT POWER ASSIST…”NHTSA complaint 10615170 — filed 07/21/2014 · STEERING
“DRIVING TO WORK ON JUNE 25, 2013 (20,420 MILES) ON THE HIGHWAY GOING 55 MPH WHEN A "POWER STEERING ASSIST" FAULT CODE POPPED ONTO THE…”NHTSA complaint 10594372 — filed 05/27/2014 · STEERING

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

60201243712014669920169766201896492020415920227477202497212026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Ford Explorer?

Steering issues are the most-reported category, cited in 346 of 820 NHTSA complaints (42.2%), followed by unspecified/other issues (103), engine (79), structure (77). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2012 Ford Explorer have?

820 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 10 involved a crash, 6 involved a fire, and 13 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2012 Ford Explorer have any recalls?

Yes — 7 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 19V435000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2012 Ford Explorer's reported problems?

3 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.