NHTSA (USA)Medium Risk
At a glance
What can fail
The clips holding the A-pillar trim in place may not be properly engaged, which can allow the trim to come loose and detach from the vehicle.
This page covers 8 recalls, 816 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2012 Ford Explorer.
19–23 mpg combined
10.2–12.4 L/100km
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Steering is by far the dominant complaint pattern for the 2012 Ford Explorer, accounting for a large share of the roughly 800 filed reports. Owners frequently describe the electric power steering failing suddenly while driving, often accompanied by a "power steering fault" warning on the dash. The most common symptom is the steering wheel locking up or becoming very stiff, making it difficult or impossible to steer. Structure complaints are the second-largest category, with many owners reporting interior trim pieces, particularly A-pillar clips and panels near the windshield, detaching or coming loose over time. Engine complaints form a smaller but notable third cluster. A recurring structural detail is the A-pillar trim separating from its mounting points, sometimes partially, with owners noting dealers were unable to make repairs due to parts availability.
816
Total Complaints
10
Crash-Related
6
Fire-Related
8
With Injuries
By System
The 2012 Ford Explorer has 8 recalls, the most serious involving the rear suspension toe links, which can fracture while driving and cause a sudden, uncontrolled change in vehicle handling.
The toe link issue appears in several forms: stress on the rear suspension can cause the links to crack on certain vehicles, and on vehicles where a rear wheel knuckle was previously replaced, the outer ball joint in the toe link can seize and then break. There is also a steering concern: replacement steering gears installed as service parts on some vehicles can lock up entirely, leaving the driver unable to steer. On the wheel side, certain replacement wheel hub bearing assemblies sold for rear-axle use on 4x2 models were made without a self-retention feature, meaning the wheel or wheel end can separate from the vehicle. The electric power steering system can also lose its motor position sensor signal intermittently, cutting off power assist and requiring noticeably more effort to steer, especially at low speeds. Two structural issues round out the list: an interior door handle spring can unseat and leave the handle partially extended, allowing the door to unlatch in a side impact, and A-pillar trim clips may not hold properly, letting the trim piece detach and fall onto the road.
At a glance
What can fail
The clips holding the A-pillar trim in place may not be properly engaged, which can allow the trim to come loose and detach from the vehicle.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the A-pillar trim and replace it if necessary at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
On vehicles with replaced rear wheel knuckles, the outer ball joint in the rear suspension toe link may seize and break while driving, potentially causing sudden loss of vehicle stability.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your rear suspension ball joints. If replacement is needed, they will replace the rear suspension knuckle and toe link as necessary.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A replacement ball joint in the rear suspension can seize and cause the toe link to crack, affecting vehicle handling.
What the fix does
Dealer inspects for the faulty ball joint and replaces it along with the knuckle or toe link as needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear suspension toe links can crack under stress, affecting rear suspension alignment and control.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links and inspect the rear toe link ball joints, replacing the rear wheel knuckles if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Certain wheel hub bearing assemblies lack a self-retention feature and may separate from the wheel or wheel end if installed on rear axles.
What the fix does
Distributors will be instructed that these hub assemblies are only for drive axles. Ford will contact owners if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The spring inside the interior door handle may come loose, preventing the handle from returning to its resting position after you pull it.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and repair or replace all four interior door handles at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A loose electrical connection in the power steering system may interrupt the motor position sensor signal, causing the power steering assist to shut down without warning.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the power steering control module software. If sensor signal loss is recorded, the steering rack assembly will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Replacement steering gears installed as service parts in September 2013 and January 2014 may lock, preventing the driver from steering the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the affected steering gears with new steering gears at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
