Recalls, complaints, and safety data from NHTSA
The 2012 Ford Explorer has 7 recalls, 820 complaints, and a 4-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.
7
Recalls
820
Complaints
★★★★★
Safety Rating
Data source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) · Last updated July 3, 2026
19V435000
SUSPENSION:REAR
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear susp...
17E048000
WHEELS:HUB
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain Wheel Hub Bearing assemblies, part number HB5Z-1104-C, incorrectly listed as being for installation on ...
15V171000
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the interior door handle return spri...
14E001000
STEERING
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain replacement steering gears installed on model year 2011-2012 Explorers as service parts in September 20...
14V286000
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured May 17, 2010, through February 28, 2012. The ...
21V746000
SUSPENSION:REAR
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the Dist...
24V031000
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing t...
Overall
★★★★★
Front Crash
★★★★★
Side Crash
★★★★★
Rollover
★★★★★
Rating for: 2012 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD
| Date ↓ | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 25, 2026 | STEERING,BACK OVER PREVENTION | The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, t... |
| May 10, 2026 | STEERING | The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the... |
| Apr 21, 2026 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING,BACK OVER PREVENTION | The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the hazard lights and other surroundi... |
| Apr 21, 2026 | STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Hi! I brought my car in to the Ford dealership in Lexington, SC to get a recalled A Frame Pillar rep... |
| Apr 16, 2026 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed... |
| Apr 12, 2026 | STEERING | My car gave a “power steering fault” message on the dash while my son was driving on I-95 on April 1... |
| Feb 16, 2026 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | Plastic trims on both sides of the windshield are recalled and ford has not fixed yet. Safety hazard... |
| Jan 28, 2026 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 2... |
| Jan 27, 2026 | STEERING | Started the Explorer in a parking lot. When backing out the steering wheel was impossible to turn. ... |
| Jan 14, 2026 | STEERING | The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing, the vehicle lost pow... |
| Jan 7, 2026 | STEERING | Unknown my Steering wheel locked up while driving |
| Dec 6, 2025 | STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Total loss of Electric power steering assistance while driving on the interstate. |
| Dec 4, 2025 | STEERING | The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed... |
| Nov 22, 2025 | STEERING | The Power Steering pump (EPAS) when out on me yesterday while driving on the highway. I was switchin... |
| Oct 10, 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION | The rear back up camera is now displaying a message to contact dealership. It freezes up and stops w... |
| Oct 2, 2025 | STEERING | While driving, my 2012 Ford Explorer displayed a “Service Power Steering Now” warning message, and t... |
| Sep 12, 2025 | STEERING | The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to make a turn, the ... |
| Sep 4, 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION | My back-up camera has flipped images so the left appears on the right and the right appears on the l... |
| Sep 4, 2025 | STEERING | Loss of power steering occasionally, getting a power steering fault, but as of now, starts working a... |
| Sep 2, 2025 | STEERING | Electric power steering system does not work |