Ford Explorer / 2012
2012 Ford Explorer problems
Owners have filed 1,029 complaints about the 2012 Ford Explorer with NHTSA. Steering accounts for 34.8% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of structure at 13.9%.
Complaints1,029
Crashes15
Fires12
Injuries15
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Steering 34.8% · 358
Structure 13.9% · 143
Unknown or other 10.0% · 103
Engine 7.7% · 79
Electrical system 6.1% · 63
Power train 5.4% · 56
Fuel/propulsion system 2.6% · 27
Air bags 2.6% · 27
Severity
Of those complaints, 15 describe a crash, 12 describe a fire and 15 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 33 model years of the Ford Explorer in this data, 2012 sits 19th by complaint volume. 2002 draws the most.
Filing volume has held steady, 197 in the last three years against 174 in the three before.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 64,278 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 70 mph, the steering wheel seized as the traction control warning lamp illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering unit needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 39,000 and the current mileage was 40,000. Steering · reported at 39,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. While starting the vehicle, the steering wheel seized and failed to maneuver as the power steering assist warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer (lugoff Ford, 979 highway 1 south, lugoff, sc 29078), but the failure was unable to be duplicated or diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000. Steering · reported at 160,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that when turning the steering wheel left or right, a grinding noise was heard without warning. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 44,000. Steering · reported at 44,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…