2012 Ford Explorer: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2012 Ford Explorer: 5 recalls, 829 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.
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Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Steering Vehicle recall #14V286000 · 2014 · 179,027 vehicles
What's wrong: The affected vehicles May experience an intermittent connection in the electric power steering gear, which can cause a loss of the motor position sensor signal resulting in a shut down of the power steering assist.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the power steering control module (pscm) software, free of charge. If a vehicle shows a history of a loss of motor position sensor signal when the vehicle is brought in for the recall remedy, its steering rack assembly will be replaced, free of…
Body & structure Vehicle recall #15V171000 · 2015 · 194,484 vehicles
What's wrong: In the affected vehicles, the interior door handle return spring May unseat, resulting in interior door handle that does not return to the fully stowed position after actuation.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four of the interior door handles and either repair or replace them, free of charge. The recall began on July 23, 2015.
Suspension Vehicle recall #19V435000 · 2019 · 1,194,173 vehicles
What's wrong: The rear suspension toe links May fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
Why it matters: A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, and inspect both rear toe link ball joints, replacing the rear wheel knuckle(s), if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2019.
Suspension Vehicle recall #21V746000 · 2021 · 150,723 vehicles
What's wrong: These vehicles May be equipped with a cross-axis ball joint (cabj) replacement part that could seize, and result in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.
Why it matters: A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealer will inspect for the presence of a cabj. If a cabj of any design is found, the dealer will inspect the tightness of the cabj, and replace the cabj, knuckle, and/or toe link as necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters were mailed November 10, 2021. Owner notification letters…
Body & structure Vehicle recall #24V031000 · 2024 · 1,889,110 vehicles
What's wrong: The a-pillar trim retention clips May not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
Why it matters: A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the a-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024 and December 16, 2025.
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Steering Equipment recall #14E001000 · 2014 · 300 vehicles
What's wrong: The affected gears May lock, preventing the driver from being able to steer the vehicle.
Why it matters: The inability to steer the vehicle increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners and dealers will replace the suspect steering gears with new steering gears, free of charge. The recall began on January 29, 2014. Customers May contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 13s14.
Wheels, Suspension Equipment recall #17E048000 · 2017 · 630 vehicles
What's wrong: These bearings assemblies were manufactured without a self retention feature, possibly resulting in the separation of the wheel or wheel end.
Why it matters: A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify the distributors of the hubs specifying that they are to only be used on drive axles. It is believed that none of the hubs were purchased from Ford dealers for the incorrect application.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 6 mention a fire, 13 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Steering (360): the most common themes are steering problems (345), warning light on (108).
- Body & structure (144): the most common themes are leaks (15), rust / corrosion (9), door / lock issues (9).
- Other / unknown (105): the most common themes are leaks (15), electrical failure (12), stalls / loses power (9).
- Engine (79): the most common themes are warning light on (22), stalls / loses power (20), leaks (8).
The 2012 Ford Explorer has 829 owner complaints, ranking #19 of 38 Explorer model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 909). Complaints peaked in 2025 (83 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 70,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2011 (1197 complaints, 6 recalls), 2013 (2235 complaints, 11 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | Regular |
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 20 | Regular |
| 3.5 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2012 Ford Explorer.
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FAQ
Does the 2012 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 2012 Ford Explorer, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2012 Ford Explorer problems?
Owners have filed 829 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are steering (360), body & structure (144), other / unknown (105).
What gas mileage does the 2012 Ford Explorer get?
EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic 6-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2012 Ford Explorer repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.