2012 Ford Explorer: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2012 Ford Explorer? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 814 complaints, with Steering Defects as the top reported area.
2012 Ford Explorer Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2012 Ford Explorer trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2012 Ford Explorer Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2012 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
17.4% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
17.4% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2012 Ford Explorer has 814 owner complaints, 10 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Steering Defects. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Ford
- Model
- Explorer
- Model year
- 2012
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 814
- Crash-related complaints
- 10
- Safety recall campaigns
- 7
- Top reported component
- Steering Defects
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 20
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 18 / 25
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2012 Ford Explorer Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Steering Defects
Structural Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Steering Defects, Structural Problems, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2012 Ford Explorer?
The 2012 Ford Explorer shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2012 Ford Explorer
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the steering system thoroughly, including power steering components and linkage.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components such as steering, structure, and engine.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on steering and structural integrity.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the steering system thoroughly, including power steering components and linkage.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components such as steering, structure, and engine.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on steering and structural integrity.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2012 Ford Explorer, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2012 Ford Explorer are heavily concentrated in steering defects, which account for a large portion of the total. Structural problems and engine issues also appear frequently. The data suggests potential concerns with these systems, though the low confidence level and consumer-submitted nature of the reports limit definitive conclusions.
- Steering defects represent the largest share of complaints for the 2012 model year.
- Structural problems and engine problems are the next most reported components.
- There are 7 recalls and 10 crash-related complaints, though specific details are not provided.
- Steering Defects
- Structural Problems
- Engine Problems
All 2012 Ford Explorer Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Ford Explorer. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 354 | 6 | 1 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 138 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 103 | 3 | 2 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 93 | 1 | 3 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 63 | 1 | 3 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 55 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 27 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 27 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 22 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 20 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 19 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 17 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 16 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 5 | — | 1 | — | |
| Traction Control System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Ford Explorer. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed on the highway, the driver's side A-pillar trim clip became partially detached on the side of the windshield. The dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not repai…
Hi! I brought my car in to the Ford dealership in Lexington, SC to get a recalled A Frame Pillar repaired. They took the part off and didn’t repair it because they didn’t have the parts in. When I called corporate to check on the status of that part, I found out they had marked t…
My car gave a “power steering fault” message on the dash while my son was driving on I-95 on April 12. The steering wheel locked up making turning impossible and could have been fatal. He had pull over and have the vehicle towed home.
The steering went out on the car and I was unable to steer. Almost causing me to have a accident. I had to have a tow truck come and pick it up off the road. Thank God I was alone and my whole family was not in the car. There needs to be a recall on this there has already be…
Recall 24V031 has not been fixed. I got my recall notice from Ford with regards to the A-pillar applique trim. I received my recall in February, 24. I have visited my local Ford dealer several times and as recently as 1 month ago. They state the parts are not available. My driver…
Plastic trims on both sides of the windshield are recalled and ford has not fixed yet. Safety hazard driving and both pieces are loose on vehicle.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the part was on backorder. The c…
Started the Explorer in a parking lot. When backing out the steering wheel was impossible to turn. A Power Steering failure light came on. Pulled the Explorer back into the parking spot and turned off the vehicle. Restarted the vehicle and steering became functional again. T…
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and struck another unoccupied parked vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the rear of the vehicle had sustained scratches. There wa…
Unknown my Steering wheel locked up while driving
Total loss of Electric power steering assistance while driving on the interstate.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. In addition, the power steering and advanced traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated tha…
Failure of Power Steering A hard steering wheel on a 2012 Ford Explorer with electric steering (EPAS
The Power Steering pump (EPAS) when out on me yesterday while driving on the highway. I was switching lanes on the highway when the service advance trac light came on and the steering wheel became stiff really difficult to move putting myself in danger while driving in a higher s…
The rear back up camera is now displaying a message to contact dealership. It freezes up and stops working.
My back-up camera has flipped images so the left appears on the right and the right appears on the left as well as the safety lines have disappeared. The two Ford dealerships want a diagnostic fee that doesn't even go toward the cost of the repairs.
Faulty rear view camera. Says contact the dealership on the message.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000(Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the passenger's side and driver's side windshield exterior A-pillar tr…
While driving, my 2012 Ford Explorer displayed a “Service Power Steering Now” warning message, and the steering wheel completely locked, making the vehicle impossible to steer safely. This happened without warning and rendered the car undrivable, creating an immediate safety haza…
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-45 MPH, the steering wheel started shaking abnormally. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V435000 (Suspension). The local deal…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2012 Ford Explorer.
2012 Ford Explorer Recalls
7 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2012 Ford Explorer. 7 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2012 Ford Explorer Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2012 Ford Explorer reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 814 owner complaints, 10 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2012 Ford Explorer shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Ford Explorer?▾
#1: Steering Defects (354 complaints). #2: Structural Problems (138 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (103 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Ford Explorer?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2012 Ford Explorer?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2012 Ford Explorer, NHTSA complaints include 10 crash-related reports and 6 fire reports out of 814 total complaints. 13 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2012 Ford Explorer have any recalls?▾
Yes. 7 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2012 Ford Explorer. A major recall area is SUSPENSION:REAR. 7 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2012 Ford Explorer?▾
The 2012 Ford Explorer shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Steering Defects during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Ford Explorer reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2012 Ford Explorer based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.