2012
Ford Explorer
EPA MPG:
19 mpg
Owner Reported MPG:
EPA MPG:
19 mpg
Owner Reported MPG:
RECALL ALERT:
There are 7 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
There are 7 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
RECALL ALERT:
There are 7 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
There are 7 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
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Reliability
Overall Reliability
We expect the 2025 Explorer will have about average reliability when compared to the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2022 and 2023 models.
The 2012 Ford Explorer has been recalled 7 times by NHTSA.
View Recalls
The 2012 Ford Explorer has been recalled 7 times by NHTSA.
View Recalls
2012 SUVs Reliability
This Car
0
100
0 - 100
Ford Explorer
Ford Explorer
NA
vs. Similar Cars
Honda Pilot
Honda Pilot
Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai Santa Fe
Kia Sorento
Kia Sorento
Toyota Highlander
Toyota Highlander
Ford vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability
Reliability History
*
Redesign year
Overall Reliability Verdict
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Engine Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Cooling
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Electrical
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Drive System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Fuel System/Emissions
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Exhaust
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Suspension/Steering
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Brakes
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Climate System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Electrical Accessories
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Body Hardware
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Paint/Trim
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Noises/Leaks
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
In-car Electronics
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Overall Reliability Verdict
Potential Trouble Spots
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020*
2021
2022
2023
2024
NA
Powertrain
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020*
2021
2022
2023
2024
NA
Engine Major
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020*
2021
2022
2023
2024
NA
Engine Minor
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020*
2021
2022
2023
2024
NA
Engine Cooling
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020*
2021
2022
2023
2024
NA
Engine Electrical
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020*
2021
2022
2023
2024
NA
Transmission Major
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020*
2021
2022
2023
2024
NA
Transmission Minor
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020*
2021
2022
2023
2024
NA
Drive System
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020*
2021
2022
2023
2024
NA
Fuel System/Emissions
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020*
2021
2022
2023
2024
NA
Exhaust
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020*
2021
2022
2023
2024
NA
Show all Powertrain Trouble Spots
Suspension/Steering
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020*
2021
2022
2023
2024
NA
Brakes
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020*
2021
2022
2023
2024
NA
Climate System
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020*
2021
2022
2023
2024
NA
Build Quality
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020*
2021
2022
2023
2024
NA
Electrical Accessories
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020*
2021
2022
2023
2024
NA
Body Hardware
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020*
2021
2022
2023
2024
NA
Paint/Trim
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020*
2021
2022
2023
2024
NA
Noises/Leaks
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020*
2021
2022
2023
2024
NA
Show all Build Quality Trouble Spots
In-car Electronics
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006*
NA
2007
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011*
NA
2012
NA
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020*
2021
2022
2023
2024
NA
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting
how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive
reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest
subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give
you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20
potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and
brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide
data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
STRUCTURE
Jan 19, 2024
A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Summary:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
What should you do:
Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 2, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
24V031000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
1889110
SUSPENSION
Sep 22, 2021
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Summary:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. 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.
What should you do:
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 were mailed on March 17, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S43.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
21V746000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
150723
SUSPENSION
Jun 10, 2019
A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Summary:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
What should you do:
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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S17.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
19V435000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
1194173
SUSPENSION, WHEELS
Aug 28, 2017
A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.
Summary:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain Wheel Hub Bearing assemblies, part number HB5Z-1104-C, incorrectly listed as being for installation on the rear axles of 2011-2017 Ford Explorer 4X2 vehicles. These bearings assemblies were manufactured without a self retention feature, possibly resulting in the separation of the wheel or wheel end.
What should you do:
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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
17E048000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
630
STRUCTURE
Mar 24, 2015
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.
Summary:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles. 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.
What should you do:
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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S11.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
15V171000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
194484
STEERING
May 29, 2014
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.
Summary:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured May 17, 2010, through February 28, 2012. 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.
What should you do:
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 charge. The recall began on July 23, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S06.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
14V286000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
179027
STEERING
Jan 06, 2014
The inability to steer the vehicle increases the risk of a crash.
Summary:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain replacement steering gears installed on model year 2011-2012 Explorers as service parts in September 2013 and January 2014. The affected gears may lock, preventing the driver from being able to steer the vehicle.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
14E001000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
300
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