FaultScore

FaultScore report

2012 Ford Explorer problems

Owners have filed 1,029 complaints about the 2012 Ford Explorer with NHTSA between 2011 and 2026. The largest single group is the steering. Across this model's run it ranks 28 of 34 worst.

B

FaultScore 35/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Ford Explorer.

How this is worked out

The numbers

1,029

Complaints

15

Crashes reported

12

Fires reported

10

Injuries reported

65,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

23%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 42 vs 50 Severity 19 vs 50 Early failure 40 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 42
Against the median year of the Ford Explorer. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 19
3.6% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 40
23% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2012 compares with every other Ford Explorer

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2012 Ford Explorer

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Steering 358 34.8%

6 crashes, 1 fires · median 95,328 mi

Body & Structure 143 13.9%

1 crashes, 1 fires · median 94,000 mi

3 crashes, 2 fires · median 57,000 mi

1 crashes, 3 fires · median 53,000 mi

1 crashes, 3 fires · median 39,000 mi

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 46,740 mi

Median failure at 51,426 miles

Airbags 27 2.6%

Median failure at 60,000 miles

Median failure at 49,000 miles

Median failure at 66,000 miles

Suspension 22 2.1%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 135,500 mi

Brakes 20 1.9%

1 crashes, 1 fires · median 50,743 mi

Median failure at 36,666 miles

Seat Belts 14 1.4%

Median failure at 60,400 miles

Median failure at 98,500 miles

Equipment & Accessories 7 0.7%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 3,725 mi

Lights 6 0.6%

Median failure at 152,600 miles

Wheels 5 0.5%

Median failure at 132,500 miles

Seats 2 0.2%

Median failure at 40,000 miles

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Body 61 68.5%
Exhaust System 7 7.9%
Critical Fasteners 5 5.6%
Camera 4 4.5%
Electric Power Assist System 4 4.5%
Instrument Cluster/Panel 3 3.4%
Windshield 3 3.4%
Warnings 2 2.2%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 24 3.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 37 5.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 66 9.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 142 19.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 133 18.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 80 11.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 139 19.2%
150,000+ miles 103 14.2%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Oct 2011 peak 23 Jul 2026

NHTSA investigations into the 2012 Ford Explorer

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

PE23001 Opened 27 Jan 2023 Closed 8 Feb 2024 STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

Windshield trim molding Item detachment

On January 27, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-001 to investigate allegations of A-pillar trim panel detachment on model year (MY) 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles. At the time of opening, the office had received 164 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reporting this failure. ODI has received 671 VOQs regarding this failure, including 1 alleged crash and 2 alleged injuries. Some consumers have reported that the failure occurred while they were driving at highway speeds, with the detached trim panel entering the path of travel of the vehicle behind them, requiring th...

EA17002 Opened 27 Jul 2017 Closed 17 Jan 2023 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

Exhaust Odor in Passenger Cab

During the EA17-002 investigation, the agency reviewed and analyzed reports of exhaust odors in the passenger cabins of Model Year 2011 to 2017 Ford Explorers. This investigation required an approach that incorporated knowledge and expertise from the automotive, medical, environmental health, and occupational safety fields. The agency conducted an in-depth investigation that encompassed the review of over 6,500 consumer complaints, conducting field inspections, and testing the relevant vehicles, both independently and in coordination with Ford and other entities. During the investigation, the...

PE16008 Opened 1 Jul 2016 Closed 12 Sep 2017 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

Ford Explorer Exhaust Odor

During the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration?s (NHTSA?s) investigation into the Ford carbon monoxide allegations, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) identified additional Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports with similar exhaust odor claims.Presently, ODI has identified 791 VOQs for Model Year 2011-2017 Ford Explorers pertaining to exhaust odor claims.ODI has identified three crashes and 41 injuries potentially linked this issue.The reported injuries range from unspecified to loss of consciousness, with the majority being nausea, headaches, or dizziness ? all of which...

PE12017 Opened 19 Jun 2012 Closed 12 Jun 2014 STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Electric power steering failure

On May 27, 2014 and amended June 2, 2014, Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA describing a safety defect that may result in a sudden loss of power steering assist in approximately 179,027 model year (MY) 2011 through 2013 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with electric power assisted steering (EPAS), including 82,328 MY 2011 Explorersthat are the subject of PE12-017.Ford has assigned the recall number 14S06.The NHTSA recall number is 14V-286.Ford's DIR indicates that loss of power steering assist while driving would require higher steering effort at low...

Recalls on the 2012 Ford Explorer

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

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 the trim to detach.

Risk: A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

21V746000

SUSPENSION:REAR

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.

Risk: A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

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 suspension.

Risk: A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.

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 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.

Risk: A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.

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 spring may unseat, resulting in interior door handle that does not return to the fully stowed position after actuation.

Risk: 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.

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 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.

Risk: 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.

14E001000

STEERING

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.

Risk: The inability to steer the vehicle increases the risk of a crash.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2024026 93,349 units in Canada

Structure

Issue: On certain vehicles, the exterior A-pillar trim on either side of the windshield may not be properly attached. As a result, the trim(s) could loosen and separate from the vehicle. Safety Risk: Trim that detaches from the vehicle could create a road hazard for others and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, replace the A-pillar trim.

Recall 2021587 10,405 units in Canada

Suspension

Issue: On certain vehicles that have had one (or both) of the rear wheel knuckle(s) replaced, the outer ball joint for the rear suspension toe link may seize. If this happens, the toe link could break while driving. This could cause a sudden loss of vehicle stability. Note: This recall only affects vehicles equipped with a rear ball joint manufactured by ZF. Safety Risk: A loss of vehicle stability could cause a loss of control and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to inspect if it has had ball joints installed to replace the original bushings in the rear suspension. If so, the ball joints will be inspected. If a ball joint requires replacement, the dealer will replace the rear suspension knuckle and toe link, as necessary.

Recall 2019280 28,019 units in Canada

Suspension

Issue: On certain vehicles, the rear suspension toe link(s) could break. This could cause a sudden loss of vehicle stability. Note: This problem is more likely to occur on vehicles that are driven on rough roads. Safety Risk: A loss of vehicle stability could cause a loss of control and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their vehicle to a dealer to install improved rear suspension toe links.

Recall 2017577 3,396 units in Canada

Suspension

On certain vehicles operated in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, soil properties unique to these areas could cause an accumulation of soil to occur at the attachment point of the rear suspension toe link. This could impede the toe link's travel, causing bending stresses and potential fracture. A fractured toe link would affect vehicle handling and could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the toe links with revised parts. Note: This is an expansion of recall 2017-224.

Recall 2015127 12,392 units in Canada

Structure

On certain vehicles, the return spring within the interior door handle assembly could become unseated, resulting in an interior handle that does not return to the fully stowed position after actuation. This could allow a door to unlatch during a side impact crash, which could increase the risk of injury to a seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will inspect, and repair or replace the interior handles as necessary.

Recall 2014194 11,923 units in Canada

Steering

On certain vehicles, a fault in the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system could result in an immediate loss of power steering assist without warning to the driver. This would unexpectedly increase the steering effort force necessary to steer the vehicle at lower vehicle speeds, which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will affect repairs as necessary and will reprogram the EPS controller with updated software. In the event that an EPS fault occurs, this updated software would allow for continued EPS function while displaying visual and audible warnings to the driver until the end of the drive cycle.

Recall 2014002 20 units in Canada

Steering

A safety defect may exist in certain service parts installed after September 1st, 2013. Replacement steering gear assemblies could contain a defect potentially resulting in steering lockup and an inability to steer the vehicle. This would increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Owners of affected vehicles will be notified based on warranty and dealer service records and affected parts will be replaced.

Recall 2012325 15,351 units in Canada

Accessories

Certain vehicles fail to conform to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Specifically, the compliance label identifies the vehicle type as "TRU/CAM" instead of "MPV/VTUM". Correction: Due to the inconsequential nature of this non-compliance, no action will be taken.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Spring, TX 1 injured

POWER TRAIN

The truck has been in shop 5 times or actually 5 different dealerships. The recall has yet to be fixed but I continually pay to have the problem INVESTIGATED. The dash flashes loss of fuel pressure, service advance track soon, Battery level and mechanic wrench . I have this on video as it is constant occurrence. Each time ford takes it in they can't make the issue happen or recreate it. As told several times happens sporadic and not under any certain conditions. Over and over paying diagnostic fee and what they say will repair the issue only it happens pulling off the lot at 5 star ford Dallas Texas took it in under default to Bob Tomas Mckinney where they scanned it and found 17 communication errors left it there nothing was done but more exploration of issues going down the list of com failures and paying for each 3 anyway and it did it again leaving me stranded 3 times to count eventually leaving at Don Davis Ford Arlington Texas where it was again said repaired and is currently at Planet Ford Dallas where historically I paid $2850 and NOTHING was done as it again left me stranded and towed there where it can sit until it's fixed meaning this loss of horsepower the electric flashes and the gears in transmission ACTUALLY FUNCTION AS PER REQUESTED EACH TIME IN SERVICE

NHTSA complaint #11484467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Spring, TX 1 injured

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The truck has been in shop 5 times or actually 5 different dealerships. The recall has yet to be fixed but I continually pay to have the problem INVESTIGATED. The dash flashes loss of fuel pressure, service advance track soon, Battery level and mechanic wrench . I have this on video as it is constant occurrence. Each time ford takes it in they can't make the issue happen or recreate it. As told several times happens sporadic and not under any certain conditions. Over and over paying diagnostic fee and what they say will repair the issue only it happens pulling off the lot at 5 star ford Dallas Texas took it in under default to Bob Tomas Mckinney where they scanned it and found 17 communication errors left it there nothing was done but more exploration of issues going down the list of com failures and paying for each 3 anyway and it did it again leaving me stranded 3 times to count eventually leaving at Don Davis Ford Arlington Texas where it was again said repaired and is currently at Planet Ford Dallas where historically I paid $2850 and NOTHING was done as it again left me stranded and towed there where it can sit until it's fixed meaning this loss of horsepower the electric flashes and the gears in transmission ACTUALLY FUNCTION AS PER REQUESTED EACH TIME IN SERVICE

NHTSA complaint #11484467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Spring, TX 1 injured

ENGINE

The truck has been in shop 5 times or actually 5 different dealerships. The recall has yet to be fixed but I continually pay to have the problem INVESTIGATED. The dash flashes loss of fuel pressure, service advance track soon, Battery level and mechanic wrench . I have this on video as it is constant occurrence. Each time ford takes it in they can't make the issue happen or recreate it. As told several times happens sporadic and not under any certain conditions. Over and over paying diagnostic fee and what they say will repair the issue only it happens pulling off the lot at 5 star ford Dallas Texas took it in under default to Bob Tomas Mckinney where they scanned it and found 17 communication errors left it there nothing was done but more exploration of issues going down the list of com failures and paying for each 3 anyway and it did it again leaving me stranded 3 times to count eventually leaving at Don Davis Ford Arlington Texas where it was again said repaired and is currently at Planet Ford Dallas where historically I paid $2850 and NOTHING was done as it again left me stranded and towed there where it can sit until it's fixed meaning this loss of horsepower the electric flashes and the gears in transmission ACTUALLY FUNCTION AS PER REQUESTED EACH TIME IN SERVICE

NHTSA complaint #11484467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 140,000 miles Cleveland, OH Crash Fire

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

MY TRUCK BURST INTO FLAMES 🔥 AND BURN TO THE GROUND WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVE WAY.

NHTSA complaint #11324350 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 140,000 miles Cleveland, OH Crash Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MY TRUCK BURST INTO FLAMES 🔥 AND BURN TO THE GROUND WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVE WAY.

NHTSA complaint #11324350 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 140,000 miles Cleveland, OH Crash Fire

ENGINE

MY TRUCK BURST INTO FLAMES 🔥 AND BURN TO THE GROUND WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVE WAY.

NHTSA complaint #11324350 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Wooster, OH

STEERING

Loss of power steering assist . Yes it is available for inspection on request. I can't steer it . It has not been confirmed by anybody yet. It has not been inspected by anybody yet. There are no warning lights on dash .

NHTSA complaint #11751715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 80,000 miles Tompkinsville, KY

STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to complete the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH on a bypass, the A-pillar exterior trim detached. The owner applied duct tape to the front windshield out of concern that the front windshield would detach. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted, and confirmed that the parts were backordered. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA complaint #11749525 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 237,000 miles Chicago, IL

STEERING

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, the "Service Power Steering" message was displayed. The contact pulled into a parking lot, turned off and then restarted the vehicle. The failure persisted, and the power steering feature failed to operate as needed. While in reverse, the back over prevention camera display the "Service Camera - Take to Dealer" message on the screen. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that there was a recall for the failure, NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 237,000.

NHTSA complaint #11746616 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 237,000 miles Chicago, IL

BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, the "Service Power Steering" message was displayed. The contact pulled into a parking lot, turned off and then restarted the vehicle. The failure persisted, and the power steering feature failed to operate as needed. While in reverse, the back over prevention camera display the "Service Camera - Take to Dealer" message on the screen. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that there was a recall for the failure, NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 237,000.

NHTSA complaint #11746616 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lancaster, NY

STRUCTURE:BODY

Failure of the dealerships to fix recall in timely manner It’s been over two years and parts still unavailable

NHTSA complaint #11745848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Middletown, OH

STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part required for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was unavailable. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA complaint #11743199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hanover, VA

STRUCTURE:BODY

I received the first recall notice for this defect from Ford Motor Co. in February 2024 and took the vehicle to Sheehy Ford in Ashland, Virginia on August 7, 2025. Sheehy Ford did the required inspection and confirmed that the vehicle had defective windshield rubber molding. The inspection required that the plastic body molding on both sides of the windshield be removed, which rendered them unusable and could not be replaced. Sheehy Ford said they had ordered the necessary replacement parts from Ford Motor Co. and would notify me when they were received. I have been following up with Sheehy Ford every couple of months since August 2025 and they say the replacement parts are still not available from Ford Motor Co. It seems to me that 9 months is an unreasonable amount of time to provide the necessary parts for this Safety Recall, especially missing the plastic windshield moldings, my car is unsellable, which I would like to do.

NHTSA complaint #11738521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 200,063 miles Milwaukee, WI

STEERING

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The failed power steering warning light illuminated. In addition, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, however the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall which had a similar failure description, however the contact's VIN was not associated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,063.

NHTSA complaint #11737559 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 208,974 miles Perryville, MO

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the hazard lights and other surrounding indicator systems were inoperable. Additionally, the rearview camera displayed a blank image while reversing. The dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 208,974.

NHTSA complaint #11734667 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 208,974 miles Perryville, MO

BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the hazard lights and other surrounding indicator systems were inoperable. Additionally, the rearview camera displayed a blank image while reversing. The dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 208,974.

NHTSA complaint #11734667 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Irmo, SC

STEERING

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 the recall as “complete” which was not the case. Corporate opened the case again for me, so it should’ve read incomplete in their system. (Therefore, maybe they would call me to let me know the part was in stock. That didn’t happen.) When I called back 2 months later, they had apparently marked it as complete a second time. Which again, was false. 12 months later, they’re finally agreeing to replace the part. I also found out from corporate in that same phone call that I had a recall to a power steering component. When I called the shop, they said that had been marked as complete too so I was not eligible for a second replacement. I have a hard time trusting that the original was actually replaced now. And the steering feels like a major safety concern! Point is, I’m worried that location may be doctoring their documentation, marking recalls as repaired when repairs have clearly not been made. I’d hate for it to cause a major accident or something. Bringing this up in case it warrants an audit. I’m sure I’m not the only person they’ve done this to. I’ve opened a case with Ford’s Automatice Safety Office as well and they are investigating but I thought it prudent to mention to an outside source. Like I said, I’d hate for someone to get in accident because they thought a repair had been made when it actually never was.

NHTSA complaint #11732810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Irmo, SC

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 the recall as “complete” which was not the case. Corporate opened the case again for me, so it should’ve read incomplete in their system. (Therefore, maybe they would call me to let me know the part was in stock. That didn’t happen.) When I called back 2 months later, they had apparently marked it as complete a second time. Which again, was false. 12 months later, they’re finally agreeing to replace the part. I also found out from corporate in that same phone call that I had a recall to a power steering component. When I called the shop, they said that had been marked as complete too so I was not eligible for a second replacement. I have a hard time trusting that the original was actually replaced now. And the steering feels like a major safety concern! Point is, I’m worried that location may be doctoring their documentation, marking recalls as repaired when repairs have clearly not been made. I’d hate for it to cause a major accident or something. Bringing this up in case it warrants an audit. I’m sure I’m not the only person they’ve done this to. I’ve opened a case with Ford’s Automatice Safety Office as well and they are investigating but I thought it prudent to mention to an outside source. Like I said, I’d hate for someone to get in accident because they thought a repair had been made when it actually never was.

NHTSA complaint #11732810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 155,500 miles Columbia, MO

STRUCTURE

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 repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the vehicle was previously repaired under the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 155,500.

NHTSA complaint #11732733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fort Lauderdale, FL

STEERING

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.

NHTSA complaint #11730731 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Carriere, MS

STEERING

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 been so many accidents. If it has not already happen there is going to end up causing a fatality. What is it going to take a child to loose their life before Ford does something about this?? WAKE UP FORD THIS IS CRAZY!!! Really 2 questions down you ask if there was a accident or fatality? Don't wait till someone's child or grand baby dies! It not a matter of if it is a matter of when! I have seen so many people saying online saying they have had the same problem. This is scary! I thank God daily I did not crash or even worse crash and Kill another person or an innocent baby! I can get photos and tow bill but I didn't have it handy.

NHTSA complaint #11729579 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Newport News, VA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 side A-pillar applique is missing. My passenger side applique is loose. Why are parts not available? After 2 years of recall notice!!

NHTSA complaint #11719326 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Orlando, FL

VISIBILITY/WIPER

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.

NHTSA complaint #11718316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Chowchilla, CA

STRUCTURE

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 contact stated that the vehicle could not be registered in the State of California due to the incomplete recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA complaint #11713995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Brentwood, TN

STEERING

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. This appears to be a common ford problem and the recall should be reopened. It would be dangerous if this happened on a the road while driving.

NHTSA complaint #11713792 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 80,000 miles Oviedo, FL

STEERING

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 was no injury sustained. No Police report was filed. The contact stated that the power steering failure was initially intermittent, but the failure had become a constant failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the electronic power steering and steering gear assembly needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered because the 10-year warranty period had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA complaint #11710962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Davenport, IA

STEERING

Unknown my Steering wheel locked up while driving

NHTSA complaint #11710317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kilmarnock, VA

STEERING

Total loss of Electric power steering assistance while driving on the interstate.

NHTSA complaint #11709483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kilmarnock, VA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Total loss of Electric power steering assistance while driving on the interstate.

NHTSA complaint #11709483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 138,239 miles Chandler, IN

STEERING

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 that the vehicle was very difficult to steer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with an electronic power steering module failure. The contact was informed that the electronic power steering module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was concerned that the failure might cause a crash. The contact referenced the notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14E001000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,239.

NHTSA complaint #11704528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Springfield, KY

STEERING

Failure of Power Steering A hard steering wheel on a 2012 Ford Explorer with electric steering (EPAS

NHTSA complaint #11704276 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.