The Lemon Index2012 Ford Explorer.
The 2012 Ford Explorer is about average by owner complaints: 190 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 111, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about steering, it has 7 recalls, and it gets 19 to 23 mpg combined. The best Ford Explorer year is 2008.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
Fixes owners look up most.
From 100 YouTube videos about the 2011–2019 Ford Explorer, 25.8M views. The 2012 is the same generation.
- Cooling system1.2M views
How to change a water pump in Ford V6 3.5 & 3.7-liter engines 2012-19 Explorer, Taurus, Edge & moreC.L.S. ALL-IN-ONE · 1.2M views - Windows, doors & mirrors669K views
2011 - 2019 Ford Explorer Water In The Floors and Here is Why - Sunroof Drain CleaningFord Boss Me - Auto / Politics / Family · 148K views · 6 videos - Intake, EGR & engine sensors668K views
2019 ford explorer tire pressure sensor reset procedureGearhead slick · 277K views · 5 videos - Steering & suspension485K views
How to Replace Front Lower Control Arm Bushing 2011-2019 Ford ExplorerTRQ · 168K views · 4 videos
Show 4 more
- Infotainment, battery & electrical416K views
Ford Explorer - A/C COMPRESSOR FUSE & RELAY LOCATION (2011 - 2015)QuiteAlright · 131K views · 4 videos - Heat, A/C & blend door390K views
2011 - 2019 Ford Explorer Cabin Air filter - How To Change Remove Replace - A/C AC Filter LocationPYR Automotive · 390K views - Death wobble & steering371K views
2013-2015 Ford Explorer. Hard electronic power steering/Electronic failure module/motorKilmar Grease Monkey · 259K views · 2 videos - Gauges, lights & wiring361K views
2011-2015 Ford Explorer Headlight Bulb Replacement & How to Replace Head Light Bulbs XLT XLS LimitedWorkingWithWimberley · 240K views · 2 videos
Before you buy, watch
Top 5 Problems Ford Explorer SUV 5th Generation 2011-20191A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics Know · 1.3M views
Common problems with the Ford Explorer from 2011 to 2015.El papá de los autos · 304K views
Top 5 Problems with the FORD EXPLORER | 5th Generation 2011 - 2019Alex The Car Doctor · 288K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them.
How serious. Out of 829 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Ford Explorer year. 2012 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 39K to 122K miles on the car (566 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- steering complaints mostly came at 35K–140K miles
- body structure complaints mostly came at 54K–146K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 40K–88K miles
Recalls 7
- body structure 2024
The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
- suspension 2021
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.
- suspension 2019
The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
Show all 7 recalls
- wheels 2017
These bearings assemblies were manufactured without a self retention feature, possibly resulting in the separation of the wheel or wheel end.
- body structure 2015
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.
- steering 2014
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.
- steering 2014
The inability to steer the vehicle increases the risk of a crash.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Ford told dealers about
Ford sent dealers 88 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- See document search button for owner letter
- Intermittent ikt
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedWindshield trim molding item detachment2023–2024
- ClosedExhaust odor in passenger cab2017–2023
- ClosedFord explorer exhaust odor2016–2017
- ClosedElectric power steering failure2012–2014
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2800–3400 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
Steering making clunking noise when you turn steering left to right most of the time to the right
2012 Ford Explorer owner · NHTSA complaint 10730858
More owner reports
While driving down the interstate my power steering went out. It was very hard to maneuver my car to the exit ramp and almost impossible to turn on smaller streets.
NHTSA complaint 10587951
Power steering assist was lost, suddenly and drastically increasing the strength needed to turn the steering wheel.
NHTSA complaint 10474586
Quick answers
Is the 2012 Ford Explorer reliable?
About average by government complaints. It drew 1.1× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 111; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Ford Explorer year by this measure since 2010 is 2024.
What are the most common 2012 Ford Explorer problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are steering (50%), engine (13%) and electrical (11%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2012 Ford Explorer have?
7 safety recalls (latest: body structure). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Ford Explorer get?
19 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2012 Ford Explorer safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2012 Ford Explorer problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 39,800 and 122,300 miles. The middle report was at 70,000 miles, from 566 complaints.
Does the 2012 Ford Explorer have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 10% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2012 Ford Explorer cost in fuel a year?
About $2800 to $3400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2012 Ford Explorer have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
What Ford Explorer year is better than the 2012?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2019, 2018 and 2010.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works