2012 Ford Explorer Suspension Problems

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 dealer was contacted and provided a cost for the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called another local dealer, [XXX] [XXX] ) but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11690332

Incident

Mar 15, 2025

Mileage

71,000 mi

Clunking noise coming from rear possible tow link, clicking noise coming from steering even when vehicle not moving

NHTSA ID

11670431

Incident

Jun 22, 2025

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V435000 (SUSPENSION) and 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, there was a loud sound of air coming from the windshield. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed the contact that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available for NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). Parts distribution disconnect for NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V435000 (Suspension).

NHTSA ID

11653313

Incident

Nov 1, 2021

Mileage

156,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing a hard pull to the right while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the failure occurred while driving from a complete stop and while driving on the highway. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V746000 (Suspension) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the rear toe links needed to be replaced; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the failure was recurring increasingly. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who informed the contact that the recall repair had already been performed on the vehicle; however, the contact stated that the recall repair had not been performed on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. 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 failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ID

11579384

Incident

Mar 25, 2022

Mileage

100,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The check warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the bushings. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 198,000.

NHTSA ID

11576605

Incident

Mar 11, 2024

Mileage

198,000 mi

Rear tires rubbing and car is uneasy in rain. Had to have tires replaced due to rubbing on interior of rear of car. Tires wear extremely fast and dangerous to drive in any weather conditions such as rain. Inspection says there is no alignment or adjustment issues. However tires continue to wear apparently there are aftermarket parts to make it adjustable but what is wrong with it in the first place? Very dangerous to drive in rain. Slides all over the place. Tires slightly bend in.

NHTSA ID

11570125

Incident

Feb 5, 2024

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 20-30 MPH, the steering wheel became significantly difficult to steer. The contact was able to continue driving by using his physical strength to steer the steering wheel. There was no further information provided. The contact stated that as he arrived to the residence, the steering wheel locked. The vehicle was towed to the used car dealer it was purchased from, and it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The Ford dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be covered under Ford Campaign Number: 15N01, as the campaign had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V435000 (Suspension). The manufacturer were contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 183,000.

NHTSA ID

11536286

Incident

Jul 3, 2023

Mileage

183,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, he heard an abnormal snapping sound then a clunking sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The traction control and the ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to get the vehicle back to the residence while driving approximately 10 MPH. The contact stated that the front subframe was corroded, causing the subframe to fracture and the wheels were pushed outwards in opposite directions. The contact had taken the vehicle to a certified mechanic who replaced the subframe. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 139,000.

NHTSA ID

11487202

Incident

Sep 10, 2022

Mileage

139,000 mi

I have had 3 upper rear lateral links snap off. 2 on the rear driver side and 1 on the rear passenger side. I am researching recalls. And there is a recall on some explorer models for the rear toe links. Sounds like the same thing that keeps happening to my vehicle. I am scared to drive it now. They literally just snap and the back tire starts steering however it wants.

NHTSA ID

11436182

Incident

Oct 9, 2021

JUST PURCHASED THIS CAR, DECIDED TO LOOK UP ANY RECALLS AND FOUND 1 PERTAINING TO THE TOE LINKS. LOOKING THROUGHLY AT THE VEHICLE THERE ARE A LOT OF MAJOR DEFECTS. THIS IS GOING TO BE A DAILY DRIVER FOR MY DAUGHTER AND I AND I TRULY DON'T FEEL SAFE AS I'M READING ALL THE REVIEWS AND RECALLS. THE ONLY THING I CAN MENTION AT THIS MOMENT ABOUT THIS CAR WOULD BE THE BACK WASHER FLUID LEAKS INTO THE CABIN, THE HOOD OF THE CAR DOES NOT SHUT CORRECTLY-HANDLE FOR THIS AREA IS LOOSE. THE STATE OF THIS CAR IS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID

11413698

Incident

Apr 24, 2021

FORD SPAIN UNABLE TO CONDUCT RECALLS DUE TO NO PARTS AVAILABLE FOR EXPLORER 2012. DISCUSSED WITH. *TR

NHTSA ID

11330007

Incident

Sep 1, 2019

PASSENGER SIDE STRUT MOUNT BROKE CAUSING NOISES WHEN TURNING EITHER DIRECTION. MAKING STEERING HARD. WHEN LOOKING FOR REPLACEMENT PART, IT WAS HARD TO LOCATE BECAUSE THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM AND PARTS CAN'T BE KEPT IN STOCK

NHTSA ID

11317587

Incident

Mar 8, 2020

Mileage

1,116,000 mi

THE FRONT STRUT TOWER MOUNTS ARE BAD. THIS IS ON EVERY 2011-2015 FORD EXPLORER I HAVE SEEN. IT MAKES A BAD CLUNK SOUND EVERYTIME THE WHEEL IS TURNED.

NHTSA ID

11309119

Incident

May 15, 2016

Mileage

60,800 mi

ELECTRONIC STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY WAS A RECALL AND WAS REPLACED. REPLACEMENT PART HAS NOW GONE BAD ONCE AGAIN. FORD IS NOT HONORING THE WARRANTY IT PROVIDED FOR THIS PART. VEHICLE HAS NO STEERING POWER NOW. WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. UNABLE TO TURN LEFT CAUSING TO GO OFF THE ROAD. WAS ABLE TO CORRECT AND TRAVELED TO DEALER TO FIND OUT THAT THE STEERING IS GONE.

NHTSA ID

11281262

Incident

Nov 6, 2019

Mileage

164,000 mi

WHEN IT ACCELERATE 0 TO 60 IT FEELS LIKE TREMBLES, EVEN WHEN IT PASSES 60 MPH IT FEELS. IF YOU ACTIVE THE OVER DRIVE IT FEELS IVEN MORE... I REPLACE THE TIRES, BRAKES , CONTROL ARM, MOTOR MOUNT. THE MECHANIC CHECK EVERYTHING. SO THE ONLY REST FOR CHECK IS THE RACK AND PINION THE HALL THING. THE EXPLORER IS IN VERY GOOD CONDITION

NHTSA ID

11267827

Incident

May 22, 2019

Mileage

94,516 mi

WHILE MY WAS DRIVING SHE WENT TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP AND HEARD A NOISE. SHE THOUGHT MAYBE SHE RAN OVER GLASS OR SOMETHING. WHEN SHE WENT TO TURN THE CORNER THE VEHICLE KEPT GOING STRAIGHT. SHE ENDED UP HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE DUE TO THE REAR SUSPENSION BREAKING. MY VEHICLE IS PART OF THE REAR SUSPENSION RECALL.

NHTSA ID

11244904

Incident

Apr 20, 2019

Mileage

157,884 mi

TAKATA RECALL

NHTSA ID

11232141

Incident

May 4, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BILLY HOWELL FORD LINCOLN (1805 ATLANTA HWY, CUMMING, GA 30040, (770) 887-2311) FOR ROUTINE SERVICE. THE DEALER NOTICED THAT THE POWER TRANSFER UNIT WAS LEAKING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. TWO WEEKS PRIOR, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY THE SAME DEALER PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V435000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

NHTSA ID

11228697

Incident

Jun 5, 2019

Mileage

140,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING (EPS) FAILED AND THE EPS INDICATOR RANDOMLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V286000 (STEERING) AND 14E001000 (STEERING); ALTHOUGH, THE FAILURE WAS THE SAME AS LISTED IN THE RECALLS. CLASSIC FORD OF SMITHFIELD (1698 E BOOKER DAIRY RD, SMITHFIELD, NC 27577, (877) 679-8179) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INDICATED THAT A DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT NEEDED TO BE SCHEDULED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V435000 (SUSPENSION) AND THE DEALER WAS TO ALSO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,000.

NHTSA ID

11221253

Incident

Jun 19, 2019

Mileage

132,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 7 MPH, A GRINDING METAL SOUND WAS HEARD AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED. THE CONTACT SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE AND RESTARTED IT, BUT IT WOULD NOT ENGAGE INTO GEAR. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO HIS PERSONAL AUTO MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AXLE MOUNT FRACTURED. THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE PASSENGER SIDE AXLE MOUNT. WHILE TEST DRIVING THE VEHICLE AFTER THE REPAIR, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING, INCLUDING THE WRENCH ICON, THE SERVICE ADVANCE TRACK INDICATOR, AND THE CROSS TRAFFIC SYSTEM FAULT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE TO BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE REPROGRAMMED SO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING WOULD DIM. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HELFMAN FORD (12220 SOUTHWEST FWY, STAFFORD, TX 77477) TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THERE WERE NO RECALL FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.

NHTSA ID

11064179

Incident

Jan 18, 2018

Mileage

74,000 mi

THE STRUT MOUNTS ON THE EXPLORER ARE FAULTY. RESULTING IN A HORRIBLE NOISE WHEN TURNING OR ENCOUNTERING A BUMP; AND POSSIBLE SEPARATION OF THE STRUT MOUNT FROM THE VEHICLE BODY. I WAS ALERTED THAT IN MY SMALL COMMUNITY ALONE, I WAS ONE OF 5 VEHICLES OF THE SAME YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL WHO HAVE HAD TO REPLACE BOTH STRUT MOUNTS ON THE VEHICLE WITHIN THE PAST 6 MONTHS. FORD HAS BEEN ALERTED TO THE PROBLEM, BUT SEEM TO TAKE NO ACTION IN RESOLVING IT.

NHTSA ID

10995522

Incident

May 1, 2017

FRONT STRUT BEARINGS CLUNKING/ FAILED. NEEDED REPLACED. 55,000 MILES. STRONG ODOR OF CARBON MONOXIDE WHEN ACCELERATING OR FOLLOWING LARGE TRUCKS.

NHTSA ID

10984451

Incident

Jan 1, 2017

Mileage

55,000 mi