2012 Ford Explorer Visibility Problems

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 ID

11718316

Incident

Feb 16, 2026

I started receiving recall information on or before February 2024 for this recall. I finally took it in for inspection maybe 6 months ago. They broke the a-pillar trim peices on both sides so then afterwards at some point they flew off. Then i was on the highway on 6/4 & then the molding peices underneath surrounding my windshield started coming off & flapping around. Thrashing my window while driving 70mph. I had to pull the peices in & roll them up in my window before i was able to pull over & detach them fully. After the inspection as well the guy at the dealer basically laughed & said ford isnt even making these parts & they are on “indefinite back order”. Now the peices are missing as well as my windshield being exposed. All looks very unsightly as well. I dont think FORD really cares because its been almost 2 years & no parts are available yet!!!!!! I am very disappointed & frustrated.

NHTSA ID

11665238

Incident

Jun 4, 2025

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA ID

11607198

Incident

Apr 3, 2024

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the side fasteners on the driver's and passenger's side of the front windshield detached and separated from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11563152

Incident

Jun 13, 2016

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the front windshield trim detached from the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the front windshield trim to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11508951

Incident

Feb 21, 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal snap and saw the trim panel of the front windshield detach from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an auto glass shop and the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was out of warranty and that there was no recall for the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000. The contact stated that the trim panel has been replaced 3 times now. The fourth set of trim panel is now cracked and will have to be replaced again. All sets of trim panel were purchased from and installed by the same two companies each time. The contact also stated that the failure mileage was 50,000.

NHTSA ID

11507581

Incident

Mar 24, 2017

Mileage

50,000 mi

After seeing in the news that trim parts had come off explorers while driving we wanted to report the same issue that we have had. Last year the trim piece on the front passenger door came off while traveling at highway speed. About one year before that the driver side windshield trim piece also came off while traveling on the highway. The driver side far rear trim piece has also been cracked for a couple years. We replaced the two pieces that cam off with aftermarket replacements. The vehicle is available for inspection. The trim pieces coming off startled us while driving and could cause injury or accident to vehicles travelling on the highway behind us. The problem has not been reported to, reproduced or confirmed b a dealer or independent service center. The vehicle or component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. There was no warning of the impending failures.

NHTSA ID

11506844

Incident

Jul 13, 2022

Driving south/west on US301 in MD, from NY, and the driver side windshield frame came off at highway speed. There was no other traffic nearby. I ordered a replacement frame off Ebay and installed but it does not fit as well as the original. Heard on the radio there had been other reports of this, hence why I am making this report now. The incident took place before Christmas. There were no warning signs of this potentially happening. I am the only owner of this vehicle, purchased it new

NHTSA ID

11505160

Incident

Nov 27, 2022

Driver side Pillar trim molding flew off multiple times while driving on the interstate causing safety issues to the other drivers.

NHTSA ID

11505121

Incident

Jun 25, 2022

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the driver’s side windshield trim panel detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who installed a replacement panel to fix the failure. The contact stated that the passenger’s side windshield trim panel also experienced the same failure. The contact stated the failure had occurred twice on the driver’s side windshield panel and twice on the passenger’s side panel. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 82,000.

NHTSA ID

11504907

Incident

Mar 1, 2019

Mileage

82,000 mi

Window trim pieces have fallen off 3x. We have had them replaced multiple times. Once, the trim piece came off on the highway and caused the vehicle behind to swerve. No accidents. Currently, the drivers side trim piece is loose again, and I'm considering having it replaced, again.

NHTSA ID

11504625

Incident

Jan 31, 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 35-60 MPH, the front passenger's side vertical rubber gasket of the windshield detached and was slapping against the windshield. The contact continued driving. Upon arriving to her destination, the contact pushed the part into place; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the front passenger's side vertical rubber gasket of the windshield was scuffing the windshield. The contact also stated that the failure was distracting and obstructed her vision while driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle into the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ID

11481764

Incident

Aug 29, 2016

Mileage

70,000 mi

THE WIPERS WILL RANDOMLY TURN ON EVEN IF THE SWITCH IS OFF. I HAVE FOUND THAT I HAVE TO TURN THE WIPERS ON TO THE HIGHEST SETTING THEN IMMEDIATELY TURN THEM OFF YOU GET THE WIPERS TO STAY OFF. MY SECOND PROBLEM IS THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WILL TURN ON AT RANDOM TIMES WHILE DRIVING. I CAN GO WEEKS OR MONTHS WITH OUT IT TURNING ON BUT I CAN ALSO GO WEEKS WITH IT STAYING ON 24/7. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO A FORD DEALER TO BE LOOKED AT AND THE ANSWER I GOT WAS 'WE ARE NOT SURE WHY IT'S DOING IT BUT JUST PUT A TOWEL ON THE DASH TO KEEP IT FROM GETTING HOT AND THAT SHOULD FIX IT MAYBE'. I HAVE FOUND THAT WHILE DRIVING IF MY WIFE TURNS AROUND TO GET/GIVE SOMETHING TO OUR CHILD THE LIGHT WILL TURN ON WHEN SHE FULLY SITS BACK DOWN.

NHTSA ID

11098067

Incident

May 1, 2018

Mileage

60,000 mi

FUMES IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT

NHTSA ID

11011151

Incident

Apr 25, 2014

Mileage

60,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT OBSERVED AN ABNORMAL ODOR THROUGH THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 27,000.

NHTSA ID

10908785

Incident

Sep 1, 2015

Mileage

27,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE WINDOW GUARD ON THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDSHIELD DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WINDOW GUARD PART NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ON THE THIRD OCCASION BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000. UPDATED 09/03/15*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED TWICE AND NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED ON BOTH THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AND DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 12/16/2015 *JS

NHTSA ID

10730879

Incident

Jul 28, 2013

Mileage

49,000 mi

TRAVELED TO FLORIDA FROM PENNSYLVANIA FOR VACATION. WINDOW ON PASSENGER SIDE DEVELOPED LINE OF SMALL BUBBLES VERTICALLY WHILE SITTING IN HOTEL PARKING LOT. WINDSHIELD THEN CRACKED IN MIDDLE IN A "Z" FORMATION. ITS A RATHER LARGE CRACK AND MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO SEE OUT FRONT WINDOW. I BELIEVE THE WINDOW IS DEFECTIVE LIKE THE FORD E SERIES WINDSHIELDS. I CONTACTED FORD BUT AS USUAL THEY WOULD NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY. THIS CAR HAS BEEN RECALLED TWICE ALREADY. *TR

NHTSA ID

10704571

Incident

Apr 7, 2015

Mileage

90,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEATER FAILED TO BLOW HOT AIR WHICH PREVENTED THE WINDOWS FROM DEFROSTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 167. UPDATED 6/11/15*CN ALSO, THE THERMOSTAT WAS REPLACED, THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE JUMP STARTED. UPDATED 01/26/16.*JB

NHTSA ID

10703389

Incident

Apr 11, 2012

Mileage

167 mi

REAR WINDOW SHATTERED WHILE PARKED IN PARKING LOT. NO EXPLANATION FOR THE SHATTERED GLASS. TEMPERATURE WAS APPROXIMATELY 15 DEGREE F. *TR

NHTSA ID

10676380

Incident

Jan 17, 2015

Mileage

65,900 mi

I WAS DRIVING AT 55 MILES PER HOUR AND THE MOLDING FROM AROUND THE RIGHT SIDE WINDSHIELD FLEW OFF AFTER DRIVING ANOTHER 10-15 MILES THE LEFT HAND MOLDING ON THE WINDSHIELD ALSO BLEW OFF THIS COULD HAVE BEEN TROUBLE FOR ANY ONE BEHIND ME OR TO THE SIDE OF ME. *TR

NHTSA ID

10651997

Incident

Nov 2, 2014

Mileage

28,000 mi

THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS DO NOT TURN OFF. THEY CONTINUE TO RUN UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF. *TR

NHTSA ID

10587142

Incident

Apr 16, 2014

Mileage

44,000 mi

SLUSH ON THE WINDSHIELD PULLED THE WIPER FROM THE WIPER ARM ON THE PASSENGER SIDE MAKING ME PULL OVER ON A BUSY STREET. THE MANUFACTURED ARM IS THE CHEAPEST AND MOST UNRELIABLE ARM I'VE EVER SEEN. I CHECKED WITH OTHER 2012 FORD EXPLORERS AND THEY HAVE THE SAME ARM. THE 2013 AND 2014 HAVE DIFFERENT STYLE ARMS THAT HOLD THE WIPER ON SECURELY. I'M GOING BACK TO THE DEALER TO SEE IF THEY CAN PUT DIFFERENT ARMS ON BUT THIS DEFINITELY IS A SAFETY ISSUE. JUST BY RAISING THE WIPER ARM UP AND GRABBING THE BOTTOM OF THE BLADE THE WIPER SNAPS OFF. I WAS LUCKY NOT TO BE ON THE INTERSTATE HWY WHEN THIS HAPPENED. *TR

NHTSA ID

10569267

Incident

Feb 8, 2013

Mileage

19,000 mi

THIS FORM DOES NOT ALLOW ENTRY OF MULTIPLE DATES. THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH MYFORDTOUCH WITH THIS VEHICLE THAT IS CONTINUAL. PUTTING IN ONE DATE IS POINTLESS. THE CLIMATE (DEFROSTER, ETC) SYSTEM AND THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM ARE PART OF THIS MODULE, ALONG WITH PHONE AND AUDIO FEATURES. THIS MODULE LOCKS CONTINUALLY AND IT IS DANGEROUS BECAUSE YOU CAN'T CONTROL THE DEFROSTER OR NAVIGATION SYSTEM MANUALLY WHEN THIS OCCURS. REPEATED TRIPS TO THE DEALER HAVE BEEN FRUITLESS AND MY WIFE WAS IN DANGEROUS SITUATIONS SEVERAL TIMES IN HEAVY TRAFFIC CORRIDOR CONDITIONS IN NORTHERN NEW JERSEY. IT IS UNCONSCIONABLE THAT FORD IS SELLING THESE VEHICLES FOR NEARLY $50,000 THAT ARE DEFECTIVE AND THEY KNOW THEY ARE DEFECTIVE.

NHTSA ID

10437068

Incident

Aug 31, 2011

Mileage

420 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THE SPEEDOMETER DESIGN DOES NOT SHOW YOU THE LOWER RANGE WHILE DRIVING AND THAT CAUSED THE CONTACT TO EXCEED THE SPEED LIMIT. THE HIGHER NUMBERS WERE ON THE TOP OF THE SPEEDOMETER WHICH WERE SHAPED LIKE A "C" AND THE NUMBERS SHOULD BE AT THE BOTTOM TO AVOID SPEEDING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE FORD MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, A CLAIM WAS FILED AND THEY INFORMED HER TO CONTACT NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78. UPDATED 12/28/11*LJ THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED IT WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO SEE OUT OF THE REAR WINDOW, AS THE WINDOW WAS TOO SMALL. UPDATED 12/28/11

NHTSA ID

10432703

Incident

Oct 24, 2011

Mileage

78 mi