2012 Ford Explorer
Safety Recalls & Notices
We found 18 safety recalls for the 2012 Ford Explorer. Recalls are sourced from both NHTSA (US) and Transport Canada databases. Contact your authorized Ford dealer to schedule free repairs.
Summary
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.
Summary
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.
Summary
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.
Summary
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.
Summary
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.
Summary
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.
Summary
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.
Summary
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.
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.
Potential Consequence
A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
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.
Potential Consequence
A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
18 Active Recalls
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2012 Ford Explorer Recall FAQs
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