2012 Ford Explorer: engine and transmission complaints
NO ELEVATED SIGNAL
19%
149 of 827 relevant owner complaints are about the engine, transmission or fuel system
No elevated drivetrain complaint concentration in the available NHTSA records for the 2012 Ford Explorer. Engine, transmission and fuel system account for 19% of relevant complaints.
Better than 88% of the 1,230 model years we track (2010–2023).
Manufacturers fix things mid-generation. A bad year next to a clean one is common; the fix usually arrived in between.
What owners reported
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE09/14/20221 INJURED
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 t…
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM,ENGINE09/02/2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the traction control and check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that a minute and a half later, while attempting to make a right turn, the steering wheel became firm, and added effort was needed to tu…
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN07/21/2025
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40-60 MPH, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. Upon investigation,…
Three of 149 drivetrain complaints. The full report shows more, with quotes about the engine in the car you are looking at first.
Recall campaigns on this model year (7)
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.
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 20…
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, resul…
This does not say whether a particular car has an open, unrepaired recall. That depends on the VIN.
Before you buy a 2012 Ford Explorer
No elevated drivetrain pattern for this model year. That describes the model, not the car in front of you.
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
7 recall campaigns on this model year. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on the VIN; the report checks that.
Ask for service records. A engine already replaced under warranty is a different car from one that was not.
Have the VIN?Paste it and get the full report for that car. First report free, then a 30-day pass covers a whole car search.
Experimental model-level information. This is not a vehicle inspection, vehicle-history
report, financial advice or purchase recommendation. It describes patterns across a model year, not the condition
of any individual vehicle.
