2012 Ford Explorer

Loss of power steering assist . Yes it is available for inspection on request. I can't steer it . It has not been confirmed by anybody yet. It has not been inspected by anybody yet. There are no warning lights on dash .

Reported

Jul 2026

Incident date

Jul 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to complete the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH on a bypass, the A-pillar exterior trim detached. The owner applied duct tape to the front windshield out of concern that the front windshield would detach. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted, and confirmed that the parts were backordered. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Reported

Jul 2026

Incident date

Feb 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, the "Service Power Steering" message was displayed. The contact pulled into a parking lot, turned off and then restarted the vehicle. The failure persisted, and the power steering feature failed to operate as needed. While in reverse, the back over prevention camera display the "Service Camera - Take to Dealer" message on the screen. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that there was a recall for the failure, NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 237,000.

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

Jun 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Failure of the dealerships to fix recall in timely manner It’s been over two years and parts still unavailable

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

Jan 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part required for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was unavailable. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

Jan 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I received the first recall notice for this defect from Ford Motor Co. in February 2024 and took the vehicle to Sheehy Ford in Ashland, Virginia on August 7, 2025. Sheehy Ford did the required inspection and confirmed that the vehicle had defective windshield rubber molding. The inspection required that the plastic body molding on both sides of the windshield be removed, which rendered them unusable and could not be replaced. Sheehy Ford said they had ordered the necessary replacement parts from Ford Motor Co. and would notify me when they were received. I have been following up with Sheehy Ford every couple of months since August 2025 and they say the replacement parts are still not available from Ford Motor Co. It seems to me that 9 months is an unreasonable amount of time to provide the necessary parts for this Safety Recall, especially missing the plastic windshield moldings, my car is unsellable, which I would like to do.

Reported

May 2026

Incident date

Aug 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The failed power steering warning light illuminated. In addition, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, however the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall which had a similar failure description, however the contact's VIN was not associated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,063.

Reported

May 2026

Incident date

May 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the hazard lights and other surrounding indicator systems were inoperable. Additionally, the rearview camera displayed a blank image while reversing. The dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 208,974.

Reported

Apr 2026

Incident date

Apr 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed on the highway, the driver's side A-pillar trim clip became partially detached on the side of the windshield. The dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the vehicle was previously repaired under the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 155,500.

Reported

Apr 2026

Incident date

Apr 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Hi! I brought my car in to the Ford dealership in Lexington, SC to get a recalled A Frame Pillar repaired. They took the part off and didn’t repair it because they didn’t have the parts in. When I called corporate to check on the status of that part, I found out they had marked the recall as “complete” which was not the case. Corporate opened the case again for me, so it should’ve read incomplete in their system. (Therefore, maybe they would call me to let me know the part was in stock. That didn’t happen.) When I called back 2 months later, they had apparently marked it as complete a second time. Which again, was false. 12 months later, they’re finally agreeing to replace the part. I also found out from corporate in that same phone call that I had a recall to a power steering component. When I called the shop, they said that had been marked as complete too so I was not eligible for a second replacement. I have a hard time trusting that the original was actually replaced now. And the steering feels like a major safety concern! Point is, I’m worried that location may be doctoring their documentation, marking recalls as repaired when repairs have clearly not been made. I’d hate for it to cause a major accident or something. Bringing this up in case it warrants an audit. I’m sure I’m not the only person they’ve done this to. I’ve opened a case with Ford’s Automatice Safety Office as well and they are investigating but I thought it prudent to mention to an outside source. Like I said, I’d hate for someone to get in accident because they thought a repair had been made when it actually never was.

Reported

Apr 2026

Incident date

Apr 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

My car gave a “power steering fault” message on the dash while my son was driving on I-95 on April 12. The steering wheel locked up making turning impossible and could have been fatal. He had pull over and have the vehicle towed home.

Reported

Apr 2026

Incident date

Apr 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The steering went out on the car and I was unable to steer. Almost causing me to have a accident. I had to have a tow truck come and pick it up off the road. Thank God I was alone and my whole family was not in the car. There needs to be a recall on this there has already been so many accidents. If it has not already happen there is going to end up causing a fatality. What is it going to take a child to loose their life before Ford does something about this?? WAKE UP FORD THIS IS CRAZY!!! Really 2 questions down you ask if there was a accident or fatality? Don't wait till someone's child or grand baby dies! It not a matter of if it is a matter of when! I have seen so many people saying online saying they have had the same problem. This is scary! I thank God daily I did not crash or even worse crash and Kill another person or an innocent baby! I can get photos and tow bill but I didn't have it handy.

Reported

Apr 2026

Incident date

Apr 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Recall 24V031 has not been fixed. I got my recall notice from Ford with regards to the A-pillar applique trim. I received my recall in February, 24. I have visited my local Ford dealer several times and as recently as 1 month ago. They state the parts are not available. My driver side A-pillar applique is missing. My passenger side applique is loose. Why are parts not available? After 2 years of recall notice!!

Reported

Feb 2026

Incident date

Feb 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

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.

Reported

Feb 2026

Incident date

Feb 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the part was on backorder. The contact stated that the vehicle could not be registered in the State of California due to the incomplete recall. 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 issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Reported

Jan 2026

Incident date

Jan 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Started the Explorer in a parking lot. When backing out the steering wheel was impossible to turn. A Power Steering failure light came on. Pulled the Explorer back into the parking spot and turned off the vehicle. Restarted the vehicle and steering became functional again. This appears to be a common ford problem and the recall should be reopened. It would be dangerous if this happened on a the road while driving.

Reported

Jan 2026

Incident date

Jan 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and struck another unoccupied parked vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the rear of the vehicle had sustained scratches. There was no injury sustained. No Police report was filed. The contact stated that the power steering failure was initially intermittent, but the failure had become a constant failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the electronic power steering and steering gear assembly needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered because the 10-year warranty period had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Reported

Jan 2026

Incident date

Jan 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Unknown my Steering wheel locked up while driving

Reported

Jan 2026

Incident date

Jan 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Total loss of Electric power steering assistance while driving on the interstate.

Reported

Jan 2026

Incident date

Dec 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. In addition, the power steering and advanced traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was very difficult to steer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with an electronic power steering module failure. The contact was informed that the electronic power steering module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was concerned that the failure might cause a crash. The contact referenced the notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14E001000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,239.

Reported

Dec 2025

Incident date

Dec 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Failure of Power Steering A hard steering wheel on a 2012 Ford Explorer with electric steering (EPAS

Reported

Dec 2025

Incident date

Aug 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The Power Steering pump (EPAS) when out on me yesterday while driving on the highway. I was switching lanes on the highway when the service advance trac light came on and the steering wheel became stiff really difficult to move putting myself in danger while driving in a higher speed limit zone.

Reported

Nov 2025

Incident date

Nov 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The rear back up camera is now displaying a message to contact dealership. It freezes up and stops working.

Reported

Oct 2025

Incident date

Oct 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

My back-up camera has flipped images so the left appears on the right and the right appears on the left as well as the safety lines have disappeared. The two Ford dealerships want a diagnostic fee that doesn't even go toward the cost of the repairs.

Reported

Oct 2025

Incident date

Sep 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Faulty rear view camera. Says contact the dealership on the message.

Reported

Oct 2025

Incident date

May 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000(Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the passenger's side and driver's side windshield exterior A-pillar trims had separated and flown off the vehicle while driving. The local dealer was contacted several times and was notified of the failure. 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 unknown.

Reported

Oct 2025

Incident date

Oct 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

While driving, my 2012 Ford Explorer displayed a “Service Power Steering Now” warning message, and the steering wheel completely locked, making the vehicle impossible to steer safely. This happened without warning and rendered the car undrivable, creating an immediate safety hazard. This issue matches the conditions described in Ford Safety Recall 14S06 (NHTSA Campaign 14V286000) and Customer Satisfaction Program 15N01, both addressing Electric Power Steering (EPAS) system failures in 2011–2013 Explorers. Ford’s Defect Information Report to NHTSA (PE12-017) states that intermittent electrical connections in the steering gear’s motor position sensor can cause a total loss of power steering assist exactly what occurred in my vehicle. Despite this, Ford and the dealership (Tommie Vaughn Ford, Houston TX) have stated that my VIN is “expired” for program 15N01 and refused assistance. However, the failure mode and symptoms are identical to those covered by these safety campaigns.My Explorer was manufactured in December 2011, which falls directly in the affected build range. The Carfax report for my vehicle even lists program 15N01 EPAS Steering Efforts as an associated service campaign. This is a critical safety issue, and Ford’s refusal to assist due to expired coverage should not override the need to correct a known steering defect. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether Ford’s current handling of EPAS steering failures is sufficient, and whether Customer Satisfaction Program 15N01 should be reopened or extended to cover affected vehicles like mine that are experiencing the same safety defect.

Reported

Oct 2025

Incident date

Oct 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

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)

Reported

Sep 2025

Incident date

Mar 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Hello I’m a concerned citizen and I have a question about the Ford recall on the back up cameras, I have 2012 Explorer and my camera has been acting up for a while the same way that ford has mentioned, so I was wondering why isn’t the Explorer not included in this recall.

Reported

Sep 2025

Incident date

Nov 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to make a turn, the steering wheel seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver, and the steering wheel failed to return to center after making a turn. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 220,000

Reported

Sep 2025

Incident date

Sep 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000(Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that upon purchasing the vehicle, the trim on the lower part of the windshield detached and was loosened. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from the steering wheel, while driving, while making left and right turns, and even while the engine was turned off. The contact stated that the failure had persisted. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or 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 issue. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

Reported

Sep 2025

Incident date

Nov 2021

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact's wife owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving, on at least three occasions, the steering wheel became very stiff. The contact's wife was not able to turn the steering wheel, so the vehicle was stopped and restarted each time. The contact stated that an unknown message was displayed, and the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where DTC: U3000 was retrieved, and the tech was asked to check for bad connections. The failure was not duplicated, and the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ground wire had corrosion around the grounding bolts and that the bolts needed to be cleaned a reinstalled. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 111,000.

Reported

Sep 2025

Incident date

Oct 2022

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Electric power steering system does not work

Reported

Sep 2025

Incident date

Sep 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Loss of power steering occasionally, getting a power steering fault, but as of now, starts working again

Reported

Sep 2025

Incident date

Sep 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, where it was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The dealer informed the contact that the parts were being ordered. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Reported

Sep 2025

Incident date

Jun 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

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 turn the steering wheel. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

Reported

Sep 2025

Incident date

Aug 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Trunk liftgate isn't operating. Cannot open up the trunk. Interior driver sides armrest stitching is busted.

Reported

Aug 2025

Incident date

Aug 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact stated that the A-pillar trim was loose. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, who confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.

Reported

Aug 2025

Incident date

Feb 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Reported

Aug 2025

Incident date

Jun 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the steering wheel became extremely stiff and was difficult to turn. Additionally, the "Steering Fault" message was displayed on the instrument cluster. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

Reported

Aug 2025

Incident date

Jan 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the driver's side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving 60 MPH, the driver's side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired after the most recent failure. The contact stated that the driver's side A-pillar trim had detached. 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 unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Reported

Jul 2025

Incident date

Feb 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

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, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V467000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) and linked the failure to the recall; however, the VIN nor the year, make, or model was included. The vehicle was not repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

Reported

Jul 2025

Incident date

Dec 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact pressed the hazard warning light icon on the display screen to pull over, but the hazard warning lights were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that an unknown unit in the dashboard needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

Reported

Jul 2025

Incident date

Feb 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the passenger's side and driver's side windshield exterior A-pillar trims were loose, and the rubber gaskets underneath the trims were dry rotted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was inspected but 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 130,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Reported

Jul 2025

Incident date

Jul 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000(Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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 issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Reported

Jul 2025

Incident date

Jan 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V0311000(Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an unusual loud sound. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the front passenger's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim had separated from the vehicle and flown off. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. 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 147,012. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Reported

Jul 2025

Incident date

Jul 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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 issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Reported

Jul 2025

Incident date

Jan 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

while driving the vehicle goes into what I have found is called sleep mode.. The check engine lite comes on and the left info panel shows that the all wheel drive is not working. The dealer tried to see what codes were set and found none. My solution is to pull off the road, put the vehicle in park and turn off the ignition. After about 30 seconds I can restart the vehicle and drive again. The restart lasts from 15 seconds to a month. I found a TSB ( 16-0139) that covered this problem. However it did not offer any cure. I am concerned that someone will hit me when this happens.

Reported

Jul 2025

Incident date

Jul 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera failed to display an image. The message "Camera Not Available - Contact Your Dealer" was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.

Reported

Jul 2025

Incident date

Jun 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

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

Reported

Jul 2025

Incident date

Jun 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

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.

Risk: A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, and inspect both rear toe link ball joints, replacing the rear wheel knuckle(s), if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S17.

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain replacement steering gears installed on model year 2011-2012 Explorers as service parts in September 2013 and January 2014. The affected gears may lock, preventing the driver from being able to steer the vehicle.

Risk: The inability to steer the vehicle increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners and dealers will replace the suspect steering gears with new steering gears, free of charge. The recall began on January 29, 2014. Customers may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 13S14.

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured May 17, 2010, through February 28, 2012. 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.

Risk: If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist it will require extra steering effort at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) software, free of charge. If a vehicle shows a history of a loss of motor position sensor signal when the vehicle is brought in for the recall remedy, its steering rack assembly will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on July 23, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S06.

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, resulting in interior door handle that does not return to the fully stowed position after actuation.

Risk: If the interior door handle return spring is unseated, the door may unlatch in the event of a side impact crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four of the interior door handles and either repair or replace them, free of charge. The recall began on July 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S11.

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 2011-2017 Ford Explorer 4X2 vehicles. These bearings assemblies were manufactured without a self retention feature, possibly resulting in the separation of the wheel or wheel end.

Risk: A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify the distributors of the hubs specifying that they are to only be used on drive axles. It is believed that none of the hubs were purchased from Ford dealers for the incorrect application. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. 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.

Risk: A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealer will inspect for the presence of a CABJ. If a CABJ of any design is found, the dealer will inspect the tightness of the CABJ, and replace the CABJ, knuckle, and/or toe link as necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters were mailed November 10, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 17, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S43.

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.

Risk: 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. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024 and December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.