2012 Ford Explorer

829 federal complaints (1,037 component records) · 5 recall campaigns on file · 4 federal investigations · 82 service bulletins · 8 Canadian recalls
See all 43 model years of the Ford Explorer →
Engine
3.5L 6-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
AWD
EPA economy
17 city / 23 hwy
Federal complaints
829
Recall campaigns
5
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Steering
361
Body & structure
145
Other
105
Engine & cooling
93
Electrical system
63
Power train
56
Fuel system
34
Air bags
27
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 73 complaints01 years old: 43 complaints2 years old: 47 complaints3 years old: 68 complaints4 years old: 70 complaints5 years old: 54 complaints56 years old: 48 complaints7 years old: 77 complaints8 years old: 33 complaints9 years old: 45 complaints10 years old: 55 complaints1011 years old: 61 complaints12 years old: 85 complaints13 years old: 52 complaints14 years old: 16 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 827 of 829 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 73 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 57 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 104 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 63 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 53 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 53 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 46 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 51 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 29 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 12 complaints200,000+ miles: 14 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 555 of 829 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Steering

361 complaint records1 fire report6 crash reports
"POWER STEERING ASSIST WAS LOST, SUDDENLY AND DRASTICALLY INCREASING THE STRENGTH NEEDED TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse steering parts in the directory →

Body & structure

145 complaint records1 fire report1 crash report
"Driving down the freeway and one of the windowshield trim pieces flew off the car. About a week later it happened again with the other side...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse body & structure parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

93 complaint records3 fire reports1 crash report
"OUR 2012 FORD EXPLORER HAS A HEAVY FUEL SMELL IN THE CABIN AFTER DRIVING FOR MORE THAT A FEW MINUTES. IT SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORSE AS TIME PASSES...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
PE23001
opened Jan 2023
closed Feb 2024StructureWindshield trim molding Item detachment - led to recall 24V031
On January 27, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-001 to investigate allegations of A-pillar trim panel detachment on model year (MY) 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles.
EA17002
opened Jul 2017
closed Jan 2023StructureExhaust Odor in Passenger Cab
During the EA17-002 investigation, the agency reviewed and analyzed reports of exhaust odors in the passenger cabins of Model Year 2011 to 2017 Ford Explorers.
PE16008
opened Jul 2016
closed Sep 2017StructureFord Explorer Exhaust Odor
During the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration?s (NHTSA?s) investigation into the Ford carbon monoxide allegations, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) identified additional Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports with similar exhaust odor...
PE12017
opened Jun 2012
closed Jun 2014SteeringElectric power steering failure - led to recall 14V286000
On May 27, 2014 and amended June 2, 2014, Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA describing a safety defect that may result in a sudden loss of power steering assist in approximately 179,027 model year (MY) 2011 through...

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
24V031000StructureFord 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.Normally free
21V746000SuspensionFord 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,...Normally free
19V435000SuspensionFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.Normally free
15V171000StructureFord 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...Normally free
14V286000SteeringFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured May 17, 2010, through February 28, 2012.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2024026
2024-01-22
Structure93,349Issue: 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.
2021587
2021-09-24
Suspension10,405Issue: 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.
2019280
2019-06-11
Suspension28,019Issue: 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.
2017577
2017-11-28
Suspension3,396On 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.
2015127
2015-03-24
Structure12,392On 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.
Show 3 more Canadian recalls
RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2014194
2014-05-28
Steering11,923On 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.
2014002
2014-01-08
Steering20A 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.
2012325
2012-09-28
Accessories15,351Certain 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".

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
SSM 54601
Feb 2026
Electrical SystemFord and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code.
SSM 53040
Oct 2024
Unknown Or OtherWhile performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions.
SSM 52476
Apr 2024
EquipmentAll accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery.
SSM 51536
Apr 2023
StructureFor 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification number (VIN) from a different vehicle.
22N01 S1
Feb 2023
SuspensionCertain 2011-2017 Model Year Explorer Vehicles Rear Wheel Knuckle Replacement REASON FOR THIS SUPPLEMENT Program Terms: added 21R01 and 21R02 REASON FOR PROVIDING A NO-COST, ONE-TIME REPAIR: added 21R01 and 21R02 OWNER NOTIFICATION MAILING SCHEDULE: added mailing schedule for...
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
21R01
Nov 2022
SuspensionCertain 2011-2017 Model Year Explorer Vehicles Rear Toe Link Replacement Under Safety Recall 21S32, some of the affected vehicles exposed to a highly corrosive environment where road salt is used extensively during winter months, have experienced a seized toe link ball joint...
21R02
Nov 2022
SuspensionCertain 2011 - 2013 Model Year Explorer Vehicles with Rear Wheel Knuckles that have been Replaced Rear Toe Link Inspection/Replacement Under Safety Recall 21S43, some of the affected vehicles that have had one (or both) rear wheel knuckle(s) replaced and were sold or operated in...
22N01
Mar 2022
WheelsCertain 2011-2017 Model Year Explorer Vehicles Rear Wheel Knuckle Replacement Ref 21S32 Submitting Owner Letter
22N01
Feb 2022
SuspensionThis program provides a no-cost, one-time repair (if needed) to the rear wheel knuckles for six (6) months from the Repair Order (RO) opening date for field service actions 21S32 or 21S43 provided that the RO opening date occurs on or before July 31, 2023.
SSM 50379
Jan 2022
VisibilitySome 2011-2022 Explorer and 2020-2022 Aviator vehicles may experience an inoperative roof opening panel motor. If diagnostics lead to a motor replacement, visually inspect the original motor for signs of water intrusion.
SSM 49210
Sep 2020
Engine And Engine CoolingSome 2009-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbochargers may exhibit an oil leak from the turbocharger oil supply or return tubes, O-rings or 6.7L pedestal gasket. Although oil may collect on the turbocharger, it is very rare for a turbocharger to leak oil.
TSB 20-2233
Jul 2020
StructureThis article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust.
DOR-M3J3F-07
Jun 2020
Engine And Engine CoolingThese SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as they do not meet CARB standards, but parts on vehicles are not effected.
DOR-M9J4S-07
Jun 2020
Engine And Engine CoolingThese SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as they do not meet CARB standards, but parts on vehicles are not effected.
DOR-J9K8E-10
Sep 2019
SuspensionThis SKU is a Suspension Lateral Link. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to revise the design similar to the OEM supercession associated with 19V435. We have received no defects associated with the current design.
SSM 48130
Aug 2019
VisibilitySome 2010-2020 vehicles may exhibit distorted glass with a subtle orange peel pattern or streaking etched into the surface. This is caused by hydrofluoric acid which is used in some car wash solutions as a cleaning agent.
SSM 48123
Aug 2019
Electrical SystemFor Ford and Lincoln vehicles that require positive or negative battery terminal replacement, it is not necessary to replace the complete battery cable harness (14300 and 14301) for this concern.
TSB 19-2150
Jul 2019
StructureSome 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles equipped with a factory keyless entry keypad may exhibit a loose driver side B-pillar front door upper moulding. This may be caused by a lack of adhesion of the front door upper moulding to the door.
SSM 48070
Jul 2019
EquipmentSome 2009-2017 Expedition/Navigator, 2009-2014 F-150/Mustang, 2008-2009 Sable, 2008-2019 Taurus/Flex/MKT, 2013-2019 Police Interceptor Sedan/Utility, and 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles may exhibit inoperative or intermittent HVAC blower motor function at various fan speed settings.
19N05
Jun 2019
Engine And Engine CoolingCustomer Satisfaction Program 19N05: Certain 2011-2017 Model Year Explorer Vehicles - Carbon Monoxide Concern
TSB 19-2186
Jun 2019
VisibilitySome 2011-2015 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit front window glass that jumps/chatters during up/down movement. This may be due to various conditions in the window motor including excessive drive gear backlash, bushing wear, and/or excessive end play.
SSM 47976
May 2019
Power TrainOn vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission it is imperative that the converter pilot hub be greased with Motorcraft Multi-Purpose Grease Spray XL-5-A even if grease was not applied from the factory.
SSM 47948
Apr 2019
EngineSSM 47948 - 2010-2019 Various Vehicles - Turbocharged Engines - Oil Supply Filter Replacement When Replacing The Turbocharger Or The Turbocharger Oil Supply Tube For 2010-2019 vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines, when diagnosing and/or replacing turbo related concerns,...
TSB 19-2002
Feb 2019
EquipmentSome 2011-2019 Explorer and 2013-2019 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit a detached center console rear cup holder and/or the cover panel detached from the rear cup holder. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
TSB 19-2026
Feb 2019
StructureSome 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended.
SSM 47797
Feb 2019
EquipmentSome 2009-2017 Expedition/Navigator, 2009-2014 F-150/Mustang, 2008-2009 Sable, 2008-2019 Taurus/Flex/MKT, 2013-2019 Police Interceptor Sedan/Utility, and 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles may exhibit inoperative or intermittent HVAC blower motor function at various fan speed settings.
SSM 47749
Jan 2019
EquipmentSome 2012-2019 Vehicles may require repairs to the Smartlink system. Smartlink is a Ford Licensed Accessory which has a warranty provided by the accessory manufacturer.
17N03-S2
Jan 2019
Engine And Engine CoolingCertain 2011-2017 Model Year Explorer Vehicles - Carbon Monoxide Concerns
SSM 47662
Nov 2018
Engine And Engine CoolingFor 2010-2019 vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines, when diagnosing and/or replacing turbo related concerns, all steps within the Workshop Manual (WSM) procedure must be followed including replacement of all mandatory discarded parts.
SSM 47230
Apr 2018
Engine And Engine CoolingSome 2007-2016 Edge/MKX/Flex/MKT/MKZ/MKS/Taurus/Police Interceptor Sedan/Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with AWD and built on or before 30-Jun-2016 may exhibit a propane or natural gas odor during idle or low speed driving.
SSM 47201
Mar 2018
EquipmentReplacing the original equipment SYNC/Navigation system with either an aftermarket SYNC/Navigation kit or modifying original SYNC/Navigation parts to provide additional features is not recommended nor supported on any Ford, Mercury or Lincoln vehicle.
SSM 47080
Feb 2018
Equipment2010-2018 various vehicles equipped with SYNC or SYNC 3 may not function when attempting to find or use the Spotify app via AppLink. As of an update released on 1/15/2018 Spotify will no longer be supporting their AppLink integration.
SSM 47009
Jan 2018
EquipmentThe Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can only be used with vehicles that are factory built with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE).
SSM 46900
Nov 2017
Power TrainSome vehicles may exhibit a no start condition with an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and a DTC P161A after PCM replacement. This may be due to the parameter reset procedure not being properly completed.
17N03-S1
Oct 2017
Engine And Engine CoolingCertain 2011-2017 Model Year Explorer Vehicles - Carbon Monoxide Concerns
17N03-AW
Oct 2017
Engine And Engine CoolingCertain 2011-2017 Model Year Explorer Retail Vehicles - Carbon Monoxide Complaints
TSB 17-0029
Mar 2017
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME 2011-2015 EXPLORER VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN EXHAUST ODOR IN THE VEHICLE WITH THE AUXILIARY CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM ON. CUSTOMERS MAY INDICATE THE ODOR SMELLS LIKE SULFUR, OR THAT EXHAUST ODORS ARE ENTERING THE VEHICLE CABIN.
SSM 46412
Feb 2017
EquipmentSOME 2007-2016 EDGE/MKX/FLEX/MKT/MKZ/MKS/TAURUS/TAURUS POLICE/EXPLORER/EXPLORER POLICE EQUIPPED WITH ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) AND BUILT ON OR BEFORE 30-JUN-2016 MAY EXHIBIT A TICKING AND/OR KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE DRIVELINE AREA.
SSM 46400
Feb 2017
Structure2011-2015 EXPLORER AND MKT VEHICLES REQUIRING REPLACEMENT OF RIGHT FRONT AXLE SHAFT NO LONGER REQUIRE INSTALLATION OF THE CENTER SUPPORT BEARING HEAT SHIELD(7F469). THE HEAT SHIELD CAN BE DISCARDED.
SSM 46295
Jan 2017
EngineTO HELP DIFFERENTIATE ENGINE OIL LEAKS FROM OTHER POSSIBLE SOURCES, A NEW WHITE-COLORED FLUORESCENT ENGINE OIL DYE IS AVAILABLE. WORKSHOP MANUAL (WSM), SECTION 303-00 HAS BEEN REVISED TO REFERENCE THE NEW WHITE-COLORED DYE.
TSB 16-0166
Dec 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingSUPERCEDES TSB 16-0165: SOME 2011-2015 EXPLORER VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN EXHAUST ODOR IN THE VEHICLE WITH THE AUXILIARY CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM ON. CUSTOMERS MAY INDICATE THE ODOR SMELLS LIKE SULFUR, OR THAT EXHAUST ODORS ARE ENTERING THE VEHICLE CABIN.
SSM 46210
Nov 2016
SteeringSOME 2010-2016 EPAS EQUIPPED VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT STEERING RELATED NOISES. THE WORKSHOP MANUAL (WSM) DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES HAVE BEEN UPDATED IN SECTION 211-02. WHEN DIAGNOSING AND REPAIRING EPAS STEERING NOISES USE THE UPDATED PROCEDURES.
SSM 46132
Oct 2016
Service BrakesSOME 2008-2017 FORD/MERCURY/LINCOLN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SYNC MAY GENERATE A VHR THAT IDENTIFIES A CONCERN WITH THE BRAKES AND SUSPENSION CATEGORY INDICATING SERVICE IS REQUIRED DUE TO A BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LAMP BEING ILLUMINATED.
SSM 46102
Sep 2016
Seat BeltsSome vehicles may have a concern where the safety belt retractor webbing does not extract from the stowed position or exhibits excessive pressure on the occupant during use. This may be due to a normal condition which happens when the seatbelt retracts at a high rate of speed.
SSM 46085
Sep 2016
EngineThe Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to diagnose possible ETB concerns.
TSB16-0097
Jul 2016
SeatsSOME 2009-2010 F-150 AND 2011-2016 EXPLORER VEHICLES MAY HAVE A SEAT CUSHION COVER THAT APPEARS LOOSE NEAR THE FRONT OF THE SEAT. THIS MAY BE CAUSED BY THE SEAT CUSHION COVER J-RETAINER BECOMING DISENGAGED FROM THE SEAT CUSHION PAN FLANGE.
SSM-45821
May 2016
Electrical SystemSIRI EYES FREE FUNCTIONAL ISSUES USING BLUETOOTH AND APPLE IOS 9.2 AND 9.2.1
16-0066
Apr 2016
Electrical SystemSome 2012-2016 vehicles equipped with a touchscreen navigation system and the language set to Arabic may exhibit a blank screen.
TSB160066
Apr 2016
EquipmentTouchscreen navigation system - arabic language - blank screen
16-0043
Mar 2016
Power Train6F35 TRANSMISSION - FLUID LEAK AT LEFT SIDE HALFSHAFT SEAL BUILT ON OR BEFORE 10/14/2013 ISSUE Some 2009-2014 Escape, 2009-2011 Mariner, 2010-2014 Fusion, 2010-2011 Milan, 2012-2014 Edge/Explorer, and 2013-2014 Taurus/MKT/MKZ vehicles built on or before 10/14/2013 and equipped...
15-0156
Oct 2015
EquipmentSUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
TSB150156
Oct 2015
Power Train2.0 GTDI/2.3L - Front wheel drive - Bibration and/or grinding/banging/clicking noise
44863
Jul 2015
VisibilityFORD: NO SERVICE ACTION IS RECOMMENDED FOR THIS CONDITION. PLEASE USE AT YOUR DISCRETION. VARIOUS 2010-2015 VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A TURBULENCE NOISE, SIMILAR TO AN HELICOPTER NOISE, AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHEN THE REAR DOOR WINDOW(S) OR SUNROOF ARE OPEN. *TA
44985
Mar 2015
VisibilityFORD EXPLORER 2011-2015: BULLETIN INFORMATION REGARDING THE FRONT GLASS WINDOW CHATTERING UP/DOWN WHILE TRAVELING. THE FRONT WINDOW REGULATOR MOTOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *LJ
44856
Jan 2015
Vehicle Speed ControlFORD: CERTAIN 2013-2015 FORD FUSION AND TAURUS, 2011-2015 FORD EXPLORER, 2013-2014 FORD EDGE AND FLEX, 2013-2015 LINCOLN MKS, MKX, AND 2013-2014 LINCOLN MKT VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL SPEED THAT DOESN'T MATCH THE SPEEDOMETER SPEED. *TA
14-0223
Dec 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingFORD EXPLORER 2012-2015, FORD TAURUS 2013-2015: SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.0L GASOLINE TURBOCHARGED DIRECT INJECTION ENGINES BUILT BEFORE 10/05/2014 MAY HAVE LACK OF POWER AND MALFUNCTION ILLUMINATED LAMP CODE DUE TO AMBIENT TEMPERATURES BELOW 0 DEGREES CELSIUS. *LJ
TSB-14-0175
Sep 2014
Exterior LightingFORD/LINCOLN: THE AMBIENT LIGHTING ON LINCOLN (MYLINCOLN TOUCH) VEHICLES WILL DEFAULT TO WHITE AND ON FORD (MYFORD TOUCH) VEHICLES WILL DEFAULT TO ICE BLUE AFTER THE IGNITION SWITCH CYCLE. *PE
ASI-44713
Sep 2014
VisibilityLINCOLN/FORD: ON SOME VEHICLES, THE MOON ROOF SUNSHADE BINDING IS EXPERIENCING ISSUES SUCH AS RETAINING CLIPS/TABS ARE BROKEN AND ITS HARD TO OPEN OR CLOSE. MODEL 2009-14 MKS, 2011-15 EXPLORER, 2013-14 ESCAPE. *PE
TSB-14-0130
Jul 2014
EquipmentFORD: WHEN AUXILIARY CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM IS ON, AN EXHAUST ODOR, LIKE SULFUR, CAN BE SMELLED. MODEL 2011-15 EXPLORER. *PE
TSB-14-0115
May 2014
Service BrakesFORD: IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER (IPC) THERE IS A TERRAIN MANAGEMENT POP UP WARNING, WITHOUT DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) ACCOMPANYING IT, IN THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) MODULE OR TERRAIN CONTROL MODULE. MODEL 2011-2014 EXPLORER. *PE

Showing 60 of 82 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
  2. Walk the body slowly in daylight.Panel gaps, rust at the rockers and wheel arches, and cracked trim are this vehicle's structure complaints. Open and close the liftgate or trunk and look at the latch area.
  3. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 5 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Ford Explorer →