Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Ford Explorer owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
I have a 2012 Ford Explorer that was included in the safety recall 14s06. The pscm was reprogrammed prior to me purchasing the vehicle. Associated to recall 14s06 is the extended coverage program 15n01, which is to remain open on the vehicles that were recalled in the event that any loss of steering assist dtcs are present. My Explorer has a complete loss of power steering and the dealer has noted that my entire steering gear assembly must be replaced. Ford refuses to acknowledge extended coverage 15n01. This coverage is supposed to last for 10 years and 150,000 miles. I am at 144,000 miles. Ford continues to repeat that my car is not included in the special coverage. However, publications from Ford indicate otherwise. Replacement of my steering gear is $2,200. All of which should be covered by Ford. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while his wife was driving and making a left turn, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated the service traction control and the power steering assist warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to drive to his residence. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer (hertrich Ford of easton located at 9617 ocean gateway, easton, md 21601, [phone]) where it was diagnosed with needing the rack and pinion replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of failure. The failure mileage was 151,977.
Vehicle has 66,000 miles. The service power steering now and advancetrac warning lights came on Saturday evening (9/10/16). Vehicle drove with no issues that evening. Sunday morning (9/11/16) the same indicator lights came on and the power steering did not work. Checked for leaks, fuses, etc. And no apparent issues. As dealerships were closed on Sunday, autozone ran diagnostics and showed zero error codes, even with warning lights on. This vehicle is not covered under the existing 2012 Ford Explorer recall regarding the same issue that seems to be occurring in the same year, make and model of car.
Purchase vehicle 2 21 2019 and the two engine lights warning lights breaking decelerates which is very dangerous driving on the highways. Service light tracking light stays on and the vehicle does all this on it's on. I have contacted by chat the Ford corporation about this serious issue with this make and model. I was told their was no service bulletin so they could not help me. They refuse to address the dangerous matter this make and model has very dangerousand the lights are still on. Also with the engine lights staying on all the time the cruise control does not work.
Electronic steering gear assembly was a recall and was replaced. Replacement part has now gone bad once again. Ford is not honoring the warranty it provided for this part. Vehicle has no steering power now. Went out while driving down the road. Unable to turn left causing to go off the road. Was able to correct and traveled to dealer to find out that the steering is gone.
I had a Sync black screen the central processing unit and apim was no good so I had no control of anything like the heat defrost or anything that controlled with the touch screen including the rear camera and sensors to the car and from what I read that is a known problem with that car of that year.
Our SUV lost power steering while driving and unable to steer vehicle without excessive force. Warnings that came on dash include: service power steering now, advancetrac warning, and all terrain warning. The turn signals also will not operate properly.
The vehicle at start up has disabled power steering causing the vehicle unable to be steered. The vehicle was in a driveway and was about to place into drive gear when the warning light came on and could no longer turn the steering wheel.
Check charging system light comes on daily. While driving the car on a city street, radio shut off, lights dimmed and car cut off in the middle of traffic, steering also became difficult before shutting off.
Traction Control complaints in other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are traction control problems on the 2012 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the stability & traction control of the 2012 Ford Explorer, 3% of the model year's 829 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2012 Ford Explorer traction control problems?
No. NHTSA lists no stability & traction control recall for the 2012 Ford Explorer, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2012 Ford Explorer traction control problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 66,000 miles, and 26% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.