2012 Ford Explorer Suspension Problems

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  00%
• 25k–50k
  00%
• 50k–75k
  429%
• 75k–100k
  17%
• 100k–150k
  429%
• 150k+
  536%

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 the vehicle was experiencing a hard pull to the right while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the failure occurred while driving from a complete stop and while driving on the highway. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V746000 (Suspension) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the rear toe links needed to be replaced; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the failure was recurring increasingly. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who informed the contact that the recall repair had already been performed on the vehicle; however, the contact stated that the recall repair had not been performed on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. …

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V435000 (SUSPENSION) and 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, there was a loud sound of air coming from the windshield. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed the contact that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000. …

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 20-30 MPH, the steering wheel became significantly difficult to steer. The contact was able to continue driving by using his physical strength to steer the steering wheel. There was no further information provided. The contact stated that as he arrived to the residence, the steering wheel locked. The vehicle was towed to the used car dealer it was purchased from, and it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The Ford dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be covered under Ford Campaign Number: 15N01, as the campaign had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V435000 (Suspension). …

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, he heard an abnormal snapping sound then a clunking sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The traction control and the ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to get the vehicle back to the residence while driving approximately 10 MPH. The contact stated that the front subframe was corroded, causing the subframe to fracture and the wheels were pushed outwards in opposite directions. The contact had taken the vehicle to a certified mechanic who replaced the subframe. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 139,000.

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, [redacted] ) but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The check warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the bushings. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 198,000.

Rear tires rubbing and car is uneasy in rain. Had to have tires replaced due to rubbing on interior of rear of car. Tires wear extremely fast and dangerous to drive in any weather conditions such as rain. Inspection says there is no alignment or adjustment issues. However tires continue to wear apparently there are aftermarket parts to make it adjustable but what is wrong with it in the first place? Very dangerous to drive in rain. Slides all over the place. Tires slightly bend in.

I have had 3 upper rear lateral links snap off. 2 on the rear driver side and 1 on the rear passenger side. I am researching recalls. And there is a recall on some explorer models for the rear toe links. Sounds like the same thing that keeps happening to my vehicle. I am scared to drive it now. They literally just snap and the back tire starts steering however it wants.

While my was driving she went to accelerate from a stop and heard a noise. She thought maybe she ran over glass or something. When she went to turn the corner the vehicle kept going straight. She ended up hitting another vehicle due to the rear suspension breaking. My vehicle is part of the rear suspension recall.

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. While driving 7 MPH, a grinding metal sound was heard and the vehicle stopped. The contact shut off the vehicle and restarted it, but it would not engage into gear. The contact had the vehicle towed to his personal auto mechanic and was informed that the passenger side axle mount fractured. The technician replaced the passenger side axle mount. While test driving the vehicle after the repair, the contact noticed that the instrument panel lighting, including the wrench icon, the service advance track indicator, and the cross traffic system fault indicator illuminated. The mechanic stated that the vehicle would have to be taken to the dealer to be reprogrammed so the instrument panel lighting would dim. The contact took the vehicle to helfman Ford (12220 southwest fwy, stafford, tx 77477) to be reprogrammed. There were no recall for the failure. …

Related recalls

Suspension complaints in other Explorer years