2012 Ford Explorer Brakes Problems
NHTSA lists 40 brake-related complaints for the 2012 Ford Explorer, 5% of that year's 827 total complaints. There is no related recall on file for this issue, and reported failures include unexpected ABS engagement and brake pad/caliper problems, with a median mileage at failure of 53,958.
- Brakes complaints
- 40
- 5% of 827
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 53,958 mi
- Related recalls
- 0
Typical brake symptoms owners report
- Owners report the ABS brakes suddenly engaging on their own while driving at highway speeds, pulling the steering wheel to one side.
- Some describe the vehicle applying the brakes independently at 45-70 mph with no vehicle ahead, tied to a cruise-control-linked braking feature that activated with no obvious trigger.
- Rear brake pads have been reported sticking against the rotor, producing loud squealing and smoke, in one case linked to a broken caliper retaining bolt.
- Several complaints describe brake pedal pulsation occurring at the same time as a power steering fault warning, making the vehicle harder to control.
- Power steering and power brake systems have reportedly shut off together while driving, which owners say made pulling over and stopping difficult.
When 2012 Ford Explorer brake complaints were filed
First complaint Jan 8, 2012, latest Sep 2, 2025.
Brakes recalls for the 2012 Ford Explorer
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
Brakes complaints by Explorer model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many brake complaints does the 2012 Ford Explorer have?
- NHTSA lists 40 brake-related complaints for the 2012 Ford Explorer, which is 5% of the 827 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for 2012 Ford Explorer brake problems?
- No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this brake issue on the 2012 Ford Explorer.
- At what mileage do 2012 Ford Explorer brake problems usually happen?
- The median mileage at failure for brake-related complaints on the 2012 Ford Explorer is 53,958 miles.
- Did the 2012 Ford Explorer brake issues cause crashes or fires?
- NHTSA data tied to this brake complaint category shows 1 crash and 1 fire reported, with 0 injuries.
- Is the brake complaint rate higher in 2012 than other Explorer years?
- The 2012 Explorer's 5% brake complaint share is similar to 2011 (5%) but lower than 2010 (14%) and higher than later years like 2018 (2%) and 2019 (1%).