How many engine complaints does the 2012 Ford Explorer have?

NHTSA lists 103 engine-related complaints for the 2012 Ford Explorer, making up 12% of the 827 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2012 Ford Explorer engine problems?

No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this engine complaint area.

At what mileage do engine problems usually appear on the 2012 Explorer?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this issue is 52,368 miles.

What kind of engine problems do owners report most on the 2012 Explorer?

Owners most often describe exhaust fumes entering the cabin, stalling, overheating, and low oil pressure warnings followed by shutdowns.

Were there any fires linked to the 2012 Explorer engine complaints?

NHTSA data tied to this complaint area shows 3 fires, 1 crash, and 1 injury reported.

2012 Ford Explorer Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 103 engine complaints for the 2012 Ford Explorer, 12% of its 827 total complaints for the year. Owners commonly report exhaust fumes entering the cabin, stalling, and overheating, with a median failure mileage of 52,368 miles. No related recalls are listed for this issue.

Engine complaints: 103; 12% of 827
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 3
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 52,368 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report exhaust or burning fumes entering the cabin during acceleration or when using the passing gear, especially at highway speeds.
Some describe sudden stalling at low or moderate speeds, sometimes preceded by a dashboard wrench warning light.
Several report overheating with fluid leaking underneath the vehicle and steam or smoke coming from the tailpipe.
Others experienced low oil pressure warnings followed by the engine shutting off shortly after starting.
A few describe throttle body failures causing stalls across a range of speeds from 15 mph to 60 mph.
One owner reported the accelerator pedal sticking in a depressed position, requiring the brake to stop the vehicle.

When 2012 Ford Explorer engine complaints were filed

First complaint Oct 25, 2011, latest Sep 2, 2025.

103 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2011 Q4 to 2025 Q3; peak 2016 Q3 (12).

Engine recalls for the 2012 Ford Explorer

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Explorer model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201031 (27%)
2011113 (9%)
2012103 (12%)
2013316 (14%)
2014272 (16%)
2015299 (17%)
2016530 (22%)
2017317 (19%)
2018129 (18%)
201926 (9%)
2020162 (13%)
202169 (16%)
202238 (14%)
202313 (12%)
20241 (5%)
202514 (14%)

Frequently asked questions

How many engine complaints does the 2012 Ford Explorer have?: NHTSA lists 103 engine-related complaints for the 2012 Ford Explorer, making up 12% of the 827 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2012 Ford Explorer engine problems?: No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this engine complaint area.
At what mileage do engine problems usually appear on the 2012 Explorer?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this issue is 52,368 miles.
What kind of engine problems do owners report most on the 2012 Explorer?: Owners most often describe exhaust fumes entering the cabin, stalling, overheating, and low oil pressure warnings followed by shutdowns.
Were there any fires linked to the 2012 Explorer engine complaints?: NHTSA data tied to this complaint area shows 3 fires, 1 crash, and 1 injury reported.