2012 Ford Explorer Steering Problems
NHTSA lists 358 steering complaints for the 2012 Ford Explorer, 43% of all 827 complaints filed for that model year. Six crashes and five injuries were reported, and a related recall (14V286000) covers a power steering software issue.
- Steering complaints
- 358
- 43% of 827
- Crashes reported
- 6
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 5
- Median mileage
- 96,329 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical steering symptoms owners report
- Power steering suddenly cuts out while driving at highway speed, making the wheel very hard to turn.
- Steering wheel locks up or won't turn during low-speed maneuvers like turning at a stop sign or intersection, in some cases leading to a crash.
- Power steering assist faults appear on the dash along with traction control warnings before assist is lost.
- Some drivers report the steering wobbling or feeling loose while turning at moderate speed, followed by loss of control.
- A subset of complaints describe repeat power steering failures on the same vehicle, with dealers unable to permanently fix the issue.
- One report links a steering lockup event to smoke and an electrical system failure at higher mileage.
When 2012 Ford Explorer steering complaints were filed
First complaint Jan 8, 2012, latest Aug 31, 2026.
Steering recalls for the 2012 Ford Explorer
- NHTSA 14V286000May 29, 2014Steering179,027 vehicles
Steering:electric power assist system
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured May 17, 2010, through February 28, 2012. The affected vehicles may experience an intermittent connection in the electric power steering gear, which can cause a loss of the motor position sensor signal resulting in a shut down of the power steering assist.
Risk: If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist it will require extra steering effort at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) software, free of charge. If a vehicle shows a history of a loss of motor position sensor signal when the vehicle is brought in for the recall remedy, its steering rack assembly will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on July 23, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S06.
Steering complaints by Explorer model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are steering problems on the 2012 Ford Explorer?
- NHTSA lists 358 steering complaints for the 2012 Explorer, which is 43% of the 827 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a steering recall for the 2012 Ford Explorer?
- Yes. Recall 14V286000, reported May 29, 2014, covers an intermittent connection in the electric power steering system on 2011-2013 Explorers built between May 17, 2010 and February 28, 2012. Ford's remedy is a free Power Steering Control Module software update.
- At what mileage do steering problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure among reported steering complaints is 96,328 miles, though some owners reported issues at much lower mileage.
- Did the steering problems cause any crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA data tied to steering complaints on the 2012 Explorer shows 6 crashes, 1 fire, and 5 injuries.
- How does the 2012 Explorer compare to other model years for steering complaints?
- The 2012 Explorer's 358 steering complaints (43% share) is lower in share than 2011 (62%) but higher than most years from 2015 onward, which mostly stayed under 25%.