How many suspension complaints does the 2012 Ford Explorer have?

NHTSA lists 27 Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints for the 2012 Ford Explorer, which is 3% of its 827 total complaints for the year.

Is there a recall for the 2012 Ford Explorer suspension?

Yes. NHTSA recall 19V435000 covers rear suspension toe links that may fracture on 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles, and recall 21V746000 covers a wheel-related CABJ inspection on certain 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles.

At what mileage do suspension problems typically show up on the 2012 Explorer?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 139,000 miles.

Did the 2012 Explorer's suspension issues cause any crashes?

NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 0 fires or injuries tied to Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints for the 2012 Ford Explorer.

2012 Ford Explorer Suspension, Wheels & Tires Problems

NHTSA lists 27 Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints for the 2012 Ford Explorer, 3% of its 827 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 139,000. One crash was linked to this area, and two related recalls (rear suspension toe links and CABJ/wheel hardware) apply to this vehicle.

Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints: 27; 3% of 827
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 139,000 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical suspension symptoms owners report

Rear suspension components, including toe links, have fractured or broken while driving, in at least one case causing a crash and loss of directional control.
Front strut mounts and strut tower mounts crack or fail, producing a loud clunking noise when turning or hitting bumps and sometimes affecting steering feel.
Front strut bearings wear out and clunk, in one case reported around 55,000 miles.
Wheel lug nuts/studs have been reported as difficult to torque properly during routine tire rotation service.
Owners describe steering rack and pinion or electric power steering issues occurring alongside suspension symptoms such as trembling at speed.

When 2012 Ford Explorer suspension complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 1, 2014, latest Sep 29, 2025.

27 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2014 to Sep 2025; peak Jul 2019 (2).

Suspension, Wheels & Tires recalls for the 2012 Ford Explorer

NHTSA 21V746000Sep 22, 2021Suspension, Wheels & Tires150,723 vehicles
Suspension:rear
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. These vehicles may be equipped with a cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) replacement part that could seize, and result in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.
Risk: A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealer will inspect for the presence of a CABJ. If a CABJ of any design is found, the dealer will inspect the tightness of the CABJ, and replace the CABJ, knuckle, and/or toe link as necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters were mailed November 10, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 17, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S43.
NHTSA 19V435000Jun 10, 2019Suspension, Wheels & Tires1,194,173 vehicles
Suspension:rear
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
Risk: A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, and inspect both rear toe link ball joints, replacing the rear wheel knuckle(s), if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S17.

Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints by Explorer model year

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

20108 (7%)
201135 (3%)
201227 (3%)
201393 (4%)
2014127 (8%)
201597 (5%)
2016130 (5%)
2017127 (8%)
201840 (5%)
201916 (5%)
202051 (4%)
202120 (5%)
202216 (6%)
202313 (12%)
20243 (14%)
20254 (4%)

Frequently asked questions

How many suspension complaints does the 2012 Ford Explorer have?: NHTSA lists 27 Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints for the 2012 Ford Explorer, which is 3% of its 827 total complaints for the year.
Is there a recall for the 2012 Ford Explorer suspension?: Yes. NHTSA recall 19V435000 covers rear suspension toe links that may fracture on 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles, and recall 21V746000 covers a wheel-related CABJ inspection on certain 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles.
At what mileage do suspension problems typically show up on the 2012 Explorer?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 139,000 miles.
Did the 2012 Explorer's suspension issues cause any crashes?: NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 0 fires or injuries tied to Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints for the 2012 Ford Explorer.