Home · 2012 Ford Explorer Police Intercept · Complaints

What 821 owners told NHTSA about the 2012 Ford Explorer Police Intercept

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (821)Crash / fire / injury (19)Steering (356)Body & structure (142)Engine (79)Electrical system (63)Transmission & drivetrain (55)Fuel system (34)Airbags (27)Visibility & wipers (24)Suspension (22)Brakes (20)

Newest first · 821 complaints · page 14 of 33

Jan 5, 2021Brakes

FAILED STATE INSPECTION (EMERGENCY BRAKE), FURTHER DIAGNOSTICS REVEALED CALIPERS NOT WORKING FOR REAR DISC BRAKES, SIMILAR TO THE RECALL OF 2015/16 FORD EXPLORER'S BRAKE ISSUES- A DETAILED PICTURE OF REPORT/DIAGNOSTICS INCLUDED

NHTSA ODI 11386593

Jan 2, 2021SteeringTransmission & drivetrain

THE POWER STEERING, FOUR WHEEL DRIVE, AND TRACTION CONTROL COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING EVEN AFTER I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP SOME MONTHS BACK TO FIX THIS PROBLEM! ALSO,THE MYFORD TOUCH GOES BLACK AND WILL NOT WORK FOR WEEKS. WHEN THE POWER STEERING QUIT I WAS ON A PAVED SIDE ROAD NEAR MY HOME.

NHTSA ODI 11386199

Jan 1, 2021Steering

POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILURE IS COMING ON AND THE STEERING WHEEL COMPLETELY LOCKS. IN RESEARCHING THIS- SEVERAL OTHER FORD EXPLORERS HAVE BEEN RECALLED DUE TO THIS. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS CONCERN - LUCKILY THIS HAPPENED TO ME WHILE IN MY DRIVEWAY- I CAN NOT IMAGINE WHAT THE OUTCOME WOULD BE IF I WERE ON THE ROAD RUNNING 50 MPH.

NHTSA ODI 11386000

Dec 28, 2020Fuel system

THERE IS A STRONG SMELL OF CARBON MONOXIDE WHEN THE ENGINE IS REVED OVER 3000 -3500 RPM THIS HAPPENS EVERY SINGLE TIME. IT SEEMS TO BE ON PAR WITH THE OTHER COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS ISSUE WITH THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. I NOTICED THIS ISSUE SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM THE USED CAR LOT.

NHTSA ODI 11385367

Nov 27, 2020Steering

THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WARNING CAME ON AND I LOST POWER STEERING. THIS ISSUE WAS A RECALL ISSUE WITH FORD. T TOOK THE VEHICLE TO SANDERSON FORD AND THEY CONTACTED FORD SPECIAL SERVICE SUPPORT CENTER REGARDING THE RECALL AND WARRANTY ON THE VEHICLE FOR RECALL. FORD DID NOT APPROVE THE REPAIR STATING THE VEHICLE WAS 13000 MILES OVER THE ALLOTTED MILEAGE. REALLY??? FOLLOWING ARE THE EXACT COMMENTS FROM DEALER TO FORD AND FORD TO DEALER TAKEN FROM COPIES OF THEIR COMMUNICATION: DEALER COMMENT: NOVEMBER 23, 2020-REQUEST FORD AGENT: IF SAFETY PROGRAM 14S06 IS CLOSED AND STEERING GEAR IS REQUIRED THE VEHICLE MUST FALL WITHIN THE 10 YR/150,000 MILES TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THIS REPAIR. NOV 24, 2020-DEALER-14S06 LOOKS TO BE STILL OPEN TO MYSELF AND THE TECHNICIAN PLEASE CLARIFY FORD AGENT- 14S06 IS CLOSED ON OASIS THANK YOU. FORD AGENT- NOT APPROVED. PLEASE BE ADVISED THIS IS NOT APPROVED. IF 14S06 WAS OPEN WE COULD APPROVE IT BUT BECAUSE 14S06 IS CLOSED AND VEH IS OVER THE FSA GUIDELINES FOR 15N01 THEN WE CANNOT APPROVE. 14S06 WAS CLOSED BACK IN 08/07/2014. DEALER RESPONSE: MY APOLOGIES. JUST.TRYING TO DO MY DUE DILIGENCE FOR THE CUSTOMER. 15NO1 IS STILL OPEN. WHICH THEN REFERS TO 14S06 FOR EXPLORER. THE STEERING GEAR WAS NOT REPLACED WHEN THE 14S06 WAS CLAIMED YEARS AGO. ONLY THE REPROGRAM WAS PERFORMED. 14S06 HAS A SUPPLEMENT WHICH IS COPIED AND PASTED AS FOLLOWS: SUBJECT DEMONSTRATION/ DELIVERY HOLD-SAFETY RECALL 14S06-SUPPLEMENT #3 CERTAIN 2011-2013 MODEL YEAR EXPLORER VEHICLES REPROGRAM POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE AND STEERING GEAR EXTENDED COVERAGE WHY DID I NOT RECEIVE THE COVERAGE? I DON'T HAVE ENOUGH LETTERS ALLOWED TO CONTINUE THE QUOTE. BUT THE SUPPLEMENT SAYS IF DENIED THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY CAUSE VEH HAD EXCEEDED THE ORIGINAL RECALL I SHOULD GET A REFUND. FORD HAS HAD THIS SAFETY ISSUE FOR A LONG TIME. MY COST WAS $2,100.

NHTSA ODI 11376678

Nov 13, 2020Seat belts

FOR ALL THREE REAR SEAT BELTS THE LATCH PLATE WILL NOT ENGAGE IN THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE. THE REAR SEATS ARE RARELY USED SO I DON'T KNOW HOW LONG THEY HAVE BEEN INOPERATIVE.

NHTSA ODI 11374570

Oct 4, 2020Transmission & drivetrain

VEHICLE SHUTTING DOWN WHILE DRIVING.

NHTSA ODI 11362682

Sep 29, 2020Steering

RECALL 14S06/15N01 PERFORMED IN 2016 FOR FAILED STEERING. COMPLETE STEERING RACK REPLACED. 4 YEARS LATER THE STEERING COMPLETELY FAILED AGAIN WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING. LUCKILY I WAS WITH. VEHICLE IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR HER TO STEER WHEN IT FAILED. I WAS ABLE TO TAKE OVER AND GET THE VEHICLE HOME. TAKES ALL THE STRENGTH YOU NEED TO TURN. TOOK IT TO FORD DEALERSHIP. FORD REFUSES TO REPLACE THE FAILED STEERING RACK AGAIN THAT WAS REPLACED UNDER A SAFETY RECALL. FORD ALSO REFUSES TO HELP WITH ANY FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR THE $3000 REPAIR. IN REVIEW OF 14S06 AND 15N01 THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE SUPPLEMENTS WITH EXTENDED COVERAGE BUT ONLY 1 TIME REPLACEMENT. THUS THEY ARE RECUSING THEMSELVES OF LIABILITY SHOULD A CRASH HAVE OCCURRED. THE SAFETY RECALL SOLUTION IS SIMPLY A CONTINUATION OF A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THEY DO NOT STAND BEHIND. I'M GRATEFUL MY WIFE AND KIDS WERE NOT ALONE OR IN AN ACCIDENT. OTHERS MAY NO BE SO LUCKY AND FORD NEEDS TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR SOLUTION. 8 YEAR OLD VEHICLE. STEERING HAS FAILED EVERY 4 YEARS SINCE NEW. RECALL MEANS NOTHING, PEOPLE WILL GET HURT.

NHTSA ODI 11361898

Sep 1, 2020Steering

LEAVING MY HOME AND DRIVING DOWN THE STREET POWER STEERING LOCKED, WAS UNABLE TO STEER VEHICLE AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. THERE WAS A PRIOR RECALL FOR THE STEERING COMPONENT AND THOUGHT THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN CORRECTED. VERY DANGEROUS TO LOSE STEERING POWER WHILE DRIVING. HAD MULTI POINT INSPECTION CHECKED BY DEALER JULY 23 AND NO ISSUE WAS FOUND BY THE DEALERS.

NHTSA ODI 11352662

Aug 26, 2020SteeringTraction Control System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT STATED THE SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL AND THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (HERTRICH FORD OF EASTON LOCATED AT 9617 OCEAN GATEWAY, EASTON, MD 21601, (410) 822-2900) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING THE RACK AND PINION REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 151,977. *LN *JS *JS

NHTSA ODI 11351439

Aug 4, 2020SteeringElectronic Stability Control (esc)

POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT, MY STEERING WAS INTERMITTENT BUT NOW ITS COMPLETELY GONE. I CAN NOT STEER MY CAR. IT WAS STATIONARY , IT HAPPENED AS SOON AS I STARTED MY CAR.

NHTSA ODI 11343368

Jul 21, 2020Body & structure

WATER LEAKS INSIDE VEHICLE FILLING UP SPARE TIRE COMPARTMENT (REAR OF SUV). THIS HAPPENS WHEN IT RAINS. I HAVE READ MANY COMPLAINTS OF PEOPLE SAYING THE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR FORD EXPLORER.

NHTSA ODI 11340790

Jul 21, 2020Body & structure

WHEN IT RAINS WATER LEAKS INSIDE VEHICLE IN THE REAR AREA. I CHECKED ONLINE AND MANY PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME COMPLAINT ABOUT WATER LEAKS. IF IT RAINS A LOT THE SPARE TIRE COMPARTMENT FILLS WITH WATER. ALSO, WHEN WATER LEAKS YOU GET THAT FUNKY SMELL INSIDE VEHICLE. AFRAID THAT MOLD CAN BUILT OVER TIME.

NHTSA ODI 11340793

Jul 14, 2020Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE LOSS POWER STEERING ASSIST WITH THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AND INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO RETRIEVED DTC CODE: (U2011-49). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO EARNHARDT FORD LOCATED AT 7300 W ORCHID LN, CHANDLER, AZ 85226, AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE MILEAGE LIMITATION HAD BEEN EXCEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,140.

NHTSA ODI 11339340

Jul 9, 2020Body & structure

I WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY TODAY AT 70MPH AND ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEARD A SLAPPING NOISE ON PASSENGER SIDE THE RUBBER MOLDING FROM WINSHIELD CAME LOOSE AND WAS HITTING PASSENGER WINDOW. AFTER STOPPING AT NEXT EXIT I WAS ABLE TO PUSH IT BACK INTO TRIM PIECE BUT THE TRIM PIECE IS A LITTLE LOOSE.

NHTSA ODI 11338484

Jul 6, 2020Steering

THE POWER ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSIST, THE POWER STEERING, MY BLINKERS, ALL WENT OUT WHEN MY GEAR BOX DID. FOR THE SECOND TIME. FORD HAS RECALLS ON THESE PARTS BUT NOT FOR MY VIN NUMBER.

NHTSA ODI 11337627

Jul 1, 2020Electrical systemBody & structure

WATER IS LEAKING FROM THE ROOF THAT CAUSES ELECTRICAL ISSUES. BAD DESIGN BY FORD IN WHICH SEAL SEAMS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED, WHICH CAUSE LEAKS INSIDE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI 11331943

Jun 25, 2020Steering

I OWN A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. RECENTLY I RECEIVED A WARNING ON THE DASHBOARD INDICATING THAT THERE IS A "POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT. " THIS HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITH MY FAMILY (LUCKY AT A LOW SPEED). I AM AWARE OF A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE. IN SHORT, THE RECALL COVERS 2011-2013 EXPLORERS AND MANDATES THAT FORD REPLACE FIRST THE SOFTWARE FOR THE STEERING RACK ASSEMBLY AND IF THAT DOES NOT RECTIFY THE PROBLEM THEN THE ENTIRE STEERING RACK ASSEMBLE ITSELF. I VISITED MY LOCAL FORD DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THE ISSUE AND STATED THAT THE ENTIRE STEERING RACK ASSEMBLE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THEY ALSO INFORMED ME THAT MY VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. MY QUESTION IS WHY? A KNOWN STEERING ISSUE FOR 2012 EXPLORERS IS CLEARLY EVIDENT ON MY VEHICLE. SEEMS FORD IS PASSING THE BLAME FOR A KNOWN ISSUE! I MUST NOTE THAT THERE ARE ONLY 45,000 MILES ON THIS VEHICLE AND FOR THIS TO FAIL WITH SO FEW MILES (WHILE I WAS DRIVING) IS UNACCEPTABLE. IT IS UNCLEAR TO ME WHY FORD WOULD NOT COVER THIS UNDER THE RECALL ESPECIALLY SINCE IT IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000 *TR

NHTSA ODI 11330740

Jun 22, 2020SteeringSuspensionSeats

FORD SPAIN UNABLE TO CONDUCT RECALLS DUE TO NO PARTS AVAILABLE FOR EXPLORER 2012. DISCUSSED WITH. *TR

NHTSA ODI 11330007

Jun 15, 2020Body & structure

WHILE DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY, DOWN A STRAIGHT STRETCH OF ROAD THE MOLDING ON MY DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW TRIM FLEW OFF. THERE WERE NO CRACKS OR DAMAGE TO IT PRIOR TO THIS HAPPENING. AFTER I LEAVING MY DESTINATION, THE STICKY RUBBER UNDERNEATH CAME LOOSE, FLAPPING AGAINST MY WINDSHIELD AND DRIVER SIDE WINDOW UNTIL IT FLEW OFF, HITTING THE CAR BEHIND ME. I WAS ALSO ON THE EXPRESSWAY DOING AROUND 75 MPH WHEN THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED. *TR

NHTSA ODI 11329017

Jun 2, 2020Steering

RECALL REPAIR FAILED. SAME ISSUE AND FORD DECLINES TO REPAIR. *TR

NHTSA ODI 11327002

May 19, 2020Engine & cooling

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TURBO BOOST FAILED TO OPERATE AS INTENDED. THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE ONCE THE TURBO WAS ACTIVATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HIXSON AUTO-PLEX (2506 S MACARTHUR DR, ALEXANDRIA, LA 71301) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TURBO BOOSTER WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.

NHTSA ODI 11325149

May 13, 2020Electrical systemEngineCrashFire

MY TRUCK BURST INTO FLAMES 🔥 AND BURN TO THE GROUND WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVE WAY. *TR

NHTSA ODI 11324350

May 6, 2020Steering

MY POWER STEERING AND POWER ASSIST WENT OUT FOR A SECOND TIME AFTER BEING REPLACED UNDER A RECALL MAKING IT HARD TO STEER AND TEARING UP OTHER PARTS IN MY VEHICLE. I WAS TOLD BY A FORD DEALERSHIP THAT THE RECALL WAS ONLY GOOD TO BE REPLACED ONCE AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT A SECOND TIME. *TR

NHTSA ODI 11323479

Apr 30, 2020Steering

MY WIFE AND KIDS WERE DRIVING OUR 2012 FORD EXPLORER ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE DASHBOARD GAVE A NOTICE OF "SERVICE POWER STEERING" AND "SERVICE ADVANCETRAC". THE SUV INSTANTLY LOST ALL POWER STEERING AND MY WIFE HAD TO MUSCLE THE VEHICLE OFF THE HIGHWAY. AFTER TAKING SOME TIME TO LOOK INT WHAT COULD BE THE CAUSE I ENDED UP HAVING IT TAKEN TO THE GERMAIN FORD OF BEAVERCREEK. UPON DIAGNOSES THEY STATED THAT THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING GEAR HAD BECOME FAULTY. I ASKED IF THIS WAS COVERED UNDER THE 'FIELD ACTION NOTICE' OR THE RECALL THAT WERE AVAILABLE FOR THIS ISSUE THAT I HAVE SEEN ALL OVER THE INTERNET. IT WAS EXPLAINED THAT DUE TO BEING 9,900 MILES OVER THE WARRANTY OF THE FIELD ACTION NOTICE THEY WOULD NOT COVER IT, EVEN AFTER A ASKING THROUGH A PROVISIONAL REQUEST TO FORD. I CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WAS ADVISED THAT THIS SUV HAD THE INITIAL RECALL ON THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING BACK IN 2014 AND THAT THIS FIELD ACTION NOTICE IS A FOLLOW-UP COVERAGE FOR THAT. I STATED THAT THIS FIX MUST STILL HAVE ISSUES AND WAS ADVISED THAT FORD HAS THE THOUGHT THAT IF SOMETHING WAS WRONG I WOULD HAVE BROUGHT IT IN BEFORE THE 150K/10 YR MARK. I STATED WE DIDN'T KNOW ANYTHING WAS WRONG UNTIL NOW.

NHTSA ODI 11322869

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Working with the data? Download all 821 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 22, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2012 Ford Explorer Police Intercept verdict →