2012 Ford Explorer Engine Problems
- 66
- Owner complaint records in our dataset
Records are owner complaints, not a measured failure rate.
Owner complaint recordsComplaint records reflect reports in our dataset and do not measure how frequently the problem occurs across all vehicles.
Among these 66 stored complaint records:
- 0 indicate a crash
- 0 indicate injury
- 2 indicate fire
What owners report
- failure mileage · 10 records
- check engine · 8 records
- throttle body · 7 records
- notified failure · 7 records
- accelerator pedal · 6 records
- indicator illuminated · 6 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 30–60k mi | 26 |
| 60–100k mi | 14 |
| 1–30k mi | 10 |
| 100–150k mi | 5 |
| 150–400k mi | 1 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Engine · Fuel/Propulsion System
While driving down the highway my explorer made a loud clunk sound and then the wrench symbol appeared on my dashboard. Then the gas pedal quit working, and we had to roll off the highway avoiding being hit by other traffic. I had to stop and restart my car 5-6 times before the gas pedal would work again. This has happened 5 times in the past two months, and when i called to have it serviced they told me the wrench…
ODI 10886107
Engine
When we accelerate in our 2012 ford explorer, the cabin is filled with exhaust fumes. Many times we are required to roll the windows down to let the fumes out as they cause headaches and smell bad. This mainly occurs when we accelerate on to a highway/interstate from the on ramp.
ODI 10887987
Engine
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. While driving 15 mph, the engine stalled and the low engine pressure light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the cause of the failure could not be determined. The dealer reprogrammed the computer, but the failure recurred numerous times. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was…
ODI 10885475
Engine · Fuel/Propulsion System · Unknown Or Other
For about the last year, i would smell something burning inside my vehicle when entering the freeway. I was never able to identify the source of the smell, even after repeatedly stopping to sniff the engine compartment and around the tires and exhaust. I could not detect the smell outside of the car, nor did i find any evidence of anything burning (no smoke, charred areas, stuck brakes, melted rubber, etc). There…
ODI 10906152
Engine · Unknown Or Other
I own a 2012 ford explorer xlt ecoboost was functioning fine till one day driving my family back from the airport my check engine light came on and began to flash. Then all of a sudden the car suv began to shake horribly and would not in acceleration. After having the explorer towed to the ford dealer it was determined that the ecoboost system failed.
ODI 10882401
Engine
Electronic throttle body failure while driving 65 mph on the highway. Very dangerous.
ODI 10874536
Engine · Unknown Or Other
When accelerating to gain access to a highway or just speeding up on a local street, there is a gas or burnt oil smell that permeates the cabin of the vehicle. This happens every time i accelerate, every day.
ODI 10883422
Engine · Unknown Or Other
Exhaust odors in the occupant compartment and oil in the air filter
ODI 10882698
Engine · Unknown Or Other
Strong exhaust (burning oil smell) coming into cabin under medium to high acceleration through ventilation ( ac on) . The smell permeates the car and burns your nostrils. I could smell it for quite some time even after existing the vehicle (as the smell remains in my nose). Even felt a bit lightheaded after existing the vehicle. I have had passengers notice this smell on several occasions also.
ODI 10909732
Engine
As i was breaking to turn left at a street light my car started to shake, wrench light came on, the vehicle lost power and stalled. I took it to jordan ford in san antonio, texas, they told me they could not duplicate the error message and noticed a carbon build up and recommended cleaning. Almost $500 to pay for something that may not fix the problem. I noticed other complaints online about the same issue that…
ODI 10778239
Engine
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph, the engine stalled and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart after the initial attempt. The failure recurred on three occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The…
ODI 10765028
Engine · Power Train · Unknown Or Other
BURNING SMELL UNDER ACCELERATION.
ODI 10778941
Engine · Visibility
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. While driving various speeds, the contact observed an abnormal odor through the air conditioning unit when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000.
ODI 10908785
Engine
Purchased this car in august 2015. Every time i accelerate quickly to pass someone or go up hill fumes enter the car. Very strong odor and i have two young daughters who are unable to tell me if they feel funny from the fumes. Purge valve sensor replaced due to engine light coming on repeatedly.
ODI 11019242
Engine
Exhaust gases enter the cabin when accelerating - smells like rotten eggs - to test theory placed house hold co2 alarm in vehicle cabin and drove up interstate - exceeding 3500rpm for 2-3 seconds - co2 alarm went off to indicate co2 present inside of cabin - conditions were - all windows closed all doors closed - air conditioner running. Dealer states no reported occurrences of this from other explorer owners, said…
ODI 10762966
Engine
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. While driving approximately 75 mph, a wrench warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle lost power and decelerated to 2 mph. The contact mentioned that a roaring noise emitted from the engine but was able to merge the vehicle to the side of the road. Shortly after, the vehicle restarted and resumed normal operation. Days later, the failure recurred and the vehicle was taken…
ODI 10744974
Engine · Fuel/Propulsion System · Unknown Or Other
Power cut off. (golden wrench of i dont know what's wrong came on) on 4 lane had to pull over to shoulder of road. Cut off engine, restart, no light drove to ford shop monday and left car. Shop to check out and get back with me. Friday had to call and see if any news of whats wrong. Told after 3 hr runaround, needs battery and throttle body $ 900.00 +- out of warranty consumer satisfaction program 13n03
ODI 10743324
Engine
While driving my for 2012 ford explorer ecoboost 2.0l, accelerating at approx 55mph up a hill, i lost power on several occasions starting on july 11th. I had to pull over and drive 10mph with hazards on. Thankfully was able to pull over and not on the freeway. My explorer has been at the ford dealership now for three days and they still do not know what is wrong with it, and not able to fix it. I'm already going to…
ODI 10734325
Engine · Unknown Or Other
I am experiencing the exhaust fumes smell in my vehicle when accelerating up hills or when merging into traffic. My family has suffered symptoms such as headaches and lightheadedness due to the smells. The smell is a very strong exhaust fumes smell and lasts for at least 30 seconds to a minute.
ODI 11001553
Engine
Since day one of ownership i signaled to the service department that i smell fumes in the car while using climate on heat or cold. They tested and said all is ok. After 1 year it still happens every time i use climate, sometimes more obvious than other times. No smoke enters the cabin, just a heavy odor. I always have to open the window to be able to stay in the car. Worried about long term effects on my family and…
ODI 10894823
Engine
Exhaust smell in cabin after acceleration, for example during attempts to pass on highway, etc. Sometimes referred to as "rotten egg smell". Smell is definitely getting in to cabin. Dissipates after several minutes. Have been experiencing neurological problems for about 6 months now (random, constant muscle fasciculations throughout body, strange headaches and heat-related sensations, etc), trying to work with…
ODI 10899032
Electrical System · Engine
My vehicles air turns on on it's own as you drive. This is not the ac nor heater. As you drive you can hear your air vents turn on and you smell a foul smell and the air pushing through the vents is muggy sticky air that makes your skin feel clammy. This has been reported to the dealership before and had been "repaired" however, the air continues to push through the vents whether you have the switch set to on or not.
ODI 10956053
Engine · Power Train · Vehicle Speed Control
I was driving back from the mall on a single lane highway at 55 mph with the whole family. All of the sudden the vehicle just quit. I tried to restart the vehicle while it was gliding without power, but it would not start. I had to pull over to the side of the road until the car stopped by itself. While the car was gliding to a stop, there was no steering brakes or anything available, since the engine had cut off…
ODI 10713749
Engine · Power Train
While i was driving my 2012 ford explorer xlt, it lost all power for the 4th time. When i pressed the throttle there was no response. Indicator lights said awd off and displayed a wrench icon. I coasted to the side of the road. When this happened the first three times i turned the car off, restarted it and all was fine for a few minutes, before this happened again. This is quite a dangerous situation to be in. I…
ODI 10661311
Engine · Power Train · Vehicle Speed Control
I was driving approx. 35mph and all of a sudden the wrench light on the engine came on i lost all power to the accelerator. I had to coast to stop, turn off the vehicle, start it back up and proceed. It has happened 4 more times since the original date. One of those times was when i was crossing an intersection and was almost broadsided. This is very dangerous and is happening with no warning or pattern. I have…
ODI 10643084