The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, upon further inspection, the contact became aware of a water leak. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the water pump had leaked along the leaking hole near the engine block. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.
2012 Ford Explorer: water leaks into the cabin
18 of the 831 complaints about the 2012 Ford Explorer describe water leaks into the cabin.
- owner complaints
- 18
- of this car's complaints
- 2%
- typical mileage
- 62,000
- recalls
- 2
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls and 5 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Water leaks into the cabin by model year
What owners say
Seam seal where the roof, D pillar, and hatch area meet had a hole in it leaking water into the cabin causing underpadding of the floor to become soaked and creating a moldy/musty smell. Patched hole to stop water leak. Ruined the carpet from the spare tire well up to the front passenger floor board
The hinge of the hatchback has cracked. water enters into my car through the rear right hinge. The water then runs down my 3rd row right seat belt. Down into the storage area for the spare. Mold has started growing. this is a safety hazard. I have searched and seen multiple complaints of the same issue. I purchased this car in 2018. And noticed from day one of rain. I also noticed the previous owners have tried to remedy with some type of caulking or glue. The car had been inspected by my mechanic.
Heavy rain causes water to leak inside vehicle. Repaired sunroof on which electrical parts was “burned” out due to water leakage. Water continues to leak inside of vehicle through driver and 3rd row (driver side) seatbelts. Googled issue and looks like many people are having this problem. There is no way that dealership was not aware of this issue as it definitely rains in Indiana where car was purchased. Just would like this to be known and fixed as this can cause not only electrical issues (sunroof went out, radio dashboard has problems) but also health issue as mold can form in vehicle.
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.
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.
When it rains I have water coming into my vehichle and it even comes through the seatbelts. I have water in my floor now.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle had a leak and four inches of rain water entered the rear wheel well of the spare tire. The contact was concerned that mold would grow under the carpet of the rear well. The contact called mooresville ford dealer, (151 e plaza dr, mooresville, nc 28115, (704) 664-1300) and was informed about the fee of the repair. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer due to the repair fees. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
Water leaks in through the third row seat belt tensioner. Water runs down the seat belt and pools on the floor. This happens when the vehicle is stationary or moving. Water in the seat belt assembly is a safety risk. I reported it to ford, they declined to fix it.
The car has water leaks, I started having problems with electrical function and fear of fire or contact in my car .
Water leaks from roof rack and cracks in welding around tail-gate roof and welding around hinges. Water is pooling and standing in the spare tire well. Water is running down the driver side third row seat belt, down the sound proofing/ insulator pad over the frame, wicking onto the spare tire cover and floor cover. After investigating this on the internet, found many owners with the same issue and ford dealers are not addressing it.
I have a 2012 ford explorer and I really like it but I've been having problems with it. Since november of 2016 every time it rains or snows I come in to the truck to find a puddle of water on the front passenger side floor. Lately when it rains it's like it is literally raining inside my truck. The water leaks right through the top where my light and the buttons for my sunroof is. Now my back up camera doesn't work and my truck is starting to smell like mole. I'm also afraid that the water leakage is going to destroy all electrical problem or cause a an electrical fire while I'm in my truck with my kids. I also don't want my floor to rust. Can you pleas help me in finding out where is the problem coming from? A coworker of mine is the same problem with her truck as well.
Service bulletins that may apply
- This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected
- Loose driver side B-pillar front door upper moulding
- Corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust
- 2011-2015 explorer and mkt vehicles requiring replacement of right front axle shaft no longer require...
- Power lift gate may not be opening or may close after opening a very little
Related recalls
Structure: body: roof and pillars
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
- Risk
- A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024 and December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
Recall number 24V031000 · Recall details
Structure: body: door
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the interior door handle return spring may unseat, resulting in interior door handle that does not return to the fully stowed position after actuation.
- Risk
- If the interior door handle return spring is unseated, the door may unlatch in the event of a side impact crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four of the interior door handles and either repair or replace them, free of charge. The recall began on July 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S11.
Recall number 15V171000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2012 Ford Explorer water leak
Is water leaks into the cabin a common problem on the 2012 Ford Explorer?
18 of 831 owner complaints about the 2012 Ford Explorer (2%) mention water leaks into the cabin. The model year with the most reports is 2013.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2012 Ford Explorer?
There are 2 recalls and 5 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2012 Ford Explorer
Power steering loss 179Steering lock-up 62Loss of power 60Fuel smell 46Engine failure 34Stalling 26Airbag light 24Check engine light 22Backup camera 16Grinding brakes 15ABS 8Fire or smoke 8Harsh shifting 8Screen failure 6Overheating 6Seat belt 6Jerking 5Shudder 5
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