2012 Ford Explorer: ABS light or ABS activating

8 of the 831 complaints about the 2012 Ford Explorer describe ABS light or ABS activating.

owner complaints: 8
of this car's complaints: 1%
typical mileage: 110,000
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 4 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

ABS light or ABS activating by model year

2025
5
2022
1
2021
5
2020
16
2019
1
2018
3
2017
6
2016
10
2015
20
2014
16
2013
10
2012
8
2011
9
2010
3
2008
1
2007
5
2006
27
2005
5
2004
31
2003
30
2002
53
2001
2
2000
12
1999
8
1998
21
1997
14
1996
38
1995
23
1994
92
1993
94
1992
20
1991
28
1990
1

What owners say

Filed Sep 30, 2026 · Brakes, Steering · 110,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, the vehicle was restarted; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the residence, and an independent mechanic arrived to diagnose the vehicle. The contact was informed that the steering wheel had seized due to the electric power steering failure. The contact was informed that the electric power steering and ABS module needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was 110,000.

Filed Apr 25, 2023 · Steering · 100,422 miles · VT

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the service power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated he parked the vehicle and while restarting the vehicle, the service power steering now, the anti-lock braking system (ABS), the traction control, and the Advancetrac warning lights were illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer; Lebanon Ford (425 Miracle Mile, West Lebanon, NH 03784: (603) 448-3363), where it was diagnosed with needing the power steering rack unit to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated the previous owner of the vehicle had the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) repaired at the local dealer: Portsmouth Ford (400 Spaulding Turnpike, NH-16, Portsmouth, NH 03801: (603) 433-1221). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,422.

Filed Sep 30, 2022 · Body, Suspension · 139,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, he heard an abnormal snapping sound then a clunking sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The traction control and the ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to get the vehicle back to the residence while driving approximately 10 MPH. The contact stated that the front subframe was corroded, causing the subframe to fracture and the wheels were pushed outwards in opposite directions. The contact had taken the vehicle to a certified mechanic who replaced the subframe. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 139,000.

Filed Apr 14, 2022 · Steering · 147,841 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while she was at a stop sign, the steering wheel lost power steering inadvertently. The warning message "Power Steering Assist Fault" is illuminated. The contact turned the vehicle off for a minute. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle, the steering wheel regained power steering functionality. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering control module software needed to be updated. The independent mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for the repair. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion and the ABS needed to be replaced. The contact stated that she purchased the rack and pinion and her boyfriend completed the replacement; however, the failure reoccurred months later while driving 40-45 MPH. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the recall repair for the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) had previously been completed on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 147,841.

Filed Jan 1, 2022 · Steering · KS

Upon starting the vehicle dash lights illuminate saying power steering assist faulty. Following this the hill descent and traction control lights illuminate with a faulty code and then abs. Car was scanned with multiple error codes and cleared but the problem reoccurs. Looking into recalls there is one of power steering but the car is outside of the warranty with having 177,000 miles and just over the 10 years. Reading other peoples reports this needs to be recalled, it’s putting lots of peoples lives at risk and they aren’t even aware of the problem ford fails to acknowledge.

Filed Jun 29, 2021 · Electrical · CA

ABS Trac light came on while driving Car was taken to the dealership twice to fix the problem but Ford wasn't able to find the problem. I know there is a problem with the Ford Focus ABS Module due to recalls and I think on the Ford Explore but Ford isn't saying anything about this problem with the ABS module.

Filed Oct 14, 2018 · Electrical, Transmission · 62,000 miles · MI

2012 ford explorer xlt 4w. The terrain management system fault light came on and car went immediately into limp mode on a major road.there was no warning and was almost rear ended. Took to dealer oct.1 and they kept it two days. The dealer said they could not find a code. Dealer said it is fixed by updating and calibrating the ABS system. It was not fixed. . Oct 13 same light went on and car immediately into limp mode on expressway. Nearly caused accident because car immediately slowed down and would not go more than 5mph in limp mode. You loose complete control of the transmission and throttle. There are 53+ cases with this problem on the internet just this year. Https://www.carcomplaints.com/ford/explorer/2016/engine/wrench_light_on.shtml this happens suddenly while driving and without warning. The car immediately begins to shutter and vibrate and immediate begins to slow down to 5mph. This is a dangerous situation and should be investigated. You have no control over the speed of the car or the transmission.. Please google (terrain management system fault light) and see that there are many more ford cars are affected by this problem there are 3 youtubes showing this problem. They cars are not safe to drive. Anyone who had a terrain management system light that goes on while driving will experience the same dangerous situation

Filed May 10, 2013 · Brakes · 7,500 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the ABS brakes suddenly engaged independently, causing the steering wheel to pull to the right and become difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis. The technician replaced all the sensors and the wiring in the ABS system. The failure continued after the repair. The vehicle was not further repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 7,500.