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2012 Ford Explorer driver assistance problems

34 complaints (4% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 72,000.

owner complaints
34
of this car's complaints
4%
typical mileage
72,000
crashes
0
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Sensing system: camera
    4
  • Warnings
    2
  • Rearview system braking
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Ford Explorer driver assistance problems in other years

199220052010201520202026

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2012 Ford Explorer owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 26, 2026 · Driver assistance, Steering · 237,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, the "Service Power Steering" message was displayed. The contact pulled into a parking lot, turned off and then restarted the vehicle. The failure persisted, and the power steering feature failed to operate as needed. While in reverse, the back over prevention camera display the "Service Camera - Take to Dealer" message on the screen. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that there was a recall for the failure, the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 237,000.

Filed Apr 29, 2026 · Driver assistance, Lights · 208,974 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the hazard lights and other surrounding indicator systems were inoperable. Additionally, the rearview camera displayed a blank image while reversing. The dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 208,974.

Filed Oct 31, 2025 · Driver assistance · IN

The rear back up camera is now displaying a message to contact dealership. It freezes up and stops working.

Filed Oct 30, 2025 · Driver assistance · VA

My back-up camera has flipped images so the left appears on the right and the right appears on the left as well as the safety lines have disappeared. The two Ford dealerships want a diagnostic fee that doesn't even go toward the cost of the repairs.

Filed Oct 22, 2025 · Driver assistance · IA

Faulty rear view camera. Says contact the dealership on the message.

Filed Sep 2, 2025 · Driver assistance, Engine · 170,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the traction control and check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that a minute and a half later, while attempting to make a right turn, the steering wheel became firm, and added effort was needed to turn the steering wheel. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

Filed Jul 3, 2025 · Driver assistance · 107,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera failed to display an image. The message "Camera Not Available - Contact Your Dealer" was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.

Filed Jun 5, 2025 · Driver assistance · 68,000 miles · NM

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while reversing, the back over prevention image was showing on the opposite side of the screen, and the camera was flickering. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure could be linked to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V270000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the VIN and the model vehicle were not included. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the camera needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The dealer informed the contact that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle for the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

Filed May 30, 2025 · Driver assistance · 28,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while reversing, the rearview camera image was black or distorted, and the message "Camera Unavailable - Report to Dealer" was displayed on the infotainment screen on several occasions. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring intermittently. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where the rearview camera was replaced twice; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to schedule an appointment for the rearview camera replacement. The dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in an unknown recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.

Filed Jun 27, 2024 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 90,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after receiving a map update on the main control panel, the display screen immediately blacked out. The contact stated that when updating the ATI system map, the main control panel screen completely blacked out. The contact was unable to use any of the electrical systems including the Back Over Prevention camera. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and it was diagnosed that the ATI system had failed due to the map update. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.

Questions about the 2012 Ford Explorer driver assistance

Does the 2012 Ford Explorer have driver assistance problems?

Owners have filed 34 complaints about the driver assistance of the 2012 Ford Explorer, 4% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2012 Ford Explorer driver assistance problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 72,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2012 Ford Explorer driver assistance?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Ford Explorer have the most driver assistance problems?

The Ford Explorer model years with the most driver assistance complaints are 2020 (180 complaints), 2015 (177 complaints) and 2013 (105 complaints).

Other 2012 Ford Explorer problems

Steering 361Body 144Engine 92Electrical 65Transmission 55Fuel system 34Airbags 27Visibility 24Suspension 22Brakes 21Acceleration 17Seat belts 14Lights 6Wheels 5Seats 2

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