2012 Ford Explorer: fire, smoke or burning smell

8 of the 830 complaints about the 2012 Ford Explorer describe fire, smoke or burning smell.

owner complaints: 8
of this car's complaints: 1%
typical mileage: 51,250
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 8 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Fire, smoke or burning smell by model year

2024
1
2023
2
2022
2
2021
9
2020
14
2019
2
2018
9
2017
23
2016
37
2015
9
2014
10
2013
19
2012
8
2011
7
2008
3
2007
4
2006
5
2005
4
2004
10
2003
13
2002
38
2001
22
2000
53
1999
42
1998
85
1997
42
1996
21
1995
24
1994
64
1993
37
1992
43
1991
44

What owners say

Filed May 13, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 140,000 miles · OH · crash · fire

My truck burst into flames 🔥 and burn to the ground while parked in the drive way.

Filed Jun 19, 2017 · 125,000 miles · GA · 3 injuries

2012 ford explorer releases strong burnt rubber smell when I accelerate or reach 3000 rpms. It is getting worse the more miles I put on my car. Causes myself and my 2 children to feel car sick or have headaches. The only way I can get the smell to go away is to turn off the A/C or heat and roll the windows down. I have mentioned it to local dealership twice now and they have no idea what is causing it but I've told them about the class action lawsuit and they still act like they have never heard of it. The first time I took it to the dealership for the smell the car was also making a noise when the A/C was on so I was told that the repair they did would fix whatever was causing the noise and the smell. I just took it back to the dealership today for an oil change and once again mentioned the smell and they said they have no idea about a burning smell and nobody has had that issue that they know of. Now that I know it is legitimately a concern and my kids and I aren't just actually getting "car sick" I am extremely upset that I'm not being taken seriously. I am supposed to take the car back to the dealership monday to have other issues fixed and I can't wait to see what they tell me now that I have made them aware of the legitimate problem with the exhaust odor.

Filed Mar 21, 2017 · Fuel system, Transmission · 105,000 miles · OH

Fuel and exhaust fumes or smell of burning oil. Problems with turbo.

Filed Sep 13, 2016 · Engine, Fuel system · 40,000 miles · TX

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 didn't appear to be any pattern, as I would smell something burning at different points in my commute, with the only time I consistently experienced it being merging onto the freeway. On june 20, 2016 at 1:38 pm central time, I sent my husband the following text: "is the fire extinguisher still in the car?" due to the overpowering smell of smoke in the passenger compartment shortly after getting on the freeway. I rolled down the windows and exited the freeway, stopping at the far end of a parking lot. There was no smoke nor odor emanating from the exterior of the vehicle. Due to the heat, we drive with the air recirculating most of the year. Much of our driving is in the city, with light acceleration. Typically, the only time we rapidly accelerate is when entering the freeway. On this occasion, I accelerated more than normal due to a semi's position in the right lane. At times, my 7 year old has complained about not being able to breathe with the windows rolled up.

Filed Sep 8, 2016 · Brakes · 51,000 miles · VA

While driving on trip, the calipers seized, the brakes almost caught fire. The caliper and rotor both had to be replaced with only 51,000 miles. Also, the rear brake pads and rotors were also replaced at 27,500 miles.

Filed Oct 1, 2015 · Engine, Transmission · 10,000 miles · MA

Burning smell under acceleration.

Filed Jul 7, 2014 · Body · 51,250 miles · MA · fire

I was driving on rt44 in ma when I noticed oncoming drivers yelling at me. I thought I was doing something wrong and when I came to a stop light, the driver in front of me got out of his car and yelled that my 2012 ford explored had flames coming from the bottom of the vehicle. I immediately evacuated the car with my wife and children and my car was indeed on fire. I happened to have a fire extinguisher with me and was able to put out the fire. I was in front of a ford dealer when this happened and they came out to inspect the car and I was told the heat shield was ignited from touching the exhaust. They removed the plate and you can see the burnt damage (I have pics). This situation could have turned fatal and they said they will put a new one on. This should not be able to catch fire and if it wasn't for other drivers I don't know how this could of ended. My wife and 3 year old son are now terrified to ride in the explorer. This needs to be investigated immediately.

Filed Jun 13, 2012 · Engine · 50 miles · VA

Overheating large amount of fluid leaking under car and steam or smoke coming out of tail pipe? Tow truck was called car towed to local dealer. My 2012 ford explorer has been in shop 3 different occasions for same thing: no heat , no air conditioning, overheating, my ford sync recall???