2012 Ford Explorer: check engine light

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 6, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · MI

while driving the vehicle goes into what I have found is called sleep mode.. The check engine lite comes on and the left info panel shows that the all wheel drive is not working. The dealer tried to see what codes were set and found none. My solution is to pull off the road, put the vehicle in park and turn off the ignition. After about 30 seconds I can restart the vehicle and drive again. The restart lasts from 15 seconds to a month. I found a TSB ( 16-0139) that covered this problem. However it did not offer any cure. I am concerned that someone will hit me when this happens.

Filed Oct 5, 2021 · Engine · MA

the car unexpectedly loses power while driving on the highway causing several near crashed having to move to the brake down lane .The wrench symbol shows up on dash and the car is trying to stall at idle. I have to shut it off and restart to drive it. Check engine light does NOT go on. Car has 96k miles .It has happened 4x's in the last month. My research says its the Throttle body. I am trying to bring it to Ford to confirm.

Filed Sep 24, 2021 · Transmission · PA

I was driving with my child in the car when u hear a loud noise. After that i heard grinding. So when i got home we put the car on jack stands. There seemed to be no problems. The next day i took the car to a shop and was called to come back down. The mechanic showed us that the transfer case blew a part and cracked the transmission. Not one warning lights or service engine light came on. Had the drive shaft fell out as a result it could have killed me and my child.

Filed May 19, 2020 · Engine · 150,000 miles · LA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the turbo boost failed to operate as intended. There was an abnormal noise once the turbo was activated. The contact stated that the check engine light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to hixson auto-plex (2506 s macarthur dr, alexandria, la 71301) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the turbo booster was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Filed Jul 11, 2019 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 94,000 miles · IL

Purchase vehicle 2 21 2019 and the two engine lights warning lights breaking decelerates which is very dangerous driving on the highways. Service light tracking light stays on and the vehicle does all this on it's on. I have contacted by chat the ford corporation about this serious issue with this make and model. I was told their was no service bulletin so they could not help me. They refuse to address the dangerous matter this make and model has very dangerousand the lights are still on. Also with the engine lights staying on all the time the cruise control does not work.

Filed Aug 21, 2018 · Acceleration, Engine · 87,362 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. While driving 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled, shut off, and the check engine indicator illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to crossroads ford of sanford (3251 nc-87, sanford, nc 27332, (888) 352-5045) where the contact was informed that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 87,362. *tt

Filed Apr 20, 2018 · Engine · 102,000 miles · KY

While driving on highway, lost power and speed dropped. It was like engine stopped working properly. Had to pull off road, it was so scary on highway to loose power not to mention dangerous!!! Check engine light came on. After taking to ford dealership, found out that ecoboost turbo had blown and seized up.

Filed Oct 31, 2017 · Fuel system · 65,000 miles · OH

There is a smell of gasoline in and outside of the vehicle at all times. The check engine light keeps reappearing even after continuous examination.

Filed Aug 23, 2017 · Engine · PA

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.

Filed Jun 15, 2017 · Engine · 58,000 miles · SC

Turbo failure while driving, large loss of power and potential for an accident. Turbo charger failed on my 2.0l ecoboost engine at 58,000 miles. Turbo failed while in traffic and caused very poor performance and could have easily caused a wreck. Turbo failure does not create a check engine light or give any indication that is has failed other than a large loss of power and the engine continues to run. Turbo failure is sudden and there is no indications prior to it failing. The turbo was not covered by warranty due to vehicles age even though under 60k.

Filed Feb 14, 2017 · Engine, Fuel system · 100,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor while operating the vehicle. The check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel odor could not be diagnosed; however, the check engine indicator failure was diagnosed as an air filter needing to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.