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2012 Ford Explorer engine complaints

Page 2 of 4: complaints 11 to 40 of 92, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2012 Ford Explorer engine problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

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 Mar 6, 2020 · Engine · 143,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shut off and the low oil pressure warning light flashed. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with both a defective o2 sensor and low oil pressure sensor. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure and informed her that there were no recalls on her vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired and was not taken to a dealer. The failure mileage was 143,000.

Filed Feb 7, 2020 · Engine · FL

Vehicle overheated without warning leaving me stranded on a deserted highway. After speaking with a mechanic and having them come to the vehicles location and performing a visual inspection he stated antifreeze was leaking from the water pump. The vehicle was taken to a local ford dealer and upon completing a diagnostic check they confirmed the 'internal' water pump had failed without warning. I was contacted 5 times by the dealership and each time the news got worse. Then final call the advisor told me to fix it and nothing was going to be guaranteed to last it was going to cost approximately $4,000 before taxes. They'd also have to change the oil twice along with the spark plugs. The vehicle had just been at a local ford dealership for maintenance and to fix outstanding recalls and after checking the service manual nothing is 'suggested' 'recommended' or 'required' to service the internal water pump.

Filed Jan 23, 2020 · Engine · 132,000 miles · WV

I have coolant leaking, I took it to a shop to be diagnosed and was told that it would cost over $2,000 since the water pump is in the front of the engine, there is only 132,000 miles on my car and I shouldn't be having this issue!!

Filed Dec 9, 2019 · Engine · 111,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. The contact noticed an abnormal exhaust odor coming from the ventilation system without warning. The contact mentioned that the odor was only present when the vehicle was idling. The vehicle was taken to hastings ford inc (3013 e 10th st, greenville, nc 27858, (252) 758-0114) where it was test driven and determined that the exhaust was leaking at the manifold. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure recurred multiple times. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided case number: 25071531. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.

Filed Nov 11, 2019 · Engine · RI

I bought my explorer in june 2019. After purchasing I noticed the smell of the exhaust inside the vehicle .throughout the summer months I drove with the windows down due to the a.c. Not working properly . I continued smelling the exhaust but financially unable to seek repairs. With cooler temperatures the windows now closed the smell of the exhaust was more apparent and I begin to experience severe headaches, frequent nausea, fatigue and some dizziness and confusion. I was told of reports of carbon monoxide issues with this make of vehicle and spoke to ford about repairs as well as other recalls needed for my explorer. I took my car for the repairs today and am still experiencing the carbon monoxide issue still. I will be contacting the ford dealership tomorrow as this wasn't repaired. I'm concerned for my health and having this issue not fixed .

Filed Aug 15, 2019 · Engine · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. While the contact's wife was driving 65 MPH, the vehicle shut off completely without warning. The contact called riverside ford lincoln (2089 riverside dr, macon, ga 31204, (478) 464-2900) and was informed that they were unaware of a possible defect and suggested the contact bring in the vehicle to be serviced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Aug 1, 2019 · Engine, Steering · 118,000 miles · WV

Car won't go into park

Filed May 24, 2019 · Engine · 61,467 miles · KS

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. The contact stated that exhaust fumes were present inside the vehicle. The contact's six year old daughter constantly complained of severe headaches within fifteen minutes of being in the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to john north ford (3002 us-50, emporia, ks 66801) where the contact was informed that there would be a charge for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 61,467.

Filed Feb 14, 2019 · Engine · 70,000 miles · KY

Oil is collecting at my air intake. I have replace the pcv valve but it is still leaking oil onto my air filter. This is also causing fumes in the vehicle.

Filed Feb 1, 2019 · Engine · 88,500 miles · DE

I have an exhaust smell coming from my vents. This odor is present in the front and back seats of the car. It is present when the vehicle is in motion, as well as when it is stationary. It happens at random times and can happen while driving at a slower rate, and while driving at high speeds. The dealership cannot identify the source of the smell.

Filed Jan 3, 2019 · Acceleration, Engine · 58,900 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. The contact stated that the throttle body assembly was faulty. When the contact depressed the accelerator pedal, the vehicle would not accelerate. The contact pulled the vehicle over and it started shaking. When the contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, it operated normally. Sames ford (4721 ayers st, corpus christi, tx 78415, (361) 851-7600) diagnosed that the throttle was faulty and provided the repair cost. The manufacturer stated that there was no recall and advised the contact to save the receipts for reimbursement if a recall was issued. The failure mileage was 58,900. *tt consumer stated car would not accelerate on a busy road. Problem was fixed.

Filed Sep 29, 2018 · Engine · 73,000 miles · TX

When trying to make an unprotected left turn at a stop sign, I pressed the gas and my car didn't move for a couple of seconds once it dod move it took a few more seconds for it to accelerate quickly to safely make my turn. The oncoming traffic in the lane I was crossing over for the turn had to brake suddenly because my car didn't make it through the intersection fast enough. I was told that my turbo boost was bad. I have a 2012 eco boost model and it was classified as 'under boost' which wasn't allowing my car to accelerate properly and would eventually give out completely not allowing me to accelerate at all.

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 Apr 9, 2018 · Engine · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. While operating the vehicle, there was an odor being emitted from the exhaust that caused the contact to feel nauseous and dizzy. The vehicle was taken to barber ford (640 e 8th st. Holland, michigan 49423) on three separate occasions to have the voluntary ford exhaust campaign completed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that the failure he was experiencing was not part of the voluntary ford exhaust campaign. The failure mileage and VIN were not provided.

Filed Jan 25, 2018 · Engine · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. While driving 72 MPH, the contact turned on the heater. Approximately 15 minutes later, the contact became tired and sleepy. The contact rolled down the window and felt better approximately six minutes later. The contact experienced this issue several times within the past two years, mainly during the cooler months due to having the windows rolled up. The contact stated that this seemed to be a carbon monoxide failure. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. There were no recalls associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Nov 1, 2017 · Electrical, Engine · 155,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. While driving various speeds with the accelerator pedal depressed, the vehicle stalled and the oil pressure and power train wrench warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was unable to start on the first attempt. The failure recurred over three times. The contact noticed the failure after she depressed the accelerator pedal after a complete stop. The local dealer (gulf coast ford, n, 3000 state hwy 288, angleton,tx, 77515) was contacted scheduled an appointment for two days later. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 155,000.

Filed Sep 18, 2017 · Engine · WA

An exhaust odor repeatedly occurred in the cabin while the vehicle was accelerating.

Filed Sep 17, 2017 · Engine · MN

Rotten egg/sulfur smell inside cabin/occupant area coming from vents when engine under heavy load such as going up hill or coming onto highway and RPM's increase, accelerating at higher speeds to merge into traffic from off ramp. Noticed more when AC is on. Bought vehicle used from a local car dealer in feb of 2017

Filed Aug 29, 2017 · Engine, Fuel system · 72,000 miles · TX

(re)starting august 1, 2017, while driving, the vehicle would suddenly and without warning decelerate, with no response from the gas pedal. Ford calls this their "limp home mode." the wrench icon warning would display and the entire vehicle would shudder until it was put in park and turned off. Usually, it would resume normal operations after being restarted, however, on one occasion, it took three attempts to restart. After two such incidents occurring in less than a mile, I don't feel safe driving on the highway (or, really, any other place) as there is no indication to other drivers and the vehicle actively decelerates, rather than coasting. During one such incident, the deceleration was so pronounced that passengers jerked forward in their seats and a canine passenger lost its footing, falling into the back of the seats. We previously experienced this same issue in 2015, leaving me and a small child stranded when the vehicle did not restart at all. As part of a "goodwill" repair due to the vehicle being just out of warranty, the etb (electronic throttle body) and purge valve were replaced by ford. I filed complaint 10787972 with the federal safety agency on 10/25/2015. In 5 years, this will be the second replacement of a part that's expected to last well over 6 years. Ford is aware of the problem, is and has been sued, and is being investigated.

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 Aug 4, 2017 · Engine · 18,613 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the contact smelled an exhaust odor coming from the vents. The contact believed that this was the result of the carbon monoxide issue in the news. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 18,613. ... .updated 11/16/17 *bf the failure affected the consumer's asthmatic condition.

Filed Aug 2, 2017 · Engine · 100,000 miles · LA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. The contact stated that the exhaust system failed and caused an odor to penetrate throughout the vehicle. The odor caused the contact to have nausea symptoms and headaches. The contact did not seek medical attention. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or mechanic for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Jul 15, 2017 · Engine, Fuel system · 88,000 miles · CA

Turbo gone bad - car began making loud rattle noise when started. Noise would subside some after a few minutes. Car has been very slow to accelerate, whenever it's being driven, over the last few months. Have to really press down all the way on the gas in order to keep it going. The mpg have been steadily declining as well over the last few months. Dealer told me it's a "turbo problem". Was told that 180 other 2012 explorers are also affected, parts on back-order for six weeks. Can't drive car. Repair cost approximately $3500. Ford offering no relief at this point.

Filed Jun 26, 2017 · Engine · KY

I am experiencing the exhaust fumes smell in my vehicle when accelerating up hills or when merging into traffic. My family has suffered symptoms such as headaches and lightheadedness due to the smells. The smell is a very strong exhaust fumes smell and lasts for at least 30 seconds to a minute.

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 Jun 12, 2017 · Engine, Fuel system · 59,000 miles · VA

I abruptly accelerated around a car that maneuvered infront of me and my interior cabin was filled with an nauseating exhaust smell. I got a headache, light headed, and pulled over, because I was starting to get dizzy and develop headaches. This occurred on a highway, and nearly killed me. I am furious.

Filed Jun 12, 2017 · Engine · 100,000 miles · AL

Our 2012 ford explorer has a heavy fuel smell in the cabin after driving for more that a few minutes. It seems to be getting worse as time passes.

Filed Feb 21, 2017 · Electrical, Engine · 40,000 miles · CA

My vehicles air turns on on it's own as you drive. This is not the AC nor heater. As you drive you can hear your air vents turn on and you smell a foul smell and the air pushing through the vents is muggy sticky air that makes your skin feel clammy. This has been reported to the dealership before and had been "repaired" however, the air continues to push through the vents whether you have the switch set to on or not.

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