2012 Ford Explorer fuel system problems

Filed Jul 21, 2025 · Fuel system, Transmission · 180,000 miles · LA

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40-60 MPH, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact discovered the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V467000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) and linked the failure to the recall; however, the VIN nor the year, make, or model was included. The vehicle was not repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

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 Jun 26, 2021 · Fuel system · CA

When filling up the fuel starts dripping in the bottom behind the rear wheel even though the tanks is not full yet.

Filed Dec 28, 2020 · Fuel system · 142,000 miles · AZ

There is a strong smell of carbon monoxide when the engine is reved over 3000 -3500 RPM this happens every single time. It seems to be on par with the other complaints regarding this issue with the exhaust system. I noticed this issue since I bought the car from the used car lot.

Filed Mar 11, 2019 · Fuel system · 195,000 miles · IL

Monday, february 18, 2019 when I startedmy car I started smelling a strong order of a natural gas smell coming from my car. It gets so bad that I have to roll down the windows at times. I contacted ford regarding this however they said thatt since me car is out of warranty it will be be covered and there are no current recalls on this vehicle. It's a constant gas smell whether I'm driving, idling, or parked. This is not safe.

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 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 6, 2017 · Body, Fuel system · 500 miles · TX

My ford explorer 2012 has been getting exhaust fumes inside car ever since I bought the car new. I have taken the car back to dealer a couple of times and all I get is a run around. Thus issue needs to be addressed before some one dies from the fumes.

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 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.