2012 Ford Explorer: shudder or vibration when accelerating

Filed Jan 31, 2025 · Electrical, Steering · PA

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while his wife was driving 70 MPH in the passing lane, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated while the driver was decelerating, the vehicle started shuddering significantly. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated, and a message advising of a power steering failure and to service the vehicle immediately was displayed. The tail lights and the hazard lights became inoperable. The driver was able to pull to the side of the road. The driver was able to continue driving at a lower speed. The contact stated that his daughter and his [XXX] grandchild were passengers in the vehicle during the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was uncontrollable while driving at higher speeds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering gear motor and an unknown parts needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 15N01; however, the dealer informed the contact that the manufacturer declined to cover the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 26, 2022 · Steering · 109,000 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the power steering warning light illuminated and the steering wheel became difficult while turning the steering wheel. The contact stated that the steering wheel shuddered as he had attempted to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that he pulled into a parking lot and turned the vehicle off. The contact restarted the vehicle and the power steering warning light illuminated and the vehicle lost power steering assist. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering rack and electric power steering assist system needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.

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 17, 2016 · Fuel system · 51,000 miles · NH

Awd off error and wrench symbol - issue has occurred multiple times, under different conditions. Without warning, the vehicle loses acceleration and the wrench icon and awd errors display. The throttle becomes unresponsive, but all other systems remain functioning. If you leave it in gear without the brakes engaged, it will move at idle speed on flat ground, but is unable to navigate inclines. When slowing to a stop, the whole vehicle shudders. Stopping and restarting normally returns the vehicle to normal operation. This has accured over a dozen times. Dealer has said that there are no codes reporting the problem. Recommended we replace tires. Replaced tires and issue is still present. Have filed a complaint with ford to bring in other resources to triage/diagnose issue without success. This is a very dangerous issue as when to issue presents itself, the car stops unexpectedly and must be shifted into park in order to clear the problem. On roads without shoulders or multiple lanes, this is a very dangerous as the car is sometimes not able to make it to the side of the road and must be put into park where it stops. The car is to dangerous to drive and there are no know fixes right now.

Filed Nov 3, 2015 · Transmission · 43,000 miles · TX

Issue has occurred multiple times, under different conditions. Without warning, the vehicle loses acceleration and the wrench icon and awd errors display. The throttle becomes unresponsive, but all other systems remain functioning. If you leave it in gear without the brakes engaged, it will move at idle speed on flat ground, but is unable to navigate inclines. When slowing to a stop, the whole vehicle shudders. Stopping and restarting normally returns the vehicle to normal operation. However, on october 25, it failed to start and had to be towed to the dealer. There is no external indication of this sudden loss of power and it creates a very dangerous situation because it happens without warning and you are only able to steer and brake to control the vehicle. Our 2012 explorer is currently at the dealership, who has indicated that the problem is the electronic throttle body (etb) and purge valve. Ford is aware that there is an issue with etbs with other models, reference the federal safety agency action # pe13003, and explorers, reference the federal safety agency #10054323 and 10053276, ford tsb # tsb-13-9-8 and tsb-13-5-29. Description: lincoln/ford: due to diagnostic trouble codes (dtc) p0106, p0236, engine on some vehicles experience hesitation, loss of idle RPM, difficult in starting, lack of power, running rough and crank no start situation. Description: ford: due to blocked vapor purge line port in air cleaner outlet pipe assembly, the mil would illuminate, with dtc p144c.