2012 Ford Explorer steering problems
358 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the steering on the 2012 Ford Explorer — 43% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and making turns, the steering wheel made loud grinding sounds and was loose. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the…”
filed Aug 31, 2026
“Loss of power steering assist . Yes it is available for inspection on request. I can't steer it . It has not been confirmed by anybody yet. It has not been inspected by anybody yet. There are no warning lights on dash .”
filed Jul 21, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Affected vehicles may experience an intermittent connection in the electric power…Campaign 14V286000 · May 29, 2014
Steering problems in other Explorer years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Explorer | 1 | 3% |
| 2025 Explorer | 9 | 9% |
| 2024 Explorer | 2 | 10% |
| 2023 Explorer | 12 | 11% |
| 2022 Explorer | 9 | 3% |
| 2021 Explorer | 6 | 1% |
| 2020 Explorer | 25 | 2% |
| 2019 Explorer | 9 | 3% |
| 2018 Explorer | 20 | 3% |
| 2017 Explorer | 76 | 4% |
| 2016 Explorer | 530 | 22% |
| 2015 Explorer | 345 | 19% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2012 Ford Explorer
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.