2012 Ford Explorer structure problems
144 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the structure on the 2012 Ford Explorer — 17% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the driver's side and passenger's side exterior A-pillar trim detached. The contact used tape on the driver's side to secure the molding to the windshield. The contact stated that the passenger's side A-pillar trim…”
filed Sep 9, 2026
“The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, and it was realized that both front A-pillar trims were loose. The…”
filed Sep 2, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detachCampaign 24V031000 · Jan 19, 2024
- In the affected vehicles, the interior door handle return spring may unseat, resulting in…Campaign 15V171000 · Mar 24, 2015
Related service bulletins
For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle…
SSM 51536 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 4, 2023
Structure problems in other Explorer years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Explorer | 1 | 3% |
| 2025 Explorer | 7 | 7% |
| 2023 Explorer | 10 | 9% |
| 2022 Explorer | 10 | 4% |
| 2021 Explorer | 23 | 5% |
| 2020 Explorer | 44 | 4% |
| 2019 Explorer | 148 | 50% |
| 2018 Explorer | 287 | 39% |
| 2017 Explorer | 656 | 39% |
| 2016 Explorer | 584 | 24% |
| 2015 Explorer | 407 | 23% |
| 2014 Explorer | 276 | 16% |
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.