2012 Ford Explorer suspension problems
22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the suspension on the 2012 Ford Explorer — 3% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-45 MPH, the steering wheel started shaking abnormally. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V435000 (Suspension). The local dealer was contacted…”
filed Sep 29, 2025
“The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V435000 (SUSPENSION) and 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of…”
filed Apr 7, 2025
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- These vehicles may be equipped with a cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) replacement part that…Campaign 21V746000 · Sep 22, 2021
- Rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspensionCampaign 19V435000 · Jun 10, 2019
Related service bulletins
Certain 2011-2017 Model Year Explorer Vehicles Rear Wheel Knuckle Replacement REASON FOR THIS SUPPLEMENT Program Terms: added 21R01 and 21R02 REASON FOR PROVIDING A NO-COST, ONE-TIME REPAIR: added 21R01 and 21R02 OWNER…
22N01 S1 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 7, 2023Certain 2011 - 2013 Model Year Explorer Vehicles with Rear Wheel Knuckles that have been Replaced Rear Toe Link Inspection/Replacement Under Safety Recall 21S43, some of the affected vehicles that have had one (or both)…
21R02 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 4, 2022This program provides a no-cost, one-time repair (if needed) to the rear wheel knuckles for six (6) months from the Repair Order (RO) opening date for field service actions 21S32 or 21S43 provided that the RO opening…
22N01 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 18, 2022
Suspension problems in other Explorer years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Explorer | 3 | 3% |
| 2024 Explorer | 3 | 16% |
| 2023 Explorer | 13 | 13% |
| 2022 Explorer | 11 | 4% |
| 2021 Explorer | 15 | 4% |
| 2020 Explorer | 35 | 3% |
| 2019 Explorer | 10 | 3% |
| 2018 Explorer | 21 | 3% |
| 2017 Explorer | 56 | 3% |
| 2016 Explorer | 73 | 3% |
| 2015 Explorer | 82 | 5% |
| 2014 Explorer | 102 | 6% |
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.