THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE - AIR BAGS COULD MALFUNCTION AT ANYTIME DUE TO MISCOMMUNICATION WITHIN THE SYSTEM. AIR BAGS CAN DEPLOY AT ANYTIME OR CAN FAIL TO DEPLOY WHEN NECESSARY. AIR BAG LIGHT TURNS ON AND STAYS ON. ACCORDING TO FORD DEALER THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE BUT HAS NOT YET BEEN RECALLED. SEAT BELT BUCKLE REPLACED, AIR BAG DIAGNOSTIC MODULE REPLACED, PROGRAM CONTROL MODULE AIR BAG REPROGRAMED.…
2012 ford Explorer electrical problems
severe 34 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850
Complaints
34
Recalls
0
Crashes
1
Avg fix
$850
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
There is a recall on the trim. There are no replacement parts and now there is a tiny leak, The leak is hitting the center console. I have to have a plastic bag over it at all times. it at one point leaked into the hazards lights and I woke up multiple days in a row to find my hazards on and then I had to manually dry it and eventually they'd go back on . Other buttons on the display have stopped …
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2012 ford Explorer?
It's a meaningful issue. 34 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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