Are there any known issues with the 2012 Limited Edition Ford Explorer's

Asked by mrscottonline Mar 02, 2014 at 11:26 AM about the 2012 Ford Explorer Limited 4WD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I am looking at buying an 2012 Limited Edition Ford Explorer with 40K miles on it.  It was a
lease return.  This model has all the "bells and whistles".  I'm concerned more about the
automatic everything than the miles on the engine or should I be concerned about that
too?  Even the third row seats are automatic.  I was thinking if those stopped working that
it would be an expensive repair.  The total asking price from the dealer is $31,995.00 plus
tax.  From my research it seems to be in the range for most Explorer Limited editions with
similar miles.  This particular model has all the features though, so it would seem to be a
better deal.  I'm looking for experience from current owners or service repairman of the
2012 models.  I've read the comments on the older models, but the models and features
have changed a lot starting with the 2011 and newer models.  Thank you!

2 Answers

74,260

I own, and have given to my adult children, three explorers from 1996 to 2003. I purchased a new F150 truck which was plain vanilla. No power anything, roll up the windows with the crank. Adjust the outside mirrors with your hand etc. I did this because I am now in my 60's, and although more then capable of changing and fixing explorers, I'm tired of doing it. The vehicle will probably give you good service, but eventually things will begin to break, and repairs are expensive if you cannot do it yourself. The average shade tree mechanic can change or fix most of the "bells and whistles" for the cost of the parts, which in most instances are not that expensive. But, if you cannot do it yourself, labor will kill you, especially at a dealership.

2,745

I googled "Problems with 2002 Ford Explorer'' AFTER I bought mine, and the bar shot across the chart! It was the worst year for the Explorer, and I experienced the top four problems with them, pretty much at the mileage range the chart indicated the problems would happen. Mine was 8 years old when it hit 90,000, and I had transmission problems. Because of its age, Ford told me they were not responsible for the problem. You are wise to research it!

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