Six problems related to brake disc caliper have been reported for the 2012 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2012 Ford Explorer based on all problems reported for the 2012 Explorer.
Failed state inspection (emergency brake), further diagnostics revealed calipers not working for rear disc brakes, similar to the recall of 2015/16 Ford Explorer's brake issues- a detailed picture of report/diagnostics included.
The rear brake calipers were not releasing properly after application of the brakes. This led to accelerated wear of the brake pads, overheating of the pads and rotors, and ultimately, non-repairable damage to the rotors. We believe this is a safety issue related to a design flaw that could lead to brake failure, or overheating to the point of creating a fire or explosion hazard.
While driving on trip, the calipers seized, the brakes almost caught fire. The caliper and rotor both had to be replaced with only 51,000 miles. Also, the rear brake pads and rotors were also replaced at 27,500 miles.
2012 Ford Explorer rear brakes - vehicle was purchased as a cpo. Part of certifying the vehicle was to replace the rear pads and cut rotors at 20k miles. Now at 32k I had to replace rear pads and rotors again due to seized calipers that caused the pads to drag and prematurely wear the pads. This is known issue with Ford Explorers where pads are seizing in the calipers and dragging on the rotors causing premature wear. Ford denies that there is any issue, yet the internet is full of stories of people who have experienced this issue. I feel the NHTSA should look into this as a possible safety issue for someone who may not be aware of the problem and be driving around with brakes that will eventually fail them possibly causing an accident.
2012 Ford Explorer rear brakes - vehicle was purchased as a certified pre-owned. Part of certifying the vehicle was to replace the rear pads and rotors at 20k miles. At 32k I found myself having to replace pads and rotors again. This is known issue with Ford Explorers where pads are seizing in the calipers and dragging on the rotors causing premature wear. Ford dealers and Ford customer service are refusing to recognize this as problem, and more importantly as a potential safety issue.
Had to have rear both rear calipers, rotors, and brake pads replaced because calipers were hanging up causing the brakes to drag. I also noticed smoke, could feel heat, and smell hot metal coming from right rear wheel on or around 6/14/15. I also noticed the same on 6/26/15. Dealership where I had vehicle repaired said that the left rear brakes pads were worn out, the right rear pads were 2mm from being worn out. Also both rotors were warped and discolored. Vehicle has advancetrac system as standard equipment, because of heat and dragging brakes, the service advancetrac light would come on when the above situation occured. Cost of replacement calipers from Ford was covered under the extended warranty purchased at time of vehicle purchase. The rotors, pads, and installation costs totaled $412. 93.