One problem related to brake fluid leak has 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.
The left rear wheel began making a loud squealing sound (break pads) and when vehicle was at a complete stop, a large cloud of smoke was radiating off of the left rear wheel. The wheel was removed and the brake pads were stuck against the rotor. The brake pads are fairly new (replaced in February 2015). The caliper was removed and a retaining bolt was broken off/stuck inside of the caliper mount. The piston was pushed all the way inside of the caliper and would not extend out. The caliper was leaking brake fluid. The caliper could not be set back in place due to the faulty retaining bolt.