Two problems related to vehicle shudder 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.
(re)starting August 1, 2017, while driving, the vehicle would suddenly and without warning decelerate, with no response from the gas pedal. Ford calls this their "limp home mode. " the wrench icon warning would display and the entire vehicle would shudder until it was put in park and turned off. Usually, it would resume normal operations after being restarted, however, on one occasion, it took three attempts to restart. After two such incidents occurring in less than a mile, I don't feel safe driving on the highway (or, really, any other place) as there is no indication to other drivers and the vehicle actively decelerates, rather than coasting. During one such incident, the deceleration was so pronounced that passengers jerked forward in their seats and a canine passenger lost its footing, falling into the back of the seats. We previously experienced this same issue in 2015, leaving me and a small child stranded when the vehicle did not restart at all. As part of a "goodwill" repair due to the vehicle being just out of warranty, the etb (electronic throttle body) and purge valve were replaced by Ford. I filed complaint 10787972 with the NHTSA on 10/25/2015. In 5 years, this will be the second replacement of a part that's expected to last well over 6 years. Ford is aware of the problem, is and has been sued, and is being investigated.
Issue has occurred multiple times, under different conditions. Without warning, the vehicle loses acceleration and the wrench icon and awd errors display. The throttle becomes unresponsive, but all other systems remain functioning. If you leave it in gear without the brakes engaged, it will move at idle speed on flat ground, but is unable to navigate inclines. When slowing to a stop, the whole vehicle shudders. Stopping and restarting normally returns the vehicle to normal operation. However, on October 25, it failed to start and had to be towed to the dealer. There is no external indication of this sudden loss of power and it creates a very dangerous situation because it happens without warning and you are only able to steer and brake to control the vehicle. Our 2012 Explorer is currently at the dealership, who has indicated that the problem is the electronic throttle body (etb) and purge valve. Ford is aware that there is an issue with etbs with other models, reference NHTSA action # pe13003, and Explorers, reference NHTSA #10054323 and 10053276, Ford TSB # TSB-13-9-8 and TSB-13-5-29. Description: Lincoln/Ford: due to diagnostic trouble codes (dtc) p0106, p0236, engine on some vehicles experience hesitation, loss of idle rpm, difficult in starting, lack of power, running rough and crank no start situation. Description: Ford: due to blocked vapor purge line port in air cleaner outlet pipe assembly, the mil would illuminate, with dtc p144c.