The service and repair manual for the 2012 Ford Explorer — 3.5L V6 and 2.0L I4 engines, 4 trims. Matched to this exact model year, so the specifications and sequences are the ones Ford published for your car, not figures carried over from a neighbouring year.
01 / FitmentWhat this manual covers
| Model year | 2012 |
|---|---|
| Engines | 3.5L V6 — 213 cu in, DOHC 2.0L I4 — 122 cu in, DOHC, turbocharged |
| Trims | XLT Base Sport Utility 4-Door · Limited Sport Utility 4-Door · Base Sport Utility 4-Door · XLT Sport Utility 4-Door |
| Federal record | 5 recalls · 1,023 complaints · 59 technical service bulletins (refreshed 2026-08-21) |
02 / InsideSample pages from the 2012 Explorer manual
03 / ContentsSections in the manual
- Quick Lookups 727
- General Information 1,763
- Accessories & Equipment 4,160
- Heating, Ventilation & A/C (HVAC) 575
- Body & Frame 1,323
- Maintenance 74
- Brakes 342
- Restraints 305
- Drivelines & Axles 77
- Steering 161
- Electrical 2,170
- Suspension 257
- Engine Mechanical 489
- Transmission 408
- Engine Performance 3,632
- Front 350
- Rear 350
04 / Known issuesRecalls on federal record for the 2012 Explorer
- Structure — body › door · 15V171000Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 explorer vehicles. in the affected vehicles, the interior door handle return spring may unseat, resulting in in.
- Suspension — rear · 21V746000Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2011-2013 explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in connecticut, delaware, the district of columbia, illinois, in.
- Structure — body › roof and pillars · 24V031000Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 explorer vehicles. the a-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
- Suspension — rear · 19V435000Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 explorer vehicles. the rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
- Steering · 14E001000Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain replacement steering gears installed on model year 2011-2012 explorers as service parts in september 2013 and january 2014. the affe.
Owners have filed 1,023 complaints and Ford has issued 59 technical service bulletins for the 2012 Explorer. The manual carries the manufacturer's diagnostic and repair procedures behind these systems.
FAQQuestions about the 2012 Explorer manual
Is this manual specific to the 2012 Explorer?
Yes. It is the OEM manual matched to the 2012 model year, covering the 3.5L V6 and 2.0L I4 across the XLT Base Sport Utility 4-Door, Limited Sport Utility 4-Door, Base Sport Utility 4-Door, XLT Sport Utility 4-Door trims. Specifications and procedure sequences are the ones Ford published for this year.
What 2012 Explorer problems does it help with?
5 recalls are on federal record for the 2012 Explorer, covering structure, suspension, steering. The manual carries the manufacturer's diagnostic and repair procedures for those systems; the recall repairs themselves are done free by Ford dealers.
Does it include 2012 Explorer wiring diagrams?
Yes — the complete wiring diagrams for the 2012 build, alongside repair procedures, specifications and diagnostics.
Is it a subscription?
No. $42.99 once and the manual is yours. It is a digital manual — nothing ships; access details arrive by email after checkout and it works on any device.
RelatedOther Explorer years and 2012 Ford models
2018 Explorer · 2017 Explorer · 2016 Explorer · 2015 Explorer · 2014 Explorer · 2013 Explorer · 2011 Explorer · 2010 Explorer · 2009 Explorer · 2008 Explorer · 2007 Explorer · 2006 Explorer · all 34 years
2012 Ford Bronco · 2012 Ford Courier · 2012 Ford E-150 · 2012 Ford E-250 · 2012 Ford E-350 Super Duty · 2012 Ford E-450 Super Duty · 2012 Ford EcoSport · 2012 Ford Econoline Van · 2012 Ford Econoline Wagon · 2012 Ford Edge · 2012 Ford Escape · 2012 Ford Expedition · every 2012 model