2012 Ford Explorer XLT
VIN: 1FMHK7D86CGA19360 | 2012 | Ford Motor Company | CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, UNITED STATES (USA)
2012 Ford Explorer XLT — 3.5L 6 Cyl, FWD, Automatic. Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV].
D
49/100
Safety & Recall Score: Caution
This score reflects NHTSA safety data only — recalls, complaints, and crash ratings. It does not include title status, accident history, or odometer records. Verify hidden history with VIN Pro Plus →
Composite rating based on recalls, complaints, crash ratings, and vehicle age.
⚠ 7 open recalls (high)
⚠ 822 owner complaints (high)
✓ VIN fully verified
VIN Decoded
VIN Verified- Official VIN decode record located
- Type: MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
- Body: Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
- Plant: CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, UNITED STATES (USA)
NHTSA Recalls
7 Open Recalls- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer...
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain Wheel Hub...
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year...
Owner Complaints
822 filed with NHTSA- Loss of power steering assist . Yes it is...
- The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact...
Fuel Economy
11 MPG Combined- City: 10 MPG
- Hwy: 13 MPG
- Combined: 11 MPG
- Fuel: Gasoline
Estimated Market Value
Based on vehicle age, class, trim & U.S. market conditions
Market estimate
$9,900–$14,200
Based on vehicle class, age, trim, and U.S. market trends. Verify with Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds for mileage-adjusted value.
✅ Pre-Purchase Checklist
📋
Get a Vehicle History ReportUnlock accident history, title status & odometer records with VIN Pro Plus for $4.99 — scroll down to get it.
🔔
Verify All Recalls Are FixedVisit the Ford dealer with this VIN to confirm all 7 recall(s) are resolved.
🔒
NICB Stolen Vehicle CheckFree check at nicb.org to confirm no theft, salvage, or total-loss history.
💰
Negotiate Using This ReportUse the 7 open recall(s) as leverage for a lower price.
📝
Review Title & Lien StatusEnsure no outstanding liens before transfer. Your state DMV can verify title.
📚 Helpful Vehicle Resources
Technical Specifications
Vehicle Overview
VIN
1FMHK7D86CGA19360
Model Year
2012
Make
Ford
Model
Explorer
Trim
XLT
Series
Not available
Body Style
Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Vehicle Type
MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
Doors
4
Seats
5-7
Seat Rows
2-3
Drive Type
FWD/Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Engine
3.5L 6 Cyl
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Plant Location
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, UNITED STATES (USA)
Country of Origin
UNITED STATES (USA)
VIN Breakdown
Position 1 — Country
1 → United States
Position 2 — Manufacturer
F → Ford Motor Company
Position 3 — Vehicle Type
M → MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
Positions 4–8 — Descriptor
HK7D8 → Explorer XLT
Position 9 — Check Digit
6 → ✓ Valid
Position 10 — Model Year
C → 2012
Position 11 — Plant Code
G → CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, UNITED STATES (USA)
Positions 12–17 — Serial
A19360 → Production sequence
Engine & Powertrain
Engine Model
Not available
Engine Manufacturer
Ford
Cylinders
6 Cyl
Displacement
3.5 L
Displacement CC
3500.0
Displacement CI
213.58310433156
Engine Config
V-Shaped
Engine Cycles
Not available
Horsepower
290 hp
Torque
Not available
Valve Train
Not available
Fuel Injection
Not available
Cooling System
Not available
Engine Brake HP
Not available
Turbocharger
Yes (inferred)
Supercharger
Not available
Transmission Style
Not available
Transmission Speeds
Not available
Drive Type
FWD/Front-Wheel Drive
Electrification
Not available
Fuel Type Primary
Gasoline
Fuel Type Secondary
Not available
Battery Type
Not available
EV Drive Unit
Not available
Fuel Economy & Environmental Impact
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Secondary Fuel
Not available
Combined MPG
11 MPG
Combined MPGe
Not available
City MPG
10 MPG
Hwy MPG
13 MPG
Annual Fuel Cost
$5,600
5-Yr Fuel Cost
$28,000
GHG Score
Not available
Smog Rating
Not available
CO₂ Emissions
807.9 g/mi
Barrels/Year
27.05
Safety & Driver Assistance
ABS
Not available
ESC
Not available
Traction Control
Not available
TPMS
Standard (Federal Req.)
Forward Collision Warn
Not available
Lane Departure Warning
Not available
Lane Keep System
Not available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not available
Blind Spot Intervention
Not available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not available
Parking Assist
Not available
Dynamic Brake Support
Not available
Pedestrian AEB
Not available
Rear Auto Braking
Not available
Auto Reverse System
Not available
Daytime Running Lights
Not available
Adaptive Driving Beam
Not available
Keyless Ignition
Not available
Auto High Beams
Not available
Front Airbags
1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Side Airbags
1st and 2nd and 3rd Rows
Curtain Airbags
Unknown
Knee Airbags
Unknown
Seat Belt Type
Manual
Pretensioner
Not available
Brake System
Hydraulic
Steering Location
Not available
Vehicle Dimensions & Weight
Wheelbase
Not available
Ground Clearance
Not available
Vehicle Length
Not available
Vehicle Width
Not available
Vehicle Height
Not available
Curb Weight
Not available
Track Width Front
Not available
Track Width Rear
Not available
GVWR
Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg)
Doors
4
Bed Length
Not available
Cab Type
Not available
Fuel Tank
Not available
0–60 mph
Not available
Towing & Utility
GVWR
Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg)
Trailer Type
Not Applicable
Axles
Not available
Axle Config
Not available
Trailer Body
Not Applicable
Drive Type
FWD/Front-Wheel Drive
Wheels & Tires
Front Tire Type
Not available
Rear Tire Type
Not available
Front Wheel Size
Not available
Rear Wheel Size
Not available
Spare Tire Type
Not available
Spare Tire Size
Not available
TPMS
Standard (Federal Req.)
Wheel Material
Not available
Manufacturing & Identity
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Manufacturer ID
976
Make ID
460
Model ID
1800
Plant Company
Not available
Plant City
CHICAGO
Plant State
ILLINOIS
Plant Country
UNITED STATES (USA)
Plant ZIP
Not available
Dest. Market
Not available
Vehicle Descriptor
1FMHK7D8*CG
GVWR
Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg)
Recall & Safety Summary
Total Recalls
7
Recall Status
Active recalls found
Overall Risk Level
High Risk
ABS
Not available
ESC
Not available
Traction Control
Not available
Safety Ratings
Overall Rating
4 Stars
Front Crash Rating
4 Stars
Side Crash Rating
5 Stars
Rollover Risk
4 Stars
Safety Recalls
SUSPENSION:REAR
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
Risk: A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, and inspect both rear toe link ball joints, replacing the rear...
WHEELS:HUB
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain Wheel Hub Bearing assemblies, part number HB5Z-1104-C, incorrectly listed as being for installation on the rear axles of 2011-2017 Ford Explorer 4X2 vehicles. These bearings assemblies were manufactured without a self retention feature,...
Risk: A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify the distributors of the hubs specifying that they are to only be used on drive axles. It is believed that none...
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
Ford 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 interior door handle that does not return to the fully stowed position after actuation.
Risk: If the interior door handle return spring is unseated, the door may unlatch in the event of a side impact crash, increasing the risk...
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four of the interior door handles and either repair or replace them, free of charge....
STEERING
Ford 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 affected gears may lock, preventing the driver from being able to steer the vehicle.
Risk: The inability to steer the vehicle increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners and dealers will replace the suspect steering gears with new steering gears, free of charge. The recall began on January...
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured May 17, 2010, through February 28, 2012. The affected vehicles may experience an intermittent connection in the electric power steering gear, which can cause a loss...
Risk: If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist it will require extra steering effort at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a...
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) software, free of charge. If a vehicle shows a history...
SUSPENSION:REAR
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania,...
Risk: A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealer will inspect for the presence of a CABJ. If a CABJ of any design is found, the dealer will inspect the tightness of...
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
Ford 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.
Risk: A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available...
TSBs are manufacturer repair instructions issued to dealerships. They are not safety recalls. If you're experiencing an issue, ask your dealer if a TSB applies.
No bulletins found
No technical service bulletin records returned for this vehicle.
Finance & Cost Estimates
🔧 Service & Parts for this 2012 Ford Explorer
$1,620/yr
Estimated Annual Insurance (national avg — varies by driver, location & coverage)
5-Year Cost of Ownership (estimate)
Insurance (5yr)
$8,100
Maintenance (5yr)
$7,500
5-Yr Fuel Cost (EPA)
$28,000
Depreciation (5yr est.)
$6,390
⛽ Fuel Cost Calculator
🏢 Find Ford Dealers
Get this VIN's recalls resolved, service appointments, and CPO program details from an authorized Ford dealer.
Find Ford Dealers →NICB VINCheck is a free federal database. Run a check to confirm this VIN has no theft, salvage, or insurance total-loss history.
Run Free NICB Check for 1FMHK7D86CGA19360 →State Emissions & Lemon Law
Emissions Testing & Lemon Law by State
Select any state to see its current emissions testing requirements and lemon law protections.
Select a state above to view its requirements.
OBD-II Check Engine Code Lookup
🔧 Check Engine Light Code Lookup
Enter a code from your OBD-II scanner, pick from the dropdown, or tap a common code chip below.
Common:
Owner Complaints
Loss of power steering assist . Yes it is...
Loss of power steering assist . Yes it is available for inspection on request. I can't steer it . It has not been confirmed by anybody yet. It...
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact...
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to complete the recall repair was unavailable. The...
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact...
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, the "Service Power Steering" message was displayed. The contact pulled into a...
Failure of the dealerships to fix recall in timely...
Failure of the dealerships to fix recall in timely manner It’s been over two years and parts still unavailable
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact...
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part required for the recall repair was unavailable. The...
I received the first recall notice for this defect...
I received the first recall notice for this defect from Ford Motor Co. in February 2024 and took the vehicle to Sheehy Ford in Ashland, Virginia on August...
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact...
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The failed...
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact...
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the hazard lights and other surrounding indicator systems were inoperable. Additionally, the rearview camera displayed a blank...
Showing 8 of 822 complaints. View all on NHTSA →
Maintenance Schedule
Current
Oil & Filter Change
Every 7,500 mi
Ford recommended interval
Due Now
Air Filter (Engine)
Every 15,000–30,000 mi
Dirty filter reduces fuel economy by up to 10%
Due Now
Cabin Air Filter
Every 15,000–25,000 mi
Affects AC, heat, and air quality
Current
Tire Rotation
Every 5,000–7,500 mi
Extends tire life by 25–40%
Due Soon
Brake Inspection
Every 12 months or 15,000 mi
Brake pads typically last 30,000–70,000 mi depending on driving
Due Now
Spark Plugs
Every 30,000–100,000 mi
Copper plugs every 30k; iridium/platinum every 60–100k
Due Now
Coolant Flush
Every 30,000 mi or 5 years
Old coolant becomes acidic and damages the cooling system
Due Now
Transmission Fluid
Every 30,000–60,000 mi
Neglected fluid leads to expensive transmission repairs
Due Now
Brake Fluid Flush
Every 2 years
Brake fluid absorbs moisture, lowering boiling point
Due Now
Battery Test
Every 3–5 years
12V batteries typically last 3–5 years
Due Now
Drive Belt Inspection
Every 60,000–100,000 mi
Serpentine belt failure leaves you stranded
This schedule is a general reference based on make, model year, and powertrain. Always follow your owner's manual for exact intervals.
Additional Tools & Information
Estimated depreciation for this 2012 FORD Explorer based on vehicle class and age. Verify with KBB or Edmunds for mileage-adjusted value.
2012
$12,100
2013
$10,600
-12%
2014
$9,400
-22%
2015
$8,200
-32%
Estimates based on vehicle class averages. Actual values vary by mileage, condition, and location.
Estimated annual cost to own this vehicle at average U.S. driving conditions.
Insurance
$1,620/yr
16%
Maintenance
$1,500/yr
15%
Fuel/Energy
$5,600/yr
55%
Depreciation
$1,278/yr
12%
Registration
$250/yr
2%
Estimated Total Annual Cost
$10,248/yr
National averages. Registration varies by state. Does not include parking, tolls, or loan interest.
6.8
/ 10
Rank #13 overall
42 issues / 100 vehicles
Ford Reliability
Ford reliability is mixed. Trucks and V8 Mustangs score well; some EcoBoost engines and electronics have higher complaint rates.
Use this checklist to track which recalls have been resolved. All recall repairs are free at authorized dealerships.
10/06/2019
28/08/2017
24/03/2015
06/01/2014
29/05/2014
22/09/2021
19/01/2024
Vehicles in a similar class and price range to the 2012 FORD Explorer:
Private Party
$8,700–$13,100
No warranty · Lower price · Inspect first
Dealer (Used)
$10,400–$15,600
Some warranty · Financing available
CPO / Certified
$10,700–$16,300
Full warranty · Inspected · Best protection
Negotiation tip:
This vehicle has 7 open recall(s). Use this as leverage — ask the seller to confirm all recalls are resolved or reduce the price accordingly. Unresolved recalls cost dealers time and money to fix.
Automated checks against common VIN fraud indicators. Always verify with a paid history report and independent inspection.
✓
Check digit (position 9) validates
✓
VIN is exactly 17 characters
✓
No invalid characters (I, O, Q not present)
✓
Year position (pos 10) matches decoded model year
✓
Manufacturer decodes to a known brand
✓
Not a repeated-character test/placeholder VIN
Manual checks to do in person: Compare the VIN on the dashboard (visible through windshield), driver door jamb sticker, engine block, and title — all must match exactly. A cloned or re-VINed vehicle will show inconsistencies.
⚠ Always check the tire placard on the driver door jamb for the exact manufacturer-specified PSI for your vehicle.
Front Tires
33 PSI
See door jamb
Rear Tires
33 PSI
See door jamb
Spare Tire
60 PSI
Check monthly
Rotation Pattern Guide
FWD: Front to rear straight, rear cross to front
RWD: Rear to front straight, front cross to rear
AWD/4WD: Full X-pattern every 5,000–7,500 mi
Staggered: Side-to-side only if non-directional tires
Recommended rotation interval: every 5,000–7,500 miles. Rotate with every other oil change for best results.
❄ Winter Prep
✓ Check antifreeze concentration (minimum -34°F protection)
✓ Test battery — cold temps reduce capacity 30–60%
✓ Verify tire tread depth (4/32" minimum for snow traction)
✓ Consider winter tires if driving in snow or ice regions
✓ Replace wiper blades and refill washer fluid (-20°F rated)
✓ Test heater, front/rear defroster, and heated seats if equipped
✓ Inspect fuel lines and check for water in fuel system
☀ Summer Prep
✓ Check coolant level and test radiator cap pressure seal
✓ Inspect serpentine belt for cracking or glazing
✓ Test A/C system output and replace cabin air filter if needed
✓ Check tire pressure — heat increases PSI (recheck cold in a.m.)
✓ Inspect brake pads and rotors before summer road trips
✓ Check transmission fluid color and level
✓ Top off all fluids: brake, power steering, coolant, washer
Original Ford Factory Warranty
Basic / Bumper-to-Bumper
3yr/36k
Powertrain
5yr/60k
Corrosion / Rust
5yr/unlimited
⚠ At 14 years old, factory warranty coverage has likely expired on this vehicle. A third-party extended warranty may be worth considering.
Third-Party Extended Warranty Options
CARCHEX
Get Quote →
A+ BBB-rated. 6 plan tiers, up to 500k miles.
Endurance
Get Quote →
Direct-pay at any ASE-certified mechanic.
AUTOPOM!
Get Quote →
Month-to-month plans, high-mileage coverage.
Estimate total fuel cost and stops for any road trip in this 2012 FORD Explorer.
Steps to get the best price when selling this 2012 FORD Explorer:
📄 Service records
Buyers pay more for documented maintenance history. Even basic oil change receipts add value.
🔍 Resolve all recalls
Unresolved recalls suppress resale value and are easy objections for buyers. Fix them free at any dealership.
🚗 Professional detail
A full detail ($150–$300) typically returns $500–$1,500 in perceived value, especially on dark-colored vehicles.
📷 Photograph in good light
Listings with 20+ high-quality daylight photos get 3x more inquiries than listings with poor photos.
🗂 Vehicle history report link
Proactively share a VIN Pro Plus or Carfax report link to build instant buyer confidence.
🔍 Price using real comps
Search AutoTrader and CarGurus for same year/make/model/trim within 100 miles. Price within 5% of the median.
⚠ Fix open recalls first
This vehicle has 7 open recall(s). Resolving them before listing typically increases sale price by more than the time spent.
No model-specific issue notes in our database for this year. The 822 NHTSA complaints filed provide the best available signal — review them in the Owner Complaints section above.
NHTSA offers free recall alerts by VIN. Sign up to be notified the moment a new recall is issued for this vehicle.
🔔 NHTSA SaferCar Alerts
Official government recall notifications. Free, direct from NHTSA. Covers safety recalls, investigations, and bulletins.
Sign Up Free →🔌 Carfax Recall Alerts
Free recall tracking through Carfax. Notifies you about new recalls and tracks which ones have been repaired.
Check Free →
VIN 1FMHK7D86CGA19360:
7 open recall(s) currently on file. Sign up to track when they are resolved.
Get competing insurance quotes for this exact vehicle. Rates vary by 30–60% between carriers for the same driver profile — comparing saves real money.
Estimated national average for this vehicle: $1,620/year. Your actual rate depends on your driving record, location, age, and coverage level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does VIN 1FMHK7D86CGA19360 decode to?
VIN 1FMHK7D86CGA19360 decodes to a 2012 FORD Explorer XLT, assembled in CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, UNITED STATES (USA).
How many recalls does this 2012 FORD Explorer have?
This 2012 FORD Explorer has 7 open recalls on record with NHTSA. Recalls are safety-related and should be resolved by a dealership at no charge to the owner.
Is it safe to buy a 2012 FORD Explorer with open recalls?
Open recalls don't necessarily mean the vehicle is unsafe to drive, but they should be addressed promptly. Contact a FORD dealer with this VIN to confirm which recalls have been completed and schedule any outstanding repairs — they are always free of charge.
What is the estimated value of this 2012 FORD Explorer?
Based on vehicle age, body type, trim level, and U.S. market data, this 2012 FORD Explorer XLT is estimated at $9,900–$14,200. Verify with Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds for a precise appraisal based on mileage and condition.
Is this VIN check really free?
Yes — the core VIN check on VinForFree is free with no signup required. All data is sourced from public records including NHTSA, the EPA, and official government databases.
What fuel economy does a 2012 FORD Explorer get?
According to EPA data, the 2012 FORD Explorer gets approximately 11 MPG combined (10 city / 13 highway). Estimated annual fuel cost is $5,600.
❤ Support VinForFree
VinForFree offers a free VIN check with no signup required. If this report helped you, consider supporting the site.
Bitcoin (BTC) Address:
3JjL1STPyfyhiQk1E91Xss8FSa5brW8LG3
Ethereum (ETH) Address:
0x962Efcc84463D599beC4F5F0575D1ebF60c83745
Litecoin (LTC) Address:
MUZk3ZDrpM4KmQjAZsnd5t12bYKqfhNtx4
Cardano (ADA) Address:
addr1vy8zgurtrdxyq4lyz9wzgpguj3eraxl79shu2hgh9r2ux6cdgmjc5
Free VIN Check — No Signup Required
Decode any 17-character VIN instantly. Recalls, specs, fuel economy, crash ratings, and market value.
🔍 Search Another VIN