2012 Ford Explorer XLT
VIN: 1FMHK8D89CGA65125 | 2012 | Ford Motor Company | CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, UNITED STATES (USA)
2012 Ford Explorer XLT — 3.5L 6 Cyl, 4x4, Automatic. Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV].
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Score unavailable
Safety & Recall Score: Limited
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.
⚠ Owner complaint data temporarily unavailable
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 Recall Campaigns- 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
Temporarily unavailable- Complaint data temporarily unavailable.
Fuel Economy
23 MPG Combined- City: 20 MPG
- Hwy: 27 MPG
- Combined: 23 MPG
- Fuel: Gasoline
Technical Specifications
Vehicle Overview
VIN
1FMHK8D89CGA65125
Model Year
2012
Make
Ford
Model
Explorer
Trim
XLT
Body Style
Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Vehicle Type
MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
Doors
4
Seats
Not reported by manufacturer
Seat Rows
Not reported by manufacturer
Drive Type
4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
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 — WMI Region
1 → United States
Position 2 — Manufacturer
F → Ford Motor Company
Position 3 — Vehicle Type
M → MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
Positions 4–8 — Descriptor
HK8D8 → Explorer XLT
Position 9 — Check Digit
9 → ✓ Valid
Position 10 — Model Year
C → 2012
Position 11 — Plant Code
G → CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, UNITED STATES (USA)
Positions 12–17 — Serial
A65125 → Production sequence
Engine & Powertrain
Engine Manufacturer
Ford
Cylinders
6 Cyl
Displacement
3.5 L
Displacement CC
3500.0
Displacement CI
213.58310433156
Engine Config
V-Shaped
Horsepower
290 hp
Drive Type
4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
Fuel Type Primary
Gasoline
Fuel Economy & Environmental Impact
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Combined MPG
23 MPG
City MPG
20 MPG
Hwy MPG
27 MPG
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,800
5-Yr Fuel Cost
$14,000
CO₂ Emissions
386.4 g/mi
Barrels/Year
12.94
Safety & Driver Assistance
ABS
Not reported in manufacturer data
ESC
Not reported in manufacturer data
Traction Control
Not reported in manufacturer data
TPMS
Standard (Federal Req.)
Forward Collision Warn
Not reported in manufacturer data
Lane Departure Warning
Not reported in manufacturer data
Lane Keep System
Not reported in manufacturer data
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not reported in manufacturer data
Blind Spot Intervention
Not reported in manufacturer data
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not reported in manufacturer data
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not reported in manufacturer data
Parking Assist
Not reported in manufacturer data
Dynamic Brake Support
Not reported in manufacturer data
Pedestrian AEB
Not reported in manufacturer data
Rear Auto Braking
Not reported in manufacturer data
Auto Reverse System
Not reported in manufacturer data
Daytime Running Lights
Not reported in manufacturer data
Adaptive Driving Beam
Not reported in manufacturer data
Keyless Ignition
Not reported in manufacturer data
Auto High Beams
Not reported in manufacturer data
Front Airbags
1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Side Airbags
1st and 2nd and 3rd Rows
Curtain Airbags
Not reported in manufacturer data
Knee Airbags
Not reported in manufacturer data
Seat Belt Type
Manual
Pretensioner
Not reported in manufacturer data
Brake System
Hydraulic
Steering Location
Not reported in manufacturer data
Vehicle Dimensions & Weight
GVWR
Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg)
Doors
4
Towing & Utility
GVWR
Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg)
Drive Type
4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
Wheels & Tires
TPMS
Standard (Federal Req.)
Manufacturing & Identity
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Manufacturer ID
976
Make ID
460
Model ID
1800
Plant City
CHICAGO
Plant State
ILLINOIS
Plant Country
UNITED STATES (USA)
Vehicle Descriptor
1FMHK8D8*CG
GVWR
Class 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg)
Recall & Safety Summary
Total Recalls
7
Recall Status
Recall campaigns found
Recall Campaigns
7 recall campaigns identified
VIN repair status unknown — verify open recalls with NHTSA or a Ford dealer.
✅ Pre-Purchase Checklist
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Estimated Market Value
Based on vehicle age, class, trim & U.S. market conditions
Market estimate
$5,800–$9,000
Based on vehicle class, age, trim, and U.S. market trends. Verify with Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds for mileage-adjusted value.
💡 This is a general estimate, not real data for this specific vehicle. Get the real, transaction-based Verified Market Value with VIN Pro Plus — $4.99 →
📚 Helpful Vehicle Resources
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...
Service bulletins and open investigations aren't part of this report. You can search them for free on NHTSA's site.
Finance & Cost Estimates
🔧 Service & Parts for this 2012 Ford Explorer
$1,650/yr
Estimated Annual Insurance (national avg — varies by driver, location & coverage)
5-Year Cost of Ownership (estimate)
Insurance (5yr)
$8,250
Maintenance (5yr)
$7,500
5-Yr Fuel Cost (EPA)
$14,000
Depreciation (5yr est.)
$4,050
⛽ Fuel Cost Calculator
🏢 Find Ford Dealers
Get this VIN's recalls resolved, service appointments, and CPO program details from an authorized Ford dealer.
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Run Free NICB Check for 1FMHK8D89CGA65125 →State Emissions & Lemon Law
Emissions Testing & Lemon Law by State
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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
Temporarily unavailable
We could not retrieve complaint data for this vehicle right now. Please check back later or visit NHTSA.gov directly.
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. These are projections from today’s general estimate, not past sale prices. Verify with KBB or Edmunds for mileage-adjusted value.
Now
$7,400
+1 yr
$6,500
-12%
+2 yr
$5,800
-22%
+3 yr
$5,000
-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
$1,650/yr
24%
Maintenance
$1,500/yr
21%
Fuel/Energy
$2,800/yr
40%
Depreciation
$810/yr
12%
Registration
$250/yr
4%
Estimated Total Annual Cost
$7,010/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.
General editorial reference for this manufacturer, not a live or VIN-specific measurement — see the sources below for detailed, current data.
Use this checklist to track which recalls have been resolved. All recall repairs are free at authorized dealerships.
Oct 6, 2019
Aug 28, 2017
Mar 24, 2015
Jun 1, 2014
May 29, 2014
Sep 22, 2021
Jan 19, 2024
Vehicles in a similar class to the 2012 FORD Explorer:
This vehicle is older, so current-market prices for these alternatives wouldn't be a fair comparison — research period-correct pricing for each instead.
Private Party
$5,100–$8,300
No warranty · Lower price · Inspect first
Dealer (Used)
$6,100–$9,900
Some warranty · Financing available
Negotiation tip:
This vehicle model has 7 recall campaigns on file. Use this as leverage — ask the seller to confirm this specific VIN's 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 (typical)
See door jamb
Rear Tires
33 PSI (typical)
See door jamb
Spare Tire
60 PSI (typical)
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)
✓ Service AWD/4WD differential and transfer case fluids
✓ 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
Has likely ended
Powertrain
5yr/60k
Has likely ended
Corrosion / Rust
5yr/unlimited
Has likely ended
Estimated from the model year only. Factory coverage runs from the vehicle's original sale date, which this report can't confirm, and mileage limits can end coverage sooner. Verify remaining coverage with a Ford dealer using the VIN.
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
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🗂 Vehicle history report link
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🔍 Price using real comps
Search AutoTrader and CarGurus for same year/make/model/trim within 100 miles. Price within 5% of the median.
⚠ Check recall status first
This vehicle model has 7 recall campaigns on file. Confirming this specific VIN's recalls are resolved before listing typically increases sale price by more than the time spent.
Owner complaint data was temporarily unavailable when this report was generated. Check directly at NHTSA.gov.
NHTSA offers free recall alerts by VIN. Sign up to be notified the moment a new recall is issued for this vehicle.
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VIN 1FMHK8D89CGA65125:
7 recall campaigns 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: $1,650/year. Your actual rate depends on your driving record, location, age, and coverage level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does VIN 1FMHK8D89CGA65125 decode to?
VIN 1FMHK8D89CGA65125 decodes to a 2012 FORD Explorer XLT, assembled in CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, UNITED STATES (USA).
How many recalls does this 2012 FORD Explorer have?
NHTSA shows 7 recall campaigns associated with the 2012 FORD Explorer. This reflects campaigns issued for this model/year — it does not confirm whether this specific VIN's repairs have already been completed. Contact a FORD dealer with this VIN to check.
Is it safe to buy a 2012 FORD Explorer with recall campaigns on file?
A recall campaign doesn't necessarily mean the vehicle is unsafe to drive, but any unresolved recall should be addressed promptly. Contact a FORD dealer with this VIN to confirm which specific recalls apply and whether they've already been completed — repairs 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 $5,800–$9,000. 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 23 MPG combined (20 city / 27 highway). Estimated annual fuel cost is $2,800.
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