2011 Ford Explorer
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 1,196 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 10th highest complaint count among 26 Explorer model years with reports.
Of the 2011 reports, 30 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 15 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Structure, body, roof and pillarsJan 19, 2024
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.
A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
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 in different phases based on model years. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024 and December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
Campaign 24V031000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearSep 22, 2021
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, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. These vehicles may be equipped with a cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) replacement part that could seize, and result in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealer will inspect for the presence of a CABJ. If a CABJ of any design is found, the dealer will inspect the tightness of the CABJ, and replace the CABJ, knuckle, and/or toe link as necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters were mailed November 10, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 17, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S43.
Campaign 21V746000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearJun 10, 2019
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.
A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, and inspect both rear toe link ball joints, replacing the rear wheel knuckle(s), if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S17.
Campaign 19V435000 on NHTSA.gov
Wheels, hubAug 28, 2017
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, possibly resulting in the separation of the wheel or wheel end.
A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify the distributors of the hubs specifying that they are to only be used on drive axles. It is believed that none of the hubs were purchased from Ford dealers for the incorrect application. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 17E048000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, doorMar 24, 2015
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.
If the interior door handle return spring is unseated, the door may unlatch in the event of a side impact crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four of the interior door handles and either repair or replace them, free of charge. The recall began on July 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S11.
Campaign 15V171000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, electric power assist systemMay 29, 2014
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 of the motor position sensor signal resulting in a shut down of the power steering assist.
If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist it will require extra steering effort at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) software, free of charge. If a vehicle shows a history of a loss of motor position sensor signal when the vehicle is brought in for the recall remedy, its steering rack assembly will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on July 23, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S06.
Campaign 14V286000 on NHTSA.gov
SteeringJan 6, 2014
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.
The inability to steer the vehicle increases the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners and dealers will replace the suspect steering gears with new steering gears, free of charge. The recall began on January 29, 2014. Customers may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 13S14.
Campaign 14E001000 on NHTSA.gov
SeatsFeb 2, 2011
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 EXPLORER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 15, 2010, THROUGH DECEMBER 13, 2010, EQUIPPED WITH SECOND ROW 60% SEATS WITH MANUAL RECLINER MECHANISMS THAT MAY HAVE COMPONENTS THAT ARE OUT OF DIMENSIONAL SPECIFICATION. THESE SEATS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 207, "SEATING SYSTEMS."
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT BACK MAY NOT PROVIDE THE REQUIRED STRENGTH, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE SEATS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 15, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 11V063000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: steering
742 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Dec 27, 2021
My steering wheel is not moving and I have a warning coming on saying Power Steering Assist Fault. I called the dealership because it was a recall on the truck in 2014 and the owner back then never went and got it fixed. The dealership is refusing to fix the recall
Steering, Dec 22, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the power steering assist fault message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed him that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 228,655.
Steering, Dec 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the power steering assist failed, and the steering wheel locked up. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that they could not assist since the vehicle was not purchased from a Ford dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Steering, Nov 17, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the power steering fault message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and was diagnosed with needing the steering gear and steering rack replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000. Consumer has a recall issue which still is ongoing and Ford refuses to fix it.
Steering, Nov 9, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the power steering assist fault message was displayed. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer where it was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,300.
Steering, Nov 9, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the power steering assist fault warning message was displayed. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be inspected. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Steering, Nov 8, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the electronic power steering would suddenly fail to cause the steering wheel to become difficult to turn in either direction. During the failure, the message "service power steering" would display and the traction control warning light was illuminated. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 132,000.
Steering, Nov 6, 2021
When I was almost home, the service power steering light came on. I parked and when I started the vehicle again, the light said service power steering now was on. The steering wheel would not turn at all. I had my vehicle towed to the dealership I bought it from. Now they are saying that the recall has expired. I just want my vehicle repaired per the recall. I don't think I should have to pay for it since it was a problem caused when the vehicle was built.
Steering, Oct 28, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the power steering warning light illuminated, and the power steering failed to operate as needed. The contact was able to manually steer and drive to her residence nearby. The failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) and NHTSA Campaign Number: 14E001000 (Steering). The mechanic advised the contact to contact an authorized dealer for assistance. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the warranty had expired. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.
Steering, Oct 14, 2021
Our Power Steering locked up while we were driving, we had 3 kids in the car! This happened while at a low speed, but made the vehicle incredibly difficult to drive/steer. When we started troubleshooting the issue, we found that this problem was included in a safety recall but our VIN was not included, NHTSA# 14V286000. We then contacted Ford Customer Service and were told that this problem is related to a Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP) EPAS Steering Efforts #15N01, our warranty on this expired since it was past 10 years and we would have to pay out of pocket for repairs. Why were we not notified of this issue? Why is this happening? Why is this VIN not included in the recall? This is a SERIOUS Safety concern. Please do the right thing and include these VINS to the recall list. The repair is going to cost in the neighborhood of $2,000.00, I feel incredibly frustrated that we have to pay for this. Who decides which VINS get on the list? There are ENDLESS complaints about this issue. Are we waiting for injuries? Are we waiting for someone to die?? DO THE RIGHT THING.
Steering, Oct 8, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH and merging into the right lane, the steering wheel locked up and would not allow the contact to turn the vehicle in any direction while approaching a train track. The contact manually steered the vehicle over to the side of the road and attempted to restart the vehicle however, the power steering functionality did not return. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the electric power steering gear assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,334.
Steering, Oct 5, 2021
I have a 2011 Ford Explorer I purchased in 2016/2017. I took this car in in 2019 to Laird Noller Ford with complaint of a steer assist fault code it kept having. I was told it was a recall and they could clear the code if it happened there. Last week I was driving and my power steering completely went out with my children in the car. I took my car in again and was told it was throwing the code 15N06. It is a recall that was “expired” as of February 2021. I contacted Ford customer relations and was told multiple times it would be covered under 14S06 except now they are not submitting authorization for this safety recall. They said it is expired and outside of the warranty. It is a known problem and I was told by the service department the control module of the steering rack had “gone bad” and should have been replaced according to the Ford safety recall amendment 3 that was submitted in May 2019 to all dealerships. They continue to deny this recall service repair.
Steering, Sep 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while reversing out of her driveway, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was able to be restarted and regained functionality. The contact stated that the power steering assist message was displayed. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the Power Steering Control Module software to be updated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Steering, Sep 16, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while his wife was driving 15 MPH, the power steering assist message appeared on the instrument panel. His wife was able to restart the vehicle and resume normal driving; however, the failure recurred upon her reaching her driveway. The contact then inspected the vehicle and stated that excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle out of the driveway. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer and was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The contact's wife called the manufacturer and it was confirmed that the vehicle was not under recall. The manufacturer did not offer any further assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000
Steering, Sep 9, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at a low rate of speed, the power steering locked as the power assist warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to his home. The contact then had the vehicle towed to a dealer where he was informed that the extended warranty on his vehicle had expired. The contact then had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who informed him of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the mechanic. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Steering, Sep 7, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the power steering and traction control warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel and the power steering assist failed to operate. The contact used excessive force to steer the vehicle while driving to the dealer. While at the dealer, the contact was informed that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer and was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
Steering, Aug 30, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while at a standstill, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact stated that the power steering warning message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic and was diagnosed but not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 195,000.
Steering, Aug 24, 2021
Yesterday I was driving my Ford Explorer and my power steering went out as I was driving on the interstate. Lights came on and my AdvanceTrac system went out. I almost wrecked my vehicle. I have 2 car seats installed in this vehicle (luckily no children were in the car). I researched this and the issue immediately several things popped up on the issue. I logged onto my account to check for a recall and underneath recalls was: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAMS - EPAS STEERING EFFORTS Campaign #15N01. I called the Ford Motor Company Customer relationship to find out about the issue. Bc of the amount of issues that customers had with the same problem they issued an extended warranty instead of a recall. It was good for 10 years or 150k miles. I was told mine expired 4/28/21. This is a known SAFETY ISSUE that ENDANGERS LIVES of not just the customer, but everyone around them. I need this repaired. I never received a letter. I filed with BBB and Ford said my vehicle was not involved in the Customer Satisfaction Program, which is crazy that its not a recall. This is 100% a safety issue. Im not understanding why they dont fix it with the rest of the ones that had the same problem.
Steering, Aug 18, 2021
On approximately August the 5th, 2021, my family members and myself were driving off of Signal Mountain here in Tennessee. All of the sudden, I lost all ability to steer my vehicle. In other words I lost all Power Steering. I almost wrecked a number of times with family members in the vehicle. I found that was a recall concerning the Power Steering. I contacted the Cooperate Offices of Ford and spoke with a ([XXX] ). He looked my vehicle up by VIN and found the recall. He told me that it was covered on the recall (case# CAS-[XXX] ). So I then made arrangements for getting my Vehicle towed to ( Mtn. View Ford ) 20th street, Chattanooga, Tennessee. I spoke to a service Rep: [XXX] at the dealership. I explained the situation and gave him the case number for Ford Cooperate Headquarters. The Vehicle was there well over a week, I called on 08/13/2021. The service Rep: [XXX] then told me vehicle wasn't covered under the recall as I was told by cooperate. he said that I would have to pay over $2000.00 to get my vehicle back. I disagreed of course. He then said that the vehicle was taken to Ford of Cleveland in Tennessee in 2015 for the recall. He said that defective part was not replaced, but they reprogramed the computer. so I almost died with my family members because a defective was not replaced. This is wrong no matter how you look at it. I retired from almost 30 years of Law Enforcement here in Tennessee. I learned through those 30 years. That Ethics and Integrity is the most important thing when dealing with the public. The Ford Headquarters and Mtn. View Ford in Chattanooga has lost those somewhere down the line. I did pay to get my Vehicle from Mtn View Ford. But this is wrong and I'm willing to take any avenue possible to make this public. I have never the type to try to get something for nothing, but there is right and there's wrong. This wrong!!!! I wnted to allow you to investigate this before I start using my other avenues....my number is [XXX]. PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Steering, Jul 26, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 50 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The power steering assist fault message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,615.
Steering, Jul 14, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while entering and starting the vehicle, he noticed that the electronic power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact noticed that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle multiple times however, the warning light remained illuminated and failure persisted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacture was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 117,000.
Steering, Jun 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle loss power steering functionality and became difficult to steer. The contact stated upon restarting the vehicle, the power steering functionality returned. The contact stated that the steering assist fault warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with the power steering needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 14V286000 (Steering) for which the vehicle was serviced under the recall in August 2014. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 158,232.
Steering, Jun 11, 2021
Car suddenly lost power steering and traction control during a turn. Made the car very difficult to steer correctly since it occurred in the middle of a turn. Steering wheel essentially jerked out of hand creating a very hazardous situation.
Steering, Apr 21, 2021
DRIVING MY FORD EXPLORER 2011 GLENDALE AZ AND BEING IN MOTION AN ALERT POP UP OM MY DASHBOARD SAYING POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT LEAVING ME WITH NO STEERING SINCE MY STEERING WHEEL GOT REALLY HARD. LOOKING ONLINE FOR ANY RECALLS I FOUND ONE AND CALLED FORD AND THEY TOLD ME THE RECALL WAS NOT VALID BECAUSE THE WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED IN FEBRUARY 2021 I GOT THIS CAR FROM THEM AND I STILL PAY IN FOR THERE CAR AND NEVER THIS ISSUE FIX.
Steering, Apr 12, 2021
ON SUNDAY APRIL 11 2021 I WAS DRIVING MY FORD EXPLORER 2011 GLENDALE AZ AND BEING IN MOTION AN ALERT POP UP OM MY DASHBOARD SAYING POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT LEAVING ME WITH NO STEERING SINCE MY STEERING WHEEL GOT REALLY HARD. LOOKING ONLINE FOR ANY RECALLS I FOUND ONE AND CALLED FORD AND THEY TOLD ME THE RECALL WAS NOT VALID BECAUSE THE WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED.