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, Mar 21, 2019
WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH THE CAR LOST POWER STEARING. THIS MADE THE CAR VERY HARD TO DRIVE AT LOW SPEADS. WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR TO KARL FLAMMER FORD IN TARPON SPRINGS FL. THE SERVICE ADVISOR TOLD ME TO RESTART THE CAR AND SOMETIMES THE STEERING WILL BE RESET. THAT WORKED BUT NO INDICATION WAS GIVEN TO ME THAT THIS WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND I AM SURE THEY WILL PROPERLY ADDRESS THE SITUATION WHEN SOMEONE DIES.
Steering, Mar 19, 2019
SINCE SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 2019 THE "POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT" MESSAGE COMES ON THE DASHBOARD SCREEN EVERY TIME I START THE CAR (2011 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED) AND I AM UNABLE TO STEER THE CAR. THE CAR IS PARKED IN A GARAGE. PREVIOUSLY, WHEN THIS HAPPENED I WAS ABLE TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND THE FAULT WOULD CLEAR, HOWEVER NOW THE FAULT STAYS ON AFTER EVERY RESTART AND THE STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT MOVE.
Steering, Mar 5, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. WHILE DRIVING OFF THE FREEWAY RAMP, THE CONTACT HAD TO USE MORE STRENGTH THAN USUAL TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SHOULDER, WAITED A FEW SECONDS, AND DROVE HOME. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED DUE TO FULL WAITING LISTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,992.
Steering, Mar 4, 2019
I STOPPED AT A GAS STATION TURNED OFF THE CAR, PUMPED GAS, THEN STARTED THE CAR TO LEAVE AND THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING.
Steering, Feb 14, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING FAILED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000 (STEERING). SHULTS FORD OF HARMARVILLE (1300 GULF LAB RD, PITTSBURGH, PA 15238) ONLY REPROGRAMMED THE COMPUTER, BUT HAD NOT REPLACED THE STEERING RACK. SIX MONTHS LATER, THE STEERING RACK FAILED. THE DEALER WANTED THE VEHICLE OWNER TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE STEERING REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE. *TT CONSUMER STATED STEERING WENT OUT, VEHICLE ALMOST HIT 2 PARKED CARS BEFORE COMING TO A STOP. *JB
Steering, Feb 10, 2019
DRIVING 70 MPH ON A HIGHWAY THE SERVICE POWER STEERING IMMEDIATELY LIGHT CAME ON AND SERVICE TERRAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM LIGHT AS WELL. I HAD NO POWER STEERING.
Steering, Jan 23, 2019
MY WIFE STARTED GETTING THE CODE ON HER DISPLAY THAT THE POWER STEERING WAS AT FAULT! THEN IT WOULD RESET AND WORK, THIS HAPPENED A COUPLE OF TIMES! WE WERE OUT TO EAT AND GO IN THE VEHICLE AND STARTED HOME. WHEN THIS HAPPENED AGAIN WHILE GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY! I WAS ABLE TO GET IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED FROM THERE!
Steering, Jan 16, 2019
WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY 80 NEAR DONNER PASS IN CALIFORNIA THE "TRACTION CONTROL UNAVAILABLE" LIGHT CAME ON WITH "CHECK POWER STEERING" LIGHT. STEERING WHEEL RESISTANCE INCREASED AS IF POWER STEERING WAS BEGINNING TO FAIL. ABOUT 15 MINUTES LATER WHILE DRIVING IN A SNOWSTORM THE RED "SERVICE POWER STEERING IMMEDIATELY" LIGHT CAME ON AND THE POWER STEERING TOTALLY FAILED MAKING CONTROLLING THE VEHICLE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. THE FACT THAT THIS FAILURE COULD HAPPEN AT ANY TIME AND IN MY CASE DURING WHITE OUT WINTER CONDITIONS IS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS AND I FELT LUCKY TO NOT TO HAVE GOTTEN INTO AN ACCIDENT AS A RESULT. I HAVE READ SO MANY REPORTS OF THIS SAME POWER STEERING FAILURE AND AM SURPRISED THAT NO RECALL ACTION ON THIS VIN HAS BEEN INITIATED. CONTACTED FORD DEALERSHIPS WHO SAY THAT SINCE NO "ERROR" CODE IS PRESENT THEY WILL NOT CORRECT OR REPAIR THE ISSUE. HOPEFULLY THE NHSTA WILL FINALLY INITIATE A RECALL BEFORE SOMEONE DIES FROM THIS PROBLEM.
Steering, Jan 16, 2019, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A TURN, THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO DRIVE FORWARD. THE VEHICLE RAN OFF THE ROADWAY, WHICH CAUSED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL AND TIE ROD TO FRACTURE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO BEECHMONT FORD (LOCATED AT 600 OHIO PIKE, CINCINNATI, OH 45245, (513) 752-6611) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE SOFTWARE NEEDED TO BE UPDATED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Steering, Jan 5, 2019
I WAS LEAVING TO WORK AND THE STEERING WAS HARD .THE CAR WAS STATIONARY , IT MARKED POWER STEERING ASSAULT.IM PREGNANT AND I'M AFRAID TO CRASH WHILE DRIVING.
Steering, Engine, Jan 1, 2019
WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND AS SOON AS WE PULL IN THE PARKING LOT THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR WON'T MOVE. IT WAS TOWED TO FORD MECHANIC AND THEY SAID THE WATER PUMP WAS FAULT WHICH MADE THE COOLANT TO ENTER THE ENGINE HENCE MESSING UP THE ENGINE AND I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. IT COST ME ARMS AND LEGS TO FIX THE ENGINE. FORD NEED TO RECALL WATER PUMP FAILURE WHICH IS LEADING TO COSTLY FIXING OF THE ENGINE. THE ROOF WAS ALSO LEAKING AND THE WATER WAS DRIPPING THROUGH BACK SEAT BELT. TODAY I WAS PULLING OFF THE PARKING THE POWER STEERING FAULT LIGHT CAME ON , AND IT WAS HARD TO TURN THE STEERING . THIS CAR HAS A LOT IF PRBLEMS .
Steering, Dec 27, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO STEER OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND "POWER STEERING FAULT" APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MOSES FORD INC (2001 MACCORKLE AVE, ST ALBANS, WV 25177) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,960.
Steering, Dec 26, 2018
THE POWER STEERING FAILED CAUSING THE STEERING TO BECOME DIFFICULT ALMOST RESULTING IN A CAR CRASH
Steering, Dec 18, 2018
WHILE DRIVING IN THE HIGHWAY THE STEERING SYSTEM SUDDENLY LOCKED, MAKING VERY DIFFICULT TO CHANGE DIRECTION. THIS HAPPENED SUDDENLY AND WE WERE CLOSE TO AN ACCIDENT.
Steering, Dec 13, 2018
POWER STEERING INTERMITTEDLY FAILS AT DIFFERENT TIMES. SEEMS TO HAPPEN EARLY WHEN THE CAR IS USED. THIS OCCURS WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION AND STEERING BECOMES REALLY HARD.
Steering, Dec 11, 2018
POWER STEERING FAILURE. HAS HAPPENED WHEN STATIONARY AS WELL AS WHEN MOVING. STEERING IS LOCKED AND STEERING WHEEL CANNOT BE TURNED WITHOUT CONSIDERABLE FORCE.
Steering, Nov 29, 2018
TACKATA RECALL VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING DOWN A CITY STREET. UNKNOWN REASON FOR LOSS OF STEERING. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND FORD SAYS THEY CANNOT DO ANYTHING FOR THIS VEHICLE. THERE ARE RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM AND FOR THE SAME YEAR MODEL.
Steering, Nov 28, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR FLASHED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000 (STEERING), BUT THE CONTACT DID NOT RECEIVE A NOTIFICATION. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE PART FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE RECALL PERTAINING TO THE E-PASS GEAR AND THE STEERING RACK ASSEMBLY NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS WAITING ON JOHNSON CITY FORD (207 PRINCETON RD, JOHNSON CITY, TN 37601, (423) 282-3000) TO RECEIVE THE PART FROM THE MANUFACTURER AS THE RECALL CAMPAIGN HAD BEEN APPLIED TO THE VEHICLE SINCE MAY 29, 2014. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INFORMED WHY THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT PERFORMED BEFORE THE VEHICLE WAS PROVIDED AS A TRADE IN FROM HONDA KINGSPORT (2217 E STONE DR, KINGSPORT, TN 37660, (423) 358-2519). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 192,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Steering, Nov 27, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING SEIZED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH. THE CONTACT SLOWED THE VEHICLE DOWN AND WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE ROAD SHOULDER. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SLOWLY DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME. THE CONTACT CALLED FIVE STAR FORD STONE MOUNTAIN (3800 US-78, SNELLVILLE, GA 30039, (470) 552-0862) AND WAS INFORMED TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,989.
Steering, Nov 26, 2018
TAKATA REPORT. THIS IS TO REPORT THAT MY VEHICLE IS GOING THROUGH A SIMILAR AS OTHER VEHICLES. THE STEERING LOCKS IN PLACE AND I AM UNABLE TO MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL AT ALL. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND I AM NOT THE ONE WITH THIS ISSUE. AN ACCIDENT COULD OF EASILY HAPPEN BECAUSE OF IT.
Steering, Nov 5, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE SERVICE TRAC AND SERVICE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000.
Steering, Nov 3, 2018
POWER STEERING WENT OUT A SECOND TIME. MORE THAN JUST A LOSS OF POWER STEERING....BASICALLY CANNOT STEER AT ALL. WAS 'FIXED' BY FORD IN 2015....BEYOND DANGEROUS.LIFE THREATENENING PROBLEM NEVER FIXED...REALLY?I CAN BE REACHED AT (XXXXXX). 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, Electrical system, Oct 25, 2018
EXPERIENCING INTERMITTENT CONNECTION IN THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING GEAR. CAUSES A LOSS OF THE MOTOR POSITION SENSOR SIGNAL RESULTING IN A SHUT DOWN OF THE POWER STEERING ASSIST.
Steering, Oct 10, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO YORK FORD, INC. (LOCATED AT 1481 BROADWAY, SAUGUS, MA 01906, (781) 231-1945) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Steering, Sep 25, 2018
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSIST SYSTEM INTERMITENTLY FAILS UPON START-UP OF THE VEHICLE CREATING A "POWER STEERING FAULT' WARNING MESSAGE IN THE DRIVER INTERFACE SYSTEM. AFTER TURNING OFF THE VEHICLE AND RESTARTING IT AFTER 30 SECONDS, THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM CONTINUES TO FAIL. THE FAILURE ALSO CONTINUES WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. FAILURE CAUSES A SHUTDOWN OF THE POWER STEERING ASSIST CAUSING DIFFICULTY OF CONTROL AND STEERING AT LOW SPEEDS, INCREASING THE LIKLIHOOD OF A CRASH. FAILURE OF THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM ALSO CREATES A CASCADING FAILURE IN THE ADVANCED TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM, ALSO RESULTING IN A WARNING MESSAGE AND REDUCED SAFETY. THIS PROBLEM IS EXTREMELY SIMILAR TO THE PROBLEM DESCRIBED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 14V286000 AND FORD RECALL NUMBER 14S06. UPON SEARCHING FOR THIS VIN HOWEVER, IT APPEARS THAT FORD HAS NOT INCLUDED THIS SPECIFIC VEHICLE UNDER THE RECALL EVEN THOUGH IT HAS EXHIBITED THE SAME PROBLEMS.