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, Aug 6, 2025
I’m the original and only owner of a 2011 Ford Explorer (VIN [XXX]). Although Ford Recall 14S06 (NHTSA 14V-286) was marked complete by AutoNation Ford of Bellevue, I’m now experiencing the same issue: loss of power steering assist while driving, which creates a safety hazard. On July 29, 2025, a certified DTC scan at Pierre Ford of Seattle revealed three Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) codes: U3000:49, U3000:72, and U3000:96. These codes are explicitly listed in Ford’s own bulletin (RCMN-14V286-7022) as qualifying for steering gear replacement under Customer Satisfaction Program 15N01, which Ford issued as an extension of Recall 14S06. Despite this, Ford denied the dealer’s request to perform the repair, citing that the CSP period had ended. However, Ford’s bulletin states that repairs should still be approved via SSSC request if DTCs are present — which they are. I believe Ford is failing to honor its own published recall repair procedure. This is not wear-and-tear; it is a continuation of a known safety defect. The steering intermittently becomes difficult to control — especially at low speeds — putting my family and others at risk. I’m requesting NHTSA investigate Ford’s denial of valid repair claims tied to Recall 14S06/15N01 and hold them accountable for unresolved safety issues. Documentation available upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Aug 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to make a right turn at 20 MPH, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed with the "Steering Assist Fault Service Required" message displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that her left arm had been fractured before the failure and that the loss of power steering assist almost caused a crash. The contact had the vehicle towed to a mechanic and was provided information on NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (STEERING). The mechanic linked the failure to the recall and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The dealer and the manufacturer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering, Jul 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to make a turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the steering wheel seized. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact stated that her daughter was inside the vehicle during the failure. The contact continued driving but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the power steering had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 15N01. The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.
Steering, Jun 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the contact became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The contact stated that the message "Power Steering Fault" was displayed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the power steering control module. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 172,000.
Steering, Jun 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH and attempting to make a left turn, the steering wheel failed to respond as intended. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (STEERING) by the previous owner; however, the repair failed to repair the vehicle. The contact replaced the battery after the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 179,929.
Steering, Jun 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized and failed to turn to the left or the right. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included, and the contact was informed by the manufacturer that the warranty had expired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 205,616.
Steering, May 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The contact was unable to turn the steering wheel to the right or the left. The contact stated that two passengers inside the vehicle assisted with steering the vehicle. The message "Power Steering Assist" was displayed on the instrument cluster. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering rack had failed. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Steering, May 24, 2025
recall 15n01,,,dealer SAM GALLOWAY FORT MYERS FLORIDA is refusing to repair steering recall for bad gear i was NEARLY KILLED as can was unstteable in a near HEAD ON CRASH!!! the diagnostic is showing the code u3000:49 in the dtc and they REFUSE>>>PLEASE HELP...im DISABLED.
Steering, Apr 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was in a parking lot, the steering became inoperable. The message “Power Steering Service Now” was displayed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
Steering, Apr 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The contact stated that the traction control, engine oil, and TPMS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the power steering system needed to be reset. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact researched and became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Steering, Apr 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, she became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The service power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but a diagnostic result was not yet provided. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 240,000.
Steering, Mar 27, 2025
The contact’s daughter owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The power steering failure warning light was illuminated. The warning light had escalated from yellow to red. The driver continued driving the vehicle; however, excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer and was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering, Engine and engine cooling, Mar 11, 2025
See attached document for complaint
Steering, Mar 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the steering wheel became stiff and difficult to turn in either direction. The contact was able to veer over to the shoulder of the road. The message "Power Steering Assist Failure" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and the contact was informed that the repairs were denied by the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. In addition, the local dealer diagnosed the vehicle and linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.
Steering, Feb 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at approximately 2 MPH, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The contact stated that an independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle at the residence and determined that the steering rack and pinion needed to be replaced. A dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.
Steering, Wheels, Feb 26, 2025
Power steering assist fault, and power steering EPS system failed while driving! Was replaced by Ford in 2015 and has already locked up while driving! Tire pressure sensor constantly stays on even after replacement.
Steering, Feb 19, 2025, crash
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, the steering wheel seized and was not functioning properly. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. As a result, the driver lost control of the vehicle, resulting in a crash into a gate where it came to a stop. The driver-side and passenger-side air bags did not deploy. No warning light was illuminated. No injuries were sustained. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.
Steering, Feb 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the electronic power steering assist rack. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 185,000.
Steering, Feb 3, 2025
The contact owned a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized with the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering control module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering); because the mileage was over 150,000. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 199,000.
Steering, Jan 20, 2025
I was driving down a highway at 55 MPH and my traction control lights came on. Next my assist power steering warning light came on which was yellow. Then the red assist power steering warning came on and I lost all power steering. The dealership did confirm the problem was my steering angle sensor, but said this did not fall under the recall anymore because I have too many miles.
Steering, Jan 14, 2025
Power steering has gone out on car. There was a previous recall but I was told it has expired. I am not over the miles allowed to claim the recall on the power steering. It is not safe to drive this car without properly being fixed. The recall should still be applied regardless of its expiration as I have not exceeded the milage. I don’t feel it is safe to have an expired recall on a car, especially if the milage is so low.
Steering, Jan 8, 2025, crash
While driving down the highway, the power steering quit working totally. Causing me to go off the road into the ditch. There was a recall on the power steering gear that ford refuses to fix. They state it was fixed with a power steering module reset that did not.
Steering, Jan 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the steering wheel failed to move as intended. The service power steering now warning light illuminated. The contact merged to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the contact's place of business and had not been driven since the incident. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact associated the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (STEERING). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 168,281.
Steering, Electrical system, Dec 26, 2024
Power windows and power mirror buttons stopped working and then “Service power steering now” message came on and the steering wheel is locked and very hard to turn. The electrical wiring for the windows run through the power steering gear. The vehicle has not been inspected or repaired
Steering, Dec 23, 2024
On or around December 15 while driving I lost the ability to steer the car without using considerable strength