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, Other or unspecified, Jan 17, 2024
While driving my 2011 Ford Explorer at 60 mph I received a indicator stating service steering system soon. My concern was making sure I was able to still steer the vehicle to a safe location. I was still able to steer the vehicle and headed to the nearest parking lot to hopefully reset the system by restarting the vehicle. After parking I turned off the car and restarted it. After doing this the error came of service steering system now! Trying to steer the vehicle was extremely difficult. I proceeded home which is 30 min away and parked the vehicle until I could get it into a dealer. I did not call a tow truck as they are expensive and I know the repair was going to cost me a lot of money. The dealer verified the steering system was faulty and needed replaced. The steering system is electronically controlled and the failure of the system puts the occupants of the vehicle as risk of injury in the event the system failed and you need to move out of the way in an emergency or if I was not able to control the vehicle. The steering rack will be returned as part of the core charge for the replacement of the unit. Ford customer care told me this was a safety notice but is not a recall and it expired 10 yr after the warranty and vehicle over 150,000 miles. This should not be a notice but a recall as it seems there are a lot of failures. I should not have to pay money for something that is a known issue by the manufacture. The NHTSA needs to force Ford to recall these parts and replace them at their cost since it is a known issue!
Steering, Jan 16, 2024
Husband started vehicle, and, as he started backing out of garage, warning chime sounded, and "Electronic Power Steering Assist Fault" message displayed on dash. Steering locked up; he was unable to turn steering wheel. He turned car off and restarted, thinking possible computer error. No further display. Ran errands. Did some research, and found that Ford had issued a prior recall on certain 2011-2013 Explorers in 2014. Safety Recall 14S06 was issued. This vehicle was checked at that time for any DTCs. When none were found, the computer was reprogrammed and power steering coverage was extended to 10 years, or 150,000 miles, from date of manufacture. In these affected vehicles, if a DTC was present, it moved on to the availability of Safety Recall 15N01, which involved one-time replacement of steering gear. After seeing this, we phoned dealer, whose rep (actually 2 separate reps, in 2 separate calls) verified recall on this issue and assured us this would be covered. Upon taking vehicle to dealer on 1/15/2024 for first available appointment, we were told Safety Recall 15N01 had expired and was no longer covered. Repair was estimated to be between $500 and $2,500, depending on DTC results. DTCs present were: C1B00-86, U3000-49 and U3000-72. We were told the steering gear needed to be replaced, at a cost of $1,372.73 for parts, $680 labor, as well as $169.95 for subsequent alignment, for a total of $2,222.68, plus state sales tax. We feel the one-time replacement of the steering gear should still be a covered option if it was already previously deemed a potential safety risk, regardless of the vehicle now being over 10 years old, and still just as potentially hazardous. Loss of steering ability is a serious safety issue, putting countless lives at risk. Vehicle has only just over 70,000 miles on it, is garage-kept, original owner, in very good condition, and has always been kept up-to-date on recall repairs.
Steering, Jan 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH and making a left turn into the parking lot, the steering wheel became difficult to turn with the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then to a local mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired yet. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 198,000.
Steering, Jan 8, 2024
I am the owner of a 2011 Ford Explorer Limited that recently developed a power steering issue. We have only owned the vehicle 6 months and there's under 95,000 miles on it. The (2) recall notices that went out in 2014 were unknown to us at the time, because we just bought the SUV in 2023. Since it a safety issue, there should not be a 10-year recall expiration date associated with either recall, as we are being told by Ford customer service. And since we didn't own the vehicle before the recall notices went out in 2024, why will Ford not stand behind the recall and honor the time period to include our vehicle? Ford Motor Company is stating that our VIN is not covered, even though it the vehicle falls within the production recall period. Additionally, Ford issued a customer satisfaction program warranty, but Ford regards this as a survey and will not take corrective measures to assist in getting our vehicle repaired under any forego mentioned recall notices. Therefore, I feel Ford should honor any recall regarding the poor design or faulty engineering of their electronic steering components regardless of the expiration date since it is a safety concern. Ford is reluctant to financially assist me even though the SUV has less than 95,000 miles on it and the recall press release dates were not issued until 2014. Instead, Ford is going by the vehicle production date and not the recall issue dates. Therefore, my SUV recall dates have since expired, and Ford will no longer honor any of its warranties on this vehicle, even though lack of power steering is a clear safety issue, which to my knowledge, do not have expiration dates. Ford customer service has acknowledged the power steering fault assist issues under the following recall campaigns: NHTSA - 14e001000 & 14v286000 and CSP 15N01. I also have a case number with the Ford Motor Company (Case #47111783) associated with this issue.
Steering, Jan 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was inoperable and difficult to steer. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to the residence unrepaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 114,000.
Steering, Dec 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering was inoperable. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Steering, Suspension, Dec 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V746000 (Suspension). The contact stated that on two occasions while driving approximately 40 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The contact stated that the vehicle began jerking to the right. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 205,000.
Steering, Nov 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the Electric Power Steering Assist message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
Steering, Nov 23, 2023
Started vehicle & "Power steering assist default" warning light came on. All steering ability was lost, vehicle was rendered unsafe to operate.
Steering, Nov 22, 2023
Power Steering Assist Fault light came on signaling loss of power steering when starting the vehicle last week. It is not being driven due to no power steering. Fortunately it was not being driven at the time but could have resulted in inability to steer in traffic. The vehicle has not been inspected since the EPSA light came on as it is difficult to drive. The fault light came on once about 2 months ago but it went off after restarting the car. The vehicle now continues to show the fault light every time the car is turned on.
Steering, Electrical system, Nov 19, 2023
While driving the vehicle on a busy street, proceeded to steer car to turn at an intersection and the steering started failing and was extremely hard to steer. The message appeared electronically, saying service power steering now and car then shut down. We immediately got car to independent mechanic. Was not aware of any vehicle recall, but seems to be repaired. Happened very recently. Early Nov. 2023.
Steering, Nov 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that electronic power steering intermittently failed to operate as needed. The power steering malfunction warning light was illuminated. After shifting into gear, the message disappeared. While driving, the power steering was operating sluggishly. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who stated there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was referred to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 206,000.
Steering, Oct 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the steering wheel became inoperable. The contact stated that the power steering system fault and traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
Steering, Oct 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while attempting to make a left turn at a traffic light, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and drove straight towards oncoming traffic. The message "Service Power Steering Now" was displayed. The contact was unable to turn the steering wheel and depressed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle, preventing a crash into another vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall due to the manufacture date of the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 195,600.
Steering, Oct 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the message "Power Steering Default" was displayed, and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that she turned off and restarted the vehicle several times until the power steering became functional. The contact stated that the failure had been occurring intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was informed that the failure could not be duplicated since the message was no longer displayed. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving at an undisclosed speed. The contact was able to drive to a second dealer, Pruitt Ford (912 Sheppard Rd, Burkburnett, TX 76354) and was informed that the failure could not be duplicated because the message was no longer displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact stated that the power steering was no longer operable. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering), which was previously performed on the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000.
Steering, Oct 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and the steering wheel became difficult to steer. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway. There were no warning lights illuminated. There was no further information provided. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by the dealer or an independent mechanic. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 158,000. The VIN was not available.
Steering, Oct 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning as needed, and the power steering assist fault message was displayed. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality however, the failure became an intermittent occurrence. The electronic power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the electronic power steering. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 114,000.
Steering, Oct 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the steering wheel seized. The messages "Power Steering Assist Fault" and "Service Advance Trac" were displayed. The contact stated that she turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the steering wheel operated as needed. The contact drove to the residence. The contact stated that the failure recurred while starting the vehicle. The contact stated that she turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that she would be charged a fee for the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.
Steering, Sep 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the steering wheel became firm while making lane changes. The contact stated that power steering assist fault warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over, turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle regained normal functionality. The contact stated that the failure had been intermittent but gradually became a recurring failure. The contact stated that after the most recent failure, the vehicle was turned off and restarted however, the steering functionality had not return. The contact stated that the failure had become a constant failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering assist had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer advised the contact that there was a Manufacturer’s Recall Number: 15N01 (Steering) EPAS Steering Efforts associated with the failure; however, the vehicle was no longer covered under warranty for the recall. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000.
Steering, Sep 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check charging system warning light was illuminated, and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where several unknown parts were replaced; however, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14E001000 (Steering). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.
Steering, Sep 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH and making a turn, the steering wheel seized inadvertently while there was incoming traffic. The vehicle made a beeping sound, and the message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the contact was able to pull to the side of the road after several attempts. The stated that that she pulled into the nearest parking lot, then drove the vehicle to work; however, the failure recurred. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure through voicemail. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 14V286000 (Steering) and 14E001000 (Steering). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 199,560.
Steering, Sep 15, 2023
I was driving on my way to take my kids to school and my wheel locked on me, with a warning message "power steering assist". I was in traffic turning at the red light and almost crashed into the freeway bend.
Steering, Sep 12, 2023
While driving the power steering locked up on me. The icon power steering assist was displayed. A updated recall is needed to fix the action to avoid damages or fatal accidents.
Steering, Sep 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while reversing, an alarm sounded, and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The message "Power Steering Default" was displayed. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the steering wheel responded as needed. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times while her husband was driving on one occasion. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Steering, Sep 3, 2023
While driving at 60 miles per hour, a warning appeared stating "service power steering soon". I immediately found a place to pull over, but within minutes, it stated "service power steering now" - the steering capability ceased and locked up. It is known this is a recall amongst the 2011 ford explorers, yet mine was not recalled.