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 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, she noticed that the vehicle had lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact then became aware that the power steering was electric and not dependent on power steering fluid. The contact waited until the power steering operation returned as needed; however, the failure reoccurred on several occasions. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure occurred while driving on the highway. The contact stated while veering to the side of the road, the power steering operated as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the power steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) software was reprogramed under Ford Campaign Number: 15N01; however, the failure persisted. The dealer informed the contact that the power steering rack could not be replaced again under the campaign number because the warranty had expired. The vehicle was not 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 referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Steering, Mar 11, 2023
We got the vehicle about two years ago 2021 only had 107,000 miles on it. We were having a power steering problem but it would reset itself on and off stopped for a while came back on never got any notification about a power steering software update recall now power steering won’t turn on at all I’ve restarted it won’t turn on says power steering system fault I’m not getting any codes or anything. Car is now at 209,000 miles runs strong nothing wrong. Just keep having this power steering problem that needs to be fixed. I’ve had it cut off while driving before on the highway.
Steering, Mar 6, 2023
I can’t control my vehicle, the steering wheel sometimes work sometimes lock that I can’t turn to right or left. Called Ford with recall recall 14 e-001 13S14. Called the dealer and now it is an extended warranty, they ask for mileage and they don’t want to update the system or replace it. I’m the second owner when they send the letter, previous owner didn’t take the ca to the dealer to fix it. I had the issue before but now is worse I don’t want to have an accident with this failure on the system since sometimes work and other not
Steering, Mar 4, 2023
I was closed to my home when my car power steering locked.
Steering, Feb 14, 2023
Intermittent loss of power steering assist. Car starts and steering wheel won't budge. Sometimes after a short wait, it is restored to normal. Sometimes, car must be re-started one or more times to get steering normal. So far, it has not happened while driving, but I am wary of it happening while driving. When it happens, POWER STEERING FAULT message appears on the dashboard. Has happened randomly several times over the last 4 weeks.
Steering, Feb 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering with the "Power Steering Assist off" and "Service Power Steering" messages displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to have the power steering control module (PSCM) software updated under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power steering control module (PSCM) software needed to be updated again. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering functionality and the vehicle lost motive power and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact made another local dealer aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Steering, Feb 10, 2023
I was going down the road had to avoid a piece off tire so fast the steering looked on me for a second Then hit that piece. And after that the steering start getting harder to steer, made it home safely. But now I can’t drive the car because it’s hard to steer . So we have to start looking to repair it.
Steering, Feb 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH in a parking lot, the power steering failed. The contact stated that she stopped the vehicle, shifted to park(P), turned off and restarted the vehicle and the power steering resumed normal functionality. The contact stated the power steering fault warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent at first; however, the power steering failure had become more constant. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering rack assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.
Steering, Feb 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact related the failure to TSB: 13S14 (Steering). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with a faulty EPAS steering gear. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 158,355.
Steering, Jan 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the service advancetrac and service power steering warning lights illuminated. The contact then stated that she had to manually operate the signal arm while making left or right turns. The contact then stated that upon parking the vehicle, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the electronic power steering, the steering column control module, and the electronic steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced the NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.
Steering, Jan 8, 2023
Was driving on interstate and steering just went out and couldn’t turn
Steering, Jan 7, 2023
In a 2011 Ford Explorer the power steering failed in the driveway. it was extremely hard to turn without this function. It was taken to a Ford dealer who has confirmed that is the problem. The vehicle has 166,000 miles on it. This failure has been known for this car for quite some time. The failure rate is high and creates a serious safety issue because you cannot steer the car unless You are very strong. smaller people will be unable to turn the vehicle. The only option is to do a major repair to replace the unit. The dealer offered no help to not under any type of warranty; the cost quoted was $3,200.
Steering, Suspension, Electrical system, Jan 5, 2023
My 2011 ford explorer steering randomly went out . As I researched I realized that there was a safety recall 14s06 for that particular car. Apparently that recall was announced in 2014( before I purchased the vehicle) the previous owner took the truck to the dealership the have the pscm checked and no codes came back so it was only reprogrammed which is suppose to prevent steering loss which is what I am currently dealing with. The dealership is not trying to replace the part free of charge as stated in warranty although they know this is serious safety issue on this vehicle . They are trying to charge me 2800.00 to have the part replaced.
Steering, Dec 28, 2022
the electric power steering failed due to manufacture recall on my exact year and model
Steering, Dec 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the "service power steering now" warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact used excessive force to steer the vehicle off the highway and into her husband's place of business. The contact called the dealer and was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.
Steering, Dec 19, 2022
My 2011 Ford Explorer steering randomly went out . As I researched I realized that there was a safety recall 14S06 for that particular car. Apparently that recall was announced in 2014( before I purchased the vehicle) The previous owner took the truck to the dealership the have the pscm checked and no codes came back so it was only reprogrammed which is suppose to PREVENT steering loss which is what I am currently dealing with. The dealership is not trying to replace the part free of charge as stated in warranty although they know this is serious safety issue on this vehicle . They are trying to charge me 2800.00 to have the part replaced. I will continue to find a solution . Nothing about this is morally right
Steering, Electrical system, Dec 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the "Service Power Steering" warning light illuminated along with several unknown warning lights. The contact stated that she was able to drive to her residence with the warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that while driving up her driveway, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that she turned the vehicle off and shifted to park(P), turned the vehicle off and on and the failure persisted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to a manufacturer Customer Satisfaction Program Number: 15N01 (EPAS Steering Efforts). The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.
Steering, Dec 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and stated that there was no recall on the VIN for the failure. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 200,000.
Steering, Dec 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while her daughter was driving approximately 10 MPH out of the driveway and entering the street, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that her daughter could not turn the wheel to the right or the left. The contact stated that her daughter informed her that power steering assist warning light was illuminated, and an audible chime was heard. The driver stopped and turned off the vehicle. After restarting the vehicle, the power steering functionality returned. The failure recurred and the vehicle was towed to a dealer; however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Steering, Nov 26, 2022
Driving 25mph or less coming to a stop and warning service advance track soon message appeared, advance track off idiot light then appeared on dashboard, steering suddenly harder to turn. turned car off and on, now no steering.
Steering, Nov 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated upon pulling out of a parking space, the vehicle lost power steering functionality with the "Steering Assist Fault" message displayed. The contact stated that after he turned off and restarted the vehicle three times, the power steering operated as needed. The contact was able to continue driving. The failure reoccurred two years later. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the VIN was not included in any recalls. The manufacturer then referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Steering, Nov 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the steering wheel seized as the power steering assist failure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering gear assembly needed to be replaced. The contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 98,500.
Steering, Nov 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the steering wheel locked up. The message "EPAS Error" was displayed. The contact stated that he turned off and restarted the vehicle and the steering wheel operated as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that they could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under an unknown recall due to the mileage. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.
Steering, Oct 30, 2022
The steering went
Steering, Oct 27, 2022
2011 Ford Explorer showed "Power Steering Assist Fault" message on dashboard pops up intermittently around 5 times in a span of 6 months of ownership. Latest occasion left driver stranded far from residence while parked since no steering can be done. Driver was put at risk of having to worry that it would happen again while driving on roads. Vehicle has been taken to dealership to get fixed. Dealer has inspected and attempted to reproduce fault but to no avail. Dealer recommended to replace complete steering assembly which cost is out of pocket of customer. Vehicle and VIN is under Customer Satisfaction Program Campaign # 15N01 EPAS STEERING EFFORTS and under NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist states it should be at no-cost to customer to get fixed. Dealer refused and stated campaign expired. Driver looking to get more resources to disprove dealer's claim and to get vehicle repaired since it is a public safety issue they are refusing to address over profit.