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: structure
110 reports, newest first. Show all
Structure, Jan 21, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER WAS LEAKING FROM THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE PROPER SEAM SEAL WAS NOT CORRECTLY APPLIED TO THE VEHICLE WHEN MANUFACTURED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED WITH THE SEAM SEAL LEAK FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,595.
Structure, Oct 1, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, WATER LEAKED DOWN THE REAR DRIVER AND REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000.
Steering, Structure, Service brakes, Sep 15, 2014, crash
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AT AROUND 20 MPH WHEN THERE WERE CARS THAT SUDDENLY STOPPED. WHEN I WAS BRAKING I FELT AS IF THE STEERING WAS ALLOWING ME TO TURN AND IT HAPPENED SO FAST I FELT AS IF I LOST BRAKING POWER. THEN I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME HARD. *TR
Structure, Visibility/wiper, Sep 7, 2014
MY VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, WHERE IT HAD BEEN SINCE THE PREVIOUS DAY. I OPENED THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE DOOR AND GOT INTO THE CAR. I PUT THE KEYS INTO THE IGNITION SWITCH AND STARTED THE VEHICLE. AT THIS POINT I CLOSED THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR. AT THIS MOMENT I HEARD A LOUD "POP" SOUND. I LOOKED INTO THE REAR VIEW MIRROR AND SAW A LARGE HOLE IN THE GLASS OF THE UPPER CENTER PORTION OF THE REAR WINDOW. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION THE REMAINING GLASS WAS SHATTERED AND SPIDER WEBBED. THERE WAS GLASS ON THE GROUND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE AS WELL AS IN THE REAR COMPARTMENT OF THE CAR. *TR
Structure, Jun 26, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER WAS LEAKING INTO THE VEHICLE FROM THE ROOF RACK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN INTO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
Seat belts, Structure, Jun 3, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER WAS LEAKING INTO THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELT AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 56,000.
Visibility, Structure, Jun 11, 2013
AS I AM OUTSIDE TALKING TO A NEIGHBOR I HEAR A WEIRD SOUND, THEN I SEE PIECES OF DEBRIS ON THE GROUND NEAR THE REAR OF MY 2011 EXPLORER, AS I GET CLOSER I SEE PIECES OF SHATTERED GLASS JUST CRUMBLING BEFORE MY EYES AND FALLING ONTO THE GROUND. AS I LOOK UP MY REAR WINDOW LIFTGATE GLASS IS JUST SHATTERED. I CANT BELIEVE MY EYES BECAUSE I KNOW NOBODY OR NO OBJECT HIT THE GLASS. THIS HAS TO BE A FORD DEFECT IN THE GLASS AND HAS TO BE RECOGNIZED BY THEM. HOWEVER THEY ARE DENYING ME THE RIGHT TO BE COVERED UNDER MY EXTENDED WARRANTY I HAD PURCHASED. THE EXPLORER BARELY HAS 11,000 MILES ON IT. AND I AM JUST SICKENED OF FORD FOR NOT TAKEN RESPONSIBILITY. *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Fuel system, Gasoline, Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Seats, Traction control system, Aug 13, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED MESSAGE CAME ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, IMMEDIATELY AFTER IT BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO MAKE ANY TURNS OR MANEUVER THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AFTER POWERING OFF AND RESTARTING, THE VEHICLE WAS PERFORMING AS NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO FILED A REPORT AND DID NOT OFFER ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,472 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,600. UPDATED 09/21/12*LJ THE CONSUMER THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL FAILURES AND RELATED MESSAGES APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL'S MESSAGE CENTER. THE DEALER FOUND A DIAGNOSTIC CODE FOR THE SPEED SENSORS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. UPDATED 09/27/2012 *JS *TR
Structure, Mar 22, 2012
THE CHROME ON THE VEHICLE (BACK PANEL, WHEELS, DOOR HANDLES, GRILL AND SIDE BUMPERS) ARE ALL CORRODING. FORD IS DENYING ANY RESPONSIBILITY SAYING IT IS "ENVIRONMENTAL" EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE IS LESS THAN 8 MONTHS OLD. THE VEHICLE WILL INEVITABLY RUST COMPROMISING THE VALUE AND SAFETY. *TR
Structure, Feb 14, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING THROUGH DIRT OR WATER, PARTICLES WOULD SEEP INTO THE VEHICLE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 11,000.