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: other or unspecified
112 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Jun 5, 2026
I contacted chapman ford in phila to have the recall corrected and it has been almost 2 yrs and no parts or follow up. They told me for months that the parts were backordered. My trim is loose and the rubber around my windshield almost gone. I also contacted ford main and was told an advisor would follow up and they did not.
Other or unspecified, Feb 26, 2026
Back up camera inoperable. Screen is black. Apparently a common problem. Safety issue of hitting a person or object.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Engine, Nov 20, 2025
Unknown
Other or unspecified, Oct 17, 2025
My recall 24S02 has not been fixed, Exterior A-Pillar applique. I have been sent 2 letters dated Feb 2024 & July 2024 about this recall, today is 10-17-2025. My dealership is LaFontaine BIrch Run Mi is very good, Ford customer service on the other hand is very very poor. I have been chasing down this recall for over 18 months. When I finally got a hold of someone at Ford's customer service, they [XXX] ) transferred me to my dealership to resolve. The dealership can't make this part. Ridiculous. No one or no incident so far has happened. How long does a car manufacturer have to manufacture parts to complete the recall?? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Aug 14, 2025
Safety Recall 24S02/NHTSA Recall 24V031, this recall hasn’t been fixed until now. The part has been on back order since 2024. It just seems like there’s no solution, it’s always been back order, and I was always advised to call and check back. This has been an ongoing issue, since the recall came out.
Other or unspecified, Aug 2, 2025
When the vehicle is put in reverse, the backup camera blacks out and if it comes back on, the picture is reversed horizontally. This is causing a hazard when backing up as the camera shows what's actually on the left side to be on the right and vice versa. There are many recalls for the same complaint of Ford's back up system, yet nothing has been addressed for the 2011 model. Thank you!
Other or unspecified, Jul 28, 2025
ENGINE CARRIER OR CRADLE RUSTED AND CRACKED CAUSING DRIVERS SIDE A ARM TO MAKE WHEEL UNSTEERABLE PULLNG VEHICLE TO THE LEFT. COULD HAVE CAUSED SERIOUS ACCIDENT OR HEAD ON COLLISION AS IT WAS PULLED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC LANE. I WAS ABLE TO STEER VEHICLE INTO A PARKING LOT AND HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO MY MECHANIC WHO CONFIRMED THE THE CAUSE WAS BY RUST THROUGH ON SUB FRAME ENGINE CARRIER . COMPONENT WAS NOT INSPECTED BY MFGR ,POLICE OR INSURANCE REP. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS OR ANY SYMPTOMS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. I WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN AT APPROX 10MPH WHEN I HEARD A SNAP OR CRACK AND LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING.
Other or unspecified, Jul 8, 2025
" exterior A pillar applique trim clip attachments are not properly engaged." I recieved a safety recall letter July 2024. I called Zeigler Ford dealership for the repair. They scheduled an appointment and inspected it and said they cannot fix it due to unavailable parts from Ford. This has been going on for a year and supposedly they can't get the parts. Pieces of the rubber around my windshield was flapping around and eventually fell off. When I called Ford customer service, they said first I need to get the vehicle inspected to that I told them I already had it inspected. Then they transferred me to the dealership to schedule an inspection which I don't need because it was already done. They just transferred me and did not answer my question as to why it hasn't been fixed yet, and why they are not supplying parts to the dealership. They basically left it to the service technician to tell me again that there are no parts. They want to give people the run around and let them possibly get injured in unsafe vehicles.
Other or unspecified, Jun 26, 2025
The exterior A-pillar applique trim clip attachments on my 2011 Ford Explorer have failed, and the part is on backorder due to a recall. This issue prevents me from completing a necessary inspection, as the component cannot be replaced or properly secured until the recall part becomes available. The malfunction poses a safety risk while driving and requires immediate resolution to ensure the vehicle is roadworthy. I urgently need assistance in expediting the repair or receiving an alternative solution so I can complete the required inspection and safely operate my vehicle without further delays
Other or unspecified, Apr 30, 2025
Rear camera is black when in reverse. Warning beeps still work properly. Truck has 102k miles, started being issue at 97k miles. Ford says repair is 6 weeks out until tech available. Keep getting runaround. I started asking for repair over 6 months ago. Reporting this because many models have had this issue as a recall. The 2011 Explorer should be included in this recall. #2 issue. A pillar recall also slow walking. I've had mine inspected, it is damaged, approved to replace, now waiting on parts. Have been calling every 2-3 weeks for 6 months. Still say no parts. I will call your 800 number to report this.
Other or unspecified, Mar 20, 2025
Back up camera has not worked for the last 4 years.
Other or unspecified, Mar 7, 2025
We have been waiting for this part from Ford for over 1 year. I am told by the dealership that they have been limiting the number of parts the dealerships can order. The same dealership order 100 and has only received 5 to date. This is unacceptable. When a part is recalled because of safety it should not be over a year to receive the part. Why are they not being held accountable. My sons car has trip that has fallen off and or flaps in the wind.
Other or unspecified, Jan 29, 2025
When I contacted my local dealership I was notified there was a recall for the power steering. However the recall was only good until 150,000 miles. Yet I have owned this vehicle for 2 years and NEVER BEEN CONTACTED
Other or unspecified, Jan 15, 2025
Back up camera. when back up is engaged, picture on backup monitor is reversed, left becomes right and and right becomes left. This happened ab out two months ago and will happen every time shift is placed in reverse. This is a safety issue and particularly for my wife because she always depends on the back up camera. Yesterday I inquired with my local Ford Dealer, but they informed me that there is no recall by Ford for my model (They told me that there is one for the 2023 year and up for failing back up camera, but this even worse, because when the camera fails, it's known right away that you have to depend on the side and review mirrors. Please advise
Other or unspecified, Dec 7, 2024
The recall for my 2011 Ford Explorer (Manufacturer Recall Number: 24S02, NHTSA Recall Number: 24V031) remains unresolved because Ford has not supplied the necessary parts to local dealerships, despite the official recall documentation stating, "Parts are now available to repair your vehicle." Ford claims to have authorized dealers to inspect and repair any loose or missing exterior A-pillar trim moldings free of charge, including parts and labor. However, this claim is false, as no dealership I’ve contacted in the Bay Area, including those near Brentwood, CA, has received the required parts to perform the repair. The A-pillar trim on my vehicle has already detached while driving, creating a road hazard for other vehicles and posing a serious safety risk. Additionally, the lack of a permanent fix is exposing my vehicle to potential water and moisture damage. I have contacted multiple Ford dealerships over the past three months, as well as Ford’s Customer Relationship Center, and all have confirmed that the recall parts are not available. Ford’s inability to fulfill its stated remedy has left me without a solution, prolonging the safety risk and potential vehicle damage. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate Ford’s handling of this recall and compel them to supply the necessary parts to dealerships so that the repair can be completed as promised. This is a critical safety issue that requires immediate resolution. The A-pillar trim has detached from my vehicle while driving, creating a road hazard for other drivers. Additionally, the continued lack of repair risks water and moisture entering my vehicle, potentially causing further damage and compromising its safety. No, Ford has not been able to inspect or repair the vehicle because the necessary parts are unavailable, despite their claim that parts are ready. No warnings were present before the A-pillar trim detached while driving.
Other or unspecified, Nov 21, 2024
Complaint Regarding Lack of Recall Parts Availability for Manufacturer Recall Number: 24S02, NHTSA Recall Number: 24V031 Dear National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, I am writing to formally report an issue regarding the unavailability of parts necessary to complete the safety recall repair for my 2011 Ford Explorer. The recall in question is Manufacturer Recall Number: 24S02, NHTSA Recall Number: 24V031, concerning the detachment of the A-pillar applique trim. Despite being notified that parts are available, I have been unable to find a Ford dealership in my area (Brentwood, CA 94513) or the broader Bay Area that has the required parts to perform the recall repair. I have contacted multiple dealerships over the past three months, and each has informed me that Ford has not supplied them with the parts needed to resolve this issue. This lack of resolution is alarming, as the detachment of the A-pillar trim panel while driving has already posed a significant safety hazard. The original panel flew off into traffic, endangering other road users, and a temporary panel continues to detach while driving. Ford's inability to supply the necessary parts leaves this critical safety issue unresolved and puts myself and others on the road at continued risk. I respectfully request the NHTSA to investigate this matter and ensure that Ford complies with their obligation to provide the necessary parts for this recall repair. Additionally, I would appreciate any guidance on further steps I can take to ensure my vehicle is repaired promptly and safely. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Nov 16, 2024
The exterior A-pillar trim panel on my 2011 Ford Explorer has detached multiple times while driving. The first incident occurred when the original panel flew off into traffic, creating a safety hazard for other road users. Since then, I have been using a temporary replacement panel, which also continues to detach while driving, further escalating the safety risk. I have been attempting to resolve this issue for over three months by contacting every Ford dealership in the Bay Area. Each dealership claims they do not have the parts necessary to complete the recall repair, despite Ford's assertion that parts are available. As a result, the recall remains incomplete, and the issue persists, creating ongoing safety risks for myself and others on the road. No warning lamps or messages preceded the incidents. The problem has not been reproduced or inspected by a dealer due to the unavailability of parts. This unresolved recall places myself and other road users at continued risk of potential crashes caused by flying debris from my vehicle.
Other or unspecified, Oct 2, 2024
I have a recall 24V031 letter dated February 2024. I called and got an appointment for 7 Aug, showed up at the dealership, just to get turnaround and was told that they don’t have the glue to fix the recall. No phone calls or text received to let me know that my appointment was canceled due to this problem. I was told that they will call me back, once glue is received. It’s now 2 Oct, still no calls, so I called them back. I was told that this is still an issue and that they’re still waiting for the glue to come in. They have added my name to a “Wait list”, and we’ll be notified once they’re ready to fix the recall issue. I don’t understand how long are we supposed to wait for this? Is there something I can do to fix this problem? Please advise. Thank you.
Other or unspecified, Aug 11, 2024
While driving the B pillar broke and flew off. Now I have it taped up so nothing will get into my car (like rain) and so nothing else falls off.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 1, 2024
Hidráulic problem
Steering, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 1, 2024
Over the past couple of years the steering wheel has locked. But would reset if turned off and on. The traction light also engaged temporarily and later went off. When I took my vehicle in to the dealership at Blue Springs Mo Ford on [XXX] for service and diagnostic they indicated a sensor and/or steering mechanism needed repair or replaced and the part has been on back order. They would order the parts-and let me know when they came in. They have yet to contact me on the part. They said it could be some time. . About a month the tire pressure sensor fault warning came on so I was looking repairs. Early this week while driving the power steering quit working. A day or so later while troubleshooting the dash display reported faults with both power steering assist and advance tract. After turning it back on and off the warning lights engaged. I have a new battery, checked connections and fuses, then looked online and found ford has a known problem with power steering assist failing. Also comments report if an issue occurs with the electronic power assist at any time Ford is responsible to repair for free. Today I called the ford number 800-392-3673 to report this problem and was informed my vehicle does not qualify for free repairs due to the mileage 173,958. The fix expired at 150,000 miles or 10 year - which was an extension to warranty). I don’t agree with this approach as Ford has been aware of this issue with the power steering electronic system for years and provided no notice to consumers. I would have had it checked prior to hitting the 150,000 mile mark. Please advise on my rights or recourse. Thanks. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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!
Other or unspecified, Dec 5, 2023
2011 Ford Explorer - trim around the windshield has separated and pieces have disconnected when driving. Sections become loose and are slapping the windows which is a driving distraction. Will windshield be secure if trim around edges comes off?
Other or unspecified, Jun 12, 2023
Daughter drives this vehicle to college...4hrs via highway. On a recent trip home, her passenger side windshield trim flew off and nearly it the car behind her. I gave her a hard time about not stopping to pick it up but you can't just do that on the interstate. Looking around, we see lots of Ford Explorers with missing windshield trim. The rubber windshield seal underneath looks in bad shape now and I'm concerned that it could fail allowing the whole windshield glass to separate from the car. Love for you to come and inspect the vehicle. There were no warning lights or messages letting us know there was a problem before the trim separated but we obviously know there is a problem based on the numerous examples we see on the road. Please have Ford address this with a recall. It is unacceptable that this part fails so regularly on Ford Explorers.
Other or unspecified, May 18, 2023
Front left window trim coming off.