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
Structure, Other or unspecified, Mar 3, 2023
Passenger side windshield trim came off while traveling on freeway at 85 mph hit the windshield. Then about hit the car behind us and about hit a car next to us. The car is available for inspection.
Other or unspecified, Jan 31, 2023
I read an article about Ford Explorers and the windshield trim panels coming off. I have had to replace both sides of mine....they didn't fly off but would have if not tended too. The rubber part underneath broke into several pieces and some were missing...who knows where they went. I had to replace both sides....at my own expense....
Steering, Suspension, Other or unspecified, Apr 27, 2022
NO INCIDENTS YET. I HAVE HAD A POWER STEERING FAULT WARNING CAME ON. IT IS OFF NOW I HAVE CONTACTED FORD IN DETROIT, RECALL EXPIRED EVENTHOUGH MY CAR HAS ONLY 124,100 MILES ON IT.IT WILL COST ME $2300. TO FIX IT WHICH I DO NOT HAVE. I WAS NEVER TOLD ABOUT A RECALL ON THIS. I PURCHASED THIS USED CAR IN DEC,2021 AT KEARNEY MOTORSPORTS IN LOUISVILLE KY. NOW I HAVE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON THE SUSPENSION. I FIND THIS CAR VERY UNSAFE AND REALLY DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT THIS, ESPECIALLY THE POWER STEERING. PLEASE ADVISE, OH I DID REPORT THIS TO KYDOT.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Feb 17, 2022
steering wheel gets hard to turn anywhere. a light turns on when this happens but, I couldn't read it as I was trying to get safely out of the road. it has happened to me a couple of times. sometime it happens as I turn the car on once I put the reverse gear on it gets hard I'm able to notice this before I move so I turn the car off and when I turn it back on it fixes itself. but, last few times its happened while driving once in the highway. I was told this could be triggering my check engine light on, which now is always on, according to the shop where it was taken for a check up it is something related to a misfire of the fifth cylinder. they think it is more related to a factory defect.
Other or unspecified, Jan 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, she noticed that water had leaked from the front passenger’s side of the windshield onto the glove compartment and floorboard of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that they could not determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring increasingly whenever it rained. The contact stated that the instrument panel control buttons, the dashboard lights, and the rearview camera had failed to work as designed. The contact also received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V746000 (Suspension) however, the dealer informed the contact that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000. VIN tool confirms parts are not available.
Other or unspecified, Nov 23, 2021
While driving with my 2 minor daughters a high-temperature light came on and then seconds later low pressure and engine light came on. Suddenly my 2011 Ford Explorer engine turned off and stopped in the middle of two busy highways stranding us. Towed to an auto shop where I was informed that the water pump bearing had come apart got into the engine and caused the timing chain to jump time. Now my 2011 Ford Explorer does not work and a replacement engine was going to cost $7700 plus the labor and work to tear it down which would exceed the almost $10,000 value of the vehicle. All over the internet, all I see is water pump/engine defaults for the same reason. This is obviously an ongoing issue that needs further investigation and mandatory replacements. Stranding us in the center of the highway was dangerous enough that my towing insurance told me to call the police because of where we were stranded not to mention my vehicle that is had zero issues is now nonoperational and has left me with a catastrophic financial and mobile deficit.
Other or unspecified, Nov 18, 2021
My 2011 Ford Explorer has been leaking water into everything including the console, seat belts, down the doors and staying inside the doors, into the spare tire storage area, and down all sides of the interior. The water leaks so badly that at times I've had more than an inch of water on the floor boards of my vehicle. The only thing that has permanently stopped working is the motor that controls the moonroof. I have no idea where the water is coming from and this is causing concern as the water is getting into all aspects of my vehicle including electrical areas. My research indicates that it could be many different places but I also seeing 10s of thousands of complaints from Explorer owners about this problem.
Other or unspecified, Oct 6, 2021
I recently purchased this 2011 Ford Explorer. I was driving on the interstate and the suv started feeling like a boat floating in water. The swaying felt like the front and rear suspension was not connected somehow. I immediately removed my foot from the gas and tapped my brakes to slow. It felt as though I would lose control of the vehicle. The swaying wasn’t noticeable until you reached speeds above 50 initially. The suv would be ok on some days. But I drive and hour to work each way and it’s highway. Now I am noticing the sway at lower speeds as well. I am having it checked out by an alignment mechanic shop. But since this started, we have seen many things written about this problem in forums and FORD actually had some recalls.
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 12, 2021
THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE SMELLS OF SMOG/GAS AFTER JUST A FEW MINUTES OF DRIVING AND CAUSES HEADACHES FOR ME AND MY KIDS
Steering, Power train, Other or unspecified, Nov 12, 2020
MY POWER STEERING TOTALLY WENT OUT. IT KEPT SAYING POWER STEERING FAULT AND JUST STOPPED WORKING. THEN IT STARTED SAYING SOMETHING ABOUT TRAC TERRAIN FAULT OR SOMETHING. I'VE ONLY HAD THIS CAR SINCE 2018 AND THEN FOUND OUT TODAY THERE WAS A RECALL ON THEM FOR POWER STEERING. WE BOUGHT OUR CAR IN OKLAHOMA AND NOW LIVE IN ALABAMA. THE POWER STEERING HAS BEEN WEIRD ON ME BEFORE BUT TURNING OFF THE CAR AND RESTARTING IT WOULD FIX IT, BUT IT HAS WENT OUT SAYING FAULT WHILE I WAS GOING AROUND A TURN AND I HAD TO BRAKE QUICKLY, THROW ON MY HAZARDS, TURN OFF THE CAR AND RESTART IT. BUT NOW NOTHING IS FIXING IT, I HAD TO TOW IT TO MY HOUSE FROM AN HOUR AWAY BECAUSE I WAS STUCK AT WORK AT 1AM. I AM THE ONLY PERSON IN MY FAMILY ABLE TO WORK AND WORK ABOUT 52HOURS A WEEK AND DON'T KNOW I CAN AFFORD TO FIX THIS ISSUE THAT APPARENTLY WAS KNOWN BUT NOT FIXED IN MY VEHICLE BEFORE IT WAS SOLD TO ME (NOT YOUR FAULT, THE DELEARSHIPS FAULT, BUT THEY ARE 10 HOURS AWAY...)
Other or unspecified, Jun 11, 2020
I HAVE A 2011 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED, AT RANDOM TIMES WHILE DRIVING IT WILL MAKE A GRINDING NOISE, THE VEHICLE WILL SLOW DOWN AND THEN THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS WILL FLASH. IF THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS STOP FLASHING THE VEHICLE WILL PICK UP SPEED AND DRIVE NORMAL BUT IF THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CONTINUES TO FLASH FOR A LONG TIME EVENTUALLY THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM WILL DISABLE AND THEN THE WARNINGS LIGHTS WILL SAY SERVICE ADVANCE TRAC AND COLLISION WARNING MALFUNCTION WARNING. IF I LET THE VEHICLE SIT FOR HOURS IT MAY RESET BUT IT HAS CONTINUED TO DO SO AT RANDOM TIMES AND SPEED. *TR
Other or unspecified, Dec 19, 2019
AFTER DRIVING FOR A LITTLE WHILE AND THEN STOPPING AT A STOP LIGHT I SMELL EXHAUST COMING IN THROUGH THE VENT.I ONLY NOTICE IT WHEN AT A STOP.
Other or unspecified, Nov 14, 2019
THERE IS A EXTREME EXHAUST SMELL THAT COMES IN MY TRUCK WHENEVER I TURN THE HEAT ON. THE EXCESSIVE FUMES ARE CAUSING MY CHILDREN AND ME TO EXPERIENCE DIZZINESS AND HEADACHES. THE SMELL ONLY COMES IN THE TRUCK WHEN THE HEAT IS ON. THE SMELL IS STILL STRONG EVEN WHEN I CRACK THE WINDOWS. IT'S UNBEARABLE AT THIS POINT AND I'M AFRAID I MAT EXPERIENCE AN ACCIDENT, BECAUSE I'M BECOME SO LIGHTHEADED. THE FUMES ARE STILL EXCESSIVE WHETHER THE TRUCK IS SITTING OR IN MOTION.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Oct 17, 2019
STARTED THE FORD AND THE BACKUP CAMERA WAS NOT FUNCTIONING. ALSO NOTICED THE 'SYNC' SCREEN WAS BLANK, CLIMATE CONTROLS WERE NOT VISIBLE (FUNCTIONING) AS WELL AS THE RADIO SYSTEM WAS NOT FUNCTIONING. WENT OUT AND STARTED THE SUV IN MY DRIVEWAY, EVERYTHING WAS CORRECT WHEN I RETURNED HOME THE NIGHT BEFORE.
Other or unspecified, Aug 21, 2019
STRONG EXHAUST SMELL WHEN YOU START THE CAR AND THEN AGAIN WHEN YOU ACCELERATE TO GET ON TO THE HIGHWAY. INTERMITTENT SMELL AS YOU ARE DRIVING. IT DOESNT MATTER IF YOU ARE SITTING STILL OR ON THE HIGHWAY, YOU WILL INEVITABLY SMELL THE EXHAUST. I HAVE BEEN HAVING HEALTH ISSUES WITH MY HEART THAT WE NOW BELIEVE ARE RELATED TO THE CARBON MONOXIDE FROM THESE FUMES.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 21, 2019
I RECENTLY GOT THE 2011 FORD EXPLORER.I KEEP GETTING THIS ODOR SMELL WHEN I FIRST START THE CAR AND ACCELERATE.IT LASTS FOR 5 MINUTES,THEN IT GOES AWAY. ALSO, I RECENTLY STARTED GETTING THIS VIBRATION THROUGH THE GAS PEDAL ON HIGHWAY SPEEDS.THE CAR WILL SHAKE SOMETIMES.WHEN I BRAKE FROM HIGHWAY SPEEDS,MY CAR SHAKES.I HAVE BROUGHT IT TO FORD TWICE AND THEY CHARGE ME $2000 TO REPLACE PARTS,BUT THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTED.OTHER GARAGE CANT SEEM TO FIGURE OUT WHATS CAUSING IT.
Steering, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 3, 2019
"SERVICE POWER STEERING" WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, CODE WAS FOR LEFT STEERING CONTROL MODULE. ONE WEEK LATER, POWER STEERING WAS INTERMITTENT, THEN WENT OUT COMPLETELY. TOOK IN TO FORD DEALERSHIP, CODE FOR SAFETY RECALL 15N01 CAME UP, FORD DEALERSHIP SAYS MY VEHICLE IS COVERED UNDER RECALL BUT FORD MOTOR COMPANY REFUSES TO FIX, STATING "NO HOUSEHOLD LOYALTY", BECAUSE I'VE NOT PURCHASED A FORD BRAND NEW. WHEN CALLING FORD ABOUT THE ISSUE, THEY SAY THEY "WILL STAND BEHIND THE FORD DEALERAHIP IN THEIR DECISION"; YET NOW THAT THE DEALERSHIP IS READY TO FIX AND WAITING FOR THE AUTHORIZATION CODE FROM FMC, FMC WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THE DEALERSHIPS DECISION.
Other or unspecified, Apr 4, 2019
WHEN WE TAKE A DRIVE IN OUR FORD EXPLORER- OUR CHILDREN ARE GETTING NAUSEA AND VOMITING. THIS HAS BECOME A CONSTANT PROBLEM-EVEN ON SHORT DRIVES OF 30 MINUTES OR LESS. THEY COMPLAIN OF HEADACHES AS WELL. WE HAVE HAD TO GO TO THE DOCTORS JUST TO GET ANTI NAUSEA MEDICINE HOPING IT WOULD HELP, BUT- IT HASN'T. THERE IS AN EMISSIONS PROBLEM WITH OUR VEHICLE THAT IS CAUSING MAJOR SICKNESS WITH OUR YOUNG CHILDREN- AGES 11, 8, 7 AND 2.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 27, 2019
CAR TURNED OFF AS I WAS SLOWING DOWN FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHT. PANEL READ " NO POWER TO ENGINE" OR SOMETHING TO THE EFFECT. WAS NOT ABLE TO TAKE A PHOTO OF PANEL DUE TO I WAS CAUGHT IN TRAFFIC WITH CARS BEHIND ME.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Dec 9, 2018
I HAVE LEAKS THROUGH THE SEAT BELTS ON MY THIRD ROW. MY CAR HAS A MILDEW ODOR FROM THESE SO IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR A WHILE. I HAD CARMAX FIX A LEAK THAT I NOTICED IN 2016 BUT NOW 2 YEATS LATER IT IS REALLY BAD. I LOOKED UP ONLINE POSSINLE FIXES AND FOU D HUNDREDS OF OWNERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE AND NO FIX. FORD IS VERY DIFFICULT TO DEAL WITH FOR THE REPAIR. PLEAS LOOK INTO THIS FAULTY ISSUE AND REQUIRE A WELDING FIX ON THE SEEMS BY FORD. SEEMS ALL INFORMATION I HAVE FOUND WITH THE ISSUE IS WITH THE NEW EXPLORER BODY STARTING WITH MY 2011 YEAR. LEAK OCCURS QHEN IT RAINED OR WHEN CAR IS WASHED. IT IS SO MUCH WATER THAT WE CURRENTLY CAN NOT USE THE THIRD ROW SEATONG AS A SEAT. IT IS CONSTANTLY WET.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Nov 1, 2018
I WAS TURNING OUT OF MY ALLEY AND THE CAR HAD NO POWER. WHEN I TRIED TO ACCELERATE NOTHING HAPPENED. I HAD AN ORANGE WARNING LIGHT WITH A WRENCH COME ON THE DASHBOARD. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND THEN BACK ON AND THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT AND NO ISSUE WITH THE ACCELERATION. DEALERSHIP COULDN'T FIND A PROBLEM BUT THIS ISSUE IS ALL OVER THE INTERNET AND THERE IS A RECALL FOR IT BUT NOT FOR MY VIN NUMBER OR YEAR.
Other or unspecified, Oct 8, 2018
SYNC 2 PROBLEMA EL RADIO SE FRIZA LOS MAPAS TARDAN EN ABRIR EL LA CMARA DE REVERSA SE ENCIENDE CORRIENDO FUNCIONA ALGUNAS VECES Y OTRAS NO EL RADIO SE APAGA Y SE ENCIENDE A MENUDO SIN RAZN ALGUNA.
Other or unspecified, Oct 3, 2018
INSIDE OF CAR FILLS UP WITH EXHAUST FUMES WHEN DRIVING
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 30, 2018
MY VEHICLE PRODUCES UNBEARABLE SMELL THAT GETS INSIDE THE CABIN WHENEVER THE RPM REACHES 3500 AND HIGHER AND IF THE VEHICLE IS IN LOW GEAR AND DRIVING UP HILL AND ALSO WHEN VEHICLE IS IDLE AND YOU RAVE UP TH ENGINE. THE SMELL THAT GETS INSIDE THE CABIN COULD MAKE ONE PASS OUT UNLESS WE ROLL DOWN THE WINDOWS COMPLETELY TO LET A LOT OF FRESH AIR INSIDE. I WENT THE DEALERSHIP WHICH I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE FROM THE FIRST MONTH AND THEY INSPECTED THE CAR AND GOT BACK TO ME THAT THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN ALREADY RESOLVED BEFORE I HAD BOUGHT THE CAR AND ITS FIXED ALREADY BUT ITS NOT I'VE DRIVING THE CAR NOW FOR ABOUT 5 MONTHS AND VERY CAUTIOUS WITH IT AS WHENEVER THE INCIDENT HAPPENS I FEEL VERY DIZZY BY THAT SMELL. SO THE ISSUE NEVER BEEN FIXED AS MY VIN NUMBER DOES NOT HAVE A RECALE WHEN I CHECKED IT ON THE NHTSA AMD IN ORDER FOR THE ISSUE TO BE FIXED BIN HAS TO BE RECALED LIKE OTHER SIMILAR EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE. MOST OF THE OLDER MODES OF POLICE INTERCEPTORS EXPLORERS HAD RECALLS FOR SAME ISSUE. SOMEONE PLEASE ADVICE ME ON HOW I CAN GO ABLUT THIS TO GET SOME RESOLUTION.
Other or unspecified, Aug 13, 2018
OFTEN WHEN I ACCELERATE QUICKLY, AND EVERY TIME I ACCELERATE WHEN GOING UP HILL THERE IS A HORRIFIC SMELL FROM THE EXHAUST AND IT FILLS THE INSIDE OF THE CAR. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR IN THE BEGINNING OF 2017, AND STILL OCCURS TO TODAY (8/13/18).