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, May 6, 2017
EXHAUST MAKING ME SICK,BAD SMELL LIKE ROTTEN EGGS INSIDE THE CAR EVERY TIME I TURN ON THE A/C AND MY KIDS GET SICK OF THAT SMELL
Other or unspecified, Mar 28, 2017
EXHAUST LEAK PROBLEM IN MY CAR WHILE THE AIR CONDITIONING IS ON OR WHEN I ACCELERATE. THE CAR SMELLS LIKE GAS CONSTANTLY, EVEN WHEN IT IS PARKED AND IN MY GARAGE. I AM TERRIFIED FOR MY THREE CHILDREN. WE HAVE TAKEN IT TO FORD TWICE ALREADY AND THEY CAN'T FIX IT AND EXPECT ME TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. NO WAY! WE ARE ALL SICK ALL OF THE TIME. I AM TERRIFIED TO EVEN DRIVE IT.
Other or unspecified, Feb 20, 2017
WITHIN THE PAST YEAR WE HAVE SMELLED ROTTEN EGGS IN THE CAB OF OUR EXPLORER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS BUT ASSUMED IT WAS NOTHING. UPON READING AN ARTICLE ABOUT AN INVESTIGATION INTO CARBON MONOXIDE SEEPING INTO THE CAB WE ARE EXTREMELY NERVOUS. WE HAVE TWO SMALL CHILDREN. THIS ALWAYS HAPPENS WHEN THE BEHICLE IS DRIVING.
Other or unspecified, Feb 19, 2017
SINCE I GOT MY EXPLORER IN DEC 2014 OFF AND ON I'VE HAD AN ISSUE WITH A FOUL SMELL IN THE CAR. SINCE IT WOULD COME AND GO I JUST WOULD USE MORE AIR FRESHENERS WHEN IT HAPPENED. BUT RECENTLY IT HAS GOTTEN MUCH WORSE! THE SMELL NOW IS UNBEARABLE ,I'VE BEEN RECENTLY DEALING WITH REAL BAD HEADACHES AS WELL. THE CAR ONLY HAS 64K MILES AND NOW AFTER SO RESEARCH I SEE IT'S A PROBLEM WITH OTHERS ALSO! I NEVER USED TO LIKE FORD BEFORE BUT THE LOOK OF THIS ONE CAUGHT MY EYE. I SHOULD'VE STAYED AWAY, THIS PURCHASE WAS A HUGE MISTAKE! UNTIL I CAN GET RID OF THIS CAR MY KIDS WILL NOT RIDE WITH ME IN IT AGAIN. THIS HAPPENS BOTH WHEN I'M DRIVING AND WHEN I PARK AFTER DRIVING. IT SMELLS AND SMOKE COMES FROM UNDER THE CAR WHEN I STOP AT RED LIGHTS
Other or unspecified, Feb 17, 2017
FREQUENT STRONG EXHAUST SMELL IN THE CAB, WORSE AFTER DRIVING FOR AN EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME AT HIGHWAYS SPEEDS THEN SLOWING DOWN OR STOPPING AND SITTING WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 15, 2017
STRONG ENGINE EXHAUST SMELL IN VEHICLE CABIN WHILE DRIVING, DURING ENGINE OPERATION ABOVE 3000-3500 RPM WITH WINDOWS CLOSED AND CLIMATE CONTROL ON. OUTSIDE AIR ON OR OFF SEEMS TO MAKE NO DIFFERENCE.
Other or unspecified, Feb 14, 2017
WE HAVE EXPERIENCED CLEARLY DISCERNIBLE EXHAUST GAS LEAKS INTO THE CABIN OF THE 2011 EXPLORER, WHICH ARE MOST NOTICEABLE WHEN ACCELERATING. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP RECENTLY, AND THEY IMPLEMENTED A TSB FROM FORD THAT INVOLVED ADDING SMALL VENTS IN THE REAR DOOR AREA. THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT TELL US IF THIS WOULD ACTUALLY RESOLVE THE ISSUE. AND WE HAVE NOT DRIVEN THE VEHICLE SINCE THAT TIME, SO DON'T YET KNOW IF THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN RESOLVED BY THE TSB IMPLEMENTATION.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 14, 2017
WHILE DRIVING AND ESPECIALLY AFTER, THERE IS A BURNING HAIR SMELL THAT IS IN THE CAR AND WHEN YOU STEP OUTSIDE THE CAR IT IS VERY STRONG IN THE ENGINE. UPON LEARNING OF THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT TOO LATE, IT HELPED MAKE SENSE WHY I WAS SMELLING THE "BURNT HAIR" SMELL WHEN I RAN THE HEATER AND/OR AC. THIS WAS ANYTIME I DROVE THE CAR WHETHER HIGHWAY DRIVING OR AROUND TOWN.
Other or unspecified, Jan 18, 2017
MY WIFE HAS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. IT WAS AROUND CHRISTMAS WHEN WE NOTICED THAT GIFTS IN THE BACK STORAGE AREA WERE SOAKING WET. I REMOVED THE SPARE TIRE AND IN THE SPARE TIRE HOLDER WAS APPROXIMATELY 2 INCHES OF WATER. I SEARCHED WATER LEAKS ON THE INTERNET AND WAS OVERWHELMED HOW MANY PEOPLE HAD THE SAME TYPE OF PROBLEM WITH THERE 2011 EXPLORER. I TOOK IT TO A DEALER AND FILED A CLAIM WITH OUR INSURANCE. NEITHER WOULD COVER THE DAMAGE. THEY BOTH SAID ITS FAULTY SEAM SEALER AND WAS OUR RESPONSIBILITY. THIS IS SO RIDICULOUS. ITS A 5 YEAR OLD VEHICLE.
Other or unspecified, Jan 13, 2017
EXHAUST FUMES IN CAB UNDER HARD ACCELERATION
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), Dec 2, 2016
THERE ARE ALLOT OF ISSUES GOING ON WITH THE TRUCK WE HAVE JUST HIT AROUND 70K MILES, THIS STARTED A FEW MONTHS AGO THE PASSENGER BACK DOOR IS NOT LATCHING CORRECTLY UPON BEING CLOSED. THE WHOLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM HAS BEEN FAULTY FOR SOME TIME NOW A/C DOESN'T WORK CORRECTLY/ REMOTES AND LIGHTS ON CAR ON CONSTANTLY FLICKERING... HAPPENS WHILE VEHICLE ISNT IN MOTION AND WHEN IN MOTION
Other or unspecified, Oct 22, 2016
THE CABIN FILLS WITH VERY STRONG EXHAUST FUMES WHEN DRIVING OR USING AIR CONDITIONER. IT GETS WORSE WHEN GOING UP A HILL OR ON HIGHWAYS.
Other or unspecified, Oct 5, 2016
EXHAUST/BURNING SMELL COMING THROUGH HVAC VENTS UNDER HARD ACCELERATION. HAS BEEN A CONSTANT PROBLEM SINCE OWNING THE VEHICLE.
Steering, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 19, 2016
THE STEERING HAS NEVER WORKED CORRECTLY, SOMETHING JUST DOES NOT FEEL RIGHT WITH THIS VEHICLE. ALSO - THE SYNC SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK CORRECTLY AND THE SCREEN RANDOMLY REBOOTS AND IS NOT WORKING CORRECTLY. LASTLY THE CAR SYSTEM DOES NOT RECOGNIZE WHEN KEYS ARE IN THE CAR, SO EVERY TIME YOU GO TO START THE CAR DOES NOT WORK. HOW THIS IS UNSAFE - IS IN COLD WEATHER YOU HAVE YOUR KEYS IN HAND AND THE CAR WILL NOT START, WHICH MEANS YOU COULD BE LEFT IN THE COLD AND THE CAR WILL NOT START. THIS IS NOT SAFE.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 10, 2016
UPON HEAVY ACCELERATION SUCH AS WHEN PULLING ONTO A HIGHWAY, OR PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE ROAD, AN EXHAUST/FUEL SMELL WILL ENTER THE VEHICLE AND BE VERY NOTICEABLE TO EVERYONE IN THE VEHICLE. THIS OCCURS MOSTLY WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER IS ON, ON RECIRCULATION. MY WIFE (PRIMARY DRIVER OF THIS 2011 FORD EXPLORER) COMPLAINS OF A LOT OF HEADACHES AND I AM BEGINNING TO WONDER IF SHE IS GETTING CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING FROM DRIVING THIS VEHICLE DAILY. WE ARE GOING TO BUY A CO2 DETECTOR TO SEE IF THIS IS IN FACT TRUE.
Other or unspecified, Sep 9, 2016
EXHAUST FUMES ENTER THE CABIN THROUGH THE VENTILATION SYSTEM, UPON ACCELERATION AND ON INCLINES.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 24, 2016
EXHAUST FUMES ENTER THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WHEN THE AC IS RUNNING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND AT ANY SPEED WHEN THE ENGINE IS TAXING IE GOING UP A STEEP GRADE.
Other or unspecified, Aug 18, 2016
STRONG EXHAUST ODORS IN THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT, NOTICEABLE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS OPERATING AT FULL THROTTLE OR WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER IS SET TO RECIRCULATE AIR. BROUGHT IN MULTIPLE TIMES TO FORD DEALERSHIP, HAD FORD REPAIR ITEMS SPECIFIED ON THEIR TSB. STILL NOTICEABLE EXHAUST ODOR, RETURNED TO DEALERSHIP, DEALERSHIP VERIFIED REPAIRS AND STATED THEY COULD DO NOTHING ELSE. STILL NOTICEABLE EXHAUST ODOR COMING INTO OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT.
Other or unspecified, Aug 3, 2016
LAST NIGHT I HAD DONE MY FIRST FULL THROTTLE APPLICATION EVER. SUBSEQUENTLY I RECEIVED THIS STRONG SMELL, SO STRONG THAT I COULD BARELY BREATHE IN THE CABIN. IT SMELLED AS IF THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. I SLOWED WAY DOWN TO MAKE SURE THERE WERE NO FLAMES ANYWHERE. COME TO FIND OUT THROUGH INTERNET RESEARCH, IT WAS CARBON MONOXIDE, GIVEN THE STRENGTH OF IT I'M PRESUMING A SIGNIFICANTLY UNSAFE LEVEL.
Other or unspecified, Jul 13, 2016
EXHAUST FUMES IN CABIN WHILE EXCELRATING IN PASSING GEAR, STRONG FUMES COMES THREW THE A/C SYSTEM. THIS ALSO HAPPENS ANYTIME YOU EXCELRATE. WE HAVE HAD THE VECHILE IN THE DEALERSHIP THE FIRST WEEK WE BOUGTH, A NUMBER OF TIME FOR THIS PROMBLE
Other or unspecified, Jul 11, 2016
BACK UP CAMERA IS FAILING ON THIS MODEL. EVERYONE I TALK TO THAT HAS A FORD EXPLORER 2011, 2012 HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 6, 2016
I WANT TO STATE THAT MY TRUCK DOES THE SAME THING AS REPORTED IN THIS PROBLEM. THE SMELLS GETS REAL BAD IN THE CABIN WHEN ENTERING HIGHWAY OR CROSSING VEHICLES NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE16008 COMPONENT(S): ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING , STRUCTURE
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jul 6, 2016
REGARDS FROM THE FIRST YEAR I PURCHASED I HAVE ENTERED THE EXHAUST AREA OF THE CABIN. FROM THE FIRST YEAR, SERVICE, PEOPLE WHO ATTENDED ME IN THE FORD DEALER, TOLD ME I COULD NOT FIND A CAUSE OR THAT WAS PART OF THE DESIGN OF THE UNIT. I GOT TO TAKE IT TO 2 DIFFERENT DEALERS WHENEVER I'M DRIVING AND PRESENTED ME HAVING TO CLIMB DOWN OR UP A HILL, IT IS WHERE THE PROBLEM ARISES. I MAY HAPPEN IN THE EXPRESS OR NORMAL ROADS. THE ONE LAST VISIT FOR A RECALL, RETURNED TO DISCUSS THE PROBLEM AND NOW TELLS ME IT COSTS ME $ 600 FOR THE REPAIR MEMO I GET HOW TO WORK WITH THE PROBLEM. I HAVE TROUBLE BECAUSE THEY SPENT 36,000 MILES. MY COMMENT IS THAT FROM THE FIRST YEAR'VE BEEN REPORTING THE PROBLEM AND DID NOT HAVE ANY KIND OF SOLUTION. THE SMELL IS NOW VERY OFTEN AND TRULY BOTHERS TO GUIDE AND MUST REPRESENT A HEALTH PROBLEM.
Other or unspecified, Feb 24, 2016
HAVE HAD VEHICLE CHECKED NUMEROUS TIMES FOR ISSUES WITH THE GPS SYSTEM. THEY HAVE RESET AND RUN UPDATES, BUT MOST OF THE TIME I AM TOLD THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH IT THAT THEY CAN FIND. WHILE DRIVING THE GPS SYSTEM PLACES THE CAR OUT IN A POND, THE MIDDLE OF A FIELD OR SOME WHERE OTHER THAN WHERE MY CAR IS PHYSICALLY LOCATED. THE PROBLEM IS SO BAD THAT I HAVE PURCHASED A TOMTOM TO REPLACE THE USELESS SYSTEM THAT I PURCHASED. FIRST OCCURRENCE DATE AND MILEAGE IS LISTED.
Other or unspecified, Feb 14, 2016
VEHICLE FAILED TO GENERATE HEAT TO EITHER THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OR TO DEFROST OF FRONT WINDOW. IN VIEWING YOUTUBE THIS APPEARS TO BE A VERY COMMON OCCURRENCE WHICH FORD WILL CORRECT ONLY DURING THE VEHICLES WARRANTY PERIOD UNDER TBS 12-1-8. ONCE PAST THE WARRANTY IT FALLS UPON VEHICLE OWNER TO BARE THE COST FOR REPAIR.