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
1,196 reports, newest first.
Steering, Sep 12, 2023
While driving the power steering locked up on me. The icon power steering assist was displayed. A updated recall is needed to fix the action to avoid damages or fatal accidents.
Steering, Sep 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while reversing, an alarm sounded, and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The message "Power Steering Default" was displayed. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the steering wheel responded as needed. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times while her husband was driving on one occasion. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Steering, Sep 3, 2023
While driving at 60 miles per hour, a warning appeared stating "service power steering soon". I immediately found a place to pull over, but within minutes, it stated "service power steering now" - the steering capability ceased and locked up. It is known this is a recall amongst the 2011 ford explorers, yet mine was not recalled.
Steering, Electrical system, Aug 29, 2023
When I turned my Ford Explorer on yesterday, the Power Steering Fault light came one. This has happened in the past, but when I shut off and restart my car, it has always reset and worked. But yesterday, it didn't reset. Besides the power steering, the Advance Trac light is also on. My blinkers will not stay engaged unless I hold the lever. I can't get in to the Ford Dealer for a month. It is very difficult to drive without the power steering working. The warning lamps came on when I started the car. Thankfully this didn't go out when I was driving.
Steering, Aug 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while reversing and exiting the driveway, the power steering became inoperable, and the steering wheel locked. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with steering module failure. The contact was informed that the steering module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.
Steering, Aug 22, 2023
While driving and making a turn, the power steering assist went out causing it to be very difficult to navigate the vehicle
Power train, Aug 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that on five different occasions while driving at various speeds, the power steering warning light illuminated, and the steering wheel became firm, making it difficult to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that on one occasion, the vehicle was towed to a dealer where the contact was informed that the power steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred a week later. The manufacture was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Steering, Aug 9, 2023
I am getting a Power Steering Assist Fault on my vehicle and do not have any steering control. This is very dangerous and happens multiple times a week. The price to fix this fault is outrageous and I cannot afford it. I have done some research on the Power Steering Assist Fault and see that it has been brought to Fords attention at a high level and nothing was done with the 2011. Recalls were done with 2013 and up.
Steering, Aug 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became firm and difficult to maneuver. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was at the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not yet been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) and was not currently included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.
Steering, Aug 8, 2023
The power steering assist went out while driving and Ford has a recall for it but when I took it to the dealership (Seth wadley ford) said it’s not that part and I don’t believe them
Structure, Aug 2, 2023
I was driving on interstate 95 when the trim that covers the driver's side A pillar began to flap for a few seconds before flying off the car. It smashed the B pillar and cracked it before ultimately flying directly at the car behind me narrowly missing it. It was difficult to maintain control of the vehicle due to the sudden noise, it felt like the car was suddenly under attack.
Engine, Aug 1, 2023
There are exhaust gases entering the vehicle cabin. This is primarily at startup, while sitting at idle in traffic and under acceleration. After visual inspection it appears to be coming from a cracked passenger side exhaust manifold. This is an obvious safety issue and I believe it should have been included in TSB 14-0130 but was told my VIN was not included.
Steering, Suspension, Jul 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while reversing out of the driveway, the power steering failed, and the steering wheel became very difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was towed to the local service center who replaced the steering column and rear suspension tow link. Recently while driving approximately 40 MPH, the power steering failure reoccurred, and the warning message "Service Power Steering" was displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 180,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Back over prevention, Jul 26, 2023
The Electronic power steering went out for the third time while trying to park at grocery store parking lot. We have paid for 3 replacements and reprogramming now for the 3rd time it’s out again.
Steering, Jul 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became firm and difficult to maneuver. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was not notified of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was provided a case number and advised to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Steering, Jul 24, 2023
While operating vehicle on an interstate all power steering, advancetrac, abs, and traction controls shut down. I lost all power steering. Electronic power steering system. There is an open recall on this issue but for claims my vehicle vin is not included in said recall. I was able to get vehicle back home safely but the 2011 ford explorer is my wife's/kids transportation thankfully I was behind the wheel when it shut down but if it had been my wife it would have ended differently. Vehicle only has 118,000 miles.
Steering, Jul 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the power steering assist fault message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic on two separate occasions where the steering module and steering column were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure and was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 97,859.
Steering, Jul 22, 2023
I have lost all electrical power steering assist and it has become unsafe to drive. I need it fixed asap
Steering, Jul 16, 2023
The power steering light came on and we lost our power steering afterwards.
Steering, Jul 8, 2023
The Power Steering Assist Fault warning light comes on and I lose power steering. I must turn the car off to get it turned back on. I’m worried about the safety
Steering, Jun 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the power steering failed to operate as needed with the power steering and traction control warning lights illuminated. The contact called the dealer and was informed that the VIN was not under recall. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Steering, Jun 26, 2023
On my 2011 Ford Explorer, the power steering went out while driving. The wheel suddenly tightened and I was unable to turn the wheel. Also, the Terrain Management Fault light and Service AdvanTrac light ignites right before the wheel stiffens. The wheel would stiffen or loosen while driving and causing the wheel to jerk and the car to potentially glide into another lane. After turning off the vehicle and letting it sit for a while the steering wheel may loosen temporarily. I took the vehicle to Ford after visiting their website and seeing there was a customer satisfaction program regarding the EPAS Power Steering. The Ford dealership informed me that the program expired in February of 2021 and I would need to pay over $3000 to have the issue fixed.
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.
Steering, Jun 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist with the power steering fault message displayed on the instrument panel. The failure occurred on two separate occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced; however, the dealer confirmed that the warranty had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 186,000.
Steering, May 29, 2023
Light came on saying power steering assist fault