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.
Electrical system, May 24, 2023
My rear view camera was replaced in August 2019 as it stopped working. It was an expensive costing $1000 to repair. It just stopped working again. Car has 100500 miles and this is excessive for what I consider a safety feature in a car this large. I was just told by Ford the backlog for a new camera nationwide is greater than 240 units and some customers have waited over 6 months. I searched online and found many complains on model years 2011 forward due to a bad design flaw that allows moisture in a wiring harness causing corrosion / failure. In my opinion, Ford needs to step up to root cause and provide options other than a complete replacement that only temporarily solves the issue
Electrical system, Air bags, Engine, May 22, 2023
The dash lights go off then it's says starting rebot. Air bag lights stay on. Check engine light on says miss firng. All Carfax report was forged. Dealer said needs new engine but was not told by seller. No one will fix it they say not worth the price for car. I over paid big time. Got lied too.
Steering, May 18, 2023
March 2020, first time the Power Steering Fault message appeared on the Instrument Message Area. I have immediatly contacted Ford in Germany. They said there is no recall for my car regarding steering items. November 2020 onwards until April 2023 the message Power Steering Faul appeared every 3-6 months. Again. November 2020 I have contacted Ford without success; the answer was the same: No recall for your car. Until April 2023 after turning off the car and waiting for 1-2 minute and turning on the message disappered and the steering mode was again reverted to normal and the steering effort was as expected. But in April 2023, after parking the car the power steering message appeared again and it was not possible to get rid of them. I have again contacted Ford in April 2023, immediatly after the occurance, and the answer was still the same: No recall and they can do nothing for me because it is just an assumption form my side. The steering effort was such high that it was not possible to really turn the steering wheel. I called the ADAC to bring the car to the Ford Service close to my home. They have change d the complete steering gear and they said I must pay for it because of no recall. I'm located in Germany and not in the USA.
Other or unspecified, May 18, 2023
Front left window trim coming off.
Steering, May 16, 2023
The power steering assist of the vehicle went out while driving and warning lights came on unexpectedly. Vehicle was difficult to steer but was pulled over safely and shut off. Started engine again and issue was no longer present. Drove to mechanic who pulled the codes. Showed "Loss of Motor Position Sensor" error code among others. After research, found that this was part of Recall 14V286000 of which we had the software update prescribed by Ford. Contacted the Ford dealership who said we were just outside the mileage where Ford extended coverage for this issue to 150,000 miles. Called Ford Customer Service and they also said that this was a one time recall and no further action was available. For this issue, we had the prescribed software upgrade but it was ineffective for the issue and the issue still occurred. Now I have to have the expensive part repair of which they would have covered the repair under recall.
Steering, May 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the Service Advancetrac warning light intermittently flash on the instrument panel. Recently, the contact stated that the warning light flashed and remained on the instrument panel and excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering), which she linked to the failure. The vehicle had yet to be diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 208,000.
Suspension, May 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired at the dealer under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V435000 (Suspension); however, the failure occurred after the recall repair was performed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made squeaking and popping sounds. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the sway bar links needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, May 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact’s wife notified the contact, and the contact was able to coast the vehicle off the road. The contact then stated that he allowed the vehicle to cool down, restarted the vehicle, then coasted the vehicle to his residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the water pump failed and caused the coolant to leak into the engine and damaged the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 173,000.
Steering, Apr 26, 2023
I am getting intermittent warning lights pertaining to the steering assist on this vehicle. It was a prior safety recall in which ford merely reprogrammed the unit in an effort to correct the problem. According to my local dealership, it did not correct the problem and the safety concern is still relevant. The dealership asked ford corporate for permission to make the repair and they were denied. Ford says the repair was made and they will not do anything further. The ford website also states all safety recalls never expire, but apparently that is not the case. Ford appears to be making a mockery of the recall program by closing recalls without permanently correcting the problem and will not reopen this safety recall. Internet discussions on this topic reveal I am not the only one with this problem.
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Apr 24, 2023
When driving and get up to 60mph car shakes and moves side to side hard to control.
Structure, Apr 7, 2023
The windshield trim on the driver's side flew off of the vehicle when I was traveling on the interstate (at interstate speed - about 70 mph). It did not hit another vehicle, but certainly could have if another vehicle had been to my left or close behind my vehicle. I was unable to stop and retrieve the part. No inspection has been made by police, insurance, etc. I now need to have the trim piece replaced, and I am nervous about the windshield trim on the passenger side possibly doing the same thing.
Steering, Apr 4, 2023
The electrinic power steering has failed. It just stopped working after starting the car one day. This is a repair that the dealer fixed 15 months ago, with a new part. A new electronic power steering Rack and Pinon should not last only 15 months. I have called the dealer and they say that warranty for that job is 12 months. They suggested contacting ford's customer service. Ford customer service says that there are no warranties on Recall repairs. This just does not sound right. I mentioned that if a repair that is suppose to fix a safety Hazzard does not work, and the safety Hazzard returns they are still liable for the repairs and or the consequences.
Structure, Mar 24, 2023
I read an article online dated 1/31/23 that indicated that the NHTSA was investigating windshield trim panel issues on certain year models of the Ford Explorer. My 2011 Ford Explorer driver-side windshield trim panel flew off the vehicle while driving at highway speeds (70+ mph) on May 3, 2021, so I wanted to provide this information and photos of the damage. I agree this is a serious issue for this Make and model that should be addressed. This was an expensive repair and dangerous for other drivers on the road. I can provide additional information if needed.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact detected an abnormal fuel odor. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that there was a vapor leak coming from the top of the fuel tank. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
Engine, Mar 19, 2023
Was driving down the highway and my car lost power and put me in a very dangerous situation. Looking into the issue, i found out the waterpump was damaged in which is inside the engine and extremely expensive repairs (3000) dollars or more but the engine has been compromised with alot of coolant into the oil. My car is down and im still paying on it so im in very tough situation and believe the manufacturer should fix this situation.
Steering, Mar 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed and making a turn, the steering wheel became firm with the power steering wheel warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and turned off and restarted the vehicle however, the failure continued. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 170,000.
Steering, Mar 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, she noticed that the vehicle had lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact then became aware that the power steering was electric and not dependent on power steering fluid. The contact waited until the power steering operation returned as needed; however, the failure reoccurred on several occasions. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure occurred while driving on the highway. The contact stated while veering to the side of the road, the power steering operated as needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the power steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) software was reprogramed under Ford Campaign Number: 15N01; however, the failure persisted. The dealer informed the contact that the power steering rack could not be replaced again under the campaign number because the warranty had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Steering, Mar 11, 2023
We got the vehicle about two years ago 2021 only had 107,000 miles on it. We were having a power steering problem but it would reset itself on and off stopped for a while came back on never got any notification about a power steering software update recall now power steering won’t turn on at all I’ve restarted it won’t turn on says power steering system fault I’m not getting any codes or anything. Car is now at 209,000 miles runs strong nothing wrong. Just keep having this power steering problem that needs to be fixed. I’ve had it cut off while driving before on the highway.
Steering, Mar 6, 2023
I can’t control my vehicle, the steering wheel sometimes work sometimes lock that I can’t turn to right or left. Called Ford with recall recall 14 e-001 13S14. Called the dealer and now it is an extended warranty, they ask for mileage and they don’t want to update the system or replace it. I’m the second owner when they send the letter, previous owner didn’t take the ca to the dealer to fix it. I had the issue before but now is worse I don’t want to have an accident with this failure on the system since sometimes work and other not
Steering, Mar 4, 2023
I was closed to my home when my car power steering locked.
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.
Visibility, Structure, Feb 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the front windshield trim detached and flew off the vehicle. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 150,000.
Structure, Feb 15, 2023
Driver's seat windshield panel flew off while driving. Part number BB5Z-7803145-AA
Steering, Feb 14, 2023
Intermittent loss of power steering assist. Car starts and steering wheel won't budge. Sometimes after a short wait, it is restored to normal. Sometimes, car must be re-started one or more times to get steering normal. So far, it has not happened while driving, but I am wary of it happening while driving. When it happens, POWER STEERING FAULT message appears on the dashboard. Has happened randomly several times over the last 4 weeks.
Steering, Feb 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering with the "Power Steering Assist off" and "Service Power Steering" messages displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to have the power steering control module (PSCM) software updated under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power steering control module (PSCM) software needed to be updated again. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering functionality and the vehicle lost motive power and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact made another local dealer aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.