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, 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.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the engine temperature hot warning light illuminated as the vehicle began to stall. The contact pulled off to the side of the road as a white smoke started coming from the vehicle. The contact waited for the vehicle to cool down before opening the hood and discovering that the coolant reservoir was empty. The contact added coolant in the reservoir; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact then called a family member who was able to jumpstart the vehicle; however, after several miles of driving, the failure recurred. The contact coasted the vehicle into a Walmart parking lot where she purchased more coolant; however, the coolant immediately leaked out of the vehicle. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic and it was determined that the water pump had malfunctioned which led to the engine failure. The manufacturer was notified of failure but offered no assistance. The manufacturer referred her to the NHTSA to file a complaint. The vehicle was then towed to another independent mechanic where it remained in their possession and was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000.
Steering, Apr 16, 2022
my 2011 Ford Explorer has had issues with the steering locking up. A number of times I've been able to "reset" it by turning the car off and on. Over time this has happened more often and requiring a number of cycling of the car on and off. These are have an associated alert Power Assist System Fault. Driving the this week the alert came on while driving, steering locked which was extremally frighting but then unlocked. The alert remained and all power steering was lost. I had to use all my strength to turn the wheel and get out of the road. Loss of all power assist in the steering.
Steering, Apr 15, 2022
Current owner purchased this vehicle used. Power steering has failed and after researching recall history it was discovered that this is a long known problem under Fords recall 14S06 and supplement 15N01. Ford will not honor the recall because the vehicle is now at 165,000 miles. Why should the current owner suffer the out of pocket expense for a recall repair that should have been properly repaired the 1st time while still within the recall limits? I have zero confidence that Ford or NHTSA will act in good faith on behalf of owners.
Steering, Apr 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering became inoperable. The power steering and service traction warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified and referred to contact the NHTSA for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 137,000.
Air bags, Apr 7, 2022
Airbag fault
Engine, Apr 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The low coolant message was displayed. The contact was able to pull off to the side of the road. The contact called the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the engine had seized. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.
Steering, Mar 24, 2022
There is a recall for 2011-2014 Ford Explorers for the "Power Steering assist fault". My 2011 Ford Explorer is having this exact problem, however after taking it to a Ford dealership, I was told. YES there is a recall, but my vehicle was left off the list. This is 100% unfair. You have a recall for 2011 Ford Explorers, except my vehicle. This is a dangerous problem. I could have had an accident with my two Grandchildren in the car. How can Ford know this is a problem, but leave vehicles off the list.
Steering, Mar 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while his wife was driving at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The driver was able to safely pull over and stopped the vehicle. The contact stated that the hydraulic system failure warning light was illuminated. The driver turned the vehicle off and, on several times, and the power steering functionality returned. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the electric power steering gear needed to be replaced. Additionally, the mechanic stated that the failure was similar to NHTSA Campaign Number 14V286000 (Steering) and 14E001000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.
Steering, Mar 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the power steering malfunction warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while driving, the steering wheel locked up and the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion had an internal failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) in 2014. No further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 83,242.
Steering, Mar 22, 2022
There is an issue with the power steering and the system on the vehicle states that there is a “power steering assist fault” and “terrain assist fault”. This issue completely locks my steering wheel to the point where it is impossible to turn. The concerning part of this issue is that there have been multiple times while driving through a parking lot or on the highway that this issue comes up out of nowhere. Luckily, this lapse in the power steering has only lasted less than a minute and during times when I could stop however, there will come a time when that won’t be the case and something serious may happen. The unfortunate part to this issue is that there is a recall for this exact issue amongst other 2011 ford explorers however, my vin# is not included in that recall. It makes absolutely no sense to me why it isn’t when the same problem is occurring in my vehicle.
Power train, Engine, Mar 21, 2022
Every time we put the car in park, it would not register that it was in park and warning kept flashing that said shift to park. We had to just turn off the car most of the time and sometimes wiggling the shifter would work any time the "Not in Park" sign comes on when I know the gear is in park. I believe this can cause serious damage to property or cause death since the vehicle can roll. I believe Ford Motor Co should own up and recall all vehicles for service much for This is a known problem that has been know to happen to 2011 Edge and Explorers. The switch in the console shifter tends to fail prematurely. If the light does not light up the computer thinks the car is NOT in Park and alarms go off. THIS NEEDS TO BE FIXED BY FORD THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE
Steering, Mar 21, 2022
Powering Steering assist fault light came on in my 2011 Ford Explorer . It is a recall for 2011 For Explorer, however my vehicle is not on the list. If this is a problem with 2011 Ford Explorers, it isn't fair to leave my vehicle off the recall list.
Steering, Mar 19, 2022
Power Steering assist fault
Steering, Mar 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH and approaching a curve, the warning message "Service Advance Tract” illuminated and the steering wheel locked inadvertently, almost causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle by using tremendous physical force to steer the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that he would be responsible for the cost of the repair as his VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 186,850.
Service brakes, Mar 16, 2022
Entire braking system on this 2011 with only 140,000 miles apparently all failed simultaneously. Dealer required replacement of rear brake pads, rotors, calipers, brake booster, master cylinder and wanted to replace the entire ABS control assembly - which I declined. Brakes had a "soft pedal" when I took it into the dealership and when I left the dealer apparently sabotaged the brake system as it was undrivable at that point. Dealer even requested I waive my rights prior to taking the vehicle (see attached). It appears Ford manufactured a vehicle that their own technicians can't figure out to properly repair without replacing the entire system that fails with low miles.
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 15, 2022
The vehicle has been in for service at Downs Ford Dealership twice in the past two years for the same issue and has yet to be resolved. When the gas tank is filled with gas, there is overwhelming smell of gas that doesn’t get better until the tank is about half full. The first time the car was in for service, I was told that the gas tank needed to be replaced but they were having trouble finding one. They said to take the car home and they would call when they found one but they never called. The vehicle was brought in a 2nd time to fix the issue in July of 2021. At that time we were told a valve needed to be replaced and charged $500 but it has not fixed the issue. I’m frustrated and tired of wasting $ and time without my car when they don’t seem to be able to fix it. Consumer would like to would like to withdraw the complaint.
Steering, Air bags, Mar 11, 2022
Airbag light stays on after have completed all the fixes as stated in the official TSB 12-5-11 05/29/12. The steering has become extremely difficult to turn at low speeds or moving for a complete stop. It is freezing up and get harder as time goes by. The recall is expired, but the symptoms are the exact same as the recall stated.
Steering, Mar 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that a recall for the steering had expired. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the failure was not safety-related and provided no further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000. THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN SERVICED IN AUGUST 2015.
Steering, Electrical system, Mar 7, 2022
The steering wheel gets hard to turn it acts like it has glitches in it. It goes from easy to hard and doesn’t come out of it’s turns on it’s own I have to pull it back. Almost acts like I’ve lost the power steering.
Steering, Traction control system, Mar 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was recently repaired under an unknown steering recall. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The steering assist, traction control, and an unknown warning light were illuminated during the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle would regain power steering functionality a day or two after the failure. The failure had recurred three times within the month. The contact had contacted the dealer who diagnosed that the power steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer confirmed that the vehicle was out of warranty and referred the contact to NHTSA for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 142,000.
Steering, Mar 1, 2022
The steering wheel is hard and I can not turn it correctly, upon asking Ford in Saugus Mass. they inform me that there is a two week waiting period. So i guess they will be responsable if it commpletly locks while I am driving on the highwway, or taking my children to school. Upon verifying the information on google there has been similar situaitons with this same model, my vehicle was, manufactored in May 2011. So it does go under the recall number 14S06. But Ford is not helping me with the stituation what so ever. I am a single mother with children I depend on no-one, so it is very unprofessional when I came with the urgent situation to them and they acted like they did not care.
Steering, Feb 28, 2022
Power Steering assist fault making steering impossible. Had to stop and restart the car a few times to clear the fault in order to move it. Lucky I was at a stop and not driving or I would not have been able to straighten the wheels and would have ended up in an accident
Steering, Feb 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the steering wheel seized with the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle however, the persisted. The vehicle was towed to the residence and was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
Steering, Feb 22, 2022
I was driving and my wheel locked up almost resulting in a accident I could not turn the wheel I had to pulled over and had to get my car towed I'm being told it is my rack and pinion I have a 2011 Ford explorer now they are charging me 3,000 dollars to get it fixed when their was a recall on it in 2015 I was only going 30 mph when this happened