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.
Suspension, Feb 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V746000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who stated the recall was not shown in the system. The contact stated the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified but no further assistance was provided. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN tool showed no open recall.
Steering, Feb 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH and making a right turn, the steering wheel seized and made a jumping motion causing the vehicle to move both left and right. The contact stated that the traction control warning light and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The contact parked on the side of the road and restarted the vehicle but continued to experience the vehicle. The contact stated he continued to drive the vehicle with the failure to the residence. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the control module and rack and pinion to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 236,111.
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.
Suspension, Feb 17, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V746000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that there was a noise coming from the front of the vehicle. The local dealer and the manufacturer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Steering, Feb 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the steering wheel would seize. The contact stated she would turn off and restart the vehicle for the steering wheel to function properly. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The contact was able to park on the side of the road and the power steering assist fault warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the actuator for the power steering pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering, Feb 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the power steering control module (PSCM) software was updated. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, his daughter noticed that the steering wheel had lost power steering assist functionality. The message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was illuminated. The contact's daughter turned off and as she restarted the vehicle, the steering wheel regained power steering functionality. The contact's daughter continued to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power steering gear had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer advised the contact that he would be responsible for the cost of the repair as SSSC denied the request to cover the vehicle repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000. Dealer notified the owner that recall 14S06 was still open on this vehicle. The owner picked up the vehicle from the dealer and, the power steering system failed again with the message “Power Steering Assist Fault”. Owner tried to steer the vehicle. It was very hard to steer. Owner turned off the vehicle and restarted, and the power steering was restored. Power steering failure occurred while the vehicle was parked. No damage or injury occurred . Owner determined that the failure was a safety issue, because the vehicle would be too hard to steer if the power steering failed while driving. Owner had the power steering gear replaced at Apple Ford and paid all expenses out of pocket. Owner found recall 14S06 Supplement #3 on NHTSA’s website. Supplement# 3 states that “ This safety recall involves reprogramming the Power Steering Control Module, or replacing the steering gear if certain Diagnostic Trouble Codes are present, regardless of vehicle mileage or warranty start date.
Steering, Feb 5, 2022
Error message appeared and lost power steering to the vehicle while driving. I learned that 14S06 safety recall was to address this very situation (codes matched). Ford denied the safety recall due to 10 year limit (Vehicle has 39,000 miles and is 10ys 7mo old) May 17th 2019 Letter from ford regarding safety recall 14S06 updates the recall to "regardless of vehicle mileage or warranty start date." I paid for the fix out of pocket as I need a vehicle that doesn't lose the agility to steer while travelling down the roadway. I'd like Ford to honor the safety recall and reimburse me for the repair.
Electrical system, Visibility, Feb 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) had become defective which caused the front and rear defrosters to not operate as needed. The contact also stated that the APIM failure had caused the rear backup camera to not function. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer and was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Steering, Feb 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving around a right turn at approximately 40 MPH, the power steering suddenly malfunctioned and the steering wheel became difficult to turn nearly causing the vehicle to collide with an approaching oncoming vehicle traveling in the opposite lane. During the incident, the messages "Advancetrac" and "Service Power Steering" were displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering gear assembly was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact indicated that the steering gear assembly had already been replaced on two separate occasions; once under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 138,000.
Steering, Jan 28, 2022
Power steering rack and pinion quit working. Part is on hold because Ford knows its a dangerous part that is breaking and the part is not reliable
Steering, Jan 25, 2022
I own a 2011 Ford explorer. There was a recall #11V063000 that has not been put on my vehicle however, the exact problem is happening to my vehicle. The power steering will go while driving and it has happened several times.
Steering, Jan 25, 2022
The ABS and the terrain system will flash and the power steering will flash red and you will loose power steering. We have been told the steering rack needs replaced and there was a recall on this a time before.
Steering, Jan 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering would intermittently fail to operate as needed. The "service power steering now" and "service advancetrac" warning messages would appear on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that when the failure initially started, the power steering functionality would return upon restart of the vehicle; however, recently, the failure would persist even after restart. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective steering rack. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Steering, Jan 12, 2022
Failure on Power Assisted steering. I'm not able to move the wheels. Failure came at ~5am when I turn on the vehicle. I left the vehicle in my garage and then I turn on at 12pm and I get the same failure. Around ~3pm I turned on the vehicle and there is no error. I'm afraid to use this vehicle for safety concerns. I forgot to take pictures of the error during the first time of the issue. The dealer told me that there is no recall from Ford but doing a search thru the web there are a lot of concerns for this specific problem. Any help will be appreciated due to the car will not be used in order to get a proper evaluation from Ford. The error message is no longer available in the vehicle due to when I turn on the vehicle at 3pm the error and problem disappear. I'm worried that the dealer does not find the main issue and then costs me a lot of money for just evaluation. My approach is that this vehicle will not be in use until getting proper contact from FORD. The safety of my family is first even this problem is known on another vehicles.
Steering, Jan 9, 2022
While driving the vehicle, the service power steering and traction control warning appeared on the dash. Vehicle lost all power steering and the turn signals quit working.
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.
Steering, Dec 30, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while attempting to reverse out of the driveway, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the power steering fault warning message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the rack and pinion replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that they were unable to assist. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 28, 2021
No warning when the fuel relay gasket attached to the pump assembly fails and allows fuel vapor to fill the cabin of the car. Owner safety is at risk of possible fire. I know of 2 Ford dealerships that are aware of the safety hazard.
Steering, Dec 27, 2021
My steering wheel is not moving and I have a warning coming on saying Power Steering Assist Fault. I called the dealership because it was a recall on the truck in 2014 and the owner back then never went and got it fixed. The dealership is refusing to fix the recall
Steering, Dec 22, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the power steering assist fault message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed him that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 228,655.
Steering, Dec 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the power steering assist failed, and the steering wheel locked up. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that they could not assist since the vehicle was not purchased from a Ford dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
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.
Steering, Nov 17, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the power steering fault message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and was diagnosed with needing the steering gear and steering rack replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000. Consumer has a recall issue which still is ongoing and Ford refuses to fix it.
Steering, Nov 9, 2021
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the power steering assist fault message was displayed. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer where it was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,300.