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, Jul 27, 2017
OUR ELECTRICIAL POWER ASSIST STOPS WORKING WHILE DRIVING ALMOST CAUSE AND ACCIDENT HAS BEEN SEEN 2 TIMES TO BE FIXED AND KEEPS DOING IT
Air bags, Seat belts, Jul 26, 2017
RESTRAINTS INDICATOR LAMP WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND WON'T GO OFF. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT SETUP THIS FRIDAY WITH MY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT, BUT WHEN I RESEARCHED THE ISSUE, I FOUND THAT A TON OF PEOPLE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. A MAJORITY WERE RESOLVED BY FIXING A CONNECTION UNDER THE DRIVER SEAT.
Steering, Electrical system, Jul 25, 2017
MY STEERING WENT OUT ON MY VEHICLE WHILE I WAS DRIVING. MY RADIO AND SCREEN GOES OUT SEVERAL TIMES A MONTH.
Electrical system, Jul 20, 2017
GOT INTO MY CAR AFTER BEING PARKED FOR ABOUT AN HOUR AND CONSOLE SCREEN NEVER TURNED ON. NO HANDSFREE PHONE CONNECTION, NO RADIO, NO NAVIGATION, NO BACK UP CAMERA. DID NOT COME BACK AFTER MORE THAN 2 WEEKS OF DRIVING. APIM FAILURE AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. FORD KNEW THIS PART WAS POOR BECAUSE THEY EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON IT UP TO FIVE YEARS BUT WOULD NOW ALLOW REPLACEMENT UNDER THE WARRANTY UNLESS THE APIM FAILED. $1300 REPAIR. APPLIES TO FORD CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 12M01 AND NHTSA ID NUMBER 10044905.
Steering, Electrical system, Jul 19, 2017
I'VE REPORTED TO A LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP THAT WHEN I TURN MY CAR ON, AN ALARM ALERT SOUNDS AND I GET A WARNING LIGHT THAT SAYS, POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT AND I CAN'T MOVE MY STEERING WHEEL. I HAVE TO RE-START MY CAR 1-5 TIMES FOR IT TO START WORKING. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND A LIABILITY. I TOOK IT TO FORD AND THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T PULL A CODE. HOWEVER LITERALLY AN HOUR AFTER PICKING UP MY CAR, I GOT THE WARNING AGAIN AND I TOOK A PICTURE OF IT WITH MILEAGE SHOWING TO SHOW IT HAPPENED AFTER. THEY CHARGED ME $100 TO BE TOLD MY CAR IS FINE. IT IS NOT. SINCE TAKING IT IN, MY REAR VIEW CAMERA WILL NOW NOT WORK. I HAVE MADE FORD AWARE OF THIS STEERING ISSUE AND WANT IT FIXED IMMEDIATELY. CLEARLY THE RECALL DID NOT ACCURATELY HIT ALL VIN NUMBERS. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 10 TIMES IN PAST 6-8 MONTHS.
Other or unspecified, Jul 13, 2017
FOUL SMELL WHEN DRIVING AND AIR CONDITIONER ON AT TIMES. HAPPENED MANY TIMES OVER THE LAST YEAR. EXCESSIVE SLEEPINESS WHEN DRIVING AND HAVE TO PULL OVER.
Power train, Jul 10, 2017
CAR LOSSES POWER WHILE IN MOTION. FRIST TIME NEAR MY HOME. SECOND TIME WHILE DRIVING IN TOWN. STOP, TURN OFF MOTOR THEN BACK ON AND MESSAGE IS GONE. MY CAR HAS DONE THIS TWICE NOW. DO NOT TRUST MY CAR TO DRIVE FAR FROM HOME. THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY IS HAVING ISSUES AND UNDERSTAND IT'S BEEN RECALLED ON A DIFFERENT FORD CAR BUT NOT EXPLORER. MOST LIKELY SAME THROTTLE ASSEMBLY!
Visibility, Jul 6, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE CONTACT SAW A PIECE FLY OFF OF THE WINDSHIELD AND INTO TRAFFIC. THE CONTACT STOPPED TO INSPECT THE WINDSHIELD AND NOTICED THAT THE PLASTIC PIECE WAS CONNECTED TO THE PANEL OF THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT CALLED ALL STAR LINCOLN FORD (17742 AIRLINE HWY, PRAIRIEVILLE, LA 70769, (225) 490-7645) WHERE THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO TAKE A PHOTO OF THE WINDSHIELD AND TO SEND IT TO FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.
Suspension, Visibility/wiper, Jul 2, 2017
MY VEHICLE WAS ON THE ROAD IN MOTION WHEN I HEARD A CREAKING/CLANKING NOISE ON THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE NEAR THE TIRE. AFTER TAKING MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO DETERMINE WHAT THE CAUSE OF THE NOISE WAS, I WAS ADVISED THAT IT WAS A FAULTY FRONT RIGHT STRUT AND SPRING ASSEMBLY. I HAD MY MECHANIC REPLACE BOTH THE FRONT AND LEFT STRUTS. AFTER DOING A LOT OF RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET FROM OTHER FORD EXPLORER OWNERS , I BELIEVE THAT STRUT AND SPRING ASSEMBLY ARE MANUFACTURE DEFECTS. WHILE BACKING UP MY VEHICLE, I NOTICED THAT THE BACK UP CAMERA WAS BLANK AND NOT WORKING. AFTER MONITORING THE OPERATION OF THE BACK UP CAMERA, IT HAS BECOME AND INTERMITTENT ISSUE, IT COMES AND GOES. NOW, MY BACK UP CAMERA IS WORKING BUT THE BACK UP CAMERA GUIDELINES ARE NOT THERE. AFTER READING MANY BLOGS, THERE' S ALOT OF FORD EXPLORER OWNERS WHO ARE HAVING SIMILAR ISSUES WITH THE BACK UP CAMERA. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND I BELIEVE IT IS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT.
Steering, Jun 16, 2017
I WAA DRIVING TO WORK AND ALL OF A SUDDEN WARNING MESSAGES APPEARED TO SERVICE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT, SERVICE TERRAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FAULT, SERVICE ADVANCE TRAC. I COMPLETELY LOST CONTROL OF TURNING THE WHEEL AND MY TURNING SIGNALS COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING. I WAS BARELY ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE WHICH IS VERY DANGEROUS. CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO SHOP AND NOW I'M OUT OF A CAR. VERY STRESSFUL AS I NEED A CAR TO MOVE AROUND.
Power train, Jun 15, 2017
I HAVE A 2011 FORD EXPLORER AND I ABSOLUTELY HATE IT !!! EVER SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE , I HAVE HAD MANY PROBLEMS. I JUST HAD MY POWER STEERING RACK REPLACED , OUT OF POCKET, UNTIL FORD DECIDED TO RECALL IT. NOW, I HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSFER CASE , WHICH IRONICALLY WENT BAD OUT OF NO WHERE. THE TRANSFER CASE IS A MAJOR ISSUE WITH FORD VEHICLES AND FORD REFUSES TO RECALL IT . I HAVE HAD MANY MANY PROBLEMS WITH
Steering, Jun 14, 2017
HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE EPAS STEERING . WILL GET A WARNING THAT THAT SAYS "ELECTRONIC POWER ASSIST FAILURE". THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE AND THE DEALER DI A SOFTWARE UPDATE. THOUGHT IT WAS REPAIRED, BUT IT IS HAPPENING AGAIN. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN IT HAPPENS BECAUSE YOU HAVE NO NOTICE. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE POWER STEERING GOES IN MANUAL MODE AND IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. ESPECIALLY WHEN ITS MY WIFE'S VEHICLE. IT ALMOST CAUSED HER TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT WHILE TRYING TO TURN ON TO ANOTHER ROAD, ALMOST HITTING OTHER VEHICLES. I HAVE SINCE FOUND THAT FORD IS HAVING A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THIS ON OTHER VEHICLES. MY VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.
Steering, May 31, 2017
14S06 REPLACE STEERING RACK ASSEMBLY! UPDATE THE POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE (PSCM) SOFTWARE! MY FAMILY WAS IN THIS VEHICLE WHEN THE STEERING FAILED. THIS NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED IMMEDIATELY! NEWS: FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2013 FORD EXPLORER VEHICLES; POWER STEERING GEAR REPORT RECEIPT DATE: MAY 29, 2014 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000 COMPONENT(S): POWER STEERING GEAR POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED: 179,027 JUNE 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 IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN BY JULY 25, 2014. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-392-3673. FORD'S NUMBER FOR THIS RECALL IS 14S06. FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2013 FORD EXPLORER VEHICLES; POWER STEERING GEAR REPORT RECEIPT DATE: MAY 29, 2014 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000 COMPONENT(S): POWER STEERING GEAR FORD DOES NOT HAVE ALL VIN NUMBERS IMPACTED BY THIS RECALL LISTED. I HAD TO DEMAND THE DEALER TO CHECK AGAIN. PLEASE GET WORD OUT SO THAT THERE IS NO INJURY OR LOSS OF LIFE DUE TO THIS STEERING ISSUE!!!!!!!
Seat belts, May 31, 2017, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH AND CROSSING AN INTERSECTION, ANOTHER VEHICLE STRUCK THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, BUT THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER FAILED TO LOCK. THE CONTACT'S HEAD STRUCK THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT RECEIVED HEAD, BACK, NECK, AND KNEE INJURIES, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 23, 2017
CAR WAS FINE THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN OVER HEATING SIGN WENT ON IN THE CAR . I PULLED OVER ON THE FREEWAY CALLED A TOW TRUCK BECAUSE I WAS TOLD NOT TO DRIVE THE CAR. I HAD IT TOWED TO MY HOUSE HAD A PROFESSIONAL MECHANIC LOOK AT IT AT MY HOUSE I WAS THEN TOLD THAT THERE WAS A LEAK AND THE WATER TANK WAS NOT HOLDING WATER BECAUSE OF IT. THE NEXT DAY I WENT TO MY CAR I TURNED IT ON AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. I THEN TURNED OFF THE CAR CAUSE I DID NOT WANT TO CAUSE ANYMORE DAMAGE. THE MECHANIC CAME BACK TO MY HOUSE AND TOLD ME IT WAS NOW LEAKING WATER AND OIL TO TAKE IT IN RIGHT AWAY. I HAD NO PREVIOUS PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR UNTIL THAT POINT. I TAKE IT TO THE DEALER THEY TELL ME THAT IT WAS AN INTERNAL PROBLEM WITHIN THE ENGINE THAT I, THE DRIVER, COULD NOT HAVE KNOWN ABOUT UNLESS I WAS HAVING PREVIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR WHICH I WAS NOT. 230 DOLLARS LATER JUST TO TELL ME WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE CAR FORD IS TELLING ME THAT WATER GOT INTO THE ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, ALL OF THE FLUIDS AND PIPES. HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN WITH NO PREVIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR? I BELIEVE THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE RESOLVED I HAVE READ MANY REVIEWS ON THIS MODEL AND THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE RECALLED
Other or unspecified, May 22, 2017
THE REAR VIEW CAMERA SYSTEM STARTED SHOWING A REVERSE IMAGE TO WHAT IS ACTUALLY BEHIND US WITHOUT WARNING (THE VIDEO WAS SHOWING MIRRORED/BACKWARDS VIEW). THIS CAUSED US TO THINK SOMEONE WHO WAS ACTUALLY ON ONE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS IN A SAFE PLACE, WHILE IN REALITY THEY WERE IN THE PATH OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS LARGE BLIND SPOTS IN THE BACK SIDES MAKING AN ACCURATE PICTURE A MUST-HAVE
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
Steering, May 4, 2017
TURNING FROM HIGHWAY TO SUBDIVISION, POWER STEERING WENT OUT WHICH CAUSED ME TO ALMOST RUN INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE WHO WAS TURNING ONTO THE HIGHWAY. THIS HAS BEEN A KNOWN ISSUE WITH MY TRUCK'S MAKE AND MODEL AND PERHAPS THE ISSUE WAS LARGER THAN ORIGINALLY THOUGHT SINCE CLEARLY THIS ISSUE EFFECTS ME AND IT NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT.
Steering, May 2, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND REPAIRED. HOWEVER, WHILE THE CONTACT'S WIFE WAS DRIVING 25 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL AND THE VEHICLE VEERED INTO THE NEXT LANE. THE STEERING FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT IT HAD ALREADY BEEN REPAIRED AND THAT THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR ANY FURTHER REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 06/29/17*LJ
Steering, May 1, 2017
APRIL 30, 2017, WHEN STARTING MY EXPLORER I WAS NOTIFIED BY THE ONBOARD NOTIFICATION SYSTEM THAT THE STEERING POWER ASSIST HAD FAILED. NEXT MESSAGE STATED THE ADVANCE TRACK SYSTEM HAD ALSO FAILED. SURE ENOUGH THE POWER STEERING WAS NONEXISTENT. DROVE IT HOME AND FOUND THE CARE UNDRIVEABLE FOR MOST PEOPLE DUE TO THE FORCE REQUIRED AT THE WHEEL TO NEGOTIATE A TYPICAL RIGHT OR LEFT TURN AT 20 MPH.....!!!!! THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED ACCORDING TO THE FORD HOUSE IN 2014 SO THEY ARE UNWILLING TO ASSUME ANYMORE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FIX. THIS IS PROBLEMATIC DUE TO THE WIDESPREAD EXPERIENCE OF FORD OWNERS ACROSS AMERICA WHO NOW FACE RIDICULOUS COSTS ALL FOR THE SAME PROBLEM THAT WILL COME AGAIN IN 3-4 YEARS ($1700+). THE REAL PROBLEM HERE IS THE SYSTEM MIGHT JUST FAIL AT JUST THE WRONG TIME AND SEND YOU AND YOUR FAMILY OVER THE SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN ROAD OR ACROSS THE LANE INTO THAT EMBANKMENT! SUPER. TIME FOR FORD TO STEP UP!
Air bags, Apr 25, 2017
PURCHASED USED VEHICLE JANUARY 2017. MARCH 2017 AIRBAG LIGHT APPEARED INTERMITTENTLY AT START, WHEN PLACED IN DRIVE, OR TRAVELING AT VARIABLE SPEEDS. APRIL 2017 AIRBAG LIGHT NOW ILLUMINATES 95% OF TIME AT START AND REMAINS ON THROUGHOUT OPERATION. FORD DEALERSHIP IDENTIFIED AIRBAG CODE B1212, ADVISING HIGH ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE IN GEAR SHIFTER REQUIRING REPLACEMENT AS WILL NOT INDICATE TO VEHICLE SAFETY MONITORING SYSTEM THAT VEHICLE IS IN PROPER GEAR AND THEREFOR PASS FAULT DETECTING SYSTEM. REPAIR/REPLACEMENT APPROXIMATELY $515.00. TSB-12-5-11 HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR THIS CODE, WAS APPLIED WITH NO RESOLVE. FAULT DISABLES CRITICAL SAFETY SYSTEM, IS NOT COVERED UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY AND IS OWNER'S FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. THERE IS AN ENORMOUS CONSUMER REPORTING TREND FOR THIS DEFECT IN MAKE/MODEL. RECOMMEND RECALL INVESTIGATION AS COMMON TREND THAT DISABLES CRITICAL VEHICLE SAFETY FEATURE IDENTIFIED BY MANUFACTURER IN TSB-12-5-11. INTERNET RESEARCH ON THIS MATTER SUBSTANTIATES MULTIPLE AND REPEATED OWNER/MANUFACTURER HISTORICAL DATA SUPPORTING CLAIM.
Air bags, Apr 23, 2017
RANDOMLY, THE AIRBAG LIGHT WILL COME ON AND REMAIN ON UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS RESET, INDICATING THERE IS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH THE SRS SYSTEM. HAPPENS AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, DURING THE INITIAL TESTING OF COMPONENTS. UPON SEARCHING ONLINE, THERE SEEMS TO BE QUITE A BIT OF PEOPLE WITH EXPLORERS BETWEEN 2011-2015 WITH THIS PROBLEM.
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Apr 1, 2017
I FIRST BEGAN EXPERIENCING BRAKING AND BATTERY ISSUES 3 TO 4 WEEKS AFTER THE PURCHASE OF MY VEHICLE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICING OF THE BRAKING AND BATTERY ISSUES. I WAS INFORMED BY THE SERVICE ADVISOR THAT I SHOULD RETURN THE VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS DUE TO THE MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH VEHICLE. AT THAT TIME, I LEARNED THAT THERE WAS LEAKAGE FROM THE UPPER PORTION OF THE ENGINE. THE DEALERSHIP ADDRESSES SOME BUT NOT ALL ISSUES RELATED TO THE VEHICLE. NEXT, I RECEIVED AN EMAIL FROM THE DEALERSHIP STATING THE VEHICLE WAS DUE FOR FACTORY RECOMMENDED SERVICING. I MADE AN APPT. THE NEXT DAY, THE LOW BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON. CALLED DEALERSHIP, NO RESPONSE. ONE AND A HALF WEEKS LATER, THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. CALLED TRIPLE A. BATTERY HAD BATTERY ACID AND CORROSION EVERYWHERE. A RED SOLUTION WAS SPRAYED ON THE BATTERY TO PREVENT LEAKAGE. BUT IT DIDN'T WORK THAT WELL. INFORMED DEALERSHIP AT THE TIME OF SERVICE, THAT THE POWER STEERING SERVICE LIGHT HAD COME ON. FIVE DAYS LATER, I COULDN'T TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. BOTH SERVICE ADVISORS STATED THAT VEHICLE SHOULDN'T HAVE BEEN PLACED ON LOT FOR SALE. I NO LONGER FEEL SAFE IN THIS VEHICLE. AS I HAVE TWO MINOR CHILDREN. THE DATE OF ONSET WOULD'VE BEEN 04/08/2016. THERE IS ANOTHER PHOTO, HOWEVER, THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH ROOM TO INCLUDE.
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Apr 1, 2017
I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE IN MARCH OF 2016. I FIRST HAD ISSUES WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM. I HEARD SCREECHING AND WHIRRING AS I DROVE THE VEHICLE. NEXT, I HAD ISSUES WITH THE BATTERY, BATTERY ACID LEAKED ALL OVER THE BATTERY, CORROSION BUILT UP ON THE BATTERY. MOST RECENTLY, AFTER SERVICING MY VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING LOCKED UP. THE COMPUTER READ THAT THERE WAS POWER STEERING FAULT. I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW I WAS ABLE TO PURCHASE A VEHICLE OFF THE DEALERSHIP LOT WITH ALL OF THE ISSUES THAT THE VEHICLE HAD.
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.