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.
Power train, Engine, Mar 16, 2017
WENT TO GO DRIVE THE SUV WHILE DOING ONLY 25 MPH & IT WAS RAVING OUR 3-5 RPM. WHILE DRUG IN THE CITY
Steering, Mar 9, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT SLOW SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES AND OPERATED AS NORMAL AFTER BEING RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14E001000 (STEERING) OR 14V286000 (STEERING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Air bags, Mar 2, 2017
AIRBAG LIGHT COMES OFF & ON WHEN DRIVING. WHEN LIGHT IS ON THE AIRBAG WILL NOT OPERATE IN A CRASH.
Engine, Feb 22, 2017
WE HAVE EXHAUST IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WHEN CLIMBING A HILL OR AT A TRAFFIC STOP WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING, WE NOTICE THE PROBLEM WHEN UNDER ACCELARATION AND WHILE USING THE HEATER/AC. WILL OPEN THE WINDOW WHEN STOPPED WITH THE CAR IDELING TO LESSEN THE SMELL. HAVE COMPLAINED TO FORD BUT HAVE HAD NOTHING DONE. THERE IS A TECHNICAL BULLITEN ON THE VALVE COVER WITH A REPLACEMENT PART BUT FORD HAS NOT RECALLED IT AND WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM.
Other or unspecified, Feb 20, 2017
WITHIN THE PAST YEAR WE HAVE SMELLED ROTTEN EGGS IN THE CAB OF OUR EXPLORER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS BUT ASSUMED IT WAS NOTHING. UPON READING AN ARTICLE ABOUT AN INVESTIGATION INTO CARBON MONOXIDE SEEPING INTO THE CAB WE ARE EXTREMELY NERVOUS. WE HAVE TWO SMALL CHILDREN. THIS ALWAYS HAPPENS WHEN THE BEHICLE IS DRIVING.
Other or unspecified, Feb 19, 2017
SINCE I GOT MY EXPLORER IN DEC 2014 OFF AND ON I'VE HAD AN ISSUE WITH A FOUL SMELL IN THE CAR. SINCE IT WOULD COME AND GO I JUST WOULD USE MORE AIR FRESHENERS WHEN IT HAPPENED. BUT RECENTLY IT HAS GOTTEN MUCH WORSE! THE SMELL NOW IS UNBEARABLE ,I'VE BEEN RECENTLY DEALING WITH REAL BAD HEADACHES AS WELL. THE CAR ONLY HAS 64K MILES AND NOW AFTER SO RESEARCH I SEE IT'S A PROBLEM WITH OTHERS ALSO! I NEVER USED TO LIKE FORD BEFORE BUT THE LOOK OF THIS ONE CAUGHT MY EYE. I SHOULD'VE STAYED AWAY, THIS PURCHASE WAS A HUGE MISTAKE! UNTIL I CAN GET RID OF THIS CAR MY KIDS WILL NOT RIDE WITH ME IN IT AGAIN. THIS HAPPENS BOTH WHEN I'M DRIVING AND WHEN I PARK AFTER DRIVING. IT SMELLS AND SMOKE COMES FROM UNDER THE CAR WHEN I STOP AT RED LIGHTS
Engine, Feb 17, 2017
WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY OR WHEN ACCELERATING THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE SMELLS OF ROTTING EGGS. FROM TIME TO TIME IT IS SMELT WHEN SITTING AT AND IDLING. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH OUR 2011 FORD EXPLORER.
Other or unspecified, Feb 17, 2017
FREQUENT STRONG EXHAUST SMELL IN THE CAB, WORSE AFTER DRIVING FOR AN EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME AT HIGHWAYS SPEEDS THEN SLOWING DOWN OR STOPPING AND SITTING WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 15, 2017
STRONG ENGINE EXHAUST SMELL IN VEHICLE CABIN WHILE DRIVING, DURING ENGINE OPERATION ABOVE 3000-3500 RPM WITH WINDOWS CLOSED AND CLIMATE CONTROL ON. OUTSIDE AIR ON OR OFF SEEMS TO MAKE NO DIFFERENCE.
Other or unspecified, Feb 14, 2017
WE HAVE EXPERIENCED CLEARLY DISCERNIBLE EXHAUST GAS LEAKS INTO THE CABIN OF THE 2011 EXPLORER, WHICH ARE MOST NOTICEABLE WHEN ACCELERATING. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP RECENTLY, AND THEY IMPLEMENTED A TSB FROM FORD THAT INVOLVED ADDING SMALL VENTS IN THE REAR DOOR AREA. THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT TELL US IF THIS WOULD ACTUALLY RESOLVE THE ISSUE. AND WE HAVE NOT DRIVEN THE VEHICLE SINCE THAT TIME, SO DON'T YET KNOW IF THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN RESOLVED BY THE TSB IMPLEMENTATION.
Structure, Feb 14, 2017
WHEN ACCELERATING UP INCLINES OR HILLS OR WHEN ENTERING THE HIGHWAY FROM THE ACCELERATION LANE OR ACCELERATING TO PASS A STRONG ODOR OF EXHAUST GAS CAN BE DETECTED IN THE PASSENGER CABIN. THE SMELL IS SO STRONG THE WINDOWS HAVE TO BE LET DOWN TO EVACUATE THE CABIN OF THE EXHAUST GAS.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 14, 2017
WHILE DRIVING AND ESPECIALLY AFTER, THERE IS A BURNING HAIR SMELL THAT IS IN THE CAR AND WHEN YOU STEP OUTSIDE THE CAR IT IS VERY STRONG IN THE ENGINE. UPON LEARNING OF THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT TOO LATE, IT HELPED MAKE SENSE WHY I WAS SMELLING THE "BURNT HAIR" SMELL WHEN I RAN THE HEATER AND/OR AC. THIS WAS ANYTIME I DROVE THE CAR WHETHER HIGHWAY DRIVING OR AROUND TOWN.
Steering, Power train, Feb 6, 2017
MY 2011 FORD EXPLORER HAD A FAULTY TRANSFER CASE, WHICH SET ME BACK $2000.00. THE ISSUE I WAS EXPERIENCING WAS A GRINDING NOISE IN MY FRONT END WHILE DRIVING. I WOULD EXPERIENCE HESITATION WHEN INCREASING SPEEDS, AS IF THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING. WHILE GOING IN REVERSE, THE CAR WOULD STALL AND THE GEAR WOULD LOCK. I WOULD HAVE TO PUT THE CAR BACK IN PARK AND TRY TO REVERSE AGAIN, IN ORDER TO MOVE. MAZDA HAS THE SAME ISSUE WITH THEIR TRANSFER CASE, WHICH IS THE SAME TRANSFER CASE ON THE 2011 FORD EXPLORER!!!!!!! THIS CAR HAS MAJOR ISSUE ACROSS THE BOARD. I JUST RECENTLY REPLACED THE POWER STEERING RACK, WHICH WAS EVENTUALLY RECALLED BY FORD AFTER NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS. THE 2011 FORD EXPLORER TRANSFER CASE SHOULD BE RECALLED BY FORD. THE TRANSFER CASE CAN DISMANTLE AND CAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT WHILE YOUR ARE DRIVING!!
Steering, Feb 3, 2017
MY STEERING GEAR WENT BAD ON 1-18-2017 I REPLACED IT AT MY COST $1,666.73 IT LASTED ABOUT 10 DAYS AND WENT OUT AGAIN.
Suspension, Feb 1, 2017, crash
DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY IN MY CAR LOST CONTROL. THIS WAS REALLY SCARY. I SAW SEVERED CRAVING FOR WELD. THE TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE WAS -25. I REPORTED IT TO THE DEALER. HE REFUSED TO HELP ME. NOW I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR. I FEAR FOR THE LIVES OF THEIR LOVED ONES. DATE OF INCIDENT: 27 JANUARY 2017 VIDEO SCENE: HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=59M8A1KXYPO I'M FROM RUSSIA. HOPE ONLY ON YOU. MY ADDRESS [XXX] TELEPHONE [XXX] I DO NOT WISH THAT EVEN SOMEONE HURT. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Steering, Jan 27, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE POWER ASSIST WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 146,000.
Steering, Jan 25, 2017
AT START, VEHICLE SHOWS POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILURE AND BECAUSE VEHICLE IS PARKED, ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN STEERING WHEEL - STARTED 2 MONTHS AGO AS INTERMITTENT PROBLEM, THEN PERMANENT FAILURE NOW. ISSUE HAS NOT OCCURRED, YET, WHILE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. VEHICLE SUBJECT TO RECALL 14V286000 - EVALUATED IN OCT 2014 WHEN NO FAULTS OR DTCS WERE SHOWING UP - DEALER SAID SOFTWARE UPDATED PER RECALL ACTIONS - DTC IS NOW U3000 WHICH IS THE REPLACE GEAR CODE. PRIOR EVALUATION WASNO REPLACEMENT NEEDED THEN BECAUSE NO FAULTS WERE SHOWING WHICH APPEARS TO BE A USELESS RECALL ACTION THAT DID NOTHING TO PREVENT SAFETY ISSUE. EVEN THOUGH THE SAFETY RECALL ITEM (DTC U3000) IS NOW OCCURRING 2 YEARS AFTER INITIAL EVALUATION, DEALER & FORD WILL DO NOTHING. WHY IS YOUR RECALL # 14V286000 SO USELESS? *TR
Steering, Jan 21, 2017, crash
I STARTED THE CAR AND A NOTICE CAME UP: "SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW" WITHOUT WARNING. I PULLED OFF AND THE CAR DRAGGED TO THE RIGHT AND INTO THE CURB. I WASN'T INJURED. I HAD TO DRIVE IT HOME AS IS. I WAS PARALLEL PARKED BY A BUILDING. THE POWER STEERING OF THE FORD EXPLORER IS A FAULTY SYSTEM AND THEY'RE QUOTING ME OVER $2,000 TO FIX IT.
Steering, Jan 18, 2017
MY WIFE WAS BRINGING MY KIDS HOME FROM SCHOOL AND HAD A COMPLETE STEERING FAILURE BUT WAS NOT INJURED AND DID NOT HAVE AN ACCIDENT
Other or unspecified, Jan 18, 2017
MY WIFE HAS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. IT WAS AROUND CHRISTMAS WHEN WE NOTICED THAT GIFTS IN THE BACK STORAGE AREA WERE SOAKING WET. I REMOVED THE SPARE TIRE AND IN THE SPARE TIRE HOLDER WAS APPROXIMATELY 2 INCHES OF WATER. I SEARCHED WATER LEAKS ON THE INTERNET AND WAS OVERWHELMED HOW MANY PEOPLE HAD THE SAME TYPE OF PROBLEM WITH THERE 2011 EXPLORER. I TOOK IT TO A DEALER AND FILED A CLAIM WITH OUR INSURANCE. NEITHER WOULD COVER THE DAMAGE. THEY BOTH SAID ITS FAULTY SEAM SEALER AND WAS OUR RESPONSIBILITY. THIS IS SO RIDICULOUS. ITS A 5 YEAR OLD VEHICLE.
Steering, Jan 17, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE POWER ASSIST WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT THE TECHNICIAN COULD NOT FIND A FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jan 17, 2017
THE BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM COMES ON WHILE DRIVE AT NORMAL SPEED AND THE STEERING BECOMES VERY HARD AND THEN EVERYTHING SHUTS DOWN AND IF YOU ARE LUCKY YOU MIGHT MAKE IT OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THIS IS VERY SCARY AS I LIVE IN A RURAL AROUND WHERE YOU CAN'T ALWAYS GET OVER IN AN APPROPRIATE AREA. IN THE PAST I COULD LET IT SET FOR A MINUTE AND RESTART IT AND WOULD BE FINE. RECENTLY HAD TO HAVE IT JUMP STARTED FOR IT TO RUN AGAIN AND THEN SEEMS FINE. JUST LAST NIGHT/THIS MORNING IT WAS SO BAD THAT WE HAD TO LET IT SIT FOR SEVERAL HOURS BEFORE WE COULD GET IT TO JUMP START IT AGAIN. I HAVE SAW THAT OTHERS HAVE HAD SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. WHEN I SEARCHED MY VIN NUMBER IT SAYS THERE IS NO RECALLS BUT WHEN I WAS SEARCHING FOR RECALLS IT MENTIONS THE POWER STEERING AS A RECALL. THE RECALL WAS PRIOR TO ME PURCHASING THIS UNIT. I AM FRUSTRATED AND THIS IS A GREAT SAFETY RECALL THAT FORD SHOULD FIX ON ALL VEHICLES. THE DATE ENTERING AS EVENT HAPPENED WAS THE LAST EVENT BUT IT STARTED BACK IN MAY OF 2016. *TR
Other or unspecified, Jan 13, 2017
EXHAUST FUMES IN CAB UNDER HARD ACCELERATION
Visibility/wiper, Dec 26, 2016
I HAD STARTED THE CAR BEFORE OUR TRIP WITH THE REMOST START AND IT WARMED UP FOR 10 MINUTES. WE WERE ABOUT 15 MINUTES INTO OUR TRIP AND DRIVING DOWN THE I-96 EXPRESSWAY IN GRAND RAPIDS, MI NEAR EXIT 43 (28TH STREET), 65 MPH, 9:45PM, 32-33 DEGREES OUTSIDE AND RAINING, REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER ON AS WELL AS AUTO TEMP CONTROL AT 70 DEGREES. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE REAR WINDOW LOUDLY EXPLODES INWARDS AND SHOWERS OUR 10 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WITH GLASS (SHE WAS THE ONLY PASSENGER IN THE THIRD ROW) AS WELL AS INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. IMMEDIATELY PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY AT THE NEXT EXIT, THERE WAS NO SIGN OF IMPACT, NO SNOW OR ICE IN THE CAR, NO ROCKS, NO BULLETS. WHERE IT OCCURRED THERE WERE NO OVERPASS OR SIGNS OVER THE ROAD (NOTHING COULD HAVE FALLEN ON OUR CAR). AFTER INSPECTING THE WINDOW, IT WAS APPARENT THAT THE WHOLE WINDOW WAS SHATTERED WITH A LARGE GAPING HOLE IN THE LOWER MIDDLE (12" X 18") WITH MOST OF THAT GLASS IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER HAD CAME THROUGH THE HOLE AND WAS INSIDE THE CAR (BUT STILL ATTACHED TO ITS OUTSIDE POSITION). THE EDGES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE REAR WINDOW HAD BROKEN OFF. *TR
Air bags, Seat belts, Dec 20, 2016
DIAGNOSE AND ADVISED THAT DRIVER PRETENSIONER IS FAULTY. I HAVE TO PAY $400 PLUS TO HAVE THIS REPLACEMENT. MY AIR BAG LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON WITH FAULTY PRETENSIONER IT MAY NOT GO OFF IN AN ACCIDENT.