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.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 24, 2016
EXHAUST FUMES ENTER THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WHEN THE AC IS RUNNING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND AT ANY SPEED WHEN THE ENGINE IS TAXING IE GOING UP A STEEP GRADE.
Air bags, Aug 22, 2016
MY AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT HAS COME ON WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING.
Other or unspecified, Aug 18, 2016
STRONG EXHAUST ODORS IN THE OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT, NOTICEABLE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS OPERATING AT FULL THROTTLE OR WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER IS SET TO RECIRCULATE AIR. BROUGHT IN MULTIPLE TIMES TO FORD DEALERSHIP, HAD FORD REPAIR ITEMS SPECIFIED ON THEIR TSB. STILL NOTICEABLE EXHAUST ODOR, RETURNED TO DEALERSHIP, DEALERSHIP VERIFIED REPAIRS AND STATED THEY COULD DO NOTHING ELSE. STILL NOTICEABLE EXHAUST ODOR COMING INTO OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT.
Other or unspecified, Aug 3, 2016
LAST NIGHT I HAD DONE MY FIRST FULL THROTTLE APPLICATION EVER. SUBSEQUENTLY I RECEIVED THIS STRONG SMELL, SO STRONG THAT I COULD BARELY BREATHE IN THE CABIN. IT SMELLED AS IF THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. I SLOWED WAY DOWN TO MAKE SURE THERE WERE NO FLAMES ANYWHERE. COME TO FIND OUT THROUGH INTERNET RESEARCH, IT WAS CARBON MONOXIDE, GIVEN THE STRENGTH OF IT I'M PRESUMING A SIGNIFICANTLY UNSAFE LEVEL.
Air bags, Jul 30, 2016
AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON; DEALER CHECKED & RECOMMENDS REMOVING CENTER CONSOLE TO GREASE CONNECTORS. THEY SAY THIS MAY FIX PROBLEM; ESTIMATE $450-$500; THEY DID CHECK CONNECTORS UNDER SEAT AND DID NOT FIND A PROBLEM. ALSO SAY THE VEHICLE WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION WHEN DUE (MAR 2017).
Air bags, Jul 30, 2016
THE AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON WHICH SHUTS DOWN THE AIRBAG SAFETY SYSTEM. THIS HAS BEEN A CONSTANT PROBLEM SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN 2011. IT ALSO APPEARS TO BE COMMON PROBLEM WITH OTHER OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE. THE LIGHT ILLUMINATES WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY AND IN MOTION.
Engine, Jul 25, 2016
BAD BURNING SMELL UNDER ACCELERATION TO HIGHWAY SPEED COMING FROM AIR VENTS. OIL WAS FOUND IN THE AIR FILTER HOUSING AND PIPING NEAR MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR.
Engine, Jul 19, 2016
LONG STORY SHORT, I PULLED OUT OF MY NEIGHBORHOOD GOT ABOUT A QUARTER OF A MILE DOWN THE ROAD. HEARD THE DRIVE BELT SQUEAL FOR ABOUT 15 SECONDS, FOLLOWED BY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, AND EXTREME ENGINE KNOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF IMMEDIATELY. THE CODES READ, CRANKSHAFT/CAMSHAFT CORRELATION BANK A SENSOR 1, THE SECOND CODE WAS ENGINE KNOCK. VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER WERE THEY HAD 2 OF THEIR TOP TECHNICIANS LOOK AT THE VEHICLE AND THE BOTH REPORTED THE WATER PUMP HAD FAILED AND FILLED THE ENGINE UP WITH COOLANT WHICH CAUSE THE ENGINE TO EXPIRE. MY WIFE ONLY HAD THE TRUCK FOR 2 YEARS AND SHE'S VERY CAREFUL DRIVER. NO WOARNING SIGNS OF A FAILING WATER PUMP. JUST GOT BACK FROM A 7HR ROAD TRIP A WEEK BEFORE THE WATER PUMP FAILED AND THE ENGINE EXPIRED.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 19, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, AN ODOR OF EXHAUST OCCASIONALLY ENTERED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON APRIL 12, 2013, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 85,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 15, 2016
WE HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH SMELLING EXHAUST IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. IT HAPPENS WHEN TAKING OFF FROM A STOP OR ACCELERATING SUDDENLY. WE HAVE NOTICED THIS FOR A WHILE NOW AND IT HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES. WE KNOW YOU ARE INVESTIGATING THE ISSUE BUT WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW WE ARE EXPERIENCING THE ISSUE ALSO. WE HAVE LESS THAN 55,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 15, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, EXHAUST FUMES ENTERED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000. UPDATED 08/30/16*LJ UPDATED 09/28/16.*JB
Other or unspecified, Jul 13, 2016
EXHAUST FUMES IN CABIN WHILE EXCELRATING IN PASSING GEAR, STRONG FUMES COMES THREW THE A/C SYSTEM. THIS ALSO HAPPENS ANYTIME YOU EXCELRATE. WE HAVE HAD THE VECHILE IN THE DEALERSHIP THE FIRST WEEK WE BOUGTH, A NUMBER OF TIME FOR THIS PROMBLE
Other or unspecified, Jul 11, 2016
BACK UP CAMERA IS FAILING ON THIS MODEL. EVERYONE I TALK TO THAT HAS A FORD EXPLORER 2011, 2012 HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM
Power train, Jul 8, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND THE SERVICE VEHICLE SOON WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO DOWNSHIFT. THE FAILURE RECURRED FOUR TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 6, 2016
I WANT TO STATE THAT MY TRUCK DOES THE SAME THING AS REPORTED IN THIS PROBLEM. THE SMELLS GETS REAL BAD IN THE CABIN WHEN ENTERING HIGHWAY OR CROSSING VEHICLES NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE16008 COMPONENT(S): ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING , STRUCTURE
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jul 6, 2016
REGARDS FROM THE FIRST YEAR I PURCHASED I HAVE ENTERED THE EXHAUST AREA OF THE CABIN. FROM THE FIRST YEAR, SERVICE, PEOPLE WHO ATTENDED ME IN THE FORD DEALER, TOLD ME I COULD NOT FIND A CAUSE OR THAT WAS PART OF THE DESIGN OF THE UNIT. I GOT TO TAKE IT TO 2 DIFFERENT DEALERS WHENEVER I'M DRIVING AND PRESENTED ME HAVING TO CLIMB DOWN OR UP A HILL, IT IS WHERE THE PROBLEM ARISES. I MAY HAPPEN IN THE EXPRESS OR NORMAL ROADS. THE ONE LAST VISIT FOR A RECALL, RETURNED TO DISCUSS THE PROBLEM AND NOW TELLS ME IT COSTS ME $ 600 FOR THE REPAIR MEMO I GET HOW TO WORK WITH THE PROBLEM. I HAVE TROUBLE BECAUSE THEY SPENT 36,000 MILES. MY COMMENT IS THAT FROM THE FIRST YEAR'VE BEEN REPORTING THE PROBLEM AND DID NOT HAVE ANY KIND OF SOLUTION. THE SMELL IS NOW VERY OFTEN AND TRULY BOTHERS TO GUIDE AND MUST REPRESENT A HEALTH PROBLEM.
Air bags, Seat belts, Seats, Jun 29, 2016
I HAVE MY AIR BAG LIGHT ON MY DASH, AND MY EMERGENCY LIGHTS DO NOT WORK. THIS CAR IS TOO YOUNG TO HAVE SUCH PROBLEMS. MY PASSENGER BACK SEAT BELT CASE IS BROKEN AS WELL. THE STITCHING ON THE SEAT BELT SEEM TO BE TEARING. THIS IS ONLY A 2011 FORD EXPLORER IT IS WAY TO YOUNG FOR ALL THESE MAJOR SAFETY ISSUES. MY MECHANIC CANT FIGURE IT OUT.
Power train, Engine, Jun 25, 2016
I WAS LEAVING MY HOUSE PULLING A KAYAK TRAILER WITH ONE KAYAK ON IT, WENT ABOUT A HALF BLOCK AND THE ENGINE SLOWED DOWN AND THE FORD EXPLORER WOULD HARDLY MOVE. WAS ABLE TO GO AROUND THE BLOCK AND MAKE IT BACK TO MY DRIVEWAY. AFTER STOPPING AND RESTARTING THE PROBLEM WAS GONE. I HAD THE FORD EXPLORER TOWED TO THE DEALER WERE I BOUGHT IT, THEY CHECKED IT AND SAID IT DIDN'T SHOW A ERROR CODE ON THE COMPUTER AND DROVE IT TWICE AND COULD NOT MAKE IT HAPPEN SO THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM AND FOUND OUT IT IS THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY AND THEY HAVE CHANGED OVER ONE MILLION OF THEM. BOTH YOU AND FORD ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT A RECALL WAS NEVER ISSUED. ALSO ONCE THIS HAPPENS IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN UNTIL THE PROBLEM IS FIXED. I HAVE A VEHICLE WITH 38 THOUSAND MILES ON IT THAT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND CANNOT GET IT FIXED.
Vehicle speed control, Jun 14, 2016
I HAVE EXPERIENCE TWICE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE THROTTLE OF THIS VEHICLE. I CHANGE THE PART ABOUT 7 MONTHS AGO AND HAD TO REPLACE IT AGAIN LAST WEEK. THE VEHICLE JUST DECREASES SPEED SUDDENLY TO ABOUT 5 MILES PER HOUR AND A LIGHT COME ON THE DASH WITH A WRENCH. THIS HAS HAPPEN TWICE ALREADY AND IT CAN CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF DRIVING AT A HIGHWAY. I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AND LUCKLY I WAS ON THE INNER SIDE AND COULD PULL OVER BUT IF IT HAD HAPPEN ON THE OUTTER LANES THIS COULD HAVE CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), May 31, 2016
THE POWER STEERING FAILS, AND IT BECOMES VERY HARD AND ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE.
Air bags, May 24, 2016
THIS IS THE FOURTH TIME THAT THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT FORD HAS NOT ADDRESS THIS AS A RECALL. FORD NEEDS TO THINK THAT IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT THE AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY. LIKE IF A SAFETY BELT DONT WORK THEN IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND IT SHOULD BE A LIFETIME WARRANTY.TAKATA AIRBAG ISSUE THE AIRBAG WORKS BUT CAN KILL YOU AND WHEN AIRBAGS DOES NOT WORK IT CAN KILL ALSO.SO WHY DOES NOT FORD ISSUE A SAFETY RECALL ON THEIR VEHICLES SPECIALLY 2011-2015 FORD EXPLORERS
Structure, May 20, 2016
I WAS DRIVING DOWN I64 EAST WHEN I STARTED HEARING THIS LOUD BUZZING LIKE NOISE. NEXT THING I KNEW IT SOUNDED LIKE SOMETHING HIT MY DRIVING SIDE WINDOW BOUNCED ALONE MY CAR AND FLEW BEHIND ME CAUSING THE DRIVER BEHIND ME TO DODGE IT. ...I PULLED OFF THE INTERSTATE TO FIND THAT THE TRIM WAS GONE ALONE THE DRIVER SIDE WINDSHIELD. IT HAD HIT THE DRIVERS SIDE ON MY CAR IN MULTIPLE PLACES AND CAUSED LONG BLACK MARKS ON MY SIDE MIRROR, AND REAR SIDE PANEL. GOT BACK ON THE INTERSTATE AND NOT EVEN TEN MINUTES LATER IT HAPPENED TO THE LEFT SIDE. SAME EXACT THING! RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE TRIM FLEW OFF HITTING MY WIFE'S WINDOW, SCRATCHED THE CAR AND CAUSED PERSON BEHIND US TO DODGE IT. I ALSO HAD MY FOUR CHILDREN IN THE CAR, SO EVERYONE WAS VERY UPSET AND SCARED CONSIDERING THAT IT COULD HAVE CAUSED US TO WRECK GOING 70 MPH DOWN THE INTERSTATE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC.I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP (GREENBRIER FORD) WHERE WE BOUGHT IT AND THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT IS TOO BAD, COME IN AND GET AND ESTIMATE, SO YOU CAN PAY TO FIX YOUR REPAIRS. THIS IS DEFINITELY A MALFUNCTION WITH THIS EXTERIOR OF THE CAR WHICH I SHOULDN'T BE LIABLE FOR ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING THAT IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT AND HARMED MY FAMILY. I GUESS FORD NEEDS SOMEONE TO DIE BEFORE THEY RECALL OR FIX THE PROBLEM. THANKS FORD FOR CARING...NOT.. WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO INTEGRITY??
Steering, Electrical system, May 13, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. IN ADDITION, THE "SERVICE POWER STEERING" AND "SERVICE ADVANCE TRACK" WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000 (STEERING); HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MULTIPLE DEALERS WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BATTERY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.
Engine, May 6, 2016
AFTER HARD ACCELERATION AND LET UP EXHAUST SMELL GETS IN THE COMPARTMENT TO THE POINT YOU HAVE ROLL THE WINDOWS DOWN TO CLEAR IT OUT FORD HAS TRIED TO FIX IT THEY HAVE A SERVICE.
Steering, Apr 28, 2016
THERE ARE TIMES WHEN I AM DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND I WANT TO CHANGE LANES, IT IS HARD FOR ME TO TURN THE WHEEL. THERE ARE ALSO TIMES WHERE AND SLOWING TO MAKE A TURN AND IT IS EXTREMELY HARD FOR ME TO TURN THE WHEEL.IT DOESN'T HAPPEN EVERY SINGLE TIME BUT IT HAPPENS MORE THAN ENOUGH.