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.
Air bags, Dec 31, 2014
I PURCHASED A "CERTIFIED" USED 2011 EXPLORER BASE WITH 3500 MILES IN MARCH 2014 FROM FORD DEALER. AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED IN MAY AND STAYED ON STEADY...DEALER REPLACED MASTER MODULE (UNDER WARRANTY) AFTER A WEEK OF WORKING ON THE VEHICLE. AT THE TIME, THEY TOLD ME WHEN THE LIGHT WAS ON, IT INDICATED THE AIR BAGS WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN A CRASH AND THEY WOULD NOT LET ME HAVE THE VEHICLE BACK WHILE THEY WAITED FOR THE PART, A CLEAR INDICATION OF HOW SERIOUS THEY CONSIDERED THE PROBLEM. LIGHT HAS COME BACK ON THREE MORE TIMES SINCE (EVERY 6-8 WEEKS). EACH TIME SINCE, DEALER HAS "GREASED" ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS WHICH CAUSES THE LIGHT TO GO OFF ONLY TEMPORARILY. WHEN THE LIGHT COMES BACK ON, WE ARE USUALLY DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND NOT PROTECTED BY THIS CRITICAL SAFETY SYSTEM. ASIDE FROM THE EXTREMELY UNSAFE CONDITION THIS POSES TO MY FAMILY, IT IS BECOMING MORE AND MORE DIFFICULT TO BRING THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER EVERY SEVERAL WEEKS TO HAVE THEM ONLY TEMPORARILY FIX THE ISSUE. BASED ON OTHER SIMILAR COMPLAINTS, I EXPECT THIS WILL CONTINUE FOR ME UNTIL THE WARRANTY EXPIRES AND I CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX THE PROBLEM ANY LONGER. I APPROACHED THE DEALER'S GENERAL MANAGER AND MY REGIONAL FORD REP ABOUT BUYING THE VEHICLE BACK BUT THEY BOTH TOLD ME THEY WOULD ONLY GIVE ME WHAT THE VEHICLE WAS WORTH (WHICH WOULD PUT ME IN A LARGE FINANCIAL HOLE)... *JS
Steering, Dec 28, 2014
AFTER BRINGING MY CAR IN ON 9/15/14 TO ADDRESS THE FORD EXPLORER 2011 RECALL, SHEEHY FORD IN SPRINGFIELD, VA DECLARED MY PARTS OK AND REPROGRAMMED MY PSCM (I HAD NEVER HAD A SINGLE ISSUE WITH MY POWER STEERING)...I SUBSEQUENTLY DROVE TO KENTUCKY (FROM BURKE, VA) AND SEVERAL OTHER PLACES...EVENTUALLY DRIVING TO MY PARENT'S HOUSE IN VIENNA, VA (ABOUT 30+ MINUTES AWAY) FOR THANKSGIVING DAY (12/27/14), JUST 3 MONTHS LATER. SEVERAL STREETS FROM ARRIVAL I RECEIVED A MESSAGE THAT MY POWER STEERING WAS FAILING. THE CAR BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE, BUT I WAS ABLE TO PARK THE CAR IN FRONT OF THEIR HOUSE. AFTER RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, I HOPED TO BE ABLE TO START THE CAR AND FIND THE PROBLEM FIXED, BUT UNFORTUNATELY WAS NOT ABLE TO STEER THE CAR AT ALL. I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED THE NEXT DAY TO A DEALER (I DID NOT CHOOSE THE SAME DEALER WHO HAD DONE THE RECALL). THEY REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PARTS SEVERAL DAYS LATER, BUT THE PARTS WERE NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL BECAUSE THE CODE THEY RECEIVED WAS DIFFERENT. THIS HAPPENED 3 MONTHS AFTER THEY DECLARED MY PARTS OK! I ONLY HAD TO PAY $100 FOR THE FIX BECAUSE OF MY EXTENDED WARRANTY, BUT AM ILL ABOUT WHAT MIGHT HAVE HAPPENED IF I HAD BEEN ON MY WAY TO OR FROM KENTUCKY WHEN THE POWER STEERING FAILURE HAPPENED SO I FEEL OBLIGATED TO REPORT MY ISSUE TO YOU. I UNDERSTAND FROM PRESS RELEASES I'VE SEEN THAT YOU CONSIDER THIS ISSUE CLOSED. I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT TO BE THE CASE... *TR
Steering, Dec 22, 2014
WE WERE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH WHEN WARNING LIGHT CAME ON STATING THERE WAS ISSUE WITH POWER STEERING, I BELIEVE IT SAID POWER STEERING SERVICE WAS REQUIRED. WHEN WE STOPPED AT NEXT INTERSECTION, IT WAS EVIDENT POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE WAS REDUCED. AFTER PULLING OVER AND SHUTTING OFF VEHICLE, THEN RESTARTING, THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE, ONLY MANUAL. WHEN TRAVELING AT LOW SPEED, TURNING WAS VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE. IMMEDIATELY AFTER STOPPING, BECAUSE WHEELS COULD NOT BE STEERED, VEHICLE WENT STRAIGHT, BLOCKING A CROSS PATH IN A COMMERCIAL LOT, WITH CROSS TRAFFIC NEARLY CAUSING COLLISION, ALTHOUGH NO COLLISION OCCURRED, THERE WAS CLEAR DANGER. *TR
Electrical system, Dec 16, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED, THE TECHNICIAN DISCOVERED THAT THE ELECTRICAL PUMP FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Vehicle speed control, Dec 9, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A GARAGE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE ACCELERATING, THE ENGINE RPMS WOULD INCREASE RAPIDLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS 23,500.
Steering, Dec 8, 2014
2011 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED: I WAS DRIVING MY FAMILY BACK FROM A VACATION AND HAD BEEN TRAVELING AT AN APPROXIMATE SPEED OF 65 MPH ON THE HWY. I TURNED INTO A PARKING LOT FOR A RESTROOM BREAK FOR THE KIDS WHEN THE RACK & PINION BAR BROKE COMPLETELY NEAR THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT WHEEL. I NOTICED THE CHIMES, SOME LOUD POPS AND HARDER THAN NORMAL STEERING PRIOR TO THE PART BREAKING. VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE STEERED. IT IS NOT A EVERY DAY DRIVEN VEHICLE. VEHICLE HAS 42,608 MILES ON IT. LUCKILY WE WEREN'T TRAVELING AT 65 MPH WHEN THE PART FAILED. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Nov 14, 2014
REFERENCING PREVIOUS COMPLAINT FOR SAME ISSUE SEE TCN JEN28-49151 TRAVELING TO DINNER AT 7:00PM AGAIN POWERTRAIN WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, ENGINE RAN ROUGH AND SPEED DROPPED TO APPROX. 1 MPH. PULLED OFF SIDE OF ROAD, TURNED OFF CAR. RESTARTED AND CONTINUED ON MY WAY. SAME THING OCCURRED AGAIN THIS MORNING 11/14/14 AT APPROX. 7:15 AM ON WAY TO WORK. THIS TIME THANKFULLY I WAS NOT ON THE CAUSEWAY WHERE TRAFFIC MOVES AT APP 50 - 60 MPH AS I WAS THE FIRST TIME THIS OCCURRED. WHEN THIS HAPPENED TWICE IN OCTOBER I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP BOTH TIMES AND THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. THIS CONTINUES TO HAPPEN AND I AM AFRAID THAT ONE DAY MY CAR WILL MALFUNCTION LIKE THIS ON A BUSY ROAD AT A HIGHER SPEED. I WAS LUCKY THE FIRST TIME ON THE CAUSEWAY THAT I MADE IT UP THE BRIDGE TO COAST DOWN ON TO THE GRASS WITHOUT CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 10, 2014
WHEN FILLING THE GAS TANK THE GAS NOZZLE WOULD SHUT OFF. EVEN WHEN I WAS VERY SLOWLY PUMPING IN GAS , THE PUMP WOULD SHUT OFF VERY MUCH LIKE A TANK INDICATING IT WAS FULL WHICH I KNOW WAS NOT THE CASE. THEN GAS WOULD DRIP/STREAM (NUMEROUS DRIPS AND STREAMS)) UNDER THE VEHICLE CREATING A BASKETBALL SIZE GAS SPOT. UPON SERVICE AT THE DEALER I WAS TOLD THE TANK VENT TUBE WAS BLOCKED BY COBWEBS. DRIVING FOR OVER 50 YEARS , I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A THING. *TR
Steering, Nov 10, 2014
ON CRUISE CONTROL AT 75MPH HEADING EAST ON I-44 TOWARDS TULSA, OK. POWER STEERING SERVICE WARNING, ADVANCE TRAK WARNING, TERRAIN MANAGEMENT WARNING BECOME ACTIVE. POWER STEERING ADVANCE TRAK AND TERRAIN MANAGEMENT NO LONGER ACTIVE. *TR
Power train, Other or unspecified, Oct 29, 2014
I WAS DRIVING MY 2011 FORD EXPLORER ON THE CAUSEWAY- HEAVY TRAFFIC MOVING AT ABOUT 50 - 55 MPH. APPROACHING FIRST BRIDGE INCLINE, SPEED DROPPED TO APPROX 1 MPH CREEPING ALONG, ACCELERATOR PRESSED TO FLOORBOARD. ORANGE WRENCH ICON APPEARED ON INSTRUMENT PANEL. PUT ON HAZARDS TO NOTIFY TRAFFIC. CARS PULLING AROUND TRYING TO AVOID HITTING MY VEHICLE. NOT ENOUGH ROOM ON EMERGENCY LANE OF BRIDGE TO PULL COMPLETELY OUT OF TRAFFIC LANE - MADE IT TO TOP OF BRIDGE - COASTED DOWN HALF WAY IN EMERGENCY LANE AND LEFT LANE UNTIL REACHED BOTTOM OF BRIDGE AND COULD PULL OVER TO GRASSY SIDE OF ROAD. TURNED VEHICLE OFF. WAITED, THEN RESTARTED VEHICLE. DROVE DIRECTLY TO FORD DEALER WHO HOOKED IT UP TO COMPUTER AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG. THEY TEST DROVE IT, THEN CALLED TO SAY THEY COULD FIND NOTHING. I ASKED THEM TO SERVICE THE CAR AS IT WAS TIME. THEY KEPT THE CAR OVER THE WEEKEND TO SERVICE IT ON MONDAY 10/27/14 AND TESTED THE SYSTEM ONE MORE TIME- STILL FOUND NOTHING WRONG. I PICKED THE CAR UP 10/27/14 AND LEFT DEALERSHIP AT ABOUT 1230 AND BY ABOUT 1245 THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN- NO ACCELERATION - JUST ABOUT 1 MILE AN HOUR AND VEHICLE RUNNING SLIGHTLY ROUGH- WRENCH APPEARED AGAIN. I PULLED OVER IN TO A PARKING LOT, TURNED THE ENGINE OFF; RESTARTED AND DROVE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. THIS TIME THEY RAN A DIFFERENT COMPUTER CHECK AND GOT A CODE THAT SUGGESTED BRAKES AND ACCELERATOR DEPRESSED AT SAME TIME. NO, I DO NOT TRY TO BRAKE AND ACCELERATE AT THE SAME TIME. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT DROVE MY CAR FOR ABOUT 30 MILES TRYING TO RECREATE THE INCIDENT. THEY STILL CAN FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. I PICK UP MY VEHICLE AFTER WORK TODAY. MY CAR RECEIVES REGULAR SERVICE AT THE DEALERSHIP AND IS NOT DRIVEN ROUGHLY. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS COULD HAPPEN AGAIN. WRENCH ICON INDICATES POWER TRAIN ISSUE.
Steering, Oct 29, 2014
DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, ALL STEERING WAS LOST WITH FAMILY IN VEHICLE. NO PROBLEMS HAD OCCURRED WITH THE VEHICLE STEERING UNTIL A FLASH UPDATE HAD BEEN COMPLETED BY DEALER FOR THE RECAL NOTICE. AS OTHERS THIS OCCURRED OVER A WEEKEND AND WE WERE NOT HOME FELT WE COULD NOT DRIVE EVEN AFTER SHUTTING DOWN, RE STARTING AND ERROR CLEARED. RENTED A VEHICLE OURSELVES UNTIL MONDAY WHEN THE DEALER PROVIDED A RENTAL. AFTER BEING IN THE SHOP FOR A WEEK WAS NOTIFIED THAT FORD WOULD DO NOTHING ABOUT THE ISSUE AS THEY ASSUME NO LIABILITY AFTER THE FLASH WAS COMPLETED! OUR DEALER STEPPED UP AND PAID FOR EVERYTHING. THEY SHOULD NOT HAVE TO DO THIS AND AS AN INSURANCE PROFESSIONAL VIEW THIS AS A MAJOR LIABILITY AND IF THIS IS NOT CORRECT ASAP SOMEONE OR MANY WILL BE KILLED! WHY IS THIS SO,HARD TO ENFORCE BASED ON THE NUMBER OF CLAIMS FOR THIS FAILURE? EVEN NOW WITH WHAT MIGHT BE THE CORRECT REPAIRS AND BASED ON OTHERS WHO HAVE DONE THE SAME WHAT ASSURANCE DO ANY OF US HAVE? *TR
Steering, Oct 7, 2014
THE POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE I WAS DRIVING SOUTH ON I-75. THE RECALL FOR THE MODULE (REPROGRAMMING) HAD ALREADY BEEN PERFORMED LESS THAN 2 MONTHS BEFORE. NOW, AFTER HAVING THE CAR IN THE SHOP FOR A WEEK AND 2 DAYS, FORD HAS AGREED TO PAY ALL BUT $700 OF THE REPAIR. THE REPROGRAMMING OBVIOUSLY WAS NOT AN EFFECTIVE SOLUTION SINCE THE POWER STEERING FAILED A SHORT TIME AFTER THAT WAS DONE. THE CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. THE STEERING WENT OUT WITHOUT NOTICE AS I WAS TRAVELING 70 MPH ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. I WAS EVENTUALLY ABLE TO MUSCLE IT OVER TO THE RIGHT LANE AND GET TO AN EXIT WITHOUT GETTING INTO A CRASH, BUT THAT WAS PURE LUCK. THE TRAFFIC WAS VERY HEAVY AND I DIDN'T WANT TO MAKE ANY HASTY MOVES BECAUSE I WASN'T SURE WHAT WAS GOING ON. IT WAS A VERY SCARY SITUATION. FORD HAS ADMITTED THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM, NOW THEY NEED TO FIX IT. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 3, 2014
I HAVE A 2011 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THE THROTTLE BODY HAS RECENTLY GONE BAD AND IS STAYING STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS IT HAS TO BE REPLACED. IT IS AN OBVIOUS SAFETY HAZARD FOR IT TO GET STUCK WHEN GOING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED OR EVEN A SLOWER RATE FOR THAT MATTER. THE THROTTLE BODIES WERE A BIG ISSUE FOR THE FORD ESCAPES IN THE PAST SO FORD EXTENDED THE WARRANTY FOR THEM, UNFORTUNATELY IT DOESN'T APPLY TO THE EXPLORER ALTHOUGH IT THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 1, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN THE FUEL TANK WAS FILLED TO CAPACITY, THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATED ONLY A HALF OF A TANK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AFTER THE FUEL TANK WAS FULL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,000.
Structure, Oct 1, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, WATER LEAKED DOWN THE REAR DRIVER AND REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000.
Steering, Sep 25, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR REPAIRS UNDER RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN 14V286000(STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE PROBLEM HAS RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO DEALER WHO EXPLAINED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER ELIGIBLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS SINCE IT HAD BEEN REPAIRED ONCE BEFORE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000.
Power train, Sep 18, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE, THE SHIFT TO PARK WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SHIFT TO PARK SENSOR FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Sep 16, 2014
WHILE DRIVING TO WORK, MY VEHICLE EXPERIENCE AN ISSUE WITH THROTTLE RESPONSE. A WRENCH WARNING LIGHT APPEARED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. AT THAT POINT, THE VEHICLE BEGAN SHUDDERING AND THE INTERNAL SYSTEMS SLOWED THE VEHICLE TO APPROXIMATELY 5MPH. AFTER STOPPING ON THE SHOULDER OF THE INTERSTATE, I SHUT THE CAR OFF, PULLED THE KEY, REINSERTED THE KEY AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. IT STARTED UP NORMALLY, BUT IMMEDIATELY EXHIBITED THE SAME SYMPTOMS. I CHECKED THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND FOUND THAT THE WRENCH WARNING LIGHT INDICATES A "POWERTRAIN FAULT". I CONTACTED FORD ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND GOT THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP, THINKING THAT A WARNING LIGHT INDICATING A "POWERTRAIN FAULT" WOULD BE COVERED UNDER MY POWERTRAIN WARRANTY. THE DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS AN ISSUE WITH THE THROTTLE BODY OF THE VEHICLE, THAT THE THROTTLE BODY IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY, AND CHARGED ME OVER $700 TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Sep 15, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED AND EXCESSIVE FORCE WAS REQUIRED TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING GEARS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14E001000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000...UPDATED 10/07/14 *BF THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE TRADED THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 10/10/14
Steering, Structure, Service brakes, Sep 15, 2014, crash
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AT AROUND 20 MPH WHEN THERE WERE CARS THAT SUDDENLY STOPPED. WHEN I WAS BRAKING I FELT AS IF THE STEERING WAS ALLOWING ME TO TURN AND IT HAPPENED SO FAST I FELT AS IF I LOST BRAKING POWER. THEN I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME HARD. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 11, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE POWER STEERING AND COMPUTER FAILED. IN ADDITION, THE ENGINE, ABS, TRACTION CONTROL, AIR BAG, AND SECURITY SENSORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO RESET THE MASTER CONTROLS. THE VEHICLE ALSO EXHIBITED COMPUTER FAILURE. THE FIRMWARE WAS UPDATED MULTIPLE TIMES, HOWEVER THE FAILURE RECURRED MONTHS LATER AND INCLUDED VARIOUS ELECTRICAL SHORTS. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT WAITED FOR MONTHS TO DETERMINE IF THE DEALER WAS ABLE TO PROVIDE A REMEDY TO THE FIRMWARE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V286000 (STEERING) AND 14E001000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
Power train, Sep 9, 2014
THE VEHICLE WHEN SHIFTED INTO PARK WOULD NOT SHUT OFF, WITH THE VEHICLE NOT SEEING THE SHIFTER IN PARK. ON INSPECTION IN SEPTEMBER 2014, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SHIFT LEVER WAS FAILING, WHICH CAN CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO SLIP OUT OF PARK AND MOVE UNEXPECTEDLY. FORD INDICATED THERE WAS NOT A RECALL ON THIS AT THIS TIME AND WOULD NOT COVER ANY REPAIR WORK FOR THIS SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Structure, Visibility/wiper, Sep 7, 2014
MY VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, WHERE IT HAD BEEN SINCE THE PREVIOUS DAY. I OPENED THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE DOOR AND GOT INTO THE CAR. I PUT THE KEYS INTO THE IGNITION SWITCH AND STARTED THE VEHICLE. AT THIS POINT I CLOSED THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR. AT THIS MOMENT I HEARD A LOUD "POP" SOUND. I LOOKED INTO THE REAR VIEW MIRROR AND SAW A LARGE HOLE IN THE GLASS OF THE UPPER CENTER PORTION OF THE REAR WINDOW. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION THE REMAINING GLASS WAS SHATTERED AND SPIDER WEBBED. THERE WAS GLASS ON THE GROUND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE AS WELL AS IN THE REAR COMPARTMENT OF THE CAR. *TR
Steering, Sep 2, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000 (STEERING) BECAUSE THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
Steering, Aug 29, 2014
STEERING STOP MOVING IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING ON THE EXPRESS WAY. HAD TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND THEN RESTART FOR IT TO CONTINUE MOVING. THIS HAPPEN A VIEW TIMES BUT NEVER ON THE EXPRESS WAY. *TR