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.
Engine, Aug 26, 2014
THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN. WHILE DRIVING AN INDICATION OF A MALFUNCTION IN THE AWD SYSTEM SHOWS ON THE DASHBOARD & SYNC COMPUTER. THE ENGINE LOSES COMPLETE POWER AND YOU MUST PULL OVER AND RESTART THE VEHICLE TO RESET THE ON-BOARD COMPUTER. THIS LOSS OF POWER HAPPENS ON THE HIGHWAY AND IS AT GREAT RISK OF CAUSING SERIOUS ISSUES TO OTHER TRAFFIC. NOT TO MENTION WHEN I HAVE MY CHILD IN THE VEHICLE. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO ROSNER FORD DEALERSHIP IN KING GEORGE VA (THEY COULDN'T FIND A ISSUE 4 FOUR TIMES NOW). IT HAPPENS WITH FREQUENT AND UNREGULAR INTERVALS. I HAVE REPEATEDLY WENT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP TO FIX. THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY (THROUGH MY EXPERIENCE WITH THE SERVICE DEPT) SEEMS AS IF THEY DON'T CARE EVEN WHEN I EXPRESSED THE SAFETY CONCERN. I BELIEVE THE COMPUTER PROBLEM IS A BIGGER THING THAN REALIZED. HOPEFULLY THIS WILL HELP IN GETTING ADD TO THE COMPLAINT LIST SO FORD WILL FIX THE PROBLEMS. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Service brakes, Aug 24, 2014
LEFT REAR BRAKE CALIPER FAILED CAUSING VEHICLE TO BECOME UNSTABLE FOR BRIEF SECOND WHEN THE CALIPER GRABBED THE ROTOR WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. YOU COULD FEEL THIS IN THE STEERING AND WOULD HAVE TO CORRECT AT EACH DIP OR BUMP IN THE HIGHWAY. BRAKE PAD WORN TO FAILURE POINT BEFORE IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Aug 21, 2014, crash
2011 FORD EXPLORER WAS JUST RETURNED TWO WEEKS AGO FOR NATIONAL RECALL ON ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE FAILURE. ON AUGUST 21ST AT 9:30 AM MY WIFE WAS APPROACHING A RED LIGHT. SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES AND FELT AN IMMEDIATE POWER LOSS ISSUE WITH THE BREAKS. SHE IMPACTED THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HER AROUND 15 MPH. AIR BAGS WERE NOT DEPLOYED AT TIME OF ACCIDENT. SHE DID NOTICED THE TERRAIN MANAGEMENT FAILURE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AT TIME OF IMPACT. MY WIFE DID NOT FEEL THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES ENGAGE, NOR WERE THERE ANY SKID MARKS VISIBLE ON THE ROAD. MINOR FRONT END DAMAGE IS EVIDENT AND RADIATOR WAS LEAKING FLUID. INSURANCE COMPANY HAS BEEN NOTIFIED ABOUT RECENT RECALL. *TR
Steering, Aug 21, 2014
POWER STEERING STILL FAILING EVEN AFTER RECALL "FIX". MY FORD EXPLORER 2011 ALREADY HAD THE POWER STEERING RECALL (SAFETY RECALL NOTICE 14S06/NHTSA RECALL 14-V-286) FIX COMPLETED AT DEALERSHIP ON 8/7/14, BUT THE POWER STEERING IS STILL FAILING! THIS IS VERY SERIOUS IF THE RECALL "FIX" IS NOT WORKING. PLEASE REQUIRE FORD TO IMMEDIATELY IMPLEMENT THE PROPER FIX AND IMMEDIATELY NOTIFY ALL OWNERS WHO HAVE ALREADY TAKEN THEIR EXPLORERS IN PER THE RECALL AND HAVE THIS ISSUE FIXED IMMEDIATELY. FORD KNOWS ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND COULD BE PUTTING PEOPLE'S LIVES AT RISK. *TR
Steering, Aug 13, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD VEER TO THE RIGHT WITHOUT THE CONTACT MOVING THE STEERING WHEEL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE RACK AND PINION STEERING MECHANISM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO THE PART NOT BEING AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Exterior lighting, Electrical system, Aug 11, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE SPEEDOMETER AND TURN SIGNALS FAILED TO OPERATE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE COMPUTER AND THE TURN SIGNAL CLUSTER. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE CALIPERS AND ROTORS FAILED DUE TO INSUFFICIENT LUBRICATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,000.
Power train, Jul 28, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK VIOLENTLY. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD DECELERATE ON ITS OWN AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE DEALER RE-INSTALLED THE SOFTWARE, TRANSMISSION SENSOR, AND SHIFT CONTROL CABLE, BUT THE FAILURES RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,652.
Visibility, Jul 28, 2014
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND REAR WINDOW EXPLODED. *JS
Power train, Jul 23, 2014
MY DAUGHTER AND I WERE DRIVING ABOUT 55 MPH ON A HIGHWAY, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE TRUCK LOST POWER. ALL OF A SUDDEN AN ORANGE WRENCH SYMBOL APPEARED ON MY INSTRUMENT PANEL, BUT I HAD NO IDEA WHAT IT MEANT. VERY SCARED, I PUT ON MY HAZARD LIGHTS AND HAD TO MOVE TO THE RIGHT IN 3 LANES OF TRAFFIC!! I WAS SO TERRIFIED A CAR OR TRUCK WAS GOING TO SMASH INTO THE BACK OF OUR VEHICLE. THE TRUCK WAS ONLY ABLE TO GO ABOUT 5 MPH EVEN THOUGH I WAS PUSHING THE GAS PEDAL AS FAR DOWN AS POSSIBLE. WHEN WE FINALLY WERE ABLE TO PULL OVER, I TURNED OFF THE TRUCK. I THEN LOOKED THROUGH THE FORD MANUAL TO TRY AND IDENTIFY THE ORANGE WRENCH SYMBOL, WHICH WAS LIT UP IN MY INSTRUMENT PANEL. IT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A POWER TRAIN MALFUNCTION. AFTER WAITING 15 MINUTES I THEN STARTED THE TRUCK UP, WITH SUCCESS. THE TRUCK SEEMED TO BE WORKING AGAIN AND ODDLY ENOUGH THE ORANGE WARNING SYMBOL HAD DISAPPEARED. THERE WERE NO WARNING SYMBOLS AT ALL ANYMORE. I DROVE IT IMMEDIATELY TO OUR FORD DEALERSHIP. I HAD TO GET A RENTAL BECAUSE THEY WERE SO BUSY AND TOLD ME THEY WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO LOOK AT IT UNTIL THURSDAY. THIS AFTERNOON (24 HRS. LATER) FORD CALLED AND TOLD ME WE NEEDED A NEW THROTTLE BODY PART ($650). THIS TRUCK IS ONLY 3 YEARS OLD!! WE COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED. I THANK GOD WE WEREN'T AS THIS IS A VERY ACTIVE HIGHWAY. *TR
Engine, Jul 20, 2014
AS I WAS MERGING ON TO THE HIGHWAY, I ACCELERATED TO REACH THE SAME SPEED OF THE TRAFFIC. THE ENGINE REVVED OVER 3500 RPM. MY AIR CONDITIONER WAS ON AND SET TO RECIRCULATE THE AIR. SHORTLY AFTER MERGING ONTO THE HIGHWAY, I SMELLED EXHAUST FUMES IN THE CABIN OF MY CAR. *TR
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 7, 2014
DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT 70MPH, WARNING COMES ON THE CONSOLE "AWD IS OFF" AND THE ENGINE IS DOWN TO IDLE SPEED (~800 RPM). PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR RESULTS IN NO SPEED INCREASE, FORCING ME TO MOVE ACROSS 4 LANES OF TRAFFIC TO THE EMERGENCY LANE WITH ONLY THE BRAKES WORKING (NO CONTROL OVER MY SPEED, OTHERWISE). PULLED OVER, STOPPED THE ENGINE, LOOKED AROUND AND COULD SEE NO EXTERNALLY VISIBLE PROBLEMS (FLUID LEAKS, ETC.). START THE CAR AND THERE ARE NO WARNINGS, SO I CONTINUE DOWN THE ROAD, BUT THIS TIME STAY IN THE RIGHT LANE AND KEEP THE SPEED TO AROUND 60. LESS THAN 1 MILE DOWN THE ROAD, THE EXACT SAME THING HAPPENS. AT THIS POINT WE CALL FORD TO GET US A TOW. THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS EVENT TO HAPPEN, ESPECIALLY WHEN I HAD THE EXPLORER FULL WITH MY FAMILY! TODAY THE SERVICING DEALER CALLED AND SAID IT IS A PROBLEM WITH THE THROTTLE BODY. BEING THAT THIS IS THE 2ND TIME OUR 2011 EXPLORER HAS LEFT US STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, IT WAS TIME TO GO SEARCHING FOR OTHERS WITH THIS SAME THROTTLE BODY PROBLEM. TURNS OUT THERE IS A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION NOTICE ALREADY BEING DONE BY FORD FOR SEVERAL OTHER 2011 VEHICLES, BUT THE EXPLORER HAS BEEN EXCLUDED. OUR SYMPTOMS AND PART FAILURE ARE EXACTLY THE SAME AS THESE OTHER MODELS, SOME EVEN FROM THE SAME ASSEMBLY PLANT. I THINK FORD NEEDS TO EXTEND THE 13N03 PROGRAM TO INCLUDED THE EXPLORERS. THANK YOU. *JS
Structure, Jun 26, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER WAS LEAKING INTO THE VEHICLE FROM THE ROOF RACK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN INTO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jun 25, 2014
I WAS MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN GOING DOWN A HILL ONTO A STREET WHEN THE SENSORS WENT OFF AND THE POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING. THE CAR REGISTERED TWO WARNINGS. I STOPPED THE CAR IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. I WAS MANUALLY ABLE TO GET IT TO A PARKING LOT BUT IT WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. I DROVE VERY SLOWLY. WHEN I GOT TO THE PARKING LOT, I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTED IT. THE WARNINGS DISAPPEARED AND THE CAR FUNCTIONED NORMALLY. I PROCEEDED TO CALL THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I GOT THE CAR FROM TO EXPLAIN THE SITUATION. I SUBSEQUENTLY CALLED THE DEALERSHIP THE FOLLOWING DAY TO VOICE MY CONCERNS AND MAKE AN APPOINTMENT. THE BEST THEY COULD DO WAS A WEEK FROM TODAY. THIS IS A CERTIFIED, PRE-OWNED VEHICLE THAT I PURCHASED LESS THAN A YEAR AGO. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Jun 21, 2014
WHEN MERGING INTO LANE AND PASSING A CAR ABOUT 3500 RPM EXHAUST GAS ENTERS PASSENGERS CABIN AND EVERYONE INSIDE WILL COMPLAIN OF VERY STRONG ODOR, BREATHING PROBLEM AND HEADACHE. HAD THIS PROBLEM SINCE CAR WAS NEW AND DEALING WITH UNCOMFORTABLE SMELL WITH THE REST OF THE FAMILY. WIFE HAD NUMEROUS TIMES HAVING PROBLEM CONCENTRATING DRIVING BECAUSE THE EXHAUST FUMES OR ODOR IS CAUSING HER TO HAVE HEADACHES AND ALMOST PASSING OUT ON LONG TRIPS. IT IS A HAZARDOUS/DANGEROUS ISSUE. IF FORD CAN HAVE A FIX ON THIS AND IT HAS TO BE SOON. I THINK IT IS THOUSAND OR HUNDRED OF THOUSAND OF FORD VEHICLES OUT THERE THAT HAS THIS PROBLEM. PLS. DON'T WAIT FOR SOMETHING LIKE GM DID. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Jun 20, 2014, crash
ON JUNE 16TH, 2014, I WAS TRAVELING 40 MPH WITH MY 3 YEAR OLD AND 18 MONTH OLD IN THE CAR AND I LOST ALL POWER STEERING AND ENDED UP IN A DITCH. THERE WAS NO WAY TO CONTROL IT OR EVEN TURN THE WHEEL. IT HAPPENED AGAIN ON JUNE 19TH, 2014 HOWEVER, MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING AND WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR OFF THE ROAD. *TR
Steering, Jun 12, 2014
POWER ASSISTED STEERING GOES OFF WITH NO WARNING. FIRST HAPPENED BACK IN 2012, PULLED OFF ROAD, RESTARTED CAR EVERYTHING WORKED FINE. PROBLEM OCCURRING MORE FREQUENTLY OVER PAST 6-8 MONTHS. (3 OR 4 TIMES) DEALER SAYS UNAWARE OF ANY GENERAL PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING AM SCHEDULED TO TAKE TO DEALER FOR FURTHER ANALYSIS. NOT COVERED BY ANY RECALL BUT PROBLEM WIDELY REPORTED ON THE WEB. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Power train, Electrical system, Jun 5, 2014
UPON MEDIUM TO HEAVY ACCELERATION, SUCH AS ACCELERATING ONTO A FREEWAY, THE VEHICLE CABIN IS FILLED WITH EXHAUST FUMES FROM THE ENGINE. THIS INJURES THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM OF THE PASSENGERS. THEY ARE WORKING ON A FIX (AFTER MY FAMILY HAS BEEN BREATHING POLLUTED AIR FOR ALMOST TWO AND A HALF YEARS). FORD HAS FINALLY ADMITTED THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM, AND SEND ME A LETTER THAT SAID. [XXX] FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE DIVISION MARCH 7, 2014 [XXX] [XXX] SUBJECT: CUSTOMER CONCERN - EXHAUST ODOR ON 2011-2014 EXPLORER, EDGE OR MKX WE THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO DISCUSS THE CONCERN OF EXHAUST ODOR IN YOUR VEHICLE. TO ADDRESS YOUR CONCERN ABOUT EXHAUST ODOR, WE HAVE PERFORMED SEVERAL INSPECTIONS AND SEALING ACTIONS WHERE APPLICABLE ON YOUR VEHICLE TO HELP MINIMIZE THE AMOUNT OF ODOR COMING INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. WITH THESE CHANGES YOU MAY STILL EXPERIENCE ODOR UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS SUCH AS, WHEN PERFORMING WIDE OPEN THROTTLE (WOT) ACCELERATIONS WITH THE CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM IN RECIRCULATION MODE. FORD MOTOR COMPANY ENGINEERS HAVE EVALUATED THE AIR ENTERING THE CABIN DURING WORST CASE DRIVING CONDITIONS (SEVERAL WOT ACCELERATIONS WITH THE CLIMATE SYSTEM IN RECIRCULATION MODE). TEST RESULTS INDICATE CABIN AIR QUALITY LEVELS ARE WELL WITHIN THE AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARDS ESTABLISHED BY VARIOUS GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCIES SUCH AS THE U.S. EPA, OSHA, THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA PRESIDENCY OF METEOROLOGY & ENVIRONMENT AND THE GOVERNMENT OF DUBAI ENVIRONMENT HEALTH AND SAFETY DIVISION. AGAIN, THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. [XXX] CUSTOMER RELATIONS ANALYST PLEASE HELP ME, FORD DON'T WANT TO HELP [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Service brakes, Jun 5, 2014, fire
DURING TRAFFIC IN HOT WEATHER ON HIGHWAY THERE IS SQUEALING SOUND COMING FROM FRONT DRIVERS SIDE OF VEHICLE AND SMOKE COMING FROM REAR DRIVER TIRE AFTER EXITING HIGHWAY TO CHECK THE NOISE. AFTER EXITING HIGHWAY I FELT ALL 4 METAL WHEELS AND DRIVER'S SIDE REAR WAS EXTREMELY HOT AND OTHER WHEELS WERE WARM TO THE TOUCH. I HAD THE EXACT SAME CONDITIONS ON PASSENGER REAR BRAKES LAST SUMMER AT ~50,000 MILES, AND THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED REAR PASSENGER CALIPER IMMEDIATELY. THIS TIME THEY CLAIM ARE NOT ABLE TO REPRODUCE THE SEIZING OF CALIPER AFTER 3 MILE TEST DRIVE AND CALIPERS APPEARED TO BE IN WORKING CONDITION. I ARGUED THAT THE PROBLEM MAY OCCUR DURING LONG DISTANCE HIGHWAY TRAVEL AND MAY NOT HAPPEN ON SHORT TEST DRIVE. DEALERSHIP ARGUED THAT IT IS FORD POLICY NOT TO PERFORM WARRANTY REPAIRS/REPLACEMENT WORK WHEN THEY ARE UNABLE TO REPRODUCE PROBLEMS DESCRIBED BY CUSTOMER. I AM VERY UPSET THAT I HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT MY CAR STARTING ON FIRE EVERY TIME I DRIVE ON HIGHWAY. 2011 FORD EXPLORER XLT 3.5L V6 TIVCT. NORTHWEST CHICAGO IL. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Jun 4, 2014
AT APPROX 1430 ON JUNE 2ND ON HIGHWAY ON RAMP ACCELERATING HAD THE SERVICE ADVANCETRAC WARNING LIGHT AND CHIME COME ON AND THE TRACTION CONTROL OFF LIGHT AND CHIME COME ON AND LOST ALL POWER STEERING CONTROL OF VEHICLE. I IMMEDIATELY PUT ON MY EMERGENCY FLASHER AND LET OFF THE ACCELERATOR AND FORCED MY EXPLORER TO THE SHOULDER. ONCE ON THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY I CLEARED THE FAULTS, I WISH I WOULD HAVE TAKEN CELL PHOTO OF FAULT, AND TURNED VEHICLE OFF AND THEN RESTARTED VEHICLE WITH NO ISSUES. I DID NOT HAVE ANY OTHER ISSUES FOR THE REST OF THE DRIVE APPROX 25 TO 30 MIN. *TR
Seat belts, Structure, Jun 3, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER WAS LEAKING INTO THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELT AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 56,000.
Steering, Electrical system, May 29, 2014
WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT ABOUT 70 MPH, AN ELECTRICAL LIGHT CAME UP ON THE DASH AND I IMMEDIATELY LOST POWER STEERING. MY FAMILY WAS IN THE CAR AND IT WAS EXTREMELY FRIGHTENING. I WAS ABLE TO MUSCLE THE CAR OVER TO THE RIGHT LANE AT WHICH POINT, POWER STEERING WAS RESTORED. THE ISSUE HAPPENED AGAIN AROUND 20 MINUTES LATER AND THEN RECTIFIED ITSELF AFTER A MINUTE OR SO. I DROVE THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND SPOKE WITH THEM ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED. THEY KEPT THE CAR FOR A WEEK AND COULD NOT "REPLICATE THE ISSUE". THIS WAS THE FIRST WEEK OF APRIL. I AM NOW LEARNING THAT FORD WAS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM BACK IN JANUARY AND HAS ISSUED A RECALL. *TR
Steering, May 27, 2014
I WAS DRIVING ON A FOUR LANE HIGHWAY WHEN A SIGNAL CAME ON DASH " STEERING ASSIST FAILURE" AND I COULD NOT STEER THE VEHICLE. WAS JUST COMING OFF HIGHWAY AND WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE TO RAMP AND HAD TO PULL OFF ON MEDIAN IN MIDDLE OF BUSY EXIT RAMP. STOPPED AND THEN RESTARTED CAR WHICH TEMPORARILY FIXED PROBLEM NOW DEALERSHIP IS TELLING ME THE STEERING COLUMN MODULE NEEDS REPLACED - WILL COST ME $600 !!!!!:( VERY DISAPPOINTED IN FORD AS THERE ARE MANY REPORTS OF THIS HAPPENING TO OTHERS ! *TR
Steering, May 27, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY THE POWER STEERING FAILED. AS A RESULT, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT AND SERVICE STEERING ADVANCE TRACT LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,417 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 87,437. PM UPDATED 9/4/14*CN
Steering, May 22, 2014
WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH ON LOCAL ROAD, POWER STEERING GAVE OUT AND VEHICLE BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO EFFECTIVELY STEER AND PULL OFF ACROSS 2 LANES OF TRAFFIC ONTO SHOULDER. AFTER PULLING OFF TO SIDE OF ROAD, TURNED OF ENGINE AND RE-STARTED. STEERING CAME BACK AND WAS ABLE TO RETURN HOME. NEXT DAY, SUV DID SAME THING 2X AND ADDED A NEW ERROR MESSAGE REGARDING TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM FAULT ALONG WITH POWER STEERING SYSTEM FAULT. FORD HAS A SECTION IN THEIR OWNERS MANUAL WARNING THAT FAILURE OF THIS SYSTEM WILL REQUIRE ADDITIONAL EFFORT TO STEER THE VEHICLE, BUT THE DRAMATIC CHANGE FROM POWER STEERING TO THIS SCENARIO IS STARTLING. MY HUSBAND REVIEWED ON LINE AND DISCOVERED A RE-CALL FOR THE POWER STEERING PROBLEM HAD BEEN ISSUED IN JANUARY. WHEN CONTACTING FORD DEALER THEY STATED THIS RECALL DID NOT INCLUDE OUR CAR SINCE THE RECALL WAS ONLY FOR VEHICLES THAT HAD REPAIRS FOR THIS SAME ISSUE (DONE IN A CERTAIN TIME PERIOD). IF THIS ISSUE HAD HAPPENED WITH A LESS EXPERIENCED DRIVER (IE OUR 17 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WHO DRIVES THIS CAR FREQUENTLY) THE ISSUE WOULD MOST LIKELY HAVE CAUSED HER TO PANIC AND DUE TO DIMINISHED MANEUVERABILITY MAY LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT. I AM SURPRISED THE RE-CALL IS ONLY FOR A PART THAT HAS BEEN INSTALLED TO MAKE A REPAIR WHEN THE UNDERLYING PROBLEM THIS REPAIR WAS BEING MADE FOR HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED. IT APPEARS THERE ARE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME ISSUE. *TR
Air bags, Service brakes, May 21, 2014, crash
AIR BAG LIGHT HAS BEEN ON SEVERAL TIMES. EACH TIME I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE AND THEY TELL ME EACH TIME THEY FIXED IT. I DRIVE IT SOME AND THE LIGHT COMES BACK ON. IT IS BACK IN THE SHOP FOR THE TENTH TIME I HAVE PAPER TRAILS AND PICTURES TO PROVE IT. I ENDED UP MAKING AN APPOINTMENT THE LAST TIME BUT BEFORE I GOT THERE I HIT A DEER END OF MARCH AT 60 MPH AND THE AIR BAG DIDN'T GO OFF ONCE THE BODY WORK GOT DONE I TOOK IT INTO THE FORD SHOP AND THEY SAID THERE WAS A FAULTY SENSOR WERE THE DEER HIT. THEY REPLACED IT THE I DROVE IT EIGHT MILES AND THE LIGHT CAME BACK ON SO I TURNED AROUND AND THEY ARE TELLING ME THAT THERE ARE NO CODES THIS TIME I HAVE TRIED TO GET THEM TO BUY IT BACK AND THEY WILL NOT. THE REAR BRAKES HAVE LOCKED UP FOUR TIME AND THEY HAVE REPLACE THEM EACH TIME AND IT CONTINUES TO DO THE SAME WITH THEM ALSO. *TR