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 and engine cooling, Oct 22, 2013
LIKE MANY OTHER 2011 - 2014 FORD EXPLORERS, MY 2011 EXPLORER LIMITED APPEARS TO HAVE A DESIGN FLAW THAT ALLOWS EXHAUST TO ENTER THE CABIN UNDER HARD ACCELERATION (I.E. USING AN ON-RAMP, PASSING VEHICLES, ETC.). WHETHER THAT A/C IS ON OR NOT, THESE NOXIOUS TOXINS FILL THE CABIN. THE CONCERN IS THAT IF EXHAUST GETS IN UNDER HARD ACCELERATION, IT WOULD SEEM LOGICAL THAT SMALL AMOUNTS ARE ENTERING AT ALL TIMES. THIS POSES A SERIOUS HEALTH AND SAFETY RISK TO THE OCCUPANTS. FORD FAILED TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE, SAYING IT DIDN'T EXIST UNTIL LAST YEAR (2012) WHEN THEY RELEASED A TSB TO "FIX" IT. FOR MOST (PER AN EXPLORER FORUM I BELONG TO), THE FIX WAS TEMPORARY OR DIDN'T WORK. MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP NUMEROUS TIMES, AT ONE POINT FOR SEVERAL WEEKS, AND THE PROBLEMS STILL EXISTS. SOMEONE NEEDS TO HOLD FORD ACCOUNTABLE AND MAKE THEM FIX THIS SERIOUS PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Oct 15, 2013
WE PURCHASED OUR 2011 EXPLORER IN JULY 20, 2013 WITH APPROX 43,000 MILES. THE FIRST INSTANCE (8/30/13) WE WERE LEAVING A FRIEND'S HOUSE, TURNED ON THE CAR AND HAD NO POWER STEERING FOR THE ENTIRE RIDE HOME. THIS WAS A FRIDAY NIGHT SO WE WERE UNABLE TO TAKE THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP. POWER STEERING CAME BACK THE NEXT MORNING WHEN WE RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. SUNDAY (9/1/13) WE WERE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WHEN WE LOST POWER STEERING AGAIN. WE PULLED OVER AND SHUT THE CAR OFF. ONCE RESTARTED, THE POWER STEERING WORKED AGAIN. OUR LOCAL DEALERSHIP WAS CONTACTED AND COULD NOT FIT US IN FOR SERVICE UNTIL 9/9/13. THE FORD DEALERSHIP KEPT OUR CAR FOR EXACTLY 2 WEEKS TRYING TO FIGURE OUT THE EXACT PROBLEM. INEVITABLY, WE WERE TOLD THAT THE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. ALL WAS FINE UNTIL 10/14/13 WHEN WE ONCE AGAIN LOST POWER STEERING AND "SERVICE POWER STEERING" AND "TERRAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM" WARNINGS WERE DISPLAYED ON THE DASH WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IMMEDIATELY TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP YET AGAIN. WE WERE CONTACTED BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT REP, WHO SPOKE WITH FORD, TO DETERMINE THAT THE GEAR THAT WAS PREVIOUSLY REPLACED WAS "DEFECTIVE." WE ARE NOW AWAITING YET AGAIN TO HAVE OUR CAR RETURNED TO US. EACH TIME THIS HAPPENS THERE IS NO WARNING AND THE CAR IS EXTREMELY HARD TO STEER. THIS IS NOT ONLY INCONVENIENT BUT ALSO A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. WE DRIVE AROUND TWO SMALL CHILDREN AND MY WIFE FEELS UNSAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THIS CAN HAPPEN AT ANYTIME WITHOUT WARNING. AS TIME GOES ON, IT HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO OUR ATTENTION THAT THIS IS A FAIRLY COMMON PROBLEM AMONG 2011 FORD EXPLORERS THROUGH PRESENT MODELS. UNFORTUNATELY, IT SEEMS THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE BEEN GOING THROUGH THIS EXACT VICIOUS CYCLE FOR YEARS NOW. IT SEEMS THAT FORD CANNOT SEEM TO PIN POINT THE EXACT PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Oct 8, 2013
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK GOING ABOUT 55MPH GIVE OR TAKE 5MPH WHEN THE STEERING WENT STIFF AND MADE IT HARD TO STEER THROUGH THE TURNS. IT WAS WORSE WHEN I HAD TO MAKE SLOW TURNS. IF I HAD TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT QUICKLY I DON'T THINK I WOULD BE ABLE TO AVOID IT. WHEN I GOT TO WORK SHUT THE CAR OFF TURNED IT BACK ON AND I GUESS IT RESET BECAUSE THE STEERING CAME BACK. WHEN I T HAPPENED AGAIN I CALLED THE BREWSTER FORD AND SAID TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND ON AND THAT WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM I ROUGH THE CAR TO THE DEALER AFTER IF HAPPENED A FEW TIME BUT THEY SAID THEY WONT BE ABLE TO FIND ANYTHING SINCE THERE ARE NO ERRORS WHEN I BROUGHT IT IN IT HAPPENED A FEW MORE TIMES BROUGHT IT BACK AGAIN THE CHECK IT SAID THEY FOUND NOTHING AND THEN CHARGED ME ALMOST $200 IF FINALLY COMPLETELY WENT THIS ALL HAPPENED OVER A 1YR TIME PERIOD PUT A CALL INTO BREWSTER FORD AND CORPORATE STILL WAITING TO HERE FROM EITHER ONE THAT WAS ALMOST 2WEEKS AGO. *TR
Equipment, Sep 24, 2013
WHEN ACCELERATING THE VEHICLE QUICKLY WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER ON (DOES NOT MATTER IF IT'S ON FRESH AIR INTAKE OR RECIRCULATION), THERE IS A DEFINITE BURNT SMELL THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE PROBLEM CAN BE DUPLICATED AT ANY SPEED, FROM A DEAD STOP OR ACCELERATING DURING A PASSING MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP THREE TIME AND TWO TECHNICAL BULLETINS WERE ADDRESSED UPON COMPLETION OF THE FACTORY WARRANTED TECHNICAL BULLETINS, THE ODOR REMAINED. BURNT SMELL. *JS
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 23, 2013
VEHICLE GAS TANK WAS FILLED. FUEL GAUGE SHOWED 3/4 FULL - AFTER A BRIEF DRIVE (LESS THAN 20 MILES) VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND FUEL GAUGE SHOWED LESS THAN HALF A TANK. VEHICLE WAS PUT IN SHOP FOR REPAIR. ON 9/17 - IT WAS PICKED UP ON 9/20 - TRUCK WAS FILLED UP AGAIN ON 9/23 AND FUEL GAUGE AGAIN SHOWED 3/4 FULL.
Steering, Sep 23, 2013
ON THURSDAY EVENING SEPT 9, 2013 I WAS DRIVING EAST ON HIGHWAY 195 IN NJ. OUT OF NOWHERE THE POWER STEERING FAIL SIGNAL AND TERRAIN WARNING SIGNAL CAME ON AND IMMEDIATELY THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT AT THE EXACT SAME TIME. I WAS DRIVING 65MPH IN THE LEFT LANE WITH MY YOUNG DAUGHTER IN THE CAR. THE STEERING WHEEL FROZE AND BARELY BUDGED, COULD MOVE MAYBE AN INCH IN EACH DIRECTION. THANK GOD I WAS ABLE TO SLOWLY GET THE CAR TO THE SHOULDER SAFELY. THIS COULD HAVE POTENTIALLY BEEN A DANGEROUS AND FATAL ACCIDENT....IT WAS TRULY FRIGHTENING!!! WHEN I CALLED FORD ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE THEY TOOK 15MIN JUST TO GET BASIC INFO DOWN TO SEND TOW TRUCK, WOMAN WAS VERY SHORT WITH ME AND SEEMED LIKE I WAS BOTHERING HER. WE HANG UP, ITS GETTING DARK, MY DAUGHTER IS SCARED, THEN 5 MIN LATER SHE CALLS ME BACK TO TELL ME THERE IS A PROBLEM. SHE SAID THE LOCAL FORD DEALER IS CLOSED SO THEY CAN TOW TO A SECURE FACILITY OVERNIGHT BUT THERE WOULD BE AN ADDITIONAL COST. I SAID A FEW CHOICE WORDS AND CANCELLED FRA. THANKFULLY I HAVE AAA PREMIUM SO I HAD THEM TOW MY CAR TO MY HOME OVERNIGHT THEN CALLED FRA TO BRING TO FORD SERVICE DEALER THE FOLLOWING MORNING. FORD SERVICE REP NOW TELLS ME I NEED A NEW POWER STEERING RACK WHICH WILL COST $2,400 AND IS NOT COVERED. I DID RESEARCH ONLINE FORD PART ONLY COST LESS THAN $600!!! MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS ON HERE AND NHTSA ARE INVESTIGATING THIS CONTINUING POWER STEERING FAIL ISSUE IN THE 2011 EXPLORERS BUT UNTIL THEN MY CAR WHICH IS LESS THAN 2 YEARS OLD IS GOING TO COST ME IF I WANT IT BACK. WHAT IS BEING DONE ABOUT THIS AND FUTURE ACCIDENTS THAT COULD OCCUR WITH OTHER INNOCENT DRIVERS?
Steering, Sep 19, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES AND SHUT OFF, THEN RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AS IT OPERATED AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ELECTRONIC STEERING SENSOR WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 51,900....UPDATED 10-24-13 *BF UPDATED 11/1/2013 *JS
Steering, Sep 19, 2013
WHILE DRIVING A VEHICLE STABILITY FAULT MESSAGE POPPED UP. THIS WAS CAUSED BY THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING MODULE FAILING. LUCKILY IN THIS CASE MY WIFE WAS ABLE TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN AND MUSCLE IT OFF THE ROAD WITHOUT ACCIDENT OR INJURY. WHEN THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING FAILS THE CAR IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STEER. FORD KNOW ABOUT THIS SYSTEM FAILURE AND REFUSES TO RECALL IT. *TR
Steering, Sep 17, 2013
DRIVING STRAIGHT ON AN INTERSTATE I-82 AT 70 MPH.. BELL CHIME SOUNDED, LOOKED AT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WHICH DISPLAYED YELLOW "STEER ASSIST FAULT"!!! THEN I REALIZED I HAD NO POWER STEERING. OFF I-82 TO FIND A FORD DEALER. DEALER CHECK IT OUT AND SAID IT WORKED NOW. WHEN IT QUITS, PULL OVER, STOP, TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND START IT AGAIN; THE COMPUTER RESETS ITSELF. THE DEALER, FORD COUNTRY IN PROSSER, WA HAS A CUSTOMER WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, THAT IS HOW HE KNEW WHAT TO TELL ME. THEY HAVE HAD THIS PART ON BACK ORDER FOR 2 MONTHS. *TR
Steering, Sep 17, 2013
ON THREE OCCASIONS THE CAR LOSS POWER STEERING AND WARNING LIGHT CAME ON IN THE DASH. THE IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF AND THEN THE ENGINE WAS RESTARTED AND THE POWER STEERING SEEM TO RETURN TO NORMAL FUNCTION. CAR HAS BEEN TAKEN TO DEALER. DEALER IS GOING TO REPLACE THE RACK AND PINION STEERING ASSY. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Sep 11, 2013
TRAVELING AT FREEWAY SPEED THE WARNING MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BEFORE THE POWER STEERING QUIT. WHEN I RESTARTED THE CAR IT APPEARED TO HAVE CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. ON SEPTEMBER 10TH, THE SAME WARNING CAME ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BEFORE THE POWER STEERING QUIT. I WAS TRAVELING AT 35MPH. I RESTARTED THE CAR AND IT APPEARED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM AGAIN. WHEN I PREVIOUSLY TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG AND RESET THE SYSTEM. *TR
Steering, Sep 9, 2013, crash
I WAS WITH MY FAMILY ON TRIP DRIVING 80 MPH ON THE FREEWAY WHEN THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT! THERE WAS NO INDICATION ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED SO I WAS NOT PREPARED FOR THIS. WE DID RUN OFF THE ROAD AND ONTO THE SHOULDER AND FISHED TAIL OUT OF CONTROL. THIS WAS FRIGHTENING FOR MY FAMILY. I WAS READY TO PASS SOME SLOWER VEHICLES WHEN THIS HAPPEN AND HAD TO MOVE QUICK BUT THE POWER STEERING WAS OUT. WE LOST CONTROL AND ENDED UP ON THE SHOULDER. I MANAGED TO DRIVE THE CAR HOME NOT WITHOUT SWEATING BY STRUGGLING WITH THE STEERING WHEEL FROM 3 HOURS AWAY. ONCE HOME, I LOOKED THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THERE IS A LOT OF COMPLAINTS OF THIS SAME PROBLEM. I ALSO FOUND THAT FORD DOES NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THIS!!!! I CALLED FORD CUSTOMER SUPPORT THE NEXT DAY AND I WAS INFORMED THAT THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THEY HEARD OF THIS. HOPEFULLY NO ONE GETS HURT FOR FORD TO REALIZE THIS IS A DEFECT IN THEIR VEHICLES! THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON THIS! *TR
Steering, Sep 3, 2013
WHILE DRIVING IN TOWN, TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS CAME ON AND VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER STEERING. THE STEERING RACK ASSEMBLY HAD TO BE REPLACED. *JB
Steering, Exterior lighting, Electronic stability control (ESC), Sep 3, 2013
WHILE DRIVING, POWER STEERING ASSIST ABRUPTLY FAILS, AS DOES ADVANCE TRAC STABILITY CONTROL. THE VEHICLE BECOMES MUCH HARDER TO CONTROL. IF THE CAR IS IN A TURN WHEN THE STEERING FAILS, THE STEERING WHEEL LURCHES AND TRIES TO RE-AIM THE VEHICLE STRAIGHT AHEAD, DISRUPTING THE TURN. DASHBOARD WARNINGS CONFIRM THE STEERING AND ADVANCE TRAC FAILURES. ALSO, THE TURN SIGNAL SUSTAIN FAILS, SO USING THE TURN SIGNAL REQUIRES CONSTANT PRESSURE ON THE SIGNAL ARM. ON AVERAGE, THIS PROBLEM HAS RECURRED EVERY 2000 MILES, AT ANY SPEED. TURNING THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTING "FIXES" THE PROBLEM TEMPORARILY UNTIL THE NEXT FAILURE. TWO TRIPS TO THE DEALER FOR EXAMINATIONS HAVE RESULTED IN NO ANSWERS - BOTH TIMES THE RESULTS OF LEAVING THE CAR FOR SEVERAL DAYS HAVE BEEN SHRUGGED SHOULDERS AND "WE COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, AND THERE IS NO TROUBLE CODE. IT WORKED FINE FOR US." AS IS NOTHING EVER WAS WRONG WITH THE CAR, AND EVEN IF THERE WERE SOMETHING WRONG, THERE IS NO WAY TO REPAIR IT! HOW THE NHTSA AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY CAN ALLOW THESE VEHICLES TO ROAM OUR HIGHWAYS WITH NO RECALL, OR EVEN A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN, KNOWING THERE IS A CHANCE THE DRIVERS MAY LOSE CONTROL AND CRASH, AS SOME ALREADY HAVE, IS A CRIME AGAINST VEHICLE SAFETY AND AGAINST THE VERY MISSION STATEMENT OF THE NHTSA. I WILL BE COPYING THIS COMPLAINT TO MY ELECTED REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS, WHO IN THE PAST HAS PROVEN TO BE FAR MORE INTERESTED IN MY SAFETY THAN FORD OR THE NHTSA. *JB
Power train, Engine, Aug 31, 2013
WHILE DRIVING THE CAR DIES AND THE YELLOW WRENCH LIGHT APPEARS. THIS OCCURRED TWICE IN ONE DAY. THE FIRST TIME IT OCCURRED I WAS JUST BEGINNING TO ACCELERATE. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND RESTART THE CAR. THE SECOND INCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND RESTART THE CAR. I IMMEDIATELY BROUGHT IT TO A FORD DEALER WHO HAS HAD THE CAR FOR THREE DAYS AND CANNOT FIND OUT WHAT IS WRONG. *JS
Steering, Aug 29, 2013
WAS IN PARK IN A FAST FOOD DRIVE THROUGH AND HAD THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND WHEN I PUT IT IN DRIVE AND ACCELERATED I IMMEDIATELY GOT AN ERROR POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILURE AND THE POWER STEERING WAS GONE AND VERY HARD TO TURN THE WHEEL. LUCKILY IT WAS A STRAIGHT DRIVE THROUGH. I TURNED OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTARTED AND THE ERROR CLEARED AND I WAS ABLE TO STEER AGAIN. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS OCCURRED WITH A SIMILAR SCENARIO WHERE THE STEERING FAILED AFTER SWITCHING TO DRIVE FROM PARK. I AM NOT POSITIVE OF THE DATE OF THE FIRST TIME AS I DID NOT WRITE IT DOWN AND THOUGHT IT WAS A ONE TIME FLUKE BUT IT WAS APPROXIMATELY IN FEB, 2013. HEARING ABOUT OTHERS WHERE THIS HAS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING AT SPEED HAS GIVEN ME GREAT CONCERNS NOW.
Steering, Aug 28, 2013
WHEN TURNING RIGHT INTO MY WORK PARKING LOT YESTERDAY MORNING I RECEIVED THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT ERROR AND SERVICE ADVANCE TRAC ERROR WITH LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED WITH THE FIRST TIME IN JUNE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY. THE WARNING MESSAGE (AUDIBLE AND VISUAL WARNING) COME ON AT THE SAME TIME THE POWER STEERING IS LOST SO THERE IS NO WARNING, IT JUST HAPPENS AND YOU HAVE TO HOPEFULLY BE AT A SAFE DISTANCE BETWEEN ANOTHER VEHICLE OR OBJECT SO YOU WILL NOT CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH FORD AND THEY DO NOT CONSIDER IT A SAFETY PROBLEM, HOWEVER, I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE ANYMORE NOT KNOWING WHEN IT COULD HAPPEN AGAIN AND IF I WILL BE ABLE TO STEER IT SAFELY WITH ANOTHER SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THIS PART SHOULD BE RECALLED. *TT
Steering, Aug 26, 2013
DRIVING 65 MPH ON A HIGHWAY WHEN I SUDDENLY LOST THE ABILITY TO STEER MY VEHICLE. I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO BE ABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE ONTO A SHOULDER, BUT THIS IS CERTAINLY DEFECT AND MUST BE RECALLED BEFORE SOMEONE IS INJURED. *TR
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 26, 2013
WHILE DRIVING TO WORK THE FOLLOWING WARNINGS CAME UP. 1. POWER STEERING FAULT 2. SERVICE ADVANCETRAC SYSTEM CAR BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER, ALMOST RESULTING IN A MAJOR CAR ACCIDENT AS I WAS APPROACHING A VERY TIGHT TURN ON I75. UPON DOING SOME RESEARCH IT APPEARS THIS ISSUE IS WAY TO COMMON, AND EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. *TR
Engine, Aug 24, 2013
DURING HARD ACCELERATION ONTO A HIGHWAY OR FROM A STOP, THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE FILLS WITH THE ODOR OF EXHAUST FUMES. THIS OCCURS EVERY TIME AND IS NOT RANDOM. *TR
Steering, Aug 23, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME HARD TO TURN. THE POWER STEERING ASSIST LIGHT ILLUMINATED AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE CONTACT SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE FOR SEVERAL MOMENTS BEFORE PROCEEDED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC AND ADVISED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL ELECTRICAL BOX WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 38,000.
Steering, Aug 23, 2013
I OWN A 2011 FORD EXPLORER WITH APPROXIMATELY 20K MILES. "POWER ASSIST FAULT WARNING" CODE HAS COME ON A HANDFUL OF TIMES FOR ABOUT A YEAR. I NEVER THOUGHT TO LOOK INTO IT BECAUSE IT HAPPENED WHEN I FIRST STARTED THE TRUCK AND WAS NOT DRIVING. AFTER RESTARTING THE TRUCK IT WOULD GO AWAY AND WOULDN'T COME BACK FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS. UNFORTUNATELY ITS HAPPENING MORE AND MORE OFTEN. EARLIER THIS WEEK I WAS MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN WHEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN, THIS TIME RIGHT AS I WAS MAKING A TURN. I NEARLY WENT INTO A DITCH. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO DID NOT KNOW THE CAUSE AND CAN ONLY REPLACE THE POWERSTEERING RACK. I HOPE THIS FIXES THE PROBLEM BUT I JUST CANNOT TRUST THAT MY WIFE AND 6 MONTH OLD SON WILL BE SAFE IN THIS CAR ANYMORE. WILL BE TRADING IN THIS TRUCK SOON. ITS A SHAME BECAUSE I REALLY LIKE IT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Aug 20, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE KEY NOT DETECTED WARNING MESSAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME WHERE SHE RECEIVED DIRECTIONS FROM THE DEALER OVER THE PHONE IN HOW TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INSTALLED WITH A NO MECHANICAL KEY START SYSTEM. THE IA KEY FAILED, WHICH LEFT THE CONSUMER STRANDED. THE NO KEY DETECTED ALERT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE KEY WAS FIXED. HOWEVER, THE ERROR MESSAGE REMAINED ON THE DASHBOARD. ALSO, THE ENGINE OVERHEATED.
Steering, Aug 20, 2013
I STARTED MY CAR AND AS I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY 2 WARNINGS CAME UP: POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILURE AND SERVICE ADVANCE TRAC. AT WHICH POINT I LOST MY POWER STEERING. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND ON AGAIN AND THE WARNINGS WENT AWAY. I DRIVE TO WORK FINE BUT I LEAVE FOR MY LUNCH BREAK AND GET THE SAME WARNINGS AND NO POWER STEERING. I TURN OFF AND ON SEVERAL TIMES EVEN GOING BACK IN TO WORK TO LET IT SIT A WHILE. TRY AGAIN LATER...SAME THING...NO POWER STEERING. I'M STUCK AT WORK TILL MY HUSBAND CAN COME AND GET ME. I'VE NOTICED THAT THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THIS SAME THING HAPPENING TO OTHER PEOPLE AND I WONDER WHY FORD HAS NOT RECALLED IT YET. IT REALLY MAKES ME MAD THAT I MAY HAVE TO PAY $1200-$1500 TO GET THIS FIXED (WILL IT EVEN REALLY BE FIXED?) FOR A CAR THAT IS STILL SO NEW. *TR
Steering, Aug 13, 2013, crash
HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES, STEERING STOPS WORKING AND CAR HAS TO BE TURNED OFF AND BACK ON TO CORRECT PROBLEM. ON A TRIP WITH FAMILY ON CURVY ROAD TO LAKE TAHOE IT HAPPENED AND WE ALMOST COLLIDED WITH TRAFFIC. THE OTHER CARS MANUVERED AWAY FROM US WE HIT THE EMBANKMENT NO DAMAGE OR INJURIES BUT MY WIFE WILL NOT DRIVE THE CAR NOW. *TR