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.
Structure, Jan 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving on several occasions at various speeds, there was a sound of air coming from the driver’s and passenger’s side of the windshield. The vehicle was taken to a dealer on several occasions where it was determined that the upper A-pillar trims and clips needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.
Steering, Jan 20, 2025
I was driving down a highway at 55 MPH and my traction control lights came on. Next my assist power steering warning light came on which was yellow. Then the red assist power steering warning came on and I lost all power steering. The dealership did confirm the problem was my steering angle sensor, but said this did not fall under the recall anymore because I have too many miles.
Other or unspecified, Jan 15, 2025
Back up camera. when back up is engaged, picture on backup monitor is reversed, left becomes right and and right becomes left. This happened ab out two months ago and will happen every time shift is placed in reverse. This is a safety issue and particularly for my wife because she always depends on the back up camera. Yesterday I inquired with my local Ford Dealer, but they informed me that there is no recall by Ford for my model (They told me that there is one for the 2023 year and up for failing back up camera, but this even worse, because when the camera fails, it's known right away that you have to depend on the side and review mirrors. Please advise
Steering, Jan 14, 2025
Power steering has gone out on car. There was a previous recall but I was told it has expired. I am not over the miles allowed to claim the recall on the power steering. It is not safe to drive this car without properly being fixed. The recall should still be applied regardless of its expiration as I have not exceeded the milage. I don’t feel it is safe to have an expired recall on a car, especially if the milage is so low.
Steering, Jan 8, 2025, crash
While driving down the highway, the power steering quit working totally. Causing me to go off the road into the ditch. There was a recall on the power steering gear that ford refuses to fix. They state it was fixed with a power steering module reset that did not.
Steering, Jan 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the steering wheel failed to move as intended. The service power steering now warning light illuminated. The contact merged to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the contact's place of business and had not been driven since the incident. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact associated the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (STEERING). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 168,281.
Structure, Jan 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while she was washing the vehicle with a garden hose, the driver's side of the A-pillar detached and separated from the vehicle. The contact was unable to reinstall the trim piece. The contact stated that recently the passenger’s side A-pillar trim became loosened. The failure mileage was 58,519. Parts distribution disconnect.
Structure, Jan 5, 2025
Referencing Recall 24V031: A and B Pillar trim clips fail and cause cover to fly off while driving. * Puts driver and others at risk by part releasing from clips and flying off while driving. * I just lost my 4th one and have been waiting for parts at Corning Ford (530-824-5434) to fix this issue since August of 2024 when we originally took the vehicle in for repair. * After viewing my other cover, it is also near detaching and flying off without warning. * I feel the lack of attention and available parts for this recall is causing unnecessary risk to drivers and others on the road. PLEASE TAKE ACTION IN THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY COMPLETES THIS RECALL AND FIXES OUR VEHICLE.
Structure, Dec 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the exterior A-pillar Trim detached. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
Structure, Dec 30, 2024
In the 2021 Ford Explorer there are multiple leaks due to rain / water damage. The back of the trunk has a leak that has water running down the side into the third row seat it causes rust on to the spare tire, it’s causes fog to be on the inside of the car causing issues to see. There is also leaking in the front of the car that comes out through the light unit above all electric panel. This leaking is causing the ceiling lights to have issues, drips into the dashboard with all the electrical items causing the unit to short, which is where the rear camera display occurs.
Structure, Dec 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000(Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 70-72 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal popping sound, and the driver's side windshield exterior A-Pillar trim separated and flew off. Additionally, the contact stated that the passenger's side windshield exterior A-Pillar trim had detached. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Structure, Dec 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehilce was taken to the local dealer where the exterior A-pillar trim was removed. The vehilce was not repaired due to parts being backordered. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Steering, Electrical system, Dec 26, 2024
Power windows and power mirror buttons stopped working and then “Service power steering now” message came on and the steering wheel is locked and very hard to turn. The electrical wiring for the windows run through the power steering gear. The vehicle has not been inspected or repaired
Engine, Dec 24, 2024
Burnt exhaust smell in cabin after hard acceleration. The smell is overwhelmingly bad causing nose and eye burning and coughing. To remedy the smell the windows have to be rolled down to air out the cabin.
Steering, Dec 23, 2024
On or around December 15 while driving I lost the ability to steer the car without using considerable strength
Steering, Dec 14, 2024
I was on the highway and my whole steering went out and I bought the vehicle 2 years ago and learned today there was a recall in the steering gear and I need to know what I can do because I have 3 children one with down syndrome and we need to have a vehicle that is safe Please help.
Structure, Dec 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side windshield trim detached and flew off the vehicle. The contact stated that shortly afterwards, the passenger's side windshield trim fractured. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the passenger's side trim was reattached. The contact stated that due to the wind, the failure reoccurred. The contact applied tape to the area to hold the windshield trim in place. In addition, the vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V31000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
Steering, Dec 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that on several occasions when the vehicle was started, the steering wheel was intermittently firm. Additionally, the contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the steering wheel locked. The contact stated that the following day while attempting to move the steering wheel, the steering wheel was back to normal. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 103,500.
Steering, Dec 9, 2024
I was driving 68 MPH down the highway when my car threw a Power Stearing Assist Fault, I almost hit head on with a Semi but was able to hit my E break and put the car in neutral to get back over to my side fo the road. I had to have the car towed, my mechanic said there was a recall on the Electric Power Assist System. the Reference number is 14v286000. I called the ford dealship and explained to them the situation as well as what my mechanic said and they told me they were not going to do anything for the vehicle. How are we not going to replace faulty parts that almost took someones life. Someone has to be held resposible as there should be safety measures in place on the vehicle to prevent this and there were none and now the manufacturing company isnt going to honor the recall put into place by the NHTSA.
Other or unspecified, Dec 7, 2024
The recall for my 2011 Ford Explorer (Manufacturer Recall Number: 24S02, NHTSA Recall Number: 24V031) remains unresolved because Ford has not supplied the necessary parts to local dealerships, despite the official recall documentation stating, "Parts are now available to repair your vehicle." Ford claims to have authorized dealers to inspect and repair any loose or missing exterior A-pillar trim moldings free of charge, including parts and labor. However, this claim is false, as no dealership I’ve contacted in the Bay Area, including those near Brentwood, CA, has received the required parts to perform the repair. The A-pillar trim on my vehicle has already detached while driving, creating a road hazard for other vehicles and posing a serious safety risk. Additionally, the lack of a permanent fix is exposing my vehicle to potential water and moisture damage. I have contacted multiple Ford dealerships over the past three months, as well as Ford’s Customer Relationship Center, and all have confirmed that the recall parts are not available. Ford’s inability to fulfill its stated remedy has left me without a solution, prolonging the safety risk and potential vehicle damage. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate Ford’s handling of this recall and compel them to supply the necessary parts to dealerships so that the repair can be completed as promised. This is a critical safety issue that requires immediate resolution. The A-pillar trim has detached from my vehicle while driving, creating a road hazard for other drivers. Additionally, the continued lack of repair risks water and moisture entering my vehicle, potentially causing further damage and compromising its safety. No, Ford has not been able to inspect or repair the vehicle because the necessary parts are unavailable, despite their claim that parts are ready. No warnings were present before the A-pillar trim detached while driving.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Nov 28, 2024
As I was driving, a “service Power steering” warning came on along with another warning about my power assist being lost. I have taken my car to see a mechanic a total of 4 times for this same issue and need answers or reimbursement.
Steering, Nov 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced a loss of power steering functionality intermittently. The contact stated that upon turning off and restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated as needed; however, the failure progressively worsened. The contact stated while driving 50-55 MPH with her child in the rear seat, the vehicle made an abnormal beeping sound, the messages "Power Steering Failed" and "Service Advancetrac" were displayed, and the steering wheel seized. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The contact called an independent mechanic who instructed the contact to temporarily disconnect the battery. The contact followed the instructions; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the residence, where it remained. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) and the steering rack assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) software was previously updated under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Other or unspecified, Nov 21, 2024
Complaint Regarding Lack of Recall Parts Availability for Manufacturer Recall Number: 24S02, NHTSA Recall Number: 24V031 Dear National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, I am writing to formally report an issue regarding the unavailability of parts necessary to complete the safety recall repair for my 2011 Ford Explorer. The recall in question is Manufacturer Recall Number: 24S02, NHTSA Recall Number: 24V031, concerning the detachment of the A-pillar applique trim. Despite being notified that parts are available, I have been unable to find a Ford dealership in my area (Brentwood, CA 94513) or the broader Bay Area that has the required parts to perform the recall repair. I have contacted multiple dealerships over the past three months, and each has informed me that Ford has not supplied them with the parts needed to resolve this issue. This lack of resolution is alarming, as the detachment of the A-pillar trim panel while driving has already posed a significant safety hazard. The original panel flew off into traffic, endangering other road users, and a temporary panel continues to detach while driving. Ford's inability to supply the necessary parts leaves this critical safety issue unresolved and puts myself and others on the road at continued risk. I respectfully request the NHTSA to investigate this matter and ensure that Ford complies with their obligation to provide the necessary parts for this recall repair. Additionally, I would appreciate any guidance on further steps I can take to ensure my vehicle is repaired promptly and safely. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Steering, Nov 19, 2024
The contact's son owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel intermittently became stiff and excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that the "Service Power Steering Now" message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the strut on the driver’s side had fractured. The contact was later informed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The contact's daughter-in-law called the manufacturer and was informed that the vehicle was no longer covered under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Nov 16, 2024
The exterior A-pillar trim panel on my 2011 Ford Explorer has detached multiple times while driving. The first incident occurred when the original panel flew off into traffic, creating a safety hazard for other road users. Since then, I have been using a temporary replacement panel, which also continues to detach while driving, further escalating the safety risk. I have been attempting to resolve this issue for over three months by contacting every Ford dealership in the Bay Area. Each dealership claims they do not have the parts necessary to complete the recall repair, despite Ford's assertion that parts are available. As a result, the recall remains incomplete, and the issue persists, creating ongoing safety risks for myself and others on the road. No warning lamps or messages preceded the incidents. The problem has not been reproduced or inspected by a dealer due to the unavailability of parts. This unresolved recall places myself and other road users at continued risk of potential crashes caused by flying debris from my vehicle.