Worst 2011 Ford Explorer Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Steering Defects
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2011 Ford Explorer.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 721 | 19 | — | 89,064 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 89 | 2 | 1 | 69,588 mi | |
| Engine Problems | 82 | 1 | 1 | 84,674 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 62 | 2 | — | 58,154 mi | |
| Structural Problems | 54 | — | — | 123,382 mi | |
| Body Structure | 47 | 2 | — | 98,466 mi | |
| Airbags | 44 | 3 | — | 67,909 mi | |
| Fuel System | 35 | 1 | — | 60,722 mi | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 28 | 1 | — | 213,537 mi | |
| Suspension Failures | 24 | 3 | — | 156,544 mi | |
| Brakes | 21 | 6 | 1 | 64,260 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 17 | 1 | — | 54,906 mi | |
| Engine & Cooling | 15 | 1 | — | 86,385 mi | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 14 | 2 | — | 74,229 mi | |
| Steering:Electric Power Assist System | 9 | — | — | 109,052 mi | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 9 | — | — | 84,343 mi | |
| Wheel Issues | 9 | — | — | 66,375 mi | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 6 | — | — | 14,236 mi | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System | 5 | — | — | 98,500 mi | |
| Hydraulic Brakes | 5 | 2 | — | 6,890 mi | |
| Traction Control System | 5 | — | — | 49,278 mi | |
| Other Equipment | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline Fuel System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Steering:Rack And Pinion | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Exterior Lighting:Turn Signal | 2 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2011 Ford Explorer. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2011 Ford Explorer
6 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~3,609,175 vehicles.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
Other Ford Explorer Years
2011 Ford Explorer — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2011 Ford Explorer reliable?
What are common problems with the 2011 Ford Explorer?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2011 Ford Explorer?
How safe is the 2011 Ford Explorer?
Does the 2011 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2011 Ford Explorer?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Ford Explorer reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2011 Ford Explorer
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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