2011 Ford Explorer complaints

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while pulling out of a parking lot, the power steering function became inoperable, and the steering wheel failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the traction control and power steering warning lights were illuminated. The power steering assist fault message was displayed. The contact stated that the failure was due to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The contact was able to pull the vehicle into the driveway. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that there were no open recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that there was no recall or warranty coverage for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.

While driving the B pillar broke and flew off. Now I have it taped up so nothing will get into my car (like rain) and so nothing else falls off.

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle responded as needed. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring more often. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

Power Steering just went out with no warning. Plus 3 other failures Service advance Trac Power Steering fault and Terrain Management Fault. All these occurred at the same time.

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the steering wheel became very firm. The power steering assist fault warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road where the doors were opened and then closed, and the vehicle restarted. On the last occasion, after restarting the vehicle, the steering wheel remained firm. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V435000 (Suspension) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving out of the dealer lot, the steering failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle was diagnosed with steering gear and steering module failures. The contact was informed that the steering gear and the steering module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 110,304.

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle intermittently lost power steering functionality. The blind spot sensors also displayed an error message on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the traction control and several other electrical systems failed intermittently. The contact stated that the message “Brake Failure” was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with power steering braking sensor failure. The vehicle had been repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The contact stated that after the software update, the steering seized and was no longer operable. The vehicle was returned to the dealer where it was confirmed that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering); however, the failure had called for the warranty coverage associated with the recall under Manufacturer ID Number: 15N01 (Steering), requiring that the gearbox be replaced. The contact stated that the warranty coverage had expired due to the mileage and year limitation. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000.

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact observed that the door panel was separating from the door frame on the driver's side. The contact stated that the panel was separating from the middle of the panel and was creating a gap from left to right. The contact stated that the gap had trapped his left arm shirt sleeve and was more noticeable while wearing a coat. The contact stated that the failure impeding drivability. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer and the contact was forwarded to an auto body shop for the repair. The contact stated that the passenger’s side door panel was also separating from the center top. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.

While driving in the rain, I lost power steering and had several unrelated waring lights come on. Dash lights flickered. Engine continued to run normally but warning lights came on and off. I was able to drive to a safe location and turn the car off. When I restarted the car everything was normal including the power steering. This happened 2 more times on the 12 mile trip home. In the last 60 days this has happened 3 more times during a rain. On one of these occasions the steering came back on like normal with out me stopping.

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to steer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with steering gear failure. The contact was informed that the steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the repair was not eligible for coverage under the Customer Satisfaction Program: EPAS - Steering Efforts program. The contact was informed that the steering gear repair needed to be completed prior to the three unrepaired recall repairs being performed. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.

The steering rack and pinion failed causing our steering wheel to lock while driving. This was a major safety risk/hazard for my family, me, and other drivers on the road. We lost all steering capabilities, something we'd never experienced before. This could have caused an accident leading to serious bodily harm and or fatal injuries to all involved. This problem has been confirmed by a Ford Dealership. The vehicle has been inspected by a Ford Dealership service team. There were no warning lamps or messages until after the vehicle steering locked up.

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering failed to function as intended. The contact stated that while reversing out of a parking area, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact stated that the power steering malfunction and tire sensor warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed with a failed rack and pinion and a failed passenger's side tire sensor. The contact was informed that the rack and pinion and the passenger’s side tire sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of recall NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 195,468.

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH and making a left turn, the power steering and 4WD suddenly failed, causing the steering wheel to become difficult to turn in either direction. The 4WD was independently deactivated. During the failure, the message "Service Power Steering" and "Service Power Track" were displayed. The cause of the failures was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failures, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 110,000.

Steering Fault Service Now" with no symptoms. Then, a minute later the steering locked up and ran myself and my two little kids off the road. Then when I turned my car off. I started it back up and then the steering was fine. Then 3 days later it locked up again driving down the highway. Thank God I was in the right lane and not the middle. It threw me off the road again. I'm scared to death of my explorer. I'm afraid to drive it now.

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at various speeds, the engine overheated. The contact stated that the water pump was leaking, and the contact replaced the water pump himself. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was scanned with an ODB scanner an engine overheating code was retrieved. The contact stated that the radiator cooling fan failed to turn on. The contact stated he had installed a new temperature sensor, but the vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the "Service Power Steering Now" message was displayed, and the steering wheel was very difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under a Manufacturer's Extended Customer Satisfaction Campaign related to the power steering malfunction. The failure mileage was 160,000.

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to maneuver. The power steering assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 146,000.

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact used excessive force to pull to the side of the road. The power steering failure and Service Power Steering messages were displayed. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 114,401.

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 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 while driving at approximately 65 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the A-pillar on the passenger’s side of the vehicle. The contact stopped the vehicle and observed that a part of the trim on the A-pillar near the top of the trim had loosened. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or repair facility. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 188,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

My son was on the highway and his Ford Explorer 2011 just stopped, he could have been killed! He was able to get off safely and had car towed. Our mechanic told us today it is the Water Pump leakage and we need to take to Ford. We called Ford and they said at least $5,000 to repair possibly more. This is a huge safety concern when the act can just stop dead on highway. There are no safety recalls on this water pump. My son was lucky to make it off the highway alive.

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The contact stated that four unknown messages were displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a power steering failure, but recommended no repairs at the time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The contact was advised to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while observing the vehicle, the A-pillar trim on the driver's and passenger's sides was detaching. The contact stated that there was water leaking inside the vehicle on both the driver's and passenger's side. The contact stated that mold and mildew was growing inside the vehicle and there was a mildew odor. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. 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 unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The power steering assist fault warning light was illuminated. The failure had occurred several times; however, the power steering was reset independently when the vehicle was turned off and restarted. The contact stated that after the last failure had occurred, the vehicle failed to regain power steering functionality and the vehicle became inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the failure description was like an unknown recall however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was advised to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. While the contact's wife was driving at a moderate rate of speed, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed. The contact was unaware of any warning lights being illuminated. Due to the failure, the contact's wife used excessive force to steer the vehicle back home. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

Vehicle became very hard to steer and warning lights came on warning of steering module failure.

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The steering assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the electronic power steering. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 170,000.

Hidráulic problem

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, she observed an unknown noise from the outside of the vehicle. The contact stated that when she opened the driver's door, the A-Pillar trim fell to the ground. Additionally, the contact stated that her hair got caught in the tar where the A-Pillar trim was supposed to be. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,373.

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the exterior A-Pillar trim detached from the vehicle on the highway. 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 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The airbag warning light keeps coming on after continued checks and fixes. The dealership zip tied connector c211 and the light went off for a bit then came back on, the seat belt has been replaced but the light came back on, and all other components have been checked but no matter what the fix the light stays on. This is an issue many people have and Ford should be responsible for fixing it.

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at approximately 75 MPH, the power steering assist fault message was displayed, and the steering wheel was very difficult to turn. The contact was able to stop the vehicle, and the vehicle was turned off and restarted and regained power steering functionality. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent and occurred at various speeds. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and became aware of two Customer Satisfaction Programs associated to the VIN; however, the contact was informed by the dealer that the program for EPAS Steering Efforts 15N01 (Steering) was no longer covered under warranty. The failure mileage was 108,045.

Power Steering quit working in a sharp turn. No accident occurred. No prior issue. Recall 14so6 was performed on 2/06/2015 under 15no1. But at the time of recall it did not present any codes and they skipped replacing whole steering gear and hardware. Currently it is presenting code U3000:49-08 which would cause them to replace whole steering gear and hardware and they are refusing to repair vehicle under their cost because of mileage. All that was performed at time of recall was updating power steering control module. I do not understand how a known recall is not being fixed because of mileage.

The internal water pump failed in my 2011 Ford Explorer without any warning signs and the coolant then leaked into my engine causing catastrophic engine failure. We were driving on a busy highway and the Ford Explorer simply started shutting down in the left lane. Nothing would happen when I pushed the gas petal and suddenly all the lights started flashing and heat went to above high. I was barely able to get over to the shoulder as smoke started to come out of the front of the engine. We were extremely afraid of getting hit since the car stalled on the highway only feet from the exit ramp. The car was towed and diagnosed at the Ford Dealership: Internal water pump failed causing engine failure - water mixed with oil. The car received state inspection and oil changed 17 days prior. Paid for engine replacement at the Ford Dealership with costs over $11,000.

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 75 MPH, the driver's side A-Pillar Trim flew off hitting the driver's side mirror and cracked the mirror and casing. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure), however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 229,000.

2011 Explorer, 102,000 miles. Power steering light would occasionally come on upon starting the car and would reset itself after turning the car off and back on. September 2023 upon starting the car the power steering would not fix itself so it was towed to a mechanic. He repaired the power steering for $3K. Found out in February 2024 through an inspection receipt there had been a 'recall' on the power steering and the rear toe-link (never received a letter from Ford) so we took it to the dealership. We're being told since the car is over 10 years old we cannot get reimbursed for the power steering charge even though apparently we were extremely lucky my 16 year old son wasn't actually DRIVING it when it went out based on other people's situations. This should be a RECALL, not an extended warranty issue and Ford should be liable for fixing this extremely dangerous faulty part.

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 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 noticed that the trim on both A-pillars were loosened. The contact stated that the trim pieces had not detached nor separated from the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Driver side window panel flew off during my drive on the interstate directly after I noticed it being loose for the first time. 3rd row seatbelts leak when it rains on both sides. Rear backup camera is opposite/flipped and goes in and out. Trunk will close on you after opening it up with the car not running. It will not sense movement when the car is off and continues to shut resulting in harm.

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the windshield wipers were in the on position, the wipers went off the vehicle and had to be pushed back into place. There was an unknown yellow warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while making a turn, the driver's and passenger's front wheels detached on two occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the vehicle received an unstated repair. There was an abnormal sound while driving at various speeds. While shifting gear, the vehicle jumped. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer however, the result of the diagnostic test was unknown. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the "Power Steering Assist Fault" message was displayed, after which the contact became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning as needed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 184,000.

I own a 2011 Ford Explorer Limited with 150K miles. The Power Steering Assist light has come on a number of times. Typically when I first start the car and start to move. It has however failed 3 times while driving in traffic. I shut off the car and restart it and it clears and is drivable again. Today it failed about 4 miles from home and would not reset. I gimped it home with no power steering. I will take it to the dealer this week to see if they will honor their recall. DOA.

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Steering Fault," message was displayed, and the electric power steering assist was not operating properly. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, and after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the power steering control module. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 15N01. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 134,000.

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine block was cracked and the oil sending unit was damaged. The dealer informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.

Over the past couple of years the steering wheel has locked. But would reset if turned off and on. The traction light also engaged temporarily and later went off. When I took my vehicle in to the dealership at Blue Springs Mo Ford on [XXX] for service and diagnostic they indicated a sensor and/or steering mechanism needed repair or replaced and the part has been on back order. They would order the parts-and let me know when they came in. They have yet to contact me on the part. They said it could be some time. . About a month the tire pressure sensor fault warning came on so I was looking repairs. Early this week while driving the power steering quit working. A day or so later while troubleshooting the dash display reported faults with both power steering assist and advance tract. After turning it back on and off the warning lights engaged. I have a new battery, checked connections and fuses, then looked online and found ford has a known problem with power steering assist failing. Also comments report if an issue occurs with the electronic power assist at any time Ford is responsible to repair for free. Today I called the ford number 800-392-3673 to report this problem and was informed my vehicle does not qualify for free repairs due to the mileage 173,958. The fix expired at 150,000 miles or 10 year - which was an extension to warranty). I don’t agree with this approach as Ford has been aware of this issue with the power steering electronic system for years and provided no n

We were driving down the road and lost complete control of steering. Me and my family's safety as well as other drivers on the road was very much at risk as we lost steering at 60 miles per hour. The problem was reproduced and there was a recall issued 14s06 but Ford Motor Company will not repair as it has been too long (in their opinion) at the dealership and calling Ford Motor Company There was no warning prior.

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact had received a recall notification two years ago for the power steering. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that because there were no codes displayed, to bring the vehicle back when the code displayed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering was inoperable. The contact stated that the steering malfunction warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 128,037.

This is the second complaint for my 2011 Ford Explorer for the same issue: steering rack. I replaced my seering rack at a cost of 3K. Drove it a day and had a failure again. New Motorcraft part as I was told from the dealer. The NHTSB had Ford issue a recall some metal A-Frame issue but not one for a more serious issue of a steering rack failure! No right.

The fuel sending unit goes bad due to the split tank and differential and drive train have to be taken apart and dropped in order to change. Costing over $1,000.00. You can not go under half a tank of gas and if you do you just run out of gas immediately causing you to stop on highways side roads etc.Its very dangerous to have a vehicle that will just all of a sudden run out of gas and no one is paying to get them fixed because of the pricepoint charged to repair. This is Fords faulty work 1000%

My car show me warning Power steering assist fail Now my car not drive because cant turn right or left is too hard Engine and transmission is ok Power steering recall was in past Now I try get help from dealer they say not recall for steering is weird Epas 15N01 recall Still original parts on my car Please what I need to do Thanks

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the water pump and determined that water had leaked into the engine and mixed with the engine oil, resulting in engine damage. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 113,000.

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon start of the vehicle, the power steering assist warning light appeared on the instrument panel. Despite the failure, the contact drove the vehicle to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective power steering module and power steering assembly. The contact was informed that the part needed to repair the vehicle was initially under warranty; however, the warranty expired. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was a 111,300.