2011 Ford Explorer Problems

The power steering has fully stopped working , the car cannot be steered, this started to happen on the road, I had to steer the entire weight of the car myself, at fast speed it was difficult but not impossible, at slow speed and zero speed or while the vehicle is stationary it was impossible or unmovable to steer. there were no warning lamps about this, the Ford dealer has not detect this in my vehicle's previous recall, further vehicle has two more recalls this year, that have been cited this year by the dealer. this needs to be addressed on their recalls because this can cause a very severe problem on the road

On Friday 7/24/2026, I was driving and all the sudden my steering went out. Dash flashed No Power Steering Assist / AdvanTrac System Fail. I pulled over immediately to turn around & get home with zero power steering. The amount of strength to steer/control was extreme. To turn was almost impossible. I took my car to Ford AutoNation on Arapahoe in Centennial on 7/27/26, they ran full diagnostics & it came back that the car suffered a hard internal failure (DTC U3000) of the electronic Power Steering Control Module, creating an immediate, dangerous loss of steering assist while driving. This vehicle was subject to Federal Safety Recall 14S06 (NHTSA Campaign 14V286000). According to official Ford OASIS data, Ford attempted to remedy this safety defect in 2014 using a software reflash shortcut (Labor Code 14S06A) rather than replacing the physical defective hardware. I have a text (via their service dept) from the service manager as well stating "it was a reflash" when I asked which labor code was done under the 14S06; "was it the software reflash or the full rack replacement?". I have a formal case with Ford Corporate created 7/31/26, and have that number as well. IBecause Ford's software patch completely failed to prevent the component's internal hardware failure, the original federally mandated safety defect remains active, unresolved, and dangerous in this chassis. Ford Corporate is refusing to honor the recall remedy because the vehicle is past an arbitrary 10-year limit on their internal customer satisfaction extensions, violating the permanent nature of safety recalls. I stated I would be filing with the NHTSA and they pushed my information on to the Safety Auto Office on 7/31/26.

The pillar covers fell of the vehicle when driving last week. Both plastic covers are on the side of the interstate. I was told and found there is a recall for the clips on these covers, but when I searched, they are not listed for this vehicle. There appears to be an issue with this recall and the explorer.

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 contact stated that the dealer and 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 the trim piece was almost detached. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

While stopped at a stop sign my engine suddenly died, before restarting a low oil pressure light came on but went out immediately. I was approximately 40 miles from home when I got to my destination. The car was showing no signs of issues, no warning lights or errors. When I went back out to start it and head home it would not start. I had to pay additional expense beyond my insurance road side coverage due to the distance. I have had an independent mechanic going over the vehicle since it died. Starter has been replaced because it appeared to be the issue. (the original was bad) Once replaced while attempting to start it he found out the engine had locked up. I bought the vehicle March 30, 2026 & this happened on June 10, 2026. The vehicle had 132,344 miles on it when bought and 135,716 when it seized up. After looking through other reports I have found this to be a reported issue.

Unknown

The power steering has fully stopped working , the car cannot be steered, this started to happen on the road, I had to steer the entire weight of the car myself, at fast speed it was difficult but not impossible, at slow speed and zero speed or while the vehicle is stationary it was impossible or unmovable to steer. there were no warning lamps about this, the Ford dealer has not detect this in my vehicle's previous recall, further vehicle has two more recalls this year, that have been cited this year by the dealer. this needs to be addressed on their recalls because this can cause a very severe problem on the road

Vehicle is very hard to steer, will not reset when restarting the vehicle. two dash messages; advance track warning and power assist failure. I have not attempted to drive on road due to difficulty of steering the wheel. I am afraid the vehicle is uncontrollable at this point and needs to be towed to a repair facility. Not sure if this incident is linked to the recall under 14S06 for ford recalls.

During a red-light, as I was coming to a stop, the vehicle gave the warning saying “service power-steering now” and “traction control off.” I was unable to turn the steering wheel much due to it being so heavy. My official complaint: Vehicle: 2011 Ford Escape XLT Safety Recall: NHTSA Campaign Number 14V284000 (Ford Recall 14S05) Issue: Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist (EPS) / Steering Torque Sensor Fault I am submitting this complaint regarding an unresolved safety defect involving my 2011 Ford Escape XLT. This vehicle is subject to a federally recognized safety recall for loss of electric power steering assist: NHTSA Campaign Number 14V284000, Ford Recall 14S05, which involves the electric power steering (EPS) system and steering torque sensor faults that can cause the vehicle to suddenly lose steering assist. The safety issue covered under this recall is still present and represents an ongoing risk. The vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, which makes the steering wheel extremely difficult to turn and increases the risk of a crash, especially at lower speeds, in traffic, or during turns. On February 13, 2026, I had a scheduled appointment at Kingman Ford (Arizona) at 3:00 PM specifically to address this safety recall issue and the continuing steering assist problem. Kingman Ford declined service and refused to perform any recall-related repair, stating they could not provide service related to the recall. After the dealership refusal, I contacted Ford Corporate Customer Service directly. Ford Corporate also declined to provide any repair assistance, and stated they had no knowledge of any federal directives or requirements regarding safety issues connected to this recall. Because this is a federally recognized safety recall and the defect continues to occur, I am requesting that NHTSA document this as a recall remedy failure / unresolved safety defect, and review Ford’s refusal (and the dealership’s refusal) to correct a known steerin

The wheel locks in low speeds. It does not happen often, maybe about 3 times per year. I have brought this up to Ford dealer in Encinitas CA for several years and the problem is seldom that they did not find anything wrong with it. Recently I found the recall online and brought it to their attention. I never received the notice of recall back in 2015. They are refusing service because it has been more than 10 yrs since the recall and my vehicle is at 180,000 miles. I use the car to carpool my kids and other people's kids. Please help fix the problem.

During a red-light, as I was coming to a stop, the vehicle gave the warning saying “service power-steering now” and “traction control off.” I was unable to turn the steering wheel much due to it being so heavy. My official complaint: Vehicle: 2011 Ford Escape XLT Safety Recall: NHTSA Campaign Number 14V284000 (Ford Recall 14S05) Issue: Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist (EPS) / Steering Torque Sensor Fault I am submitting this complaint regarding an unresolved safety defect involving my 2011 Ford Escape XLT. This vehicle is subject to a federally recognized safety recall for loss of electric power steering assist: NHTSA Campaign Number 14V284000, Ford Recall 14S05, which involves the electric power steering (EPS) system and steering torque sensor faults that can cause the vehicle to suddenly lose steering assist. The safety issue covered under this recall is still present and represents an ongoing risk. The vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, which makes the steering wheel extremely difficult to turn and increases the risk of a crash, especially at lower speeds, in traffic, or during turns. On February 13, 2026, I had a scheduled appointment at Kingman Ford (Arizona) at 3:00 PM specifically to address this safety recall issue and the continuing steering assist problem. Kingman Ford declined service and refused to perform any recall-related repair, stating they could not provide service related to the recall. After the dealership refusal, I contacted Ford Corporate Customer Service directly. Ford Corporate also declined to provide any repair assistance, and stated they had no knowledge of any federal directives or requirements regarding safety issues connected to this recall. Because this is a federally recognized safety recall and the defect continues to occur, I am requesting that NHTSA document this as a recall remedy failure / unresolved safety defect, and review Ford’s refusal (and the dealership’s refusal) to correct a known steerin

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a distorted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. The message "Camera not Available - Contact Local Dealer" was displayed. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

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 contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the air bag warning light being illuminated and the dealer diagnosed that the front passenger’s side air bag sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the part was ordered; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted regarding NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); in February 2024 and the contact was informed there were no parts available for the recall repair. In July 2024 the contact received a letter stating that parts were available, and an appointment was scheduled for October 2024. At the time of the appointment, the dealer informed the contact that the recall repair could not be performed due to parts not being available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Pursuant to the attached pdf file this relates to component parts of the air bag system. When these connections fail or have an issue it disables all of the safety features in the vehicle related to the air bag system and will prevent airbag deployment or any operation in a crash. This has been an issue since we purchased the car used with around 35,000 miles on it. Multiple repair attempts have failed. At 61,000 mile I was told that they would have to replace the connections but since it was more than 60,000 miles the cost of that repair would be out of my pocket as they would no longer honor any warranty coverage. Ford customer service in Dearborn agreed with that assessment. The cost estimate at that time was given at a minimum of $3000.00 dollars. This issue remains unresolved to this day and time as I have tried to appeal that decision and while I have tried to find an independent repair shop that would do this work. To date no independent shop will do this as it effects a safety system. At a 100,000+ miles now I am transporting my grandchildren in this car without the benefit of an operating airbag system due to Ford's continued failures.

Hidráulic problem

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%

Unknown

Hidráulic problem

I had a recall on my 2011 Ford explorer for toe Links and bushings. Since ever since this has been going on I have gone through 38 tires in the rear in the past two years alone no shop will fix my car because the camber is so out of whack I have to have the whole rear suspension redone again when it should have been fixed the first time with the recall link Ford spent 5 minutes going through my car and said that my car didn't qualify for any recall because my car is a front wheel drive and not an all-wheel drive so they did not do the recall now after bringing it to another shop I have the estimate of what it would cost to fix that needs to be done it is an emergency because when I hit a pothole I go in the ditch my friend and his smashed because I can't control my car my steering freezes while driving down the highway and this all has something to do with the rear suspension five Star automotive wrote down everything that needs to be replaced this is a hazard to be on the road, if I could afford another car I would have one I keep sinking money into this one, because of Link Ford and their mistake me and my car should not have to suffer for it or anyone else on the road because this is a hazard my car is going to kill someone if I would have had the recall replaced, I wouldn't have had to spend an additional $1,400 on parts and labor that never even got put in because they can't put them in until this is repaired I can't even get a front end alignment because of this the entire rear suspension is sagging to the ground and my tires tilt in about 42°. I have the printout from both Link Ford in mining and 5 star automotive in Superior WI because of the 22 times I've gone in the ditch due to my suspension and steering locking up I have a short in the ground wire somewhere that is now fried my ECU so when I put it in a $90 boot every time it lights on fire within 30 seconds I'm in closing that picture as well of the one I just put in little over an hour ago.

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on the driver’s side windshield started to detach. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 21V746000 (Suspension); however, the parts to perform the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available and were on back order. 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 not available.

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after parking in the garage and turning the engine off, approximately 5 minutes later a loud noise came from the rear of the vehicle. The contact discovered that the rear hatch window had exploded and glass shards fell into the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not determined. The contact indicated that at the time of the failure the rear window defroster was not activated. The manufacturer and local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 227,000.

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.

Power steering assist fault, and power steering EPS system failed while driving! Was replaced by Ford in 2015 and has already locked up while driving! Tire pressure sensor constantly stays on even after replacement.

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 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.

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 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.

I HAVE MY AIR BAG LIGHT ON MY DASH, AND MY EMERGENCY LIGHTS DO NOT WORK. THIS CAR IS TOO YOUNG TO HAVE SUCH PROBLEMS. MY PASSENGER BACK SEAT BELT CASE IS BROKEN AS WELL. THE STITCHING ON THE SEAT BELT SEEM TO BE TEARING. THIS IS ONLY A 2011 FORD EXPLORER IT IS WAY TO YOUNG FOR ALL THESE MAJOR SAFETY ISSUES. MY MECHANIC CANT FIGURE IT OUT.

THE TRUCK WAS DRIVING SMOOTHLY AND I TURNED IT OFF, TEN MINUTES LATER THE TRUCK POWER STEERING WAS RIDICULOUSLY THOUGH I COULD BARELY DRIVE BACK HOME,STILL CAN'T USED THE TRUCK,CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND TOLD ME THAT THIS TRUCK DOES HAS A ELECTRICAL POWER STEERING RECALL BUT THE MILEAGE WAS OVER 1000 MILES OF THE MILES THATS IN THE RECALL SYSTEM, COULDN'T IMAGINE IF THAT SITUATION HAPPENED WHILE I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY IT WOULD'VE OCCURRED AN ACCIDENT I DONT THINK ITS FAIR THAT THIS MODELS HAVE A RECALL AND THE DEALERSHIP ARE NOT DOING NOTHING ABOUT IT, I REALLY NEED SOME HELP I HAVE KIDS AND I CANNOT ENDANGER THEM BY THIS MISTAKE THE FABRICATORS DONE.

WHEN IT RAINS, THE RAIN COMES IN THE TRUCK AND SEEPS THROUGH THE SEATBELTS, THE FRONT PASSENGER INTERIOR HANDLE, THE TWO LIGHTS IN THE TOP OF THE TRUCK (ABOVE THE CONSOLE), THE STERIO IN THE BACK, THE PASSENGER SIDE UNDER THE DASHBOARD, THROUGH THE TRIM OF THE WINDOWS ON DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SIDE, AND INSIDE THE SUNROOF (YES, THE WINDOWS AND SUNROOF IS CLOSED). THIS HAPPENS IF THE TRUCK IS SITTING IN DRIVEWAY, AND WHEN DRIVING. MY GUESS IS THAT SOMETHING WAS NOT PROPERLY SEALED WHEN THE TRUCK WAS BEING MADE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER HEATED SEAT WAS ACTIVATED AND IT BURNED A HOLE THROUGH THE SEAT ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 28,261. UPDATED 01/07/14*LJ UPDATED 1/22/2014 *JS UPDATED 03/17/15*LJ THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO HAVE THE CASE RE-EVALUATED. UPDATED 8/18/2015*JS

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

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN LATITUDE TOUR TIRES, SIZE P245/60R18 (NA). WHILE HAVING THE VEHICLE INSPECTED, THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE TREAD ON ALL FOUR TIRES WAS SEPARATING. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13T006000 (TIRES), BUT THE TIRE SIZE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.

PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FOR MY WIFE A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AGO. AT FIRST EVERYTHING WAS FINE BUT THEN AT ABOUT FOUR MONTHS WE STARTED HAVING ISSUES WITH THE WINDOW NOT ROLLING UP. THE DEALER TOOK CARE OF THAT ISSUE WITH NO PROBLEMS. THEN WE TAKE IT IN FOR THE SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE (OIL CHANGE/TIRE ROTATION) & OUR TIRES HAD INSIDE CUPPING IN WHICH THE DEALER DOES NOTHING ABOUT & STILL HAVE NOT. AT AROUND 22K MILES MY WIFE NOTICES THE VEHICLE STARTING TO JERK WHEN STOPPED OR MOVING. OVER THE PAST 8K MILES THIS GETS WORSE & GETS TO WHERE THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED OUT NUMEROUS TIMES (STILL OR MOVING). I HAVE MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. NOT SURE THE CAUSE YET. *TR

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 on five different occasions while driving at various speeds, the power steering warning light illuminated, and the steering wheel became firm, making it difficult to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that on one occasion, the vehicle was towed to a dealer where the contact was informed that the power steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred a week later. The manufacture was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.