Ford Explorer / 2011
2011 Ford Explorer problems
Owners have filed 1,499 complaints about the 2011 Ford Explorer with NHTSA. Steering accounts for 49.8% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of structure at 7.4%.
Complaints1,499
Crashes48
Fires4
Injuries30
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Steering 49.8% · 746
Unknown or other 7.5% · 112
Structure 7.4% · 111
Electrical system 6.3% · 95
Engine 5.5% · 83
Power train 4.3% · 64
Air bags 2.9% · 44
Fuel/propulsion system 2.3% · 35
Severity
Of those complaints, 48 describe a crash, 4 describe a fire and 30 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 33 model years of the Ford Explorer in this data, 2011 sits 14th by complaint volume. 2002 draws the most.
Filing volume has held steady, 237 in the last three years against 278 in the three before.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 65,000 miles.
In owners' own words
I am getting a Power Steering Assist Fault on my vehicle and do not have any steering control. This is very dangerous and happens multiple times a week. The price to fix this fault is outrageous and I cannot afford it. I have done some research on the Power Steering Assist Fault and see that it has been brought to Fords attention at a high level and nothing was done with the 2011. Recalls were done with 2013 and up. Steering
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the power steering failed while driving 40 mph. The contact shut off and restarted vehicle however, the train management mode was non-functional and all of the gear box lights on failed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who advised that the steering rack failed. The manufacturer was made aware of failure. The current and failure mileage was 22,000. Steering · reported at 22,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph, the steering wheel suddenly became difficult to turn in either direction. After stopping and restarting the vehicle, the message service steering now was displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 168,000. Steering · reported at 168,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…