2011 Ford Explorer Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2011 Ford Explorer has a Complaint Index of 70, ranking 7th worst out of 21 model years, and carries a Caution verdict. Steering complaints dominate, making up 62% of the 1,197 complaints, with six recalls on file.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 70/100
- #7 of 21 Explorer years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 1,197
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 6
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 30
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 4
- Injuries
- 15
- Top issue
- Steering
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 19.5
- 17.5 city / 24 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 15 / 0
Top 2011 Ford Explorer problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Steering742 (62%)
- Other118 (10%)
- Structure & Body116 (10%)
- Engine113 (9%)
- Electrical System99 (8%)
- Transmission & Powertrain64 (5%)
- Brakes57 (5%)
- Airbags44 (4%)
- Fuel System40 (3%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires35 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Steering can suddenly lock up or lose power assist while driving, sometimes causing a crash.
- Brake pedals have reportedly gone to the floor with no stopping power at low speeds, leading to collisions.
- Power steering loss has occurred at highway speed, causing loss of control and fishtailing.
- Airbag warning lights repeatedly illuminated despite dealer service visits, with one owner later hitting a deer.
- Heated seats have burned through the seat cushion on more than one occasion.
- Brakes have overheated and smoked after highway driving, with heat felt at the wheels.
2011 Ford Explorer recalls
6 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 24V031000Jan 19, 2024Structure & Body1,889,110 vehicles
Structure:body:roof and pillars
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.
Risk: A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 21V746000Sep 22, 2021Suspension, Wheels & Tires150,723 vehicles
Suspension:rear
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.
Risk: A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 19V435000Jun 10, 2019Suspension, Wheels & Tires1,194,173 vehicles
Suspension:rear
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.
Risk: A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
2011 Ford Explorer fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 17.5 MPG
- Highway
- 24 MPG
- Combined
- 19.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,325
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2011 compared with other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2011 Ford Explorer reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2011 Explorer earns a Caution verdict, ranking 7th worst among 21 model years with a Complaint Index of 70.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2011 Ford Explorer?
- Steering is the top problem area, accounting for 742 of 1,197 complaints (62%), with a median failure mileage of 68,000 miles.
- Does the 2011 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists six recall campaigns for the 2011 Explorer, covering steering (power steering control module software), structure and body issues like A-pillar trim and door handles, and a seat recliner recall.
- How does the 2011 Explorer compare to other Explorer years?
- The 2011 model's Complaint Index of 70 is worse than earlier years like 2008 (10) and 2009 (0), but better than later Avoid years such as 2016 (100) and 2013 (85).