2011 Ford Explorer Electrical System Problems
NHTSA lists 99 Electrical System complaints for the 2011 Ford Explorer, 8% of its 1,197 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 56,300. There are no related recalls listed for this issue, though owners reported 2 crashes, 1 fire, and 1 injury tied to electrical failures.
- Electrical System complaints
- 99
- 8% of 1,197
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 56,300 mi
- Related recalls
- 0
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Owners report sudden loss of power steering assist accompanied by a "power steering assist failure" and "service traction control" warning message, often resolved temporarily by shutting off and restarting the vehicle.
- Some drivers describe losing power steering and brake response at the same time while gauges on the instrument panel stopped functioning, forcing them to pull over and restart the car.
- The MyFord Touch/Sync infotainment system reportedly freezes, reboots repeatedly, or disables audio, climate control, navigation, and the rear-view camera right after starting the vehicle.
- Owners describe dim or malfunctioning headlights that recurred even after a dealer adjustment.
- One owner reported a parked, unoccupied vehicle catching fire, with the local fire department suspecting an electrical origin.
- Power steering loss has been reported at both low speeds, such as pulling out of a gas station, and at highway speeds around 40-45 mph.
When 2011 Ford Explorer electrical complaints were filed
First complaint Nov 30, 2011, latest Jul 31, 2026.
Electrical System recalls for the 2011 Ford Explorer
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
Electrical System complaints by Explorer model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many electrical complaints does the 2011 Ford Explorer have?
- NHTSA lists 99 Electrical System complaints for the 2011 Ford Explorer, which is 8% of the 1,197 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2011 Ford Explorer electrical system?
- No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this electrical system issue on the 2011 Ford Explorer.
- At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this issue is 56,300 miles.
- What kind of electrical failures do owners report most?
- Owners most often describe sudden power steering assist failure paired with warning lights, along with MyFord Touch/Sync system freezes and reboots.
- Were there any crashes or fires linked to this issue?
- NHTSA data for this issue on the 2011 Ford Explorer records 2 crashes, 1 fire, and 1 injury.