How many suspension, wheels & tire complaints does the 2011 Ford Explorer have?

NHTSA lists 35 complaints in this category for the 2011 Explorer, about 3% of the 1,197 total complaints filed for that model year.

What is the typical mileage when these suspension problems occur?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 104,000 miles.

Is there a recall for suspension issues on the 2011 Ford Explorer?

Yes. Recall 19V435000 covers rear suspension toe links on 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles that may fracture, and recall 21V746000 covers inspection of a suspension bolt (CABJ) on 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles in certain states.

Did any of these suspension complaints involve crashes?

NHTSA data shows 3 crashes and 0 fires tied to Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints on the 2011 Explorer, with no injuries reported.

How does the 2011 Explorer compare to other years for this problem area?

The 2011 Explorer's 35 complaints and 3% share are lower than several later years, such as 2014, 2016, and 2017, which each show higher complaint counts and shares in this same category.

2011 Ford Explorer Suspension, Wheels & Tires Problems

NHTSA lists 35 Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints for the 2011 Ford Explorer, about 3% of its 1,197 total complaints. Median mileage at failure is 104,000. Two related recalls cover rear toe links and a suspension bolt inspection.

Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints: 35; 3% of 1,197
Crashes reported: 3
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 104,000 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical suspension symptoms owners report

Front or rear control arms have snapped or fractured while driving at low speeds or during turns, sometimes leading to loss of steering control.
Tire tread separation was reported on all four tires, with owners noting a related tire recall campaign.
Front strut and spring assemblies have failed, producing creaking or clanking noises near the front wheels.
Owners describe persistent squeaking noises from the front suspension during acceleration, braking, or when hitting bumps.
Power steering has intermittently failed with warning lights for power steering fault and all-terrain management, causing temporary loss of steering assist.

When 2011 Ford Explorer suspension complaints were filed

First complaint Mar 8, 2011, latest Oct 26, 2025.

35 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2011 to Oct 2025; peak Mar 2021 (3).

Suspension, Wheels & Tires recalls for the 2011 Ford Explorer

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.

Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints by Explorer model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

200539 (8%)
200615 (2%)
200731 (15%)
200813 (9%)
20095 (15%)
20108 (7%)
201135 (3%)
201227 (3%)
201393 (4%)
2014127 (8%)
201597 (5%)
2016130 (5%)
2017127 (8%)
201840 (5%)
201916 (5%)
202051 (4%)
202120 (5%)
202216 (6%)
202313 (12%)
20243 (14%)
20254 (4%)

Frequently asked questions

How many suspension, wheels & tire complaints does the 2011 Ford Explorer have?: NHTSA lists 35 complaints in this category for the 2011 Explorer, about 3% of the 1,197 total complaints filed for that model year.
What is the typical mileage when these suspension problems occur?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 104,000 miles.
Is there a recall for suspension issues on the 2011 Ford Explorer?: Yes. Recall 19V435000 covers rear suspension toe links on 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles that may fracture, and recall 21V746000 covers inspection of a suspension bolt (CABJ) on 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles in certain states.
Did any of these suspension complaints involve crashes?: NHTSA data shows 3 crashes and 0 fires tied to Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints on the 2011 Explorer, with no injuries reported.
How does the 2011 Explorer compare to other years for this problem area?: The 2011 Explorer's 35 complaints and 3% share are lower than several later years, such as 2014, 2016, and 2017, which each show higher complaint counts and shares in this same category.