2011 Ford Explorer: common problems and reliability

The 2011 Ford Explorer has 1190 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 8 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are steering and structure. Owners most often flag transmission reliability problems — includes rough shifting, laggy response, complete failure, and concerns about longevity. noted as a weak point across the model line, with failures occurring at both low and high mileage. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2011 model year

1,190
Owner complaints
8
Recalls
30
Crash reports
4
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2011 Ford Explorer vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

steering
736
structure
110
electrical system
94
engine
83
power train
64

Recalls affecting the 2011 Explorer

suspension:rear

Campaign 19V435000

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.

wheels:hub

Campaign 17E048000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain Wheel Hub Bearing assemblies, part number HB5Z-1104-C, incorrectly listed as being for installation on the rear axles of 2011-2017 Ford Explorer 4X2 vehicles. These bearings…

structure:body:door

Campaign 15V171000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the interior door handle return spring may unseat, resulting in interior door handle that does not return t…

steering

Campaign 14E001000

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain replacement steering gears installed on model year 2011-2012 Explorers as service parts in September 2013 and January 2014. The affected gears may lock, preventing the drive…

What owners say across generations

Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. The current-generation Explorer (2020+) is frequently praised for its spacious interior, particularly the generous cargo and third-row space, comfortable ride, and strong performance in ST and Platinum trims. T

  • Transmission reliability problems — Includes rough shifting, laggy response, complete failure, and concerns about longevity. Noted as a weak point across the model line, with failures occurring at both low and high mileage. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Engine and cooling system problems — Reports of engines overheating, internal flooding, and repeated catalytic converter failures requiring multiple replacements. Frequency: recurrent.
  • General reliability concerns — Broad statements about Ford reliability being "average to below average," with specific mentions of expensive repairs and the need for significant maintenance budgets. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Electrical issues — Isolated reports of intermittent electrical problems, particularly in older models (e.g., 1994, 2013). Frequency: isolated.
  • Exhaust/Power Transfer Unit (PTU) odor — Mention of a technical service bulletin for exhaust smell entering the cabin during hard driving, and potential PTU vent odor in all-wheel-drive models. Frequency: isolated.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Explorer.

Typical used price

Used Explorer listings typically run $29,360–$51,264 across 2015 to 2026 model years.

Other Explorer model years

2024 Explorer2019 Explorer2018 Explorer2016 Explorer2006 Explorer2003 Explorer2002 Explorer1999 Explorer1996 Explorer
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