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2011 Ford Explorer: common problems and reliability
· 5th generationOne of the weaker Explorer years.
1,196 owner complaints, most about steering. 8 recalls.
Should I buy a 2011 Explorer?The 2011 Ford Explorer has 1196 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 8 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are steering and structure. Owners most often flag water pump failure on 3.5l engine: multiple owners identify the internal water pump as a known failure point that can destroy the engine, with one noting it is timing-chain driven and expensive to repair.
Safety record for the 2011 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2011 Ford Explorer vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Explorer years only. How we score it
Is 2011 a good year for the Explorer?
Across the 31 Explorer model years we track, complaint volume runs from 33 (2009) to 7,244 (2002). With 1,196 complaints, the 2011 Explorer sits above the model's median of 829.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2011 Explorer
suspension:rear
Campaign 19V435000Ford 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 17E048000Ford 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 assemblies were manufactured without a self retention feature, possibly resulting in the separation of the wheel or wheel end.
structure:body:door
Campaign 15V171000Ford 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 to the fully stowed position after actuation.
steering
Campaign 14E001000Ford 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 driver from being able to steer the vehicle.
Show 4 more recalls
steering:electric power assist system
Campaign 14V286000Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured May 17, 2010, through February 28, 2012. The affected vehicles may experience an intermittent connection in the electric power steering gear, which can cause a loss of the motor position sensor signal resulting in a shut down of the power steering assist.
seats
Campaign 11V063000FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 EXPLORER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 15, 2010, THROUGH DECEMBER 13, 2010, EQUIPPED WITH SECOND ROW 60% SEATS WITH MANUAL RECLINER MECHANISMS THAT MAY HAVE COMPONENTS THAT ARE OUT OF DIMENSIONAL SPECIFICATION. THESE SEATS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 207, "SEATING SYSTEMS."
suspension:rear
Campaign 21V746000Ford 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.
structure:body:roof and pillars
Campaign 24V031000Ford 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.
What owners report on the 5th generation Explorer
Owner discussions about the 2011-2019 Explorer are mixed, with many owners describing the vehicles as generally reliable when properly maintained, while others report specific recurring problems.
- RecurrentWater pump failure on 3.5L engine
Multiple owners identify the internal water pump as a known failure point that can destroy the engine, with one noting it is timing-chain driven and expensive to repair.
- RecurrentTorque converter shudder on 6F55 transmission
Owners report jerking or stuttering between 25-40 mph, with one diagnosing torque converter pressure issues via scanner. One owner suggests draining and refilling transmission fluid with Lucas stop slip as a temporary measure.
- RecurrentHeated seat element failure
Multiple owners report driver-side heated seats failing, with one noting the element is built into the seat cushion requiring full seat replacement at approximately $650 CAD. One owner reports the failure recurring after replacement.
- RecurrentUSB port / Apple CarPlay connectivity issues
Owners report USB ports charging but not connecting to Apple CarPlay, with one noting the front port is flaky while the armrest port works. Suggested fixes include new cables, cleaning dust, and hard resets.
- RecurrentPTU (Power Transfer Unit) issues on AWD models
Owners mention PTUs going out and recommend fluid changes every 40,000-50,000 miles despite Ford's lifetime fluid claim.
Owner insights for the 5th generation Explorer. Read the full 5th generation owner report.
Typical used price
Used Explorer listings typically run $15,520–$26,999.
Other Explorer model years
Compare every Explorer year side by side to see how 2011 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Explorer against its rivals
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