2011 Ford Explorer: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2011 Ford Explorer? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 1,182 complaints, with Steering Defects as the top reported area.
2011 Ford Explorer Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2011 Ford Explorer trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2011 Ford Explorer Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2011 Ford Explorer SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2011 Ford Explorer has 1,182 owner complaints, 30 crash-related complaints, and 8 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Steering Defects. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Ford
- Model
- Explorer
- Model year
- 2011
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 1,182
- Crash-related complaints
- 30
- Safety recall campaigns
- 8
- Top reported component
- Steering Defects
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 20
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 18 / 25
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2011 Ford Explorer Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Steering Defects
Uncategorized Issues
Structural Problems
Complaint patterns center on Steering Defects, Uncategorized Issues, Structural Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2011 Ford Explorer?
The 2011 Ford Explorer shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2011 Ford Explorer
Inspection Focus
- Inspect steering components for any signs of wear or malfunction.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for steering, structural, and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect steering components for any signs of wear or malfunction.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for steering, structural, and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2011 Ford Explorer, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The 2011 Ford Explorer has a high volume of NHTSA complaints, with steering defects being the most frequently reported issue. Other notable complaint categories include uncategorized issues, structural problems, and engine problems. The data suggests potential concerns with steering components, but the low confidence level and consumer-submitted nature of the data warrant caution.
- Steering defects account for the majority of complaints (735 out of 1182).
- There are 8 recalls associated with the 2011 model year.
- Crash-related complaints number 30, which is relatively low compared to total complaints.
- Steering Defects
- Structural Problems
- Engine Problems
All 2011 Ford Explorer Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Ford Explorer. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 735 | 19 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 111 | 2 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 106 | 2 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 103 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 93 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 64 | 2 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 44 | 3 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 35 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 28 | 8 | 1 | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 28 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 24 | 3 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 18 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 14 | 2 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 13 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 7 | — | 1 | — | |
| Hydraulic | 7 | 2 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2011 Ford Explorer. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The message that the "Vehicle Needed Attention" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to back to the residence. T…
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the A-pillar trim clip detached, and the vehicle was taken to the lo…
The steering wheel got stiff and impossible to turn. I had to use extreme force to be able to make a left turn. It happened in a large intersection. No warning appeared.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became extremely stiff. The steering wheel was extremely difficult to turn. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manuf…
The contact owned a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, turned off, and unoccupied, the vehicle caught fire. The contact was in her residence, and a neighbor knocked on her door, making her aware that the vehicle had caught fire. The fire has…
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side A-pillar trim on the windshield started to detach. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do th…
The electrical power steering stopped working while in motion was real hard to steer and avoid hitting curbs or vehicles close to our vehicle. It was previously replaced by Ford for the same reason but now it happened again and they are telling me it doesn’t have warranty which …
Back up camera inoperable. Screen is black. Apparently a common problem. Safety issue of hitting a person or object.
During a red-light, as I was coming to a stop, the vehicle gave the warning saying “service power-steering now” and “traction control off.” I was unable to turn the steering wheel much due to it being so heavy. My official complaint: Vehicle: 2011 Ford Escape XLT Safety Recall…
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was difficult to turn to the left or the right. The steering wheel seized, and the steering wheel symbol was displayed on the instrument cluster. The vehicle was tur…
The wheel locks in low speeds. It does not happen often, maybe about 3 times per year. I have brought this up to Ford dealer in Encinitas CA for several years and the problem is seldom that they did not find anything wrong with it. Recently I found the recall online and brought …
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, the power steering suddenly failed while attempting to make a right turn, causing the steering wheel to seize. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact turned o…
Loss of power steering
My vehicle is subject to NHTSA Safety Recall 14S06 related to loss of electric power steering assist. The Power Steering Control Module was reprogrammed in 2014, and Ford now considers the recall closed based on that reprogramming. In 2025, the vehicle again experienced loss of …
Loose/Detached Bilateral Exterior C-Pillar around the rear window. Both sides are lifted and very loose with the potential to cause driver to lose control if detached resulting in damage to other vehicles on the road or even a traffic collision… this is a safety defect
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was a grinding sound coming from the steering column while making left and right turns. Additionally, the contact stated that the steering wheel jerked while driving and makin…
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact became aware that the passenger’s and driver's side A-pillar trims had started to crack, and the pieces were loose. The contact used tape to secur…
I was driving to Independence missouri and the power steering went out, it was difficult to steer and if I was going slow enough I could not turn the wheel at all. There was an alert that popped up stating power steering fault. My mechanic reset the code and it was fixed for abou…
Unknown
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that for two years, the dealer was repeatedly contacted; however, the contac…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2011 Ford Explorer.
2011 Ford Explorer Recalls
8 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2011 Ford Explorer. 8 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2011 Ford Explorer Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2011 Ford Explorer reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 1,182 owner complaints, 30 crash-related complaints, and 8 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2011 Ford Explorer shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Ford Explorer?▾
#1: Steering Defects (735 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (111 complaints). #3: Structural Problems (106 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2011 Ford Explorer?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2011 Ford Explorer?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2011 Ford Explorer, NHTSA complaints include 30 crash-related reports and 4 fire reports out of 1,182 total complaints. 15 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2011 Ford Explorer have any recalls?▾
Yes. 8 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2011 Ford Explorer. A major recall area is SUSPENSION:REAR. 8 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2011 Ford Explorer?▾
The 2011 Ford Explorer shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Steering Defects during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Ford Explorer reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2011 Ford Explorer based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.