2011 FORD EXPLORER

What owners reported to NHTSA, ranked by how often and how seriously.

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

It only includes owners who chose to file a federal complaint, so it over-represents dramatic and safety-related problems and under-represents minor issues an owner just had fixed without reporting. Read this as what NHTSA complainants report most, not as this vehicle's true failure rate. Full methodology.

Component ranking

  1. #1

    steering electric assist

    351 unsafe

    351
    incidents
    Typical range: 22,000–103,500 mi

    Median 46,000 mi, based on 369 reports (26% had no usable mileage)

    • ""POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT" HAS COME ON 7-10 TIMES TO DATE AS OF 1-26-2012 . AFTER TURNING OFF THE IGNITION AND RE-STARTING THE ENGINE, THE WARNING WENT AWAY AND I REGAINED POWER STEERING. I AM GETTING A WARNING SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL. ONCE I RESTART THE…"~3,000 mi, complaint #902065
    • "2 TIMES WITHIN A WEEK, SATURDAY APRIL 26, 2014 BEING THE MOST RECENT, AS I WAS DRIVING MY POWER STEERING FAILED ON MY 2011 FORD EXPLORER XLT FWD. WARNING LIGHTS SAYING "POWER STEERING FAILURE" LIT UP AND MY POWER STEERING WAS NO LONGER OPERATING. I HAD TO PULL…"~21,000 mi, complaint #1060396
    • "ABOUT MONTHS AGO MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING ALONG AND ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE VEHICLE STARTED MAKING A WARNING SOUND AND THE "ASSIST POWER STEERING FAULT" MESSAGE CAME UP AS WELL AS SERVICE "ADVANCE TRAC." THEN, WITHOUT WARNING, THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING. SHUT TH…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1059789
    • "WHILE DRIVING IN THE HIGHWAY THE STEERING SYSTEM SUDDENLY LOCKED, MAKING VERY DIFFICULT TO CHANGE DIRECTION. THIS HAPPENED SUDDENLY AND WE WERE CLOSE TO AN ACCIDENT."~84,000 mi, complaint #1524696
    • "WHILE DRIVING TO WORK THE FOLLOWING WARNINGS CAME UP. 1. POWER STEERING FAULT 2. SERVICE ADVANCETRAC SYSTEM CAR BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER, ALMOST RESULTING IN A MAJOR CAR ACCIDENT AS I WAS APPROACHING A VERY TIGHT TURN ON I75. UPON DOING SOME RESEAR…"~4,545,413 mi, complaint #1004817
  2. #2

    power steering hydraulic

    2 stranded, 102 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    105
    incidents
    Typical range: 40,000–128,000 mi

    Median 70,500 mi, based on 106 reports (24% had no usable mileage)

    • "POWER STEERING FAILURE WHILE DRIVING. TURNING VEHICLE OFF AND ON THEN CAUSES POWER STEERING TO WORK AGAIN. HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES. DEALER DID NOT FIND AN ISSUE AT FIRST VISIT. SCHEDULED FOR SECOND DEALER VISIT. WE FEAR SIGNIFICANT LOSS OF CONTROL WHI…"~4,000 mi, complaint #872410
    • "POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING. CANNOT DRIVE CAR. ERROR MESSAGE "POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT". *TR"~36,000 mi, complaint #937480
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO STEER OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND "POWER STEERING FAULT" APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE W…"~62,960 mi, complaint #1526622
    • "POWER STEERING FAILED REQUIRING EXTREME EFFORT TO PULL OVER OFF THE ROAD. WARNING CAME UP "SERVICE POWER STEERING". VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY DETERMINED THE POWER STEERING RACK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED (MANY MANY REPORTS ON THIS) ON 9/26. PI…"~100,526 mi, complaint #1322130
    • "I WAS DRIVING MY EXPLORER WHEN THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT SUDDENLY, MAKING IT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER TO SAFETY. A MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE DASH ABOUT THE PROBLEM, BUT I WAS TOO BUSY TRYING TO STEER TO SAFETY TO MEMORIZE WHAT IT SAID. *TR"~300,000 mi, complaint #1031790
  3. #3

    exhaust system

    55 unsafe, 4 annoyance

    59
    incidents
    Typical range: 13,000–90,000 mi

    Median 50,000 mi, based on 63 reports (24% had no usable mileage)

    • "SINCE I PURCHASED BY 2011, NEW IN 2011, I HAVE NOTED A STRONG SMELL OF GAS IN THE CABIN OF THE CAR UPON EXCELERATING TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC ON THE HIGHWAY. THE SMELL WILL LINGER AND REQUIRES NECESSITY TO CRACK MY WINDOWS TO CLEAR. I HAVE ADDRESSED THIS WITH MY…"~1,000 mi, complaint #1415473
    • "UNDER HARD ACCELERATION I GET A STING ODOR IN THE CABIN. IT IS LIKE AN EXHAUST SMELL INSIDE THE CAR. IT ALWAYS DOES IT ABOVE 3500 RPM."~42,000 mi, complaint #1221721
    • "AS I WAS MERGING ON TO THE HIGHWAY, I ACCELERATED TO REACH THE SAME SPEED OF THE TRAFFIC. THE ENGINE REVVED OVER 3500 RPM. MY AIR CONDITIONER WAS ON AND SET TO RECIRCULATE THE AIR. SHORTLY AFTER MERGING ONTO THE HIGHWAY, I SMELLED EXHAUST FUMES IN THE CABIN…"~73,300 mi, complaint #1088338
    • "THE CABIN FILLS WITH VERY STRONG EXHAUST FUMES WHEN DRIVING OR USING AIR CONDITIONER. IT GETS WORSE WHEN GOING UP A HILL OR ON HIGHWAYS."~95,000 mi, complaint #1327997
    • "The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while a friend was driving approximately 45 MPH, the driver inhaled an excessive amount of carbon monoxide. The friend accidentally drove into a ditch. The vehicle was pulled out of the ditch by ne…"~168,000 mi, complaint #1815031
  4. #4

    steering rack mechanical

    54 unsafe

    54
    incidents
    Typical range: 36,500–122,000 mi

    Median 75,000 mi, based on 55 reports (30% had no usable mileage)

    • "STARTED PARKED EXPLORER AND WENT TO BACK UP. THE POWER ASSIST STEERING FAULT LIGHT CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME AS THE SERVICE ADVANCE TRAC LIGHT. I WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE VEHICLE AT ALL.TRIED BACKING UP AND GOING FORWARD BUT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT MOVE. NEX…"~16,000 mi, complaint #935553
    • "WHILE DRIVING IN TOWN, TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS CAME ON AND VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER STEERING. THE STEERING RACK ASSEMBLY HAD TO BE REPLACED. *JB"~38,841 mi, complaint #1006888
    • "MY STEERING GEAR WENT BAD ON 1-18-2017 I REPLACED IT AT MY COST $1,666.73 IT LASTED ABOUT 10 DAYS AND WENT OUT AGAIN."~75,590 mi, complaint #1353440
    • "The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the power steering fault message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and was d…"~121,000 mi, complaint #1779061
    • "The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that when he started the vehicle, the stability traction system, service power steering now, and power steering failure warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel as the power steering fail…"~210,772 mi, complaint #1848077
  5. #5

    other

    21 unsafe, 15 annoyance

    36
    incidents
    Typical range: 50,000–115,000 mi

    Median 83,000 mi, based on 25 reports (62% had no usable mileage)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER WAS LEAKING FROM THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE PROPER SEAM SEAL WAS NOT CORRECTLY APPLIED TO THE VEHICLE WHEN MANUFACTURED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON MULTIPLE OC…"~19,595 mi, complaint #1149938
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER WAS LEAKING INTO THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELT AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000…"~50,000 mi, complaint #1071696
    • "DRIVING DOWN ROAD AT 70 MPH THE PLASTIC COVERING OVER PASSENGER SIDE FRONT PILLAR CAME OFF, FLEW OVER CAR AND LANDED OFF ROAD BEHIND ME."~80,000 mi, complaint #1314787
    • "WHEN IT RAINS, THE RAIN COMES IN THE TRUCK AND SEEPS THROUGH THE SEATBELTS, THE FRONT PASSENGER INTERIOR HANDLE, THE TWO LIGHTS IN THE TOP OF THE TRUCK (ABOVE THE CONSOLE), THE STERIO IN THE BACK, THE PASSENGER SIDE UNDER THE DASHBOARD, THROUGH THE TRIM OF THE…"~101,000 mi, complaint #1524104
    • ""2011 FORD EXPLORER CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING CONCERNS RECALL" ACCIDENT OCCURRED ON MAY 14, 2019 AT HOUSTON, TEXAS I SLEPT OFF WHILE DRIVING AND RAN INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE WHO STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT WAITING FOR THE GREEN LIGHT TO TURN ON. I WAS NOT ABLE TO…"~223,550 mi, complaint #1586895
  6. #6

    airbag system

    32 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    33
    incidents
    Typical range: 40,000–80,000 mi

    Median 60,000 mi, based on 27 reports (41% had no usable mileage)

    • "I PURCHASED A "CERTIFIED" USED 2011 EXPLORER BASE WITH 3500 MILES IN MARCH 2014 FROM FORD DEALER. AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED IN MAY AND STAYED ON STEADY...DEALER REPLACED MASTER MODULE (UNDER WARRANTY) AFTER A WEEK OF WORKING ON THE VEHICLE. AT THE TIME, THEY T…"~3,500 mi, complaint #1143313
    • "WHEN I START MY CAR THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS COMING ON. I HAD IT CHECKED OUT AT A FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEIR DIAGNOSIS IS THAT THE PRESSURE IN AN AIRBAG IS NOT ACCURATE. MY CONCERN IS THAT THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN AND THE DEALERSHIP WANTS TO CHARGE ME $300 TO FIX…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1232921
    • "PURCHASED USED VEHICLE JANUARY 2017. MARCH 2017 AIRBAG LIGHT APPEARED INTERMITTENTLY AT START, WHEN PLACED IN DRIVE, OR TRAVELING AT VARIABLE SPEEDS. APRIL 2017 AIRBAG LIGHT NOW ILLUMINATES 95% OF TIME AT START AND REMAINS ON THROUGHOUT OPERATION. FORD DEALERS…"~64,000 mi, complaint #1373396
    • "THE AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON WHICH SHUTS DOWN THE AIRBAG SAFETY SYSTEM. THIS HAS BEEN A CONSTANT PROBLEM SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN 2011. IT ALSO APPEARS TO BE COMMON PROBLEM WITH OTHER OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE. THE LIGHT ILLUMINATES WHEN…"~82,000 mi, complaint #1303242
    • "AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON; DEALER CHECKED & RECOMMENDS REMOVING CENTER CONSOLE TO GREASE CONNECTORS. THEY SAY THIS MAY FIX PROBLEM; ESTIMATE $450-$500; THEY DID CHECK CONNECTORS UNDER SEAT AND DID NOT FIND A PROBLEM. ALSO SAY THE VEHICLE WILL NOT PASS INSPECT…"~125,000 mi, complaint #1303289
  7. #7

    glass and windshield

    23 unsafe, 3 annoyance

    26
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=24, median 94,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE CONTACT SAW A PIECE FLY OFF OF THE WINDSHIELD AND INTO TRAFFIC. THE CONTACT STOPPED TO INSPECT THE WINDSHIELD AND NOTICED THAT THE PLASTIC PIECE WAS CONNECTED TO THE PANEL OF TH…"~7,800 mi, complaint #1389905
    • "DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND REAR WINDOW EXPLODED. *JS"~49,982 mi, complaint #1091236
    • "The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, she noticed that water had leaked from the front passenger’s side of the windshield onto the glove compartment and floorboard of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the…"~71,000 mi, complaint #1786458
    • "I WAS DRIVING DOWN I64 EAST WHEN I STARTED HEARING THIS LOUD BUZZING LIKE NOISE. NEXT THING I KNEW IT SOUNDED LIKE SOMETHING HIT MY DRIVING SIDE WINDOW BOUNCED ALONE MY CAR AND FLEW BEHIND ME CAUSING THE DRIVER BEHIND ME TO DODGE IT. ...I PULLED OFF THE INTERS…"~100,000 mi, complaint #1284046
    • "The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after parking in the garage and turning the engine off, approximately 5 minutes later a loud noise came from the rear of the vehicle. The contact discovered that the rear hatch window had exploded…"~227,000 mi, complaint #2207039
  8. #8

    engine cooling

    2 stranded, 17 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    20
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=19, median 104,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "COOLING FANS FAILED, ENGINE OVERHEATED RAN ROUGH AND THEN STOPPED RUNNING. 3/4 GALLONS OF ANTI-FREEZE BOILED OUT OF OVERFLOW AND ON TO ENGINE. *TR"~6,000 mi, complaint #877734
    • "WE WERE TRAVELING I-26 FROM SC BACK INTO NC AFTER THANKSGIVING. MY CAR DINGED AND SAID COOLANT TEMP WAS TOO HIGH. THANKFULLY I WAS RIGHT AT A REST AREA AND IMMEDIATELY PULLED IN AND TURNED OFF THE CAR. TRIED ADDING COOLANT AND IT POURED OUT THE BOTTOM. HAD…"~71,000 mi, complaint #1519473
    • "ITS A KNOWN FACT THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE WATER PUMPS SUDDENLY BREAK WITH NO PRIOR WARNING/SYMPTOM. FLUIDS MIX AS A RESULT, CONTAMINATED FLUIDS MANDATE COMPLETE ENGINE REPLACEMENT . FORD MOTOR CO. WILL NOT ASSUME ANY RESPONSIBILITY OR OFFER ONE BIT OF ASSIST…"~104,000 mi, complaint #1467865
    • "MY 2011 FORD EXPLORER WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET WHEN THE WATER PUMP IMMEDIATELY FAILED. THIS HAPPENED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS OR WARNING SIGNS. MY TEMPERATURE GAUGE SHOT UP AND MY ENGINE SEIZED. THE ENGINE IS UNABLE TO BE TURNED…"~135,000 mi, complaint #1588634
    • "The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at various speeds, the engine overheated. The contact stated that the water pump was leaking, and the contact replaced the water pump himself. No warning lights were…"~200,000 mi, complaint #1999516
  9. #9

    engine internal

    5 stranded, 10 unsafe

    15
    incidents
    Typical range: 65,000–93,000 mi

    Median 84,000 mi, based on 27 reports (21% had no usable mileage)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JONES FORD CASA GRANDE ([REDACTED ADDRESS], CASA GRANDE, AZ 85122, [REDACTED PHONE]) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE BLOCK…"~48,000 mi, complaint #1629177
    • "I HAVE HAD THIS TRUCK FOR RUFFLY 3YRS. WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT THE CAR SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH IT IMMEDIATELY.... I WAS DRIVING TO THE MAIL BOX AFTER GETTING HOME FROM ABOUT A 30MIN TRIP. THE WHOLE CAR CUT OFF LIGHTS WERE DIM IN THE CAR, STEERING HAD LOCKED VERY…"~79,000 mi, complaint #1611321
    • "I RECENTLY GOT THE 2011 FORD EXPLORER.I KEEP GETTING THIS ODOR SMELL WHEN I FIRST START THE CAR AND ACCELERATE.IT LASTS FOR 5 MINUTES,THEN IT GOES AWAY. ALSO, I RECENTLY STARTED GETTING THIS VIBRATION THROUGH THE GAS PEDAL ON HIGHWAY SPEEDS.THE CAR WILL SHA…"~84,000 mi, complaint #1586711
    • "The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine block was cracked and the oil sending unit was damaged. The dea…"~122,000 mi, complaint #1965070
    • "DRIVING AT 35 MPH THE CAR LOST ALL POWER AND JUST STOPPED. THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. NO WARNING LIGHTS OR ALARMS WENT OFF BEFOREHAND. ONCE THE CAR STOPPED, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND AN ALARM SOUNDED. WE CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND HAD IT TOWED TO FORD. THEY CALLED…"~178,000 mi, complaint #1727115
  10. #10

    engine stall or no start

    4 stranded, 10 unsafe

    14
    incidents
    Typical range: 30,000–135,000 mi

    Median 71,000 mi, based on 29 reports (3% had no usable mileage)

    • "PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FOR MY WIFE A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AGO. AT FIRST EVERYTHING WAS FINE BUT THEN AT ABOUT FOUR MONTHS WE STARTED HAVING ISSUES WITH THE WINDOW NOT ROLLING UP. THE DEALER TOOK CARE OF THAT ISSUE WITH NO PROBLEMS. THEN WE TAKE IT IN FOR THE SCH…"~22,000 mi, complaint #940935
    • "REFERENCING PREVIOUS COMPLAINT FOR SAME ISSUE SEE TCN JEN28-49151 TRAVELING TO DINNER AT 7:00PM AGAIN POWERTRAIN WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, ENGINE RAN ROUGH AND SPEED DROPPED TO APPROX. 1 MPH. PULLED OFF SIDE OF ROAD, TURNED OFF CAR. RESTARTED AND CONTINUED ON MY…"~56,458 mi, complaint #1130525
    • "CAR TURNED OFF AS I WAS SLOWING DOWN FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHT. PANEL READ " NO POWER TO ENGINE" OR SOMETHING TO THE EFFECT. WAS NOT ABLE TO TAKE A PHOTO OF PANEL DUE TO I WAS CAUGHT IN TRAFFIC WITH CARS BEHIND ME."~89,290 mi, complaint #1552372
    • "The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The low coolant message was displayed. The contact was able to pull off to the side of the road. The contact called the local dealer but the v…"~113,000 mi, complaint #1806181
    • "VEHICLE TURNS OFF AUTOMATICALLY WHILE IN MOTION. COMPLETE SHUT OFF"~150,000 mi, complaint #1676040
  11. #11

    control module

    12 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    13
    incidents
    Typical range: 40,000–147,000 mi

    Median 100,000 mi, based on 35 reports (19% had no usable mileage)

    • "ONCE THE CAR IS IN PARK POSITION MESSAGE WILL APEAR IN DASHBOARD "SHIFT IN PARK " ALSO WHILE DRIVING MESSAGE APEARS "NO KEY DETECTED""~25,000 mi, complaint #1184303
    • "WHEN STARTING, NON OF THE SAFTY FEATURES WORK, NO BACKUP CAMERA, PROXIMITY ALERTS, RADIO, AIR CONDITIONS; NO OF THE INFO/SAFETY SYSTEM WORKS. AFTER DRIVING A FEW BLOCKS, "SYNC" COMES ON SCREEN AND YOU ARE NOTIFIED THAT THE SYSTEM IS DOING MAINTENANCE ON ITSE…"~33,000 mi, complaint #1205136
    • "GOT INTO MY CAR AFTER BEING PARKED FOR ABOUT AN HOUR AND CONSOLE SCREEN NEVER TURNED ON. NO HANDSFREE PHONE CONNECTION, NO RADIO, NO NAVIGATION, NO BACK UP CAMERA. DID NOT COME BACK AFTER MORE THAN 2 WEEKS OF DRIVING. APIM FAILURE AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. FOR…"~56,300 mi, complaint #1393626
    • "FAULTY ELECTRICAL SWITCH WITHIN THE GEAR SHIFTER KNOB PERIODICALLY INDICATES THAT CAR IS NOT IN "PARK" WHEN THE CAR IS ACTUALLY IN PARK. THIS IS WORRISOME SINCE YOU ARE ALWAYS AFRAID YOUR CAR WILL ROLL AWAY. THIS PROBLEM OCCURS PERIODICALLY FOR ME AND IS REM…"~65,000 mi, complaint #1227858
    • "THE INTERFACE MODULE ON FORD EXPLORER STOP WORKING AND HAZARD LIGHTS STAY ON AND ONLY FIX AND BY A DEALERSHIP"~143,000 mi, complaint #1646184
  12. #12

    throttle and pedal

    1 stranded, 12 unsafe

    13
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=17, median 53,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "WHEN PULLING OUT FROM A STOP SIGN, THE CAR ACCELERATED UP A HILL REACHING A SPEED OF CLOSE TO 90 MPH WITHIN A SHORT DISTANCE. THE CAR WAS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL AND ALMOST COLLIDED WITH AN ONCOMING CAR. ONLY BY PUTTING THE TRANSMISSION INTO NEUTRAL WAS IT POSS…"~11,056 mi, complaint #909670
    • "I HAVE EXPERIENCE TWICE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE THROTTLE OF THIS VEHICLE. I CHANGE THE PART ABOUT 7 MONTHS AGO AND HAD TO REPLACE IT AGAIN LAST WEEK. THE VEHICLE JUST DECREASES SPEED SUDDENLY TO ABOUT 5 MILES PER HOUR AND A LIGHT COME ON THE DASH WITH A WREN…"~41,500 mi, complaint #1289481
    • "I HAVE A 2011 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THE THROTTLE BODY HAS RECENTLY GONE BAD AND IS STAYING STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS IT HAS TO BE REPLACED. IT IS AN OBVIOUS SAFETY HAZARD FOR IT TO GET STUCK WHEN GOING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED OR EVEN A SLOWE…"~53,067 mi, complaint #1116799
    • "MY 2011 FORD EXPLORER LOST POWER EVEN THOUGH THE ENGINE DID NOT DIE THERE WAS NO POWER WHEN PRESSING ON GAS PEDAL. THE YELLOW WRENCH LIGHT CAME ON THE PANEL. I TURNED THE IGNITION OFF AND WAITED A FEW MINUTES AND IT RESTARTED. I TOOK IT TO A DEALER AND THEY CO…"~87,200 mi, complaint #1314482
    • "VEHICLE EXPERIENCES UNINTENDED SUDDEN DECELERATIONS - WHEN DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEEDS THE VEHICLE WILL COAST TO A STOP, REGARDLESS OF THE AMOUNT THE GAS PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. TROUBLE CODES INDICATE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM DUE TO THE THROTTLE BODY ACTUATOR BEING…"~105,000 mi, complaint #1500087
  13. #13

    fuel tank and lines

    10 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    12
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=9)

    • "THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON MY 2011 FORD EXPLORER ON 11/21/11 AND TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AT WHICH TIME I WAS TOLD IT WAS A LEAK IN THE GAS CAP (BUT THIS CAR HAS A CAP-LESS GAS TANK) CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT OFF AND BACK ON WITHIN 1 WEEK, TOOK IT BACK ON 11/2…"~3,503 mi, complaint #894180
    • "WHEN FILLING THE GAS TANK THE GAS NOZZLE WOULD SHUT OFF. EVEN WHEN I WAS VERY SLOWLY PUMPING IN GAS , THE PUMP WOULD SHUT OFF VERY MUCH LIKE A TANK INDICATING IT WAS FULL WHICH I KNOW WAS NOT THE CASE. THEN GAS WOULD DRIP/STREAM (NUMEROUS DRIPS AND STREAMS)) U…"~34,690 mi, complaint #1129076
    • "VEHICLE GAS TANK WAS FILLED. FUEL GAUGE SHOWED 3/4 FULL - AFTER A BRIEF DRIVE (LESS THAN 20 MILES) VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND FUEL GAUGE SHOWED LESS THAN HALF A TANK. VEHICLE WAS PUT IN SHOP FOR REPAIR. ON 9/17 - IT WAS PICKED UP ON 9/20 - TRUCK WAS FILLED UP A…"~60,500 mi, complaint #1011820
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONTACT BECAME NAUSEAS FROM BREATHING IN THE FUMES AND THEIR NOSE BURNED FROM THE INSIDE, WHICH WAS A DISTRACTION TO THE CONT…"~67,480 mi, complaint #1585603
    • "The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact detected an abnormal fuel odor. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that there was a vapor leak coming from the top of…"~102,000 mi, complaint #1882305
  14. #14

    infotainment head unit

    2 unsafe, 10 annoyance

    12
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "FORD "MYFORDTOUCH" SYSTEM HAS FAILED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. IT HAS FROZEN, LOCKED UP, AND CONTINUOUSLY REBOOTED. WHEN THIS OCCURS, YOU LOSE ALL FUNCTIONALITY AND ABILITY TO CHANGE RADIO STATIONS, ADJUST CLIMATE CONTROL, USE NAVIGATION, HANDS FREE FUNCTIONS, ET…"~5,089 mi, complaint #933096
    • "THE FORD SYNC SYSTEM DECIDED TO DO AN UPGRADE AND DISABLED ALL RELATED FEATURES FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES. THIS INCLUDED AUDIO, CELL PHONE LINK, RADIO, HEATER AND THE REAR VIEW CAMERA! IT HAS OCCURRED AGAIN AND APPEARS TO ALWAYS HAPPEN IMMEDIATELY AFTER STARTING…"~7,000 mi, complaint #898661
    • "THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM DOES NOT SYNC WITH THE ACTUAL LOCATION OF THE VEHICLE.....SOMETIMES OFF BY A FEW BLOCKS AND SOMETIMES OFF BY A COUPLE OF MILES. THIS POSES A SAFETY CONCERN WHILE DRIVING DUE TO DISTRACTION OF TRYING TO FIND YOUR LOCATION. THIS USED TO BE…"~8,700 mi, complaint #1211638
    • "STARTED THE FORD AND THE BACKUP CAMERA WAS NOT FUNCTIONING. ALSO NOTICED THE 'SYNC' SCREEN WAS BLANK, CLIMATE CONTROLS WERE NOT VISIBLE (FUNCTIONING) AS WELL AS THE RADIO SYSTEM WAS NOT FUNCTIONING. WENT OUT AND STARTED THE SUV IN MY DRIVEWAY, EVERYTHING WAS…"~109,777 mi, complaint #1613093
    • "MY WHOLE SYNC SYSTEM HAS TURNED OFF NOT ALLOWING IN VISUAL ON CONTROLLING RADIO, TEMPERATURE, OR DESTINATION. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED AFTER PURCHASING BUT I HAD LIVE NOW NOTICED IT'S GETTIBG WORSE. THERE ARE A LOT OF TROUBLE SHOOTING IDEAS SUGGESTED. DISCONNECTIN…"~154,000 mi, complaint #1468554
  15. #15

    backup camera

    8 unsafe, 3 annoyance

    11
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "BACK UP CAMERA IS FAILING ON THIS MODEL. EVERYONE I TALK TO THAT HAS A FORD EXPLORER 2011, 2012 HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM"~56,000 mi, complaint #1297394
    • "THE REAR VIEW CAMERA SYSTEM STARTED SHOWING A REVERSE IMAGE TO WHAT IS ACTUALLY BEHIND US WITHOUT WARNING (THE VIDEO WAS SHOWING MIRRORED/BACKWARDS VIEW). THIS CAUSED US TO THINK SOMEONE WHO WAS ACTUALLY ON ONE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS IN A SAFE PLACE, WHILE I…"~67,800 mi, complaint #1379540
    • "REAR VIEW CAMERA NOT WORKING PROPERLY - REPAIR QUOTED ~$800 TO REPLACE CAMERA"~100,800 mi, complaint #1717642
    • "The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a distorted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely o…"~125,000 mi, complaint #2103920
  16. #16

    brake hydraulics

    8 unsafe

    8
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=11, median 16,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY AT A SLOW RATE OF SPEED, AS I WAS BRAKING THE CAR WAS NOT STOPPING, AS I PRESSED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL IT COLLAPSED ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR BUT THE BRAKES DID NOT ENGAGE, JUST BEFORE THE CAR HIT THE GARAGE DOOR WHICH WAS DIRECTLY IN FRO…"~6,059 mi, complaint #893749
    • "I PULLED INTO A PARKING STALL AND APPLIED THE BRAKES. THEY FAILED AND I ONLY STOPPED AFTER HITTING THE GLASS DOORS OF A CLOSED BUSINESS. I DID NOT HIT THE GAS PEDAL AND WAS STOPPED DUE TO THE BUSINESS' GLASS FRONT DOORS. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR OVER 37 YEARS…"~7,500 mi, complaint #886943
    • "BRAKES MAKE A GRUNTING/GRINDING SOUND WHEN BRAKING SHORTLY AFTER BEING STATIONARY. WHEN THIS PHENOMENON HAPPENS ON A DOWNWARD SLOPE, DRIVE GETS THE FEELING THAT BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS IS REDUCED GREATLY. OWNER HAS BROUGHT CAR TO DEALER A TOTAL OF 4 TIMES AND WA…"~16,000 mi, complaint #945600
    • "I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AT AROUND 20 MPH WHEN THERE WERE CARS THAT SUDDENLY STOPPED. WHEN I WAS BRAKING I FELT AS IF THE STEERING WAS ALLOWING ME TO TURN AND IT HAPPENED SO FAST I FELT AS IF I LOST BRAKING POWER. THEN I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME HARD.…"~72,000 mi, complaint #1109669
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL HAD TO BE PUMPED SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPEND…"~140,000 mi, complaint #1642062
  17. #17

    interior trim

    6 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    8
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=14, median 132,500 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER HEATED SEAT WAS ACTIVATED AND IT BURNED A HOLE THROUGH THE SEAT ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILUR…"~12,000 mi, complaint #1019273
    • "The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 75 MPH, the driver's side A-Pillar Trim flew off hitting the driver's side mirror and cracked the mirror and casing. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The conta…"~229,000 mi, complaint #1975658
  18. #18

    door latch and hinge

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "TOOK TO A SHOP BECAUSE OF WATER IN REAR AREA COMING FROM SEAT BELTS. GOT TOLD THAT THE WELDS AROUND THE REAR HATCH MOUNTS ARE BAD AND KNOWN FOR MESSING UP. DEALER WOULD NOT FIX AND TOLD ME TO TAKE TO A COLLISION SHOP TO GET FIXED ON MY OWN DIME."~80,000 mi, complaint #1523376
    • "The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact observed that the door panel was separating from the door frame on the driver's side. The contact stated that the panel was separating from the middle of the panel and was creating a gap from left to right. Th…"~147,000 mi, complaint #2009855
    • "The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on both sides of the windshield started to detach. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, th…"~200,000 mi, complaint #2025302
    • "The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, she observed an unknown noise from the outside of the vehicle. The contact sta…"~200,373 mi, complaint #1979830
  19. #19

    fluid leak unspecified

    5 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "I AM NOT CERTAIN WHERE TO FULLY POST THIS OR WHAT CAN HAPPEN FOR THIS CAR. I GAVE THIS CAR BACK TO WESTLIE FORD IN CAMAS, WA. IT WAS CONFIRMED BY A DOCTOR THAT 3 PEOPLE GOT SULFUR POISONING FROM THIS CAR. I SAW THIS CAR INSTANTLY BACK ON FORDS LOT EVEN THOU…"~67,000 mi, complaint #1178977
    • "MY WIFE HAS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. IT WAS AROUND CHRISTMAS WHEN WE NOTICED THAT GIFTS IN THE BACK STORAGE AREA WERE SOAKING WET. I REMOVED THE SPARE TIRE AND IN THE SPARE TIRE HOLDER WAS APPROXIMATELY 2 INCHES OF WATER. I SEARCHED WATER LEAKS ON THE INTERNET…"~75,000 mi, complaint #1349703
    • "I FIRST BEGAN EXPERIENCING BRAKING AND BATTERY ISSUES 3 TO 4 WEEKS AFTER THE PURCHASE OF MY VEHICLE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICING OF THE BRAKING AND BATTERY ISSUES. I WAS INFORMED BY THE SERVICE ADVISOR THAT I SHOULD RETURN THE VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP FOR…"~108,394 mi, complaint #1367791
    • "I NOTICED THAT MY WHEEL WELL WHERE THE SPARE TIRE IS STORED, HAD WATER IN IT ABOUT 2 INCHES DEEP. I REMOVED THE 3-4 DRAIN PLUGS AND ALLOWED WATER TO DRAIN OUT AND TIME TO DRY. I THINK IT HAS BEEN LEAKING A WHILE BECAUSE THE TIRE JACK AND WHEEL WELL HAD OBVIOUS…"~140,000 mi, complaint #1599881
  20. #20

    heater core and blower

    5 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER/HEATING UNIT FAILED CAUSING THE WINDOWS AND THE WINDSHIELD TO BE UNABLE TO DEFROST. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (AUTONATION FORD NORTH CANTON, [REDACTED ADDRESS] NW…"~29,416 mi, complaint #1508781
    • "VEHICLE FAILED TO GENERATE HEAT TO EITHER THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OR TO DEFROST OF FRONT WINDOW. IN VIEWING YOUTUBE THIS APPEARS TO BE A VERY COMMON OCCURRENCE WHICH FORD WILL CORRECT ONLY DURING THE VEHICLES WARRANTY PERIOD UNDER TBS 12-1-8. ONCE PAST THE…"~45,200 mi, complaint #1260890
    • "CAR HAS NAUSEATING SMELL WHEN AIR CONDITIONER/HEATER IS ON. AIR CONDITIONER OVERHAULED AT MY EXPENSE JULY 26, 2017. SMELL REMAINS, ALTHOUGH SLIGHTLY BETTER AT TIMES. SMELL IS A CROSS BETWEEN BURNED ROPE/URINE-TYPE SMELL. IF DRIVING ALL DAY, OR LONG DISTANCES,…"~75,000 mi, complaint #1416140
    • "WHEN I DRIVE WITH THE WINDOWS CLOSED FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME I HAVE TO OPEN THE WINDOWS AND MANY TIMES I PULL OVER TO TAKE A BREATHER. I MENTIONED TO A FRIEND TODAY THIS PROBLEM AND HE TOLD ME HE HAD SEEN THE NIGHT BEFORE THAT THIS MODEL VEHICLE HAD MANY COMPLA…"~90,000 mi, complaint #1395766
    • "FORD EXPLORER CARBON MONOXIDE. WHEN DRIVING CAR FOR OVER 15 MINS AT A TIME THE CABIN FILLS WITH A ROTTEN EGG SMELL AND CAUSES A SEVERE MIGRAINE. IF YOU DO NOT TURN AC/HEAT OFF AND ROLL DOWN THE WINDOWS YOU WILL BECOME LIGHTHEADED AND DIZZY. KIDS COMPLAIN OF BE…"~174,000 mi, complaint #1446573
  21. #21

    transfer case awd

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "2011 FORD EXPLORER 4WD IS PROGRAMMED TO SEND 100% POWER TO THE FRONT WHEELS DURING NORMAL DRIVING. UPON SUDDEN ACCELERATION ESPECIALLY GOING UPHILL THE SUBSEQUENT TORQUE STEER IS OVERWHELMING TO THE DRIVER. CAN BE SO SEVERE IT CAN RIP THE WHEEL FROM THE HANDS…"~3,454 mi, complaint #873713
    • "ON 8/24/2017, WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON GARDEN STATE PARKWAY, NJ, APPROACHING TOLL GATE NEAR EXIST 114, SUDDENLY THE INDICATOR LIGHTS SHOWED AWD OFF AND I LOST ALL POWER. I WAS ABLE TO COAST THROUGH THE TOLL GATE BUT COULD NOT ACCELERATE ANYMORE. I WAS ABLE TO PA…"~48,000 mi, complaint #1403027
    • "THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN. WHILE DRIVING AN INDICATION OF A MALFUNCTION IN THE AWD SYSTEM SHOWS ON THE DASHBOARD & SYNC COMPUTER. THE ENGINE LOSES COMPLETE POWER AND YOU MUST PULL OVER AND RESTART THE VEHICLE TO RESET THE ON-BOARD COMPUTER. THIS LOSS…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1102710
    • "RANDOMLY HAS A AWD FAULT WARNING. LOSES TRANS POWER. REQUIRES STOP. SHUT OFF & RESTART. DANGEROUS! HAS HAPPENED OF FREEWAY SEVERAL TIMES. DEALER FOUND NO RECORD SAVED???? JUST HAPPENED AGAIN YESTERDAY!!!"~93,000 mi, complaint #1575558
    • "MY 2011 FORD EXPLORER HAD A FAULTY TRANSFER CASE, WHICH SET ME BACK $2000.00. THE ISSUE I WAS EXPERIENCING WAS A GRINDING NOISE IN MY FRONT END WHILE DRIVING. I WOULD EXPERIENCE HESITATION WHEN INCREASING SPEEDS, AS IF THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING. WHILE GO…"~114,000 mi, complaint #1353887
  22. #22

    ac compressor and refrigerant

    4 unsafe, 1 broken

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=7)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT FAILED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BLOWING COLD AIR INSTEAD OF HOT AIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUTONATION FORD NORTH…"~29,416 mi, complaint #1425399
    • "MY FORD EXPLORER 2011 OMITS A FOUL ODOR(SMELLS LIKE ROTTEN EGG)WHEN YOU TURN ON THE AC WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING COLUMN FEELS LOOSE AND HAS A STRONG WIND NOISE WHILE DRIVING. *TR"~36,400 mi, complaint #1330236
    • "WHILE IDLING AND WHILE GETTING CAR UP TO SPEED THE AC COOLING MAKES A WEAK SOUND AND DOES NOT PRODUCE COOL AIR. WHILE IDLING THE CAR OVERHEATS WHEN THE AC IS ON AND BLOWS HOT AIR. DUE TO THE EFFECT THIS IS A CAR WITH LESS THAN 60,000 MILES ON IT THE AC SHOUL…"~55,000 mi, complaint #1196646
    • "FOUL SMELL WHEN DRIVING AND AIR CONDITIONER ON AT TIMES. HAPPENED MANY TIMES OVER THE LAST YEAR. EXCESSIVE SLEEPINESS WHEN DRIVING AND HAVE TO PULL OVER."~85,000 mi, complaint #1391686
  23. #23

    steering column

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "MY WIFE AND I HAD JUST TRADED OUR CAR IN FOR A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. SHE WAS ON HER WAY HOME AND THE POWER STEERING LOCKED UP ON HER WITH A WARNING MESSAGE ON THE DASH. SHE WAS BARELY ABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE FROM CRASHING INTO THE OTHER CARS AROUND HER. SH…"~26,514 mi, complaint #998031
    • "I BEGAN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING WHEEL MOUNTED CONTROLS WHILE DRIVING, WHICH WERE INTERMITTENT. FIRST, THE VOLUME BUTTON FAILED AND THEN CRUISE CONTROL FUNCTIONS FAILED. THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD SOMETIMES CANCEL ON ITS OWN, CAUSING A SUDDEN UN…"~43,000 mi, complaint #1242551
    • "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 whi…"~193,000 mi, complaint #2156811
  24. #24

    suspension struts shocks

    4 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "AT LOW SPEEDS THE FLOOR OF THE CAR FEELS LIKE IT IS SHUTTERING BACK AND FORTH. I THOUGHT IT WAS THE STEERING WHEEL BUT IT DOESN'T MOVE BACK AND FORTH IF I TAKE MY HANDS OFF BUT I CAN DEFINITELY FEEL IT IN THE STEERING THROUGH THE FLOOR"~42,000 mi, complaint #1221838
    • "STRUT MOUNT BEARING FAILING AFFECTING THE STEERING OF THE CAR."~115,000 mi, complaint #1594354
    • "MY VEHICLE WAS ON THE ROAD IN MOTION WHEN I HEARD A CREAKING/CLANKING NOISE ON THE FRONT RIGHT SIDE NEAR THE TIRE. AFTER TAKING MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO DETERMINE WHAT THE CAUSE OF THE NOISE WAS, I WAS ADVISED THAT IT WAS A FAULTY FRONT RIGHT STRUT AND…"~120,000 mi, complaint #1388946
    • "ABOUT A YEAR AGO, WE NOTICED A SQUEAKY NOISE IN THE FRONT OF VEHICLE EACH TIME WE WOULD ACCELERATE, HIT A BUMP, OR MAKE A TURN. TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC WHO REPLACED PARTS IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION OF THE VEHICLE. TOOK CARE OF MOST OF THE ISSUE BUT STILL OCCASIONA…"~128,000 mi, complaint #1599886
  25. #25

    transmission automatic

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK VIOLENTLY. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WOULD DECELERATE ON ITS OWN AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE DEALER RE-INSTALLED THE SOFTW…"~20,652 mi, complaint #1091504
    • "THE VEHICLE WHEN SHIFTED INTO PARK WOULD NOT SHUT OFF, WITH THE VEHICLE NOT SEEING THE SHIFTER IN PARK. ON INSPECTION IN SEPTEMBER 2014, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SHIFT LEVER WAS FAILING, WHICH CAN CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO SLIP OUT OF PARK AND MOVE UNEXPECTEDLY.…"~38,500 mi, complaint #1107547
    • "2011 FORD EXPLORER XLT: UPON RAPID ACCELERATION (EXAMPLE: ACCELERATING ONTO HIGHWAY VIA HIGHWAY ENTRANCE RAMP) VEHICLE LOOSES MOMENTUM THEN LURCHES FORWARD. VEHICLE IS NOT SMOOTHLY TRANSITIONING FROM LOWER GEARS TO HIGHER GEARS. VEHICLE PURCHASED FROM FORD DEA…"~90,000 mi, complaint #1323099
    • "WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH GOING STRAIGHT AHEAD, THE CAR SUDDENLY SHIFTED INTO REVERSE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SKID TO A STOP, THIS LOCKED UP THE FRONT AND REAR WHEELS SKIDDING ON THE PAVEMENT. THERE WAS TRANSMISSION FLUID ON THE GROUND WHEN IT WAS TOWED TO THE…"~94,000 mi, complaint #1234263
  26. #26

    brake pads and rotors

    3 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "TL* THE CONTACTS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BREAKS WOULD CONSTANTLY SQUEAL EVEN WHEN ACCELERATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO INDICATED THAT THE CALIBER, ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE…"~19,000 mi, complaint #1058611
    • "RIGHT REAR BRAKE CALIPER SEIZED, CREATING SMOKE AND EXTREME HEAT TO WHEEL AREA. CALIPER REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. SAME ISSUE WITH LEFT REAR CALIPER ON 5-1-15 AT 42K MILES. LEFT CALIPER REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE, AS IT WAS OUTSIDE THE WARRANTY PERIOD. SAME ISSU…"~28,434 mi, complaint #1186869
    • "LEFT REAR BRAKE CALIPER FAILED CAUSING VEHICLE TO BECOME UNSTABLE FOR BRIEF SECOND WHEN THE CALIPER GRABBED THE ROTOR WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. YOU COULD FEEL THIS IN THE STEERING AND WOULD HAVE TO CORRECT AT EACH DIP OR BUMP IN THE HIGHWAY. BRAKE PAD…"~67,000 mi, complaint #1101575
    • "DURING TRAFFIC IN HOT WEATHER ON HIGHWAY THERE IS SQUEALING SOUND COMING FROM FRONT DRIVERS SIDE OF VEHICLE AND SMOKE COMING FROM REAR DRIVER TIRE AFTER EXITING HIGHWAY TO CHECK THE NOISE. AFTER EXITING HIGHWAY I FELT ALL 4 METAL WHEELS AND DRIVER'S SIDE REAR…"~72,050 mi, complaint #1072511
  27. #27

    corrosion and rust

    3 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "THE CHROME ON THE VEHICLE (BACK PANEL, WHEELS, DOOR HANDLES, GRILL AND SIDE BUMPERS) ARE ALL CORRODING. FORD IS DENYING ANY RESPONSIBILITY SAYING IT IS "ENVIRONMENTAL" EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE IS LESS THAN 8 MONTHS OLD. THE VEHICLE WILL INEVITABLY RUST COMPROMI…"~11,000 mi, complaint #911169
    • "CORROSION HAS FORMED ON THE LEADING EDGE OF THE HOOD ASSEMBLY AND SHOWS NO SIGNS OF IMPACTS OR SCRATCHES THAT WOULD SUGGEST THAT THIS WAS INFLUENCED FROM AN OUTSIDE SOURCE. *TR"~40,000 mi, complaint #1179883
  28. #28

    fuel pump

    3 unsafe, 1 broken

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "FUEL SYSTEM LEAKS FROM THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY. SIGNIFICANT GAS LEAK WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND TANK FULL. GAS SMELL AFTER DRIVING VEHICLE. PUMP IS NEAR THE EXHAUST SYSTEM AND I BELIEVE THERE WAS A FIRE HAZARD. VEHICLE HAS ONLY 62K MILES ON IT. IT COST ME…"~62,000 mi, complaint #1451168
    • "CAR ONLY HAS 64K BUT HAS STARTED LEAKING FUEL, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS FULL. FUEL LEAK APPEARS TO BE NEAR RIGHT REAR WHEEL AND DANGEROUSLY CLOSE TO EXHAUST PIPE. REPAIR SHOP ESTIMATES $1000 TO REPLACE FUEL PUMP."~64,000 mi, complaint #1511240
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED, THE TECHNICIAN DISCOVERED THAT THE ELECTRICAL PUMP FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAG…"~80,000 mi, complaint #1139638
    • "AS A REPAIR SHOP OWNER, THE VEHICLE OWNER STATED THAT THERE WAS A STRONG FUEL ODOR AFTER FILLING THE FUEL TANK. I NOTICED FUEL STAINS FROM THE TOP OF THE TANK SO I REMOVED THE TANK AND FOUND FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL PUMP MODULE. I FOUND THE STEEL LOCK RING R…"~169,132 mi, complaint #1697980
  29. #29

    suspension arms and bushings

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired at the dealer under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V435000 (Suspension); however, the failure occurred after the recall repair was performed. The contact stated that w…"~126,000 mi, complaint #1894106
    • "MY SON WAS DRIVING AND MADE A U TURN ON A CITY STREET AND DURING THE END OF THE U TURN THE PASSENGER CONTROL ARM SNAPPED NEAREST TO THE WHEEL. THE CAR DID NOT HIT A CURB OR RUN OVER ANYTHING TO CAUSE THE BREAK. THE LOCAL POLICE DEPT, TOW TRUCK DRIVER AND MYSEL…"~145,639 mi, complaint #1646285
  30. #30

    acceleration loss or hesitation

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "MY DAUGHTER AND I WERE DRIVING ABOUT [REDACTED ADDRESS], AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE TRUCK LOST POWER. ALL OF A SUDDEN AN ORANGE WRENCH SYMBOL APPEARED ON MY INSTRUMENT PANEL, BUT I HAD NO IDEA WHAT IT MEANT. VERY SCARED, I PUT ON MY HAZARD LIGHTS AND HAD TO MOVE…"~36,500 mi, complaint #1089656
    • "I WAS DRIVING MY 2011 FORD EXPLORER ON THE CAUSEWAY- HEAVY TRAFFIC MOVING AT ABOUT 50 - 55 MPH. APPROACHING FIRST BRIDGE INCLINE, SPEED DROPPED TO APPROX 1 MPH CREEPING ALONG, ACCELERATOR PRESSED TO FLOORBOARD. ORANGE WRENCH ICON APPEARED ON INSTRUMENT PANEL.…"~55,200 mi, complaint #1125146
    • "ONE WEEK AFTER PURCHASING A PRE-CERTIFIED VEHICLE, THE CAR DIDN'T WANT TO ACCELERATE & GO INTO GEAR. 4 MONTHS LATER HAVING SIMILAR ISSUES & FELT LIKE THE CAR GOT REAR ENDED WHILE DRIVING ON [REDACTED ADDRESS] THAT SAME WEEK. I WAS DRAWN BING IN THE GARDEN STAT…"~88,300 mi, complaint #1404462
  31. #31

    hv system fault reduced power

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "DRIVING AT SPEED LIGHT ON THE STREET AT 35-40 MILES AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE SPEED GOES DOWN TO ABOUT 5MILES AND STARTS TO SHAKE AND A WRENCH LIGHT APPEARS ON THE DASH BOARD AND I HAVE TO PULL OVER AND TURN OF THE CAR WAIT ABOUT 5-10 MINS TURN IT BACK ON AND…"~3,500 mi, complaint #1325353
    • "RIDING DOWN THE ROAD AT 60MPH THE TRUCK LOST ALL ABILTY TO MOVE. WRENCH INDICATOR CAME ON AND LIGHTS ON THE TRACTION KNOB WENT OUT. COASTED TO THE SLOW LANE AND THEN THE CAR OF AND BACK ON AND IT WORKED. LATER THAT NIGHT IN MY NEIGHBOR HOOD IT DID THE A SAME…"~57,000 mi, complaint #1197395
    • "WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE, I HEARD A DING, SAW A LARGE WRENCH ICON ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DASH, AND I LOST ALL ACCELERATOR POWER. MY CAR SLOWED TO A CREEP. THE AUTO PROPULSION MECHANISM WOULD DRIVE IT ABOUT 2 MPH, AND I COULD PUSH THE ACCELERATOR…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1331124
  32. #32

    lighting exterior

    1 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "THE SAFETY HAZARD LIGHTS BUTTON DOES NOT WORK. UNABLE TO TURN HAZARD LIGHT ON. BUTTON IS COMPLAINED ABOUT IN MANY ONLINE FORMS FOR DYING OR JUST NOT WORKING."~69,000 mi, complaint #1521433
  33. #33

    seatbelt and pretensioner

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "DIAGNOSE AND ADVISED THAT DRIVER PRETENSIONER IS FAULTY. I HAVE TO PAY $400 PLUS TO HAVE THIS REPLACEMENT. MY AIR BAG LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON WITH FAULTY PRETENSIONER IT MAY NOT GO OFF IN AN ACCIDENT."~69,000 mi, complaint #1342455
    • "2011 FORD EXPLORER XLT: THIRD ROW SEAT BELT COMPARTMENT ON BOTH PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDES, LEAKING WATER. SEATS ARE LEATHER. NOTICED WHEN CHILD BOOSTER SEATS WERE SOAKED AFTER IT RAINED. NOW CONCERNED IF METAL HAS RUSTED IN ANY OF SEAT BELT MECHANISMS. VEHICL…"~105,000 mi, complaint #1323104
    • "MY AIR BAG CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON 3 YEARS, I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP A D THEY DISCOVERED THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER HAD SHORTED OUT. IT WAS REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE. FAST FORWARD TO TODAY AND THE SAME LIGHT IS BACK ON FOR WHAT I IMAGINE IS THE SEA…"~153,000 mi, complaint #1703965
  34. #34

    sunroof

    2 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING IN THE RAIN WITH THE SUN ROOF IN THE CLOSED POSITION, WATER LEAKED FROM THE SUN ROOF INTO THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. COURT ST. FORD ([REDACTED ADDRESS], BOURBONN…"~55,000 mi, complaint #1581001
    • "WHEN I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE TWO YEARS AGO I NOTICED A WATER LEAK WHICH RAN DOWN THE 3RD ROW SEAT BELTS. I CONTACTED MY DEALER AND THEY WEREN'T GOING TO COVER THE REPAIR, BUT AFTER SOME HELP FROM MY SERVICE ADVISER THEY COVERED MOST OF IT. NOW, 2 YEARS LATE…"~118,000 mi, complaint #1499417
    • "The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 55 mph, the sun roof exploded unexpectedly. There was no impact to the sun roof that could have caused it to shatter. The sun roof shards fell inside the vehicle onto the contact and her c…"~120,000 mi, complaint #1749560
  35. #35

    alignment and pull

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "ALMOST WRECKED VEHICLE THE OTHER DAY. OUT OF NO WHERE, NO CONTROL OF STEERING/BACK END OF CAR. BACK END FEELS LIKE DRIVING ON ICE. FISHTAILING AND THEN WHOLE CAR FEELS OUT OF CONTROL. WHEELS SQUEAL WHEN TURNING, CHANGING LANES. STEERING WHEEL COCKED AT [REDACT…"~125,050 mi, complaint #1599320
  36. #36

    battery and charging

    1 stranded, 1 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "THE BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM COMES ON WHILE DRIVE AT NORMAL SPEED AND THE STEERING BECOMES VERY HARD AND THEN EVERYTHING SHUTS DOWN AND IF YOU ARE LUCKY YOU MIGHT MAKE IT OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THIS IS VERY SCARY AS I LIVE IN A RURAL AROUND WHERE YOU CAN'T…"~107,000 mi, complaint #1349150
  37. #37

    climate control module

    1 unsafe, 1 broken

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "2011 FORD EXPLORER XLT: FAILURE OF 2011 FORD EXPLORER PASSENGER BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR. HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THIS ACTUATOR THREE TIMES IN 12 MONTHS. FAILURE OCCURS SLOWLY. FAILURE BEGINS WITH CLICKING SOUND PRESENT FOR 10 SECONDS UPON STARTING A/C OR HEATER AND T…"~90,000 mi, complaint #1323138
    • "THE AC/HEAT SPEED WILL RANDOMLY INCREASE/ DECREASE TO EITHER FULL OR LOW SPEED WITH IS CLICKING SOUND LIKE YOUR DOING IT ON YOUR OWN. THIS WILL CAUSE MY WINDSHIELD TO FOG UP WHEN COLD OUTSIDE WHILE DRIVING & DISTRACTING ME THE DRIVER THE ANNOYING CLICKING SOUN…"~141,000 mi, complaint #1718309
  38. #38

    emissions aftertreatment

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TODAY 09/09/2017 MY FRIEND CALLED ME AS INFORMED ME THAT HE SAW YESTERDAY 09/08/2017: ON THE NEWS THERE WAS A LAW SUIT AGAINST 2011 FORD EXPLORER ABOUT CARBON MONOXIDE EMISSION. THE REPORT STATED THAT PEOPLE WERE HAVING HEADACHES, WERE NAUSEOUS, ETC.., WHICH I…"~82,698 mi, complaint #1406700
    • "WHEN WE TAKE A DRIVE IN OUR FORD EXPLORER- OUR CHILDREN ARE GETTING NAUSEA AND VOMITING. THIS HAS BECOME A CONSTANT PROBLEM-EVEN ON SHORT DRIVES OF 30 MINUTES OR LESS. THEY COMPLAIN OF HEADACHES AS WELL. WE HAVE HAD TO GO TO THE DOCTORS JUST TO GET ANTI NAUSEA…"~100,000 mi, complaint #1555020
  39. #39

    engine head gasket

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY OR WHEN ACCELERATING THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE SMELLS OF ROTTING EGGS. FROM TIME TO TIME IT IS SMELT WHEN SITTING AT AND IDLING. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH OUR 2011 FORD EXPLORER."~97,000 mi, complaint #1356856
    • "ENGINE DAMAGE DUE TO OVERHEATING. REGULAR AND REQUIRED OIL CHANGES ARE DOCUMENTED AND IMPLEMENTED AS SCHEDULED. NO OTHER ENGINE OR VEHICLE MALFUNCTIONS DURING THE COURSE OF OWNERSHIP, EXCEPT REGULAR OIL CHANGES AND TIRE REPLACEMENT. HOWEVER, ON MAY 15, 2019…"~178,805 mi, complaint #1575233
  40. #40

    engine oil consumption

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "BAD BURNING SMELL UNDER ACCELERATION TO HIGHWAY SPEED COMING FROM AIR VENTS. OIL WAS FOUND IN THE AIR FILTER HOUSING AND PIPING NEAR MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR."~56,000 mi, complaint #1301224
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VALVE COVER WAS ALLOWING OIL TO TRAVEL THROUGH A TUBE INTO THE AIR FILTER. THE DEALER (TOWNSEND SALES AND SERVICE, [REDACTED ADDRESS], TOWNSEND, MA 01469) STATED THAT FORD REDESIGNED THE VA…"~65,000 mi, complaint #1505208
  41. #41

    paint and clearcoat

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PAINT BUBBLED AND CHIPPED ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS FOR THE SAME ISSUE. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE HOOD HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUS…"~20,000 mi, complaint #1186435
    • "THE HOOD PAINT IS BUBBLING UP AND SHOWS CORROSION ALONG THE FRONT. THE RUBBER AROUND THE WINDSHIELD IS DRY ROTTED AND CRUMBLING ALL AROUND THE WINDSHIELD. THE DEALER REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT EITHER PROBLEM. THERE IS A FORD TSB ISSUED ON THE PAINT ISSUE."~50,000 mi, complaint #1272340
  42. #42

    stability and traction control

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "I WAS ROUNDING A CURVE IN AN INTERSECTION WHEN THE STEERING BECAME IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER . I MANAGED TO GET IT OFF THE ROAD AND I NOTICED THE TRACTION CONTROLS WERE LIT UP ALONG WITH THE STEERING FAILURE WARRING CAME ON. AFTER RESTARTING THE CAR EVERYTHING RETUR…"~58,161 mi, complaint #1020266
  43. #43

    tire failure

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN LATITUDE TOUR TIRES, SIZE P245/60R18 (NA). WHILE HAVING THE VEHICLE INSPECTED, THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE TREAD ON ALL FOUR TIRES WAS SEPARATING. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN N…"~30,000 mi, complaint #1196395
    • "ON FEBRUARY 14, 2021 WHILE CHECKING TIRE PRESSURES OF MY 4 COOPER ADVENTURER H/T CUV 245/60R18 TIRES. I NOTICED NUMEROUS SPLITTING OF THE LOWER SIDEWALL, AROUND THE BEADS OF ALL 4 TIRES. THIS IS NOT NORMAL DRY ROT / CRACKING OF THE LOWER SIDEWALL. THE SPLITTIN…"~62,565 mi, complaint #1730998
  44. #44

    transmission manual clutch

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PUT THE VEHICLE DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THE GEAR IS IN PARK. I NEEDED TO PUT BACK IN TO DRIVE AND PARK AGAIN SEVERAL TIMES AND MOVE SHIFTER FOR IT TO FINALLY RECOGNIZE THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW IN 2011. THE FIRST TI…"~29,280 mi, complaint #1222323
    • "THE EXPLORER WAS PUT INTO PARK AND LEFT RUNNING IN THE DRIVEWAY AS I WENT INTO THE HOUSE TO GET MY KIDS. WHEN I GOT OUT OF THE CAR IT DIDN'T MOVE AT ALL. WHILE I WAS GETTING MY KIDS TOGETHER I HAPPEN TO LOOK UP AND SEE MY EXPLORER CRASHED INTO A TREE IN THE B…"~87,000 mi, complaint #1473098
  45. #45

    wiper and washer

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS INDEPENDENTLY ACTIVATED CAUSING A VISIBILITY HAZARD TO THE DRIVER. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER SAM S…"~170,000 mi, complaint #1641047
  46. #46

    wiring harness

    1 stranded, 1 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "HAZARD LIGHTS CUT ON BY THEIRSELVES WHILE I WAS AT WORK. VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND SHUT OFF. LIGHTS WILL NOT TURN OFF"~139,000 mi, complaint #1689175
    • "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 caugh…"~200,000 mi, complaint #2189436
  47. #47

    abs module

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THE ABS SYSTEM IS COMMANDING INPUTS TO THE BRAKES WITHOUT DRIVER INPUT AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND CAUSING STEERING WHEEL TORQUE. THIS HAPPENS REGARDLESS OF ROAD CONDITIONS. THE COMPUTER HAS BEEN REPLACED ONCE AND THE CAR IS STILL UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR"~11,000 mi, complaint #877806
  48. #48

    adas adaptive cruise

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "MORE LIKE ADAPTIVE 'CURSE' CONTROL. MY 2011 EXPLORER LIMITED 4X4 WITH THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE ALWAYS CATCHES THE REAR OF SEMI TRUCKS IN OTHER LANES, CAUSING IT TO APPLY FULL BRAKES AND PEOPLE BEHIND ME ALMOST CRASH INTO ME. MY 2011 LIMITED IS TOTALLY FACTORY ORI…"~500 mi, complaint #892996
  49. #49

    adas collision warning

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "MY NEW FORD EXPLORER IN ENGAGING THE BRAKES WITHOUT DRIVER INPUT. IT APPLIES ONE BRAKE AT A TIME AT ALL SPEEDS. IT TORQUES THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE POINT OF LOSING CONTROL. *TR"~3,000 mi, complaint #872505
  50. #50

    driveshaft axle cv

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "RIGHT FRONT AXLE/CONTROL ARM FAILING (SNAPPED CLEANLY IN 2) 3 TIMES WITHIN 2 YEARS. FIRST TIME MAY HAVE BEEN SUBSEQUENT TO LOW SPEED FRONT END COLLISION. SECOND & THIRD TIMES DRIVING LESS THAN 25 MPH WITH NO COLLISION UNTIL AFTER HEARING THE SNAP & SUBSEQUENT…"~820,000 mi, complaint #1588476
  51. #51

    instrument cluster

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE SPEEDOMETER AND TURN SIGNALS FAILED TO OPERATE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE COMPUTER AND THE TURN SIGNAL CLUSTER. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE CALIPERS AND ROTORS FAILED DUE TO INSUFFICIENT LUBRICATION…"~19,000 mi, complaint #1096345
  52. #52

    key fob and immobilizer

    1 stranded

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE KEY NOT DETECTED WARNING MESSAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME WHERE SHE RECEIVED DIRECTIONS FROM THE DEALER OVER THE PHO…"~20,000 mi, complaint #1003479
  53. #53

    parking brake

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "SECOND (2ND) OCCURRENCE. VEHICLE AS BACKED INTO DRIVEWAY AND PARKED WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 20,2019. THURSDAY FEBRUARY 21, 2019 AT APPROXIMATELY 7:00 AM, IT WAS OBSERVED THE THE VEHICLE HAD ROLLED BACKWARDS APPROX. 13 FEET ON ITS OWN. VEHICLE WAS LOCKED AND TRANSM…"~70,128 mi, complaint #1542154
  54. #54

    parking sensors

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "WHEN YOU SHIFT THE VEHICLE IN PARK, THE PARKING SENSOR DOES NOT ALWAYS RECOGNIZE THE SHIFT THUS LEAVING A MESSAGE ON THE DASHBOARD/SCREEN SAYING 'SHIFT TO PARK.' TO CORRECT THE ISSUE YOU HAVE DEPRESS THE SHIFT LEVER OVER AND OVER TO GET IT TO SHIFT IN PARK. TH…"~117,000 mi, complaint #1577537
  55. #55

    power windows and locks

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Power windows and power mirror buttons stopped working and then “Service power steering now” message came on and the steering wheel is locked and very hard to turn. The electrical wiring for the windows run through the power steering gear. The vehicle has not…"complaint #2050778
  56. #56

    unintended acceleration

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A GARAGE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE…"~23,500 mi, complaint #1137599
  57. #57

    wheel bearing

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "2003 FORD EXPLORER XLT WHEEL BEARING HUBS ARE BAD AND IS A ON GOING ISSUE. *TR"~84,000 mi, complaint #845828
  58. #58

    wheel or rim

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the windshield wipers were in the on position, the wipers went off the vehicle and had to be pushed back into place. There was an unknown yellow warning light illuminated. The contact stated…"~104,000 mi, complaint #1971724

Recall-sized clusters

These are large batches of near-identical complaints (recall notifications, service campaigns), kept separate from the ranking above so they don't drown out individually-reported problems.

Not matched to any cluster below: every campaign NHTSA has on file for this exact make/model/year is 11V063000, 14E001000, 14V286000, 15V171000, 17E048000, 19V435000, 21V746000, 24V031000. This is a vehicle-wide list, not an attribution - see below for which clusters have a real, complainant-cited match.

NHTSA investigations

Search NHTSA's own recall and complaint database for FORD EXPLORER directly.