CarRecallWatchThe 2011 Ford Explorer has 6 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 1,198 complaints with NHTSA, including 30 crashes, 4 fires, 15 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Steering (749 reports).
2011 Ford Explorer recalls
Trim on A-pillar may detach and fall off
The A-pillar trim retention clips on certain Explorers may not be properly engaged, which can allow the trim piece to come loose and detach from the vehicle.
Rear Suspension Part May Seize and Break, Causing Loss of Steering
Certain 2011-2013 Ford Explorers in specific Northeastern, Midwestern and Mid-Atlantic states may have a cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) replacement part in the rear suspension that could seize.
Rear Toe Links Can Fracture, Causing Sudden Handling Loss
The rear suspension toe links on these Explorers may fracture because of stress on the rear suspension.
Door May Unlatch in Side Crash
The interior door handle return spring can become unseated, so the handle does not return fully to its stowed position after use.
Most common 2011 Ford Explorer problems
Problem areas named in the 1,198 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Steering | 749 |
| Unknown Or Other | 112 |
| Structure | 111 |
| Electrical System | 95 |
| Engine | 83 |
| Power Train | 64 |
| Air Bags | 44 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 35 |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 28 |
| Suspension | 24 |
What owners report
Estaba estacionado poniendo gas a mi exprorer y cuando la encendà el volante se puso muy duro y me marco el código P07AE-09 y también apareció falla en el sistema de dirección asistida.
Car has a history of showing a P07AE-09 code in the power steering control module. When the code logs in the computer the car loses power steering assist while driving causing the steering to be hard to turn. Upon researching the cars recall work we seen that the car had the power steering control module software updated but no steering gear changed. My wife and children ride in this car and I'm afraid that this is going to cause a serious accident.
I am reporting a serious safety concern involving my 2011 Ford Explorer, VIN [XXX]. After recently filling the vehicle with fuel, I went to drive it and received a âPower Steering Assist Faultâ message on the dashboard. The vehicle then lost power steering assistance, making the steering extremely difficult and requiring significantly more effort to control. The vehicle was inspected by a repair shop, and I was advised that the power steering/steering gear requires replacement at an estimated cost of $2,126.43. Because of the loss of steering assistance, I believe the vehicle is unsafe to drive and presents a serious safety risk, particularly during turns or emergency maneuvers. I und
The power steering has fully stopped working , the car cannot be steered, this started to happen on the road, I had to steer the entire weight of the car myself, at fast speed it was difficult but not impossible, at slow speed and zero speed or while the vehicle is stationary it was impossible or unmovable to steer. there were no warning lamps about this, the Ford dealer has not detect this in my vehicle's previous recall, further vehicle has two more recalls this year, that have been cited this year by the dealer. this needs to be addressed on their recalls because this can cause a very severe problem on the road
On Friday 7/24/2026, I was driving and all the sudden my steering went out. Dash flashed No Power Steering Assist / AdvanTrac System Fail. I pulled over immediately to turn around & get home with zero power steering. The amount of strength to steer/control was extreme. To turn was almost impossible. I took my car to Ford AutoNation on Arapahoe in Centennial on 7/27/26, they ran full diagnostics & it came back that the car suffered a hard internal failure (DTC U3000) of the electronic Power Steering Control Module, creating an immediate, dangerous loss of steering assist while driving. This vehicle was subject to Federal Safety Recall 14S06 (NHTSA Campaign 14V286000). According to official F
2011 Ford Explorer questions
Does the 2011 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls for the 2011 Ford Explorer: Trim on A-pillar may detach and fall off; Rear Suspension Part May Seize and Break, Causing Loss of Steering; Rear Toe Links Can Fracture, Causing Sudden Handling Loss; Door May Unlatch in Side Crash; Steering:Electric Power Assist System. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Ford Explorer?
Based on 1,198 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Steering (749), Unknown Or Other (112), Structure (111).
How do I check if a recall on my 2011 Ford Explorer has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.