general problems of the 2011 Ford Explorer - part 2

Driving down the interstate at 70mph, warning comes on the console "awd is off" and the engine is down to idle speed (~800 rpm). Pressing the accelerator results in no speed increase, forcing me to move across 4 lanes of traffic to the emergency lane with only the brakes working (no control over my speed, otherwise). Pulled over, stopped the engine, looked around and could see no externally visible problems (fluid leaks, etc. ). Start the car and there are no warnings, so I continue down the road, but this time stay in the right lane and keep the speed to around 60. Less than 1 mile down the road, the exact same thing happens. At this point we call Ford to get us a tow. This was a very dangerous event to happen, especially when I had the Explorer full with my family! today the servicing dealer called and said it is a problem with the throttle body. Being that this is the 2nd time our 2011 Explorer has left us stranded on the side of the road, it was time to go searching for others with this same throttle body problem. Turns out there is a customer satisfaction notice already being done by Ford for several other 2011 vehicles, but the Explorer has been excluded. Our symptoms and part failure are exactly the same as these other models, some even from the same assembly plant. I think Ford needs to extend the 13n03 program to included the Explorers. Thank you.

While driving the car dies and the yellow wrench light appears. This occurred twice in one day. The first time it occurred I was just beginning to accelerate. I was able to pull over and restart the car. The second incident occurred while driving down the highway. I was able to pull over and restart the car. I immediately brought it to a Ford dealer who has had the car for three days and cannot find out what is wrong.

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. While driving at any speed, the power steering and computer failed. In addition, the engine, abs, traction control, air bag, and security sensors illuminated. The dealer advised the contact to reset the master controls. The vehicle also exhibited computer failure. The firmware was updated multiple times, however the failure recurred months later and included various electrical shorts. While driving at an unknown speed, the power steering failed. The vehicle was towed to the authorized dealer for diagnostic testing. The contact waited for months to determine if the dealer was able to provide a remedy to the firmware failure. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 14v286000 (steering) and 14e001000 (steering). The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.

Power steering assist disabled and associated warning light enabled. Vehicle had been stopped with engine running and in gear. Disable occurred when I started to move forward. Problem corrected itself after turning off and restarting vehicle. Continued to drive vehicle. Occurred a second time, approximately 1 week later, while turning into a parking space. Power steering was again enabled by turning off and restarting engine. Parked vehicle in garage for about 1 week until it was driven to the dealer where diagnosis was steering gear needed replacing. No repair performed to date, approximately 3 weeks later. Reportedly the part is on back order.

Power steering failed while driving. Traction assist control also failed at the same time. Shutting the engine off and restarting brought the power steering back but not the traction control. The traction control began functioning again after the truck sat for about 8 hours.

After a rapid acceleration in order to get to toll speeds (65mph) the vehicle started to produce a burnt smell. Thought it could be new vehicle stuff but right know its 30,000 miles and every time I go over 4000 rpm on a rapid acceleration it gives me the odor, plus the vehicle losses power on the hills. Disappointing when you pay over 40,000 for a new luxury SUV.

When accelerating the vehicle quickly with the air conditioner on (does not matter if it's on fresh air intake or recirculating), there is a definite burnt smell the cabin of the vehicle. The problem can be duplicated at any speed, from a dead stop or accelerating during a passing maneuver. The vehicle was taken to the local dealership three time and two technical bulletins were addressed upon completion of the factory warrantied technical bulletins, the odor remained. Burnt smell.

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 possible to slow the car down and pull off the road. Once off the road the engine continued to run in the 6000 to 7000 rpm range. It was not possible to slow down the engine speed. After shutting off the engine and restarting, the engine continued to run at these high rpm. The car was towed to a Ford dealer that evening (incident occurred in the evening). The next morning, I went to the car dealer and started the car. It ran fine. Ford did replace the throttle body. Car has been running fine but we are concerned it could happen again.