general problems of the 2011 Ford Explorer - part 1

The exterior a-pillar applique trim clip attachments on my 2011 Ford Explorer have failed, and the part is on backorder due to a recall. This issue prevents me from completing a necessary inspection, as the component cannot be replaced or properly secured until the recall part becomes available. The malfunction poses a safety risk while driving and requires immediate resolution to ensure the vehicle is roadworthy. I urgently need assistance in expediting the repair or receiving an alternative solution so I can complete the required inspection and safely operate my vehicle without further delays.

When the vehicle is put in reverse, the backup camera blacks out and if it comes back on, the picture is reversed horizontally. This is causing a hazard when backing up as the camera shows what's actually on the left side to be on the right and vice versa. There are many recalls for the same complaint of Ford's back up system, yet nothing has been addressed for the 2011 model. Thank you!.

When I contacted my local dealership I was notified there was a recall for the power steering. However the recall was only good until 150,000 miles. Yet I have owned this vehicle for 2 years and never been contacted.

We have been waiting for this part from Ford for over 1 year. I am told by the dealership that they have been limiting the number of parts the dealerships can order. The same dealership order 100 and has only received 5 to date. This is unacceptable. When a part is recalled because of safety it should not be over a year to receive the part. Why are they not being held accountable. My sons car has trip that has fallen off and or flaps in the wind.

The exterior a-pillar trim panel on my 2011 Ford Explorer has detached multiple times while driving. The first incident occurred when the original panel flew off into traffic, creating a safety hazard for other road users. Since then, I have been using a temporary replacement panel, which also continues to detach while driving, further escalating the safety risk. I have been attempting to resolve this issue for over three months by contacting every Ford dealership in the bay area. Each dealership claims they do not have the parts necessary to complete the recall repair, despite Ford's assertion that parts are available. As a result, the recall remains incomplete, and the issue persists, creating ongoing safety risks for myself and others on the road. No warning lamps or messages preceded the incidents. The problem has not been reproduced or inspected by a dealer due to the unavailability of parts. This unresolved recall places myself and other road users at continued risk of potential crashes caused by flying debris from my vehicle.

The recall for my 2011 Ford Explorer (manufacturer recall number: 24s02, NHTSA recall number: 24v031) remains unresolved because Ford has not supplied the necessary parts to local dealerships, despite the official recall documentation stating, "parts are now available to repair your vehicle. " Ford claims to have authorized dealers to inspect and repair any loose or missing exterior a-pillar trim moldings free of charge, including parts and labor. However, this claim is false, as no dealership I’ve contacted in the bay area, including those near brentwood, CA, has received the required parts to perform the repair. The a-pillar trim on my vehicle has already detached while driving, creating a road hazard for other vehicles and posing a serious safety risk. Additionally, the lack of a permanent fix is exposing my vehicle to potential water and moisture damage. I have contacted multiple Ford dealerships over the past three months, as well as Ford’s customer relationship center, and all have confirmed that the recall parts are not available. Ford’s inability to fulfill its stated remedy has left me without a solution, prolonging the safety risk and potential vehicle damage. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate Ford’s handling of this recall and compel them to supply the necessary parts to dealerships so that the repair can be completed as promised. This is a critical safety issue that requires immediate resolution. The a-pillar trim has detached from my vehicle while driving, creating a road hazard for other drivers. Additionally, the continued lack of repair risks water and moisture entering my vehicle, potentially causing further damage and compromising its safety. No, Ford has not been able to inspect or repair the vehicle because the necessary parts are unavailable, despite their claim that parts are ready. No warnings were present before the a-pillar trim detached while driving.

Complaint regarding lack of recall parts availability for manufacturer recall number: 24s02, NHTSA recall number: 24v031 dear national highway traffic safety administration, I am writing to formally report an issue regarding the unavailability of parts necessary to complete the safety recall repair for my 2011 Ford Explorer. The recall in question is manufacturer recall number: 24s02, NHTSA recall number: 24v031, concerning the detachment of the a-pillar applique trim. Despite being notified that parts are available, I have been unable to find a Ford dealership in my area (brentwood, CA 94513) or the broader bay area that has the required parts to perform the recall repair. I have contacted multiple dealerships over the past three months, and each has informed me that Ford has not supplied them with the parts needed to resolve this issue. This lack of resolution is alarming, as the detachment of the a-pillar trim panel while driving has already posed a significant safety hazard. The original panel flew off into traffic, endangering other road users, and a temporary panel continues to detach while driving. Ford's inability to supply the necessary parts leaves this critical safety issue unresolved and puts myself and others on the road at continued risk. I respectfully request the NHTSA to investigate this matter and ensure that Ford complies with their obligation to provide the necessary parts for this recall repair. Additionally, I would appreciate any guidance on further steps I can take to ensure my vehicle is repaired promptly and safely. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Back up camera. When back up is engaged, picture on backup monitor is reversed, left becomes right and and right becomes left. This happened ab out two months ago and will happen every time shift is placed in reverse. This is a safety issue and particularly for my wife because she always depends on the back up camera. Yesterday I inquired with my local Ford dealer, but they informed me that there is no recall by Ford for my model (they told me that there is one for the 2023 year and up for failing back up camera, but this even worse, because when the camera fails, it's known right away that you have to depend on the side and review mirrors. Please advise.

I have a recall 24v031 letter dated February 2024. I called and got an appointment for 7 Aug, showed up at the dealership, just to get turnaround and was told that they don’t have the glue to fix the recall. No phone calls or text received to let me know that my appointment was canceled due to this problem. I was told that they will call me back, once glue is received. It’s now 2 oct, still no calls, so I called them back. I was told that this is still an issue and that they’re still waiting for the glue to come in. They have added my name to a “wait list”, and we’ll be notified once they’re ready to fix the recall issue. I don’t understand how long are we supposed to wait for this? is there something I can do to fix this problem? please advise. Thank you.

" exterior a pillar applique trim clip attachments are not properly engaged. " I recieved a safety recall letter July 2024. I called zeigler Ford dealership for the repair. They scheduled an appointment and inspected it and said they cannot fix it due to unavailable parts from Ford. This has been going on for a year and supposedly they can't get the parts. Pieces of the rubber around my windshield was flapping around and eventually fell off. When I called Ford customer service, they said first I need to get the vehicle inspected to that I told them I already had it inspected. Then they transferred me to the dealership to schedule an inspection which I don't need because it was already done. They just transferred me and did not answer my question as to why it hasn't been fixed yet, and why they are not supplying parts to the dealership. They basically left it to the service technician to tell me again that there are no parts. They want to give people the run around and let them possibly get injured in unsafe vehicles.

While driving the b pillar broke and flew off. Now I have it taped up so nothing will get into my car (like rain) and so nothing else falls off.

Rear camera is black when in reverse. Warning beeps still work properly. Truck has 102k miles, started being issue at 97k miles. Ford says repair is 6 weeks out until tech available. Keep getting runaround. I started asking for repair over 6 months ago. Reporting this because many models have had this issue as a recall. The 2011 Explorer should be included in this recall. #2 issue. A pillar recall also slow walking. I've had mine inspected, it is damaged, approved to replace, now waiting on parts. Have been calling every 2-3 weeks for 6 months. Still say no parts. I will call your 800 number to report this.

Safety recall 24s02/NHTSA recall 24v031, this recall hasn’t been fixed until now. The part has been on back order since 2024. It just seems like there’s no solution, it’s always been back order, and I was always advised to call and check back. This has been an ongoing issue, since the recall came out.

Hidráulic problem.

Over the past couple of years the steering wheel has locked. But would reset if turned off and on. The traction light also engaged temporarily and later went off. When I took my vehicle in to the dealership at blue springs mo Ford on 12/14/21 for service and diagnostic they indicated a sensor and/or steering mechanism needed repair or replaced and the part has been on back order. They would order the part’s-and let me know when they came in. They have yet to contact me on the part. They said it could be some time. . About a month the tire pressure sensor fault warning came on so I was looking repairs. Early this week while driving the power steering quit working. A day or so later while troubleshooting the dash display reported faults with both power steering assist and advance tract. After turning it back on and off the warning lights engaged. I have a new battery, checked connections and fuses, then looked online and found Ford has a known problem with power steering assist failing. Also comments report if an issue occurs with the electronic power assist at any time Ford is responsible to repair for free. Today I called the Ford number 800-392-3673 to report this problem and was informed my vehicle does not qualify for free repairs due to the mileage 173,958. The fix expired at 150,000 miles or 10 year - which was an extension to warranty). I don’t agree with this approach as Ford has been aware of this issue with the power steering electronic system for years and provided no notice to consumers. I would have had it checked prior to hitting the 150,000 mile mark. Please advise on my rights or recourse. Thanks.

While driving my 2011 Ford Explorer at 60 mph I received a indicator stating service steering system soon. My concern was making sure I was able to still steer the vehicle to a safe location. I was still able to steer the vehicle and headed to the nearest parking lot to hopefully reset the system by restarting the vehicle. After parking I turned off the car and restarted it. After doing this the error came of service steering system now! trying to steer the vehicle was extremely difficult. I proceeded home which is 30 min away and parked the vehicle until I could get it into a dealer. I did not call a tow truck as they are expensive and I know the repair was going to cost me a lot of money. The dealer verified the steering system was faulty and needed replaced. The steering system is electronically controlled and the failure of the system puts the occupants of the vehicle as risk of injury in the event the system failed and you need to move out of the way in an emergency or if I was not able to control the vehicle. The steering rack will be returned as part of the core charge for the replacement of the unit. Ford customer care told me this was a safety notice but is not a recall and it expired 10 yr after the warranty and vehicle over 150,000 miles. This should not be a notice but a recall as it seems there are a lot of failures. I should not have to pay money for something that is a known issue by the manufacture. The NHTSA needs to force Ford to recall these parts and replace them at their cost since it is a known issue!.

2011 Ford Explorer - trim around the windshield has separated and pieces have disconnected when driving. Sections become loose and are slapping the windows which is a driving distraction. Will windshield be secure if trim around edges comes off?.

Front left window trim coming off.

Daughter drives this vehicle to college. . . 4hrs via highway. On a recent trip home, her passenger side windshield trim flew off and nearly it the car behind her. I gave her a hard time about not stopping to pick it up but you can't just do that on the interstate. Looking around, we see lots of Ford Explorers with missing windshield trim. The rubber windshield seal underneath looks in bad shape now and I'm concerned that it could fail allowing the whole windshield glass to separate from the car. Love for you to come and inspect the vehicle. There were no warning lights or messages letting us know there was a problem before the trim separated but we obviously know there is a problem based on the numerous examples we see on the road. Please have Ford address this with a recall. It is unacceptable that this part fails so regularly on Ford Explorers.

Passenger side windshield trim came off while traveling on freeway at 85 mph hit the windshield. Then about hit the car behind us and about hit a car next to us. The car is available for inspection.

I read an article about Ford Explorers and the windshield trim panels coming off. I have had to replace both sides of mine. . . . They didn't fly off but would have if not tended too. The rubber part underneath broke into several pieces and some were missing. . . Who knows where they went. I had to replace both sides. . . . At my own expense. . . .

Windshield trim panels came loose and were slapping the drivers and passengers side windows. Read article in paper with 164 complaints. Cost me over $800 to replace.

No incidents yet. I have had a power steering fault warning came on. It is off now I have contacted Ford in detroit, recall expired eventhough my car has only 124,100 miles on it. It will cost me $2300. To fix it which I do not have. I was never told about a recall on this. I purchased this used car in Dec,2021 at kearney motorsports in louisville ky. Now I have received a recall notice on the suspension. I find this car very unsafe and really do not know what to do about this, especially the power steering. Please advise, OH I did report this to kydot.

I was driving and my wheel locked up almost resulting in a accident I could not turn the wheel I had to pulled over and had to get my car towed I'm being told it is my rack and pinion I have a 2011 Ford Explorer now they are charging me 3,000 dollars to get it fixed when their was a recall on it in 2015 I was only going 30 mph when this happened.

Steering wheel gets hard to turn anywhere. A light turns on when this happens but, I couldn't read it as I was trying to get safely out of the road. It has happened to me a couple of times. Sometime it happens as I turn the car on once I put the reverse gear on it gets hard I'm able to notice this before I move so I turn the car off and when I turn it back on it fixes itself. But, last few times its happened while driving once in the highway. I was told this could be triggering my check engine light on, which now is always on, according to the shop where it was taken for a check up it is something related to a misfire of the fifth cylinder. They think it is more related to a factory defect.

My 2011 Ford Explorer has been leaking water into everything including the console, seat belts, down the doors and staying inside the doors, into the spare tire storage area, and down all sides of the interior. The water leaks so badly that at times I've had more than an inch of water on the floor boards of my vehicle. The only thing that has permanently stopped working is the motor that controls the moonroof. I have no idea where the water is coming from and this is causing concern as the water is getting into all aspects of my vehicle including electrical areas. My research indicates that it could be many different places but I also seeing 10s of thousands of complaints from Explorer owners about this problem.

Back up camera has not worked for the last 4 years.

While driving with my 2 minor daughters a high-temperature light came on and then seconds later low pressure and engine light came on. Suddenly my 2011 Ford Explorer engine turned off and stopped in the middle of two busy highways stranding us. Towed to an auto shop where I was informed that the water pump bearing had come apart got into the engine and caused the timing chain to jump time. Now my 2011 Ford Explorer does not work and a replacement engine was going to cost $7700 plus the labor and work to tear it down which would exceed the almost $10,000 value of the vehicle. All over the internet, all I see is water pump/engine defaults for the same reason. This is obviously an ongoing issue that needs further investigation and mandatory replacements. Stranding us in the center of the highway was dangerous enough that my towing insurance told me to call the police because of where we were stranded not to mention my vehicle that is had zero issues is now nonoperational and has left me with a catastrophic financial and mobile deficit.

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 dealer who stated that they could not determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring increasingly whenever it rained. The contact stated that the instrument panel control buttons, the dashboard lights, and the rearview camera had failed to work as designed. The contact also received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21v746000 (suspension) however, the dealer informed the contact that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

I recently purchased this 2011 Ford Explorer. I was driving on the interstate and the SUV started feeling like a boat floating in water. The swaying felt like the front and rear suspension was not connected somehow. I immediately removed my foot from the gas and tapped my brakes to slow. It felt as though I would lose control of the vehicle. The swaying wasn’t noticeable until you reached speeds above 50 initially. The SUV would be ok on some days. But I drive and hour to work each way and it’s highway. Now I am noticing the sway at lower speeds as well. I am having it checked out by an alignment mechanic shop. But since this started, we have seen many things written about this problem in forums and Ford actually had some recalls.

The interior of the vehicle smells of smog/gas after just a few minutes of driving and causes headaches for me and my kids.

My power steering totally went out. It kept saying power steering fault and just stopped working. Then it started saying something about trac terrain fault or something. I've only had this car since 2018 and then found out today there was a recall on them for power steering. We bought our car in oklahoma and now live in alabama. The power steering has been weird on me before but turning off the car and restarting it would fix it, but it has went out saying fault while I was going around a turn and I had to brake quickly, throw on my hazards, turn off the car and restart it. But now nothing is fixing it, I had to tow it to my house from an hour away because I was stuck at work at 1am. I am the only person in my family able to work and work about 52hours a week and don't know I can afford to fix this issue that apparently was known but not fixed in my vehicle before it was sold to me (not your fault, the delearships fault, but they are 10 hours away. . . ).

I have a 2011 Ford Explorer limited, at random times while driving it will make a grinding noise, the vehicle will slow down and then the traction control lights will flash. If the traction control lights stop flashing the vehicle will pick up speed and drive normal but if the traction control light continues to flash for a long time eventually the traction control system will disable and then the warnings lights will say service advance trac and collision warning malfunction warning. If I let the vehicle sit for hours it may reset but it has continued to do so at random times and speed.

After driving for a little while and then stopping at a stop light I smell exhaust coming in through the vent. I only notice it when at a stop.

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 shake sometimes. When I brake from highway speeds,my car shakes. I have brought it to Ford twice and they charge me $2000 to replace parts,but the problem still persisted. Other garage cant seem to figure out whats causing it.