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2011 Ford Explorer: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists six recall campaigns for the 2011 Ford Explorer: two for the body structure (filed 2015 and 2024), two for suspension (filed 2019 and 2021), one for steering (filed 2014) and one more for other parts. Owners have filed 1,197 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the steering. For comparison, owners filed 115 for the 2010 and 829 for the 2012 Explorer.

Summary reviewed by Recalls & Safety Desk · Oct 6, 2026 How we write summaries Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls 6campaigns 2 structure · 2 suspension · 1 steering Source: NHTSA Complaints 1,197filed Owner reports, 2007–2016 shown Source: NHTSA ODI Fuel economy 20mpg combined $3,266/yr at this week's prices Source: EPA · EIA Specs 3.5 L 6-cyl· 6-speed automatic 4 engine and transmission configurations Source: NHTSA vPIC
Compare

Recalls (6)

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2011 Ford Explorer. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 2011 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 24V031000 Filed Jan 19, 2024

Exterior A-Pillar Trim May Detach

Structure · body · roof and pillars
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
Consequence
A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024 and December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
20.8% repairedof 1,889,110 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 24V031000
Listed for 2011 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 21V746000 Filed Sep 22, 2021

Rear Suspension Toe Link Fracture

Suspension · rear
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. These vehicles may be equipped with a cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) replacement part that could seize, and result in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.
Consequence
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealer will inspect for the presence of a CABJ. If a CABJ of any design is found, the dealer will inspect the tightness of the CABJ, and replace the CABJ, knuckle, and/or toe link as necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters were mailed November 10, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 17, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S43.
47.7% repairedof 150,723 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 21V746000
Listed for 2011 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V435000 Filed Jun 10, 2019

Rear Suspension Toe Links May Fracture

Suspension · rear
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
Consequence
A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, and inspect both rear toe link ball joints, replacing the rear wheel knuckle(s), if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S17.
64.1% repairedof 1,194,173 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V435000
Listed for 2011 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 15V171000 Filed Mar 24, 2015

Interior Door Handle Return Spring may Unseat

Structure · body · door
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the interior door handle return spring may unseat, resulting in interior door handle that does not return to the fully stowed position after actuation.
Consequence
If the interior door handle return spring is unseated, the door may unlatch in the event of a side impact crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four of the interior door handles and either repair or replace them, free of charge. The recall began on July 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S11.
67.8% repairedof 194,484 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 15V171000
Listed for 2011 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 14V286000 Filed May 29, 2014

Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist

Steering · electric power assist system
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured May 17, 2010, through February 28, 2012. The affected vehicles may experience an intermittent connection in the electric power steering gear, which can cause a loss of the motor position sensor signal resulting in a shut down of the power steering assist.
Consequence
If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist it will require extra steering effort at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) software, free of charge. If a vehicle shows a history of a loss of motor position sensor signal when the vehicle is brought in for the recall remedy, its steering rack assembly will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on July 23, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S06.
82.8% repairedof 179,027 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 14V286000
Listed for 2011 Ford Explorer. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 11V063000 Filed Feb 2, 2011

CENTER RECLINER MECHANISM/FMVSS 207

Seats
Official NHTSA text
Summary
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 EXPLORER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 15, 2010, THROUGH DECEMBER 13, 2010, EQUIPPED WITH SECOND ROW 60% SEATS WITH MANUAL RECLINER MECHANISMS THAT MAY HAVE COMPONENTS THAT ARE OUT OF DIMENSIONAL SPECIFICATION. THESE SEATS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 207, "SEATING SYSTEMS."
Consequence
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT BACK MAY NOT PROVIDE THE REQUIRED STRENGTH, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
Remedy
FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE SEATS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 15, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
Repair progress not yet reported1,658 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 11V063000

PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.

Which Explorer years had the most recalls?Best & worst years →Every recall for the Ford ExplorerAll model years →Where is the VIN on my car?VIN location guide →

Owner complaints (1,197)

1,197 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The steering is mentioned most often.

30involved a crash
4involved a fire
15injuries reported
0deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Ford Explorer, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 1,197.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2011 compares with other Explorer years

Best and worst Explorer years →
208 148 33 115 1,197 829 2,235 1,679 1,797 2,458
2007200820092010201120122013201420152016
This year (2011)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 20 mpg combined

20
mpg combined
18
city
25
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$3,350
CO₂ tailpipe
444 g/mi
EPA class
Sport Utility Vehicle -

What it costs you to run

$3,266per year
$272per month
750gallons a year

Miles ÷ 20 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.

EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.

Specs by configuration

2011 Ford Explorer configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
3.5 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 20$3,350444
3.5 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 20$3,350444
3.5 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automatic4-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19$3,550468
3.5 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automatic4-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19$3,550468

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 2011 Explorer for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All Explorer years

Where to next

Which Explorer years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →2012 Ford Explorer report829 complaints · 5 campaigns →2010 Ford Explorer report115 complaints · 1 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

2011 Ford Explorer FAQ

How many recalls does the 2011 Ford Explorer have?

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns: 24V031000 (structure), 21V746000 (suspension), 19V435000 (suspension), 15V171000 (structure), 14V286000 (steering), 11V063000 (seat). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2011 Ford Explorer problems?

Owners filed 1,197 complaints with NHTSA. Steering (742), Unknown or other (113), Structure (110) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 2011 Ford Explorer get?

EPA rates the 3.5 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automatic version at 18 city, 25 highway and 20 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

How does the 2011 Explorer compare with other years?

Among the 2007–2016 Ford Explorer model years at least five years old, the 2009 drew the fewest complaints (33) and the 2016 the most (2,458). The 2011 drew 1,197. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Summary reviewed on Oct 6, 2026.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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