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CarComplaints.com Notes: The NHTSA's complaint data shows potentially scary power steering problems with the 2011 Ford Explorer.

The steering complaints are pretty serious - owners report the power steering cuts out while driving. The NHTSA opened an investigation into the power steering problems in June 2012, which lead to a recall in 2014. However years later, many 2011 Explorer owners report this defect is still occurring.

It's too bad because the 2009 & 2010 Ford Explorer are solid, trouble-free model years.

9.0

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$3,830
Average Mileage:
153,450 miles
Total Complaints:
2 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. engine replacement (2 reports)
2011 Ford Explorer cooling system problems

cooling system problem

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2011 Ford Explorer Owner Comments

problem #2

Sep 082019

Explorer Limited 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 140,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

click to see larger images

water pump went out

Unknowingly to me, the water pump leaked antifreeze into the engine oil over an extended time, which turned oil into a custard looking gunk which caused the engine to seize and fail.

- utahbrowns, Fayetteville, US

problem #1

Jun 132019

Explorer Limited 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 166,853 miles

2011 Ford Explorer While driving on the highway the check engine light comes on and I pull over imminently, the car is overheating so I check the radiator and add water. Wanting to be careful I decide to call a tow truck and get it to a shop right away. They inform me that my water pump has gone out and the replacement will be about $1700. I tell them to do it and start to plan my day. Then they call and say that coolant is mixed with oil, possibly a blown head gasket, damage to main bearings, rear seal blown, and rod bearings possibly bad due to main bearings. Now they recommend a rebuilt engine replacement and the total is $7800. My car Blue Books for $10000 so I am just not sure about putting that much into it and knowing that its about time for the transmission to have issues is even scarier.

- Tabitha K., New Albany, US

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