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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.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
5 / 0
Average Mileage:
69,894 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2011 Ford Explorer engine problems

engine problem

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2011 Ford Explorer Owner Comments (Page 2 of 4)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #57

May 142019

Explorer 6-cyl

  • 223,550 miles

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

"2011 Ford Explorer carbon monoxide poisoning concerns recall" accident occurred on May 14, 2019 at houston, Texas I slept off while driving and ran into another vehicle who stopped at a stop light waiting for the green light to turn on. I was not able to stop at the stop light because I slept off because of carbon monoxide poisoning. I had no reason to experience such. I was also, constantly smelling fuel coming into my 2011 Ford Explorer. The car I ran into and mine were seriously damaged. The police came and wrote a report on the accident. On two different more occasions, same things happened to me, but luckily I did not run into any other car or damage my car. It was at this juncture that I started talking with friends and family members about my repeated sad experience driving my 2011 Ford Explorer and was informed by one of my family members that there was a nationwide recall on Ford Explorer because of carbon monoxide poisoning concerns. I directly verified and discovered it was true. I then wasted not time to call, mac haik Ford Motor Company, houston, Texas and complained about my experience driving my 2011 Ford Explorer and question why I was not on time, officially informed about the 2011 Ford Explorer carbon monoxide poisoning concerns recall. They apologized and asked me to bring in my vehicle to be fixed free of charges. I took my vehicle to mac haik, where the fixed only the recalls and not the over five thousand dollars body and internal damages my vehicle sustained. My question now is how can I get Ford Motor Company to fix my damaged vehicle and the other vehicle I ran into because of the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning which I suffered while driving my 2011 Ford Explorer, free of charges? consumer stated car was repaired, free of charge. 'parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #56

May 242019

Explorer 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 135,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. Every time the accelerator pedal was depressed, fumes entered the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to summerville Ford (9700 dorchester rd, summerville, nc 29485) for an evaluation and it was determined that it was performing according to specifications. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.

- Bonneau, SC, USA

problem #55

May 152019

Explorer

  • 178,805 miles
Engine damage due to overheating. Regular and required oil changes are documented and implemented as scheduled. No other engine or vehicle malfunctions during the course of ownership, except regular oil changes and tire replacement. However, on May 15, 2019, vehicle sensor notified oil change needed. Five days later vehicle stalled at local motel due to decreased power, rocking motion of car and luckily we were able to slowly turn into local hotel to cut off engine and get to safety. After 2 hours of letting vehicle set and cool down, local mechanic, checked and said we had enough oil in vehicle and not sure what happened. Was able to drive vehicle home, with no sensors on dashboard alerting us to any further problems. Three days later, with no visible sensors flashing, car began to exhibit rocking motion not sputtering motion as I began to pull out in four-way intersection, and approaching traffic heading my way. Then suddenly, car regained power and was able to continue to proper lane as if nothing was wrong. After traveling another 1.6 miles, car just starting losing power, check engine, low oil pressure light, temperature light warning all appeared suddenly. I was able to drift in middle lane in front of dealership where vehicle was purchased. I immediatedly turned vehicle off and walked to dealership to get help in moving vehicle off the road. After 3days of waiting, duncah dealership in christiansburg, va, notifed us that head gasget was cracked and over 7,000 repair bill was needed to fix engine repair. As noted before no major problems has ever been repaired or replaced regarding this vehicle. During the two incidents regarding the vehhicle losing power, without no visible vehicle sensor notifications is of great concern to us regarding our safety in driving our vehicle. Thankfully, we weren't on a major highway.

- Elliston, VA, USA

problem #54

Jun 042019

Explorer

  • 120,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. While the contact's wife was driving 35-40 mph, the engine began to shudder. The contact's wife drove into a parking lot and the engine shut off. An independent mechanic arrived at the scene and diagnosed that coolant leaked into the engine and the engine block or head was cracked. The contact called willow brook (7301 kingery hwy, willowbrook, il 60527, (630) 986-5000) and was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 120,000.

- Lockport, IL, USA

problem #53

Apr 032019

Explorer

  • 110,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal fume odor was inside the vehicle. The engine warning light illuminated. An independent mechanic diagnosed and recommended to repair the exhaust system. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. A dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 110,000.

- Gretna, LA, USA

problem #52

Apr 222019

Explorer 6-cyl

  • 130,575 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle decelerated independently while driving on the highway. Consumer stated vehicle stalled and could not turn the steering wheel. The contact lost control and swerved wildly, but managed to pull the vehicle over onto the shoulder. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to gene langley Ford (3500 eastend dr, humboldt, tn 38343, (731) 784-9311) where it was diagnosed that a new motor needed to be installed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but did not assist because the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was 130,575.

- Humboldt, TN, USA

problem #51

Mar 242019

Explorer

  • 89,290 miles

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

Car turned off as I was slowing down for a traffic light. Panel read " no power to engine" or something to the effect. Was not able to take a photo of panel due to I was caught in traffic with cars behind me.

- Pearland, TX, USA

problem #50

Oct 152018

Explorer

  • 104,000 miles
My 2011 Ford Explorer only has 104K miles. In October of 2018 the car repeatedly shut off while driving home from work with no indication that anything was wrong. The next day it happened again, when I got it to finally turn back on the check engine light came on. I took it in to be checked and was told the antifreeze has spilled into the engine and we would need to replace the entire engine! I bought this car brand new and have had numerous problems including the steering lock recall as well as needing the radiator replacement in the first 3 months of my purchase. Also, no indication prior to those incidents either! I currently have this car sitting in my driveway and no answers from Ford. The cost to fix is over 6K! I noticed a recall being issued for this problem, however my model car is not included! this should include all Ford vehicles.

- Lawrenceville, GA, USA

problem #49

Oct 252018

Explorer

  • 100,000 miles
Was driving the car and as soon as we pull in the parking lot the engine light came on and the car won't move. It was towed to Ford mechanic and they said the water pump was fault which made the coolant to enter the engine hence messing up the engine and I needed to replace the engine. It cost me arms and legs to fix the engine. Ford need to recall water pump failure which is leading to costly fixing of the engine. The roof was also leaking and the water was dripping through back seat belt. Today I was pulling off the parking the power steering fault light came on, and it was hard to turn the steering. This car has a lot if prblems.

- Overland Park, KS, USA

problem #48

Nov 232018

Explorer

  • 71,000 miles
We were traveling I-26 from SC back into nc after thanksgiving. My car dinged and said coolant temp was too high. Thankfully I was right at a rest area and immediately pulled in and turned off the car. Tried adding coolant and it poured out the bottom. Had my Explorer towed to my mechanic. Turns out the water pump blew. In most cases a water pump replacement is not a big deal. Except whoever designed this engine was not thinking because the water pump is inside the engine. So even to replace the water pump (a part costing less then $200), the labor makes it at closer to $1500. But, also, because the water pump is inside the engine, when it blew, coolant and water went into my engine causing engine failure, meaning the whole engine now needs to be replaced. So a car with 71,000 miles on it needs a whole new engine because of a water pump. I am thankful I was in a position to pull over immediately, because if the engine had gone out on the busy interstate, that could have been a terrible crash. If a water pump can cause engine failure, that is not a car I want to be in with my children. Dangerous not only to us, but to others traveling near us. Ford needs to rethink this design. Not only is it costly to repair, but more importantly it can be very dangerous.

- Candler, NC, USA

problem #47

Nov 012016

Explorer

  • 65,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the valve cover was allowing oil to travel through a tube into the air filter. The dealer (townsend sales and service, 340 main St, townsend, MA 01469) stated that Ford redesigned the valve cover, which would eliminate the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.

- Fitchburg, MA, USA

problem #46

Sep 152018

Explorer

  • 77,802 miles
I was driving down the highway then all of the sudden the truck overheated at 65 mph I got off at the next exit and stop the truck next thing I notice is smoke coming from the hood then I call a tow truck to go to a local shop now the mechanic say I need a new engine, I dont have the money to pay for a new engine and the labor the truck is not even pay off yet, unbelievable, now that I read up on this this happen to many other people this is a common problem that hasn't been recall yet smh

- Teaneck, NJ, USA

problem #45

Jul 172018

Explorer

  • 65,000 miles
I was driving my 2011 Ford Explorer (65,000 miles) when I suddenly lost all power to my gas, break and steering wheel. Luckily I was going close to 10-15 miles per hour and I managed to veer onto someone's lawn and hit the emergency break. I was told that there was oil leaking into the engine that cause a complete engine failure. No sensors went off prior to the incident and I have only gotten my car repaired at the Ford dealership.

- Buffalo, NY, USA

problem #44

Jun 102018

Explorer

  • miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact heard an abnormal noise progressing from the area of the alternator assembly and the serpentine belt. While driving approximately 65 mph, there was a sudden loss of power. The contact had to coast the vehicle slowly to be parked at the contact's residence. The dealer (bergey's Ford, 700 N bethlehem pike, ambler, pa 19002, (215) 793-3700) indicated that the vehicle would need to be diagnosed. The manufacturer indicated that there was no warranty, recall, or manufacturer campaign; therefore, no solution was offered other than the dealer diagnosing and repairing the vehicle. The VIN and failure mileage were not available.

- Harleysville, PA, USA

problem #43

May 012018

Explorer

  • 104,000 miles
Its a known fact that while driving, the water pumps suddenly break with no prior warning/symptom. Fluids mix as a result, contaminated fluids mandate complete engine replacement. Ford Motor Co. Will not assume any responsibility or offer one bit of assistance for repair costs when dealerships could have offered water pump replacement as a preventative maintenance item. Dealership is now asking me for $7100 to replace engine when this all could have been circumvented with a simple maintenance recommendation from the dealers who know this is going to happen. Vehicle was purchased pre-owned from a Ford dealer with a Ford 100,000 mile extended warranty (which expired as of my last oil change) and I am still paying off the vehicle itself. Ford had the audacity to say "you can apply for a Ford credit card to pay for your engine" when I told them that $7,100+ tax is currently outside of my lump sum current budget parameters. Ford assumes no level of accountability for these poorly manufactured cars and the consumers who purchase them are sheer victims. Never will another Ford be purchased within my family again if they do not step up to the plate and offer some form of assistance for this all too common malfunction.

- Baldwin, NY, USA

problem #42

Mar 012011

Explorer

  • miles
2011 Ford Explorer. Consumer writes in regards to engine failure. The consumer stated the engine over heated and failed without warning. The water pump failed. The consumer requested to be reimbursed for the repairs.

- Fayetteville, GA, USA

problem #41

Nov 152017

Explorer

  • 110,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. On several occasions, while driving, the contact felt sleepy, nauseous, weak, dizzy, and confused. The contact pulled the vehicle over to rest. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The manufacturer was notified and advised the contact to take the vehicle to a Ford dealer, and to stay out of the vehicle as soon as possible. The contact called foothills automall at (509) 324-8200 (located at 202 E North foothills dr, spokane, wa 99207) where it was confirmed that a recall was associated with the year, make, model vehicle. The contact was referred to gus johnson Ford at (509) 924-1000 (located at 8300 E sprague ave, spokane valley, wa 99212) where an appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

- Spokane, WA, USA

problem #40

Oct 162017

Explorer

  • 110,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. While driving approximately 45 mph, the engine stalled without warning. A few minutes later, the low oil pressure indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed to perry Ford of poway (12740 poway rd, poway, ca 92064) where it was diagnosed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced, and also the water pump failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

- San Diego, CA, USA

problem #39

Sep 112017

Explorer

  • miles
My vehicle has strong exhaust fumes coming in it as I drive which makes me let down windows to receive fresh air.I took it to the Ford dealer and they wouldn't fix it but they had police Explorer there fixing the same problem.

- Tyler, TX, USA

problem #38

Aug 242017

Explorer

  • miles
I have 2011 Ford Explorer, which I take into the local Ford dealership for maintenance regularly. I have had me Explorer a little over 2 years. Ever since I purchased my Explorer and I would take it in for maintenance, I would tell them I smell exhaust fumes on the inside of my vehicle. Only once did they check it for me. At that time, they said the guy couldn't smell anything. Well, today 8-24-17, I had to take it in for another issue. My Explorer engine would completely shut off when I would decelerate. Needless to say that was a serious issue while driving...they are repairing today. But, I also ask them to check for exhaust smells once again. Well today, I guess someone smelled the exhaust because they told me they could fix it at a cost over $200. Said it was an update for the exhaust module or something like that. I have an issue with paying that, since I know that there has been several complaints about this very issue with my model of Ford Explorer and that there is a class action lawsuit against Ford to resolve this issue. The reason I know this is because when they initially said they didn't smell anything I googled to see if anyone else had this problem and they did. When I ask the dealership today why I would have to pay that, they said because my vehicle is not a police vehicle and there is no recall on my vehicle for the exhaust problem. So, I guess if my vehicle was a police vehicle, it would be repaired by Ford for free. Point blank, I would like my 2011 Ford Explorer repaired by Ford at no cost to me for the exhaust problem.

- Gadsden, AL, USA

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