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.
7.0
pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$250
Average Mileage:
19,750 miles
Total Complaints:
12 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
not sure (8 reports)
replace gasket around windshield along with a pillar aplique (4 reports)
Fix For The Rattle - There is a fix out. Not recognized yet. However, once they recognize or hear the sound it is covered under warranty. My dealer is fixing mine under warranty.
I took my 2011 Ford Explorer to Ronnie Watkins Ford in Gadsden and reported the issue of the rattling sound coming from the right front windshield area. They at first refused to fix it and then I contact Ford directly and it was fixed. Then the left side started doing the same thing and it was again reported to Ronnie Watkins Ford and they told me it was listed in their system and should have been fixed, but never was. They told me I would have to pay to have that one fixed, even though it was covered under my warranty. OK folks, what is up with this??? I am so tired of Ford not backing their products and especially when it is a defect in their workmanship.
When traveling in town, the passenger side windshield pillar rattles a few times. However, when driving on the freeway the rattle is so loud and annoying. I have seen several complaints about this issue on the internet. I really wish Ford would step up and recall this issue and fix the problem.
Very noisy at speeds and often leads to headaches. I never knew it could even be fixed until a came across TSB 12-1-11. Of course Sheehy Ford Springfield tells me it will not be covered under warranty, which I have an extended warranty, and I will have to pay $350 for .3 hours of work, plus the parts.
Driving to a funeral, going 60 miles per hour in mid Atlanta, the passenger side windshield pillar just flew off. I washed the car 2 days prior and it was not loose or making noise.
It is very annoying when I call the local Ford dealer and am told they hear this a lot!!! I have called Ford Customer Service and have been told if "enough" people complain on the same issue, they will issue a recall. Well, how much is enough?!?!? The more research I do on this, the more angry I get. Obviously it is a problem! Come on Ford, step up and admit your design flaw!!!!
The front pillar on the passenger side makes a vibrating noise at highway speeds. It sounds like a leaf is stuck in it or the molding is loose, but I can't find anything obviously wrong with it. I haven't bothered to bring it in to the dealer since most of my driving is local, but it's definitely annoying when I'm on the highway.
- Patrick P.,
Little Silver, NJ, US
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I bought the vehicle last year from the first stock available in Saudi Arabia. Just after 800 kilometers, a noise coming from front bumper re-enforcement assembly that was quiet significant on speed breakers. After inspection, local agent fixed the problem by changing the re-enforcement of front bumper. Another problem appears related to the whistling sound coming from passenger side front column during high speed drive (Usually at 100-140Km/hr). I brought the vehicle to local agent but they have no proper solution or answer about my complaint ..yet!
The noise coming from the passenger side is so loud at times that I have to turn up the radio just to drown it out. The vehicle is at the dealership now, and they are claiming not to hear it, I am going to take them for a drive this afternoon to prove it. After I receive their excuse, I will update the progress here. If nothing is done about it, I will be going to more dealerships, or submitting this vehicle for lemon law, after the 4 attempts to fix of course. I really hope they can determine a fix so I do not have to go to this extreme.
Very annoying rattle noise at the front corner roofline. It sounds like a flag waving in the wind when traveling at highway speeds. I have driven Explorers for 20 years and I have never had even one rattle so this is very disappointing on a brand new Explorer Limited model.
Otherwise the Explorer is extremely quiet with an outstanding ride. I have not had a chance to take the vehicle into my dealer's service department yet and I am really hoping they can fix it. It seems to be an intermittent problem so that makes it even more difficult to find and fix. I would always recommend Ford however, as this is the first problem that I have had in a very long time.
Same noise that everyone else on this site and all the forums experience, with one exception... The dealership refuses to recognize or fix it after multiple complaints. They have asked me to take to an autobody shop. This will cost money for something that should and has for others been covered through warranty.
Intermittent quite loud noise (rattle or vibration) that originates from base of passenger side pillar on windshield. Only occurs at highway speed (100km/hour; 60mph or above) when driving in windy (mainly crosswind) conditions. Could not reproduce sound for Dealer, but attempt was made with no wind blowing; Dealer is not keen to fix problem.
Spent quite a bit of money on this vehicle. Brought it in to the dealer and they say they can't fix it without hearing the noise. The only time it does this is with a heavy crosswind while going over 55mph on the highway. I do alot of highway driving and don' have the time to go to the dealership HOPING the car will make the noise. Ford has recognized this as a problem on other vehicles and has had them fixed under warranty. But only for certain build dates. Mine was built a week after they say the fixed the problem. However, it is happening on mine as well as other explorers built after Dec 27th. My build date was Jan 4th 11. Very frustrating, especially for a high end limited Ford. I thought I would have piece of mind buying a Ford and put alot of faith in them. Guess I was wrong. Ford is not doing alot to build a loyal customer base. I was a Chev man and I guess this is what i get for changing to Ford. The place that SERVICE built in Fredericton NB isn't making a good impression either.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I took my 2011 Ford Explorer to Ronnie Watkins Ford in Gadsden and reported the issue of the rattling sound coming from the right front windshield area. They at first refused to fix it and then I contact Ford directly and it was fixed. Then the left side started doing the same thing and it was again reported to Ronnie Watkins Ford and they told me it was listed in their system and should have been fixed, but never was. They told me I would have to pay to have that one fixed, even though it was covered under my warranty. OK folks, what is up with this??? I am so tired of Ford not backing their products and especially when it is a defect in their workmanship.
- Sandra B., Southside, AL, US