2011 Ford Explorer Ford Explorer 2011

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2011 Ford Explorer repairs by problem area

Engine (15%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (6%)

Brakes and Traction Control (4%)

Suspension and Steering (6%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (38%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (19%)

Other (11%)

Chart based on 142 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2011 Ford Explorer.

2011 Ford Explorer repair cost distribution

$2500+ (0%)

$1000 - $2499 (1%)

$500 - $999 (3%)

$100 - $499 (33%)

< $100 (63%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 96 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2011 Ford Explorer

Engine not specified

Ford Explorer in Michigan, United States
Apr 2011 - May 2011
May 2011

13000 mi
Electronic cooling fans stopped working cuasing the car to overheat when stopped. Additionally, the air conditioning stopped working directly related to the cooling system. The MYFORD SYNC system completely crashed. NAVI stopped working, phone would not stay paired, HVAC controlls would not work during system crash. System would indicate several USB connection when on 1 was plugged in. Loud wind noise in the upper right hand side of the windsheild. Wind noise is more noticalbe during windy conditions. 
Ford Explorer in Missouri, United States
Mar 2011 - Jul 2011
Apr 2011

1000 mi
software update 
Ford Explorer in Ohio, United States
Mar 2011 - May 2011
May 2011

2000 mi
Car made screeching noise from engine right after ignition. Dealer could not replicate. 

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2011 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Ford Explorer in Colorado, United States
Oct 2011 - Feb 2016
Mar 2012

6000 mi
Brakes had been squealing off and on since purchase. Finally had an opportunity to take it in to have it looked at - not sure what they did; said there were no problems or issues with brakes. Still squeals... 
Oct 2015

52300 mi
Fuel gauge isn't working - I've taken it in for repairs but have had to reschedule due to heavy volume of vehicles needing work, ahead of mine. I am still waiting to get it looked at to see how much it will cost and if covered under warranty 
Feb 2016

54000 mi
We did not have the fuel gauge repaired before trade-in as it was an easy fix for them (we were told), and could be an expensive one for us. 
Ford Explorer in Georgia, United States
Mar 2014 - Jun 2018
Jul 2015

125500 mi

US $285
Strut plates were replaced due to an issue where the suspension felt loose while coming to a stop and was causing the brakes to become warped. 
Dec 2017

190000 mi

US $150
Exterior keypad entry was working very intermittently. Replaced the keypad panel. 
Ford Explorer in New Jersey, United States
Jul 2011 - Jun 2022
Oct 2011

6000 mi
keyless entry pad replaced 
Jun 2013

43000 mi
MYFordTouch 
Mar 2015

81000 mi

US $100
Oil leaking - updated gasket 
Aug 2016

119000 mi

US $219
Rear brakes.... Pin slide rusts and freezes.... One side worn down down....not a caliper issue and is a know explorer issue... Ford has replaced brake pad/slide design.... However refuse to accept responsibility 
Dec 2016

126000 mi

US $100
Replaced actuator 
Ford Explorer in Missouri, United States
Aug 2012 - Sep 2012
Sep 2012

26000 mi
car lurches upon acceleration. dealer doesn't know what causes it. 
Ford Explorer in Florida, United States
Aug 2011 - May 2019
Mar 2016

77000 mi

US $472
Rear shocks 
Sep 2017

101000 mi

US $170
Needed new battery 
Ford Explorer in Ontario, Canada
Jul 2011 - Jul 2014
Nov 2012

25940 mi
window post applique on passenger side - rattle noise on highway 
Dec 2013

50220 mi
right side A pillar molding had spider cracks, probably because installed incorrectly during earlier repair. Replaced under policy warranty with partial relief 
May 2014

56380 mi

C $125
Overheated. Engine cooling fan stopped working. Replaced under extended warranty. 
Ford Explorer in California, United States
Oct 2011 - Mar 2012
Dec 2011

8000 mi
Nav system fault, Ford says they should have an update by Janaury, no solution currently. Screen goes black, no access to AC/Fan/Radio/Phone/Nav 
Mar 2012

12000 mi
Sync upgraded Wind noise repaired for 3rd time. 
Ford Explorer in North Carolina, United States
Apr 2012 - Sep 2012
Jun 2012

18000 mi
Roaring noise was corrected by replacing plastic piece at bottom of windshield The computer software has an issue; when hang up from phone call using Sync system the radio comes on - even when the radio WAS NOT on prior to the phone ringing. At that point, can't turn the radio off except by voice command. 
Ford Explorer in North Carolina, United States
Jan 2015 - Feb 2017
Nov 2015

45700 mi

US $300
Bad ignition coil replaced 
Ford Explorer in Florida, United States
Feb 2011 - May 2018
Mar 2011

3000 mi
Repaired trim Radio intermittently receiving signals. 
Dec 2011

20000 mi
microsoft sync system has many issues and needs update that is very time consuming and not user friendly 
Jan 2012

22000 mi
leak from cooling system/heater core. Had to remove dash to replace part! 
Oct 2012

31300 mi
loose rear-view mirror Replaced rear view mirror 
Dec 2012

33000 mi

US $150
Dead battery 
Aug 2013

52300 mi

US $100
blend door actuator stripped and had to be replaced 
Feb 2014

60000 mi

US $100
shifter not going into park always. needed adjustments. 
Feb 2015

90000 mi

US $300
120 volt outlet repaired Backup camera replaced 
May 2016

111000 mi

US $500
Replace pads and rotors 
Nov 2017

145000 mi

US $200
Oil pressure sensor failed and was replaced. 
Ford Explorer in Ohio, United States
Apr 2011 - Dec 2020
Jan 2013

31000 mi
Back hatch does not open all the way. Problem with gas shocks. 
Mar 2013

32000 mi
Back hatch does not open all the way. Problem with gas shocks. Upgrade/fixes to Ford sync (dashboard controlling bluetooth phone connections, directions, climate, etc) 
Jun 2013

35000 mi
2nd time to dealer to resolve this issue. Upgrade/fixes to Ford sync (dashboard controlling bluetooth phone connections, directions, climate, etc) 
Oct 2013

40200 mi
Under engine air deflector failed and became detached. Appears to have been improperly reattached during oil changes. 
Jun 2014

53000 mi

US $45
Ignition was stuck on Saturday; resolved by Ford Roadside assistance. Took to dealer on Monday, 7/14; unable to duplicate or find any issues. Charged for 1/2 hour labor. 
Dec 2017

109500 mi

US $45
Replaced both front head lights - one was burned out. 
Ford Explorer in Georgia, United States
May 2017 - Jun 2017
Jun 2017

48000 mi

US $310
Positive battery terminal (aka circuit breaker assembly) corroded. Dealer quoted battery harness cable replacement at 701.42. I refused the service and found the needed part number in an on-line Ford user forum-Ford OEM part number DA8Z-14526-A (Circuit Breaker Assembly). I ordered the part myself at a cost of 40.93. It took less than 15 minutes to replace. I informed the dealer and they were ambivalent about it. Left blower motor door clicking noise - had to have motor replaced $229.00 
Ford Explorer in Colorado, United States
Jul 2011 - Aug 2011
Aug 2011

5000 mi
audio for the DVD system on rear headrests does not work through thru the vehicle radio as indicated in the user guide, transmitted over a "unused" frequency which apparently is not really unused depending on the locale you are in. static. 
Ford Explorer in Massachusetts, United States
Feb 2015 - Sep 2020
Apr 2017

29000 mi

US $1144
two plates in transmission were change out shifter assembly replaced 
Ford Explorer in Texas, United States
May 2011 - Feb 2015
Apr 2013

20000 mi
Power folding 3rd row seat stuck. Dealer found that sound insulation was interfering with seat operation. Said it is a known problem Wind noise around a-pillar areas MyFord Touch update. 
Aug 2013

25000 mi
Battery died. Replaced under warranty. MFT update passenger side power third row seat jammed. Seat is stuck halfway between folded flat and upright. Cannot move manually either. Dealer says new tracks must be installed. Parts ordered. Still waiting after 2 weeks. 
Sep 2013

26000 mi
waited 4 weeks for parts. dealer finally called and said parts had arrived. installed new tracks and a latch on the power folding 3rd row seats. 
Jun 2014

34000 mi
Reprogram MFT due to hanging nav system and overall poor response and performance. 3rd row power seats stuck during unfolding process. This is the 3rd time this has happened to this vehicle in 3 years. 

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2011 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

Ford Explorer in Utah, United States
Dec 2013 - Apr 2014
Dec 2013

25000 mi
Axle replacement and CV joints replaced Cooling fan replaced 
Ford Explorer in Ontario, Canada
Apr 2013 - Mar 2014
Apr 2013

8060 mi
Windshield wipers would wipe on occasion by themselves. Replaced the processor as per TSB. This was done for the second time and still did not completely address the issue. Suspect intermittent problem in the wiper control stalk. 
Mar 2014

10540 mi
As reported earlier, a TSB for the Randon/Uncommanded windshield wipe was done but the issue reappeared shortly thereafter. Suspect a problem with the windshield wiper control stalk since other Explorers have had them replaced as well. 
Ford Explorer in Ohio, United States
May 2014 - Oct 2015
Dec 2014

70000 mi

US $100
Shifter assembly repaired to fix occasional false reports where the vehicle did not realize it was in park. 
Ford Explorer in Pennsylvania, United States
Jan 2018 - Sep 2018
Jul 2018

101000 mi

US $420
Steering link frozen tried removing tie rods to isolate dealer replaced rack no charge then found the link frozen 
Ford Explorer in Michigan, United States
Sep 2014 - Nov 2016
Oct 2014

108200 mi

US $50
Replaced backup camera 
Dec 2014

109000 mi

US $40
Replace auto park assist sensor that had failed in front right bumper position 
Ford Explorer in Texas, United States
Jun 2015 - Oct 2017
Sep 2015

69000 mi
Power Steering went out and all terain light came on. They did "adjustments". Got car back next day & it happened again! Returned car & they replaced steering geer unit. 
Aug 2016

91000 mi

US $450
Drive arm wore out causing strut to break into pieces. Replaced drive arm and one strut (front end) 
Feb 2017

116000 mi

US $40
Severe water leak from all 6 main posts and also coming out of overhead console lights. We sealed all main seals on roof as well as sealed all around the roof rack rails with silicone. That fixed SOME of it but 2 weeks later we had to completely seal the sunroof shut! But now we havent had a single leak since. 
Oct 2017

121000 mi

US $250
Low oil pressure light kept coming on in an Erratic manner. The throttle body was replaced because it was clogged with metal dust build up. 
Ford Explorer in Oregon, United States
Jul 2015 - Sep 2015
Sep 2015

85000 mi

US $50
Vibration hum coming from front end, dealer could not find a problem. 
Ford Explorer in North Carolina, United States
Jan 2015 - Mar 2018
May 2017

101000 mi

US $100
Replaced trim panels on either side of windshield when the driver's side trim piece blew off. New panels snapped into place after pulling off old pieces. 
Sep 2017

102000 mi

US $170
Driver's side exterior a-pillar cover came off on a road trip. Second time this has been replaced. This time I replaced the upper and lower pieces together. Feels more solid this time. Common problem with this model from what I read. Got parts off ebay for $170 total. 
Ford Explorer in Michigan, United States
Sep 2016 - Oct 2017
Oct 2016

71000 mi

US $10
The small splash guard/wind deflector in front of the rear wheel repeatedly loosens and rattles. The piece is held in place by one screw and 2 plastic expansion plugs. The expansion plugs do not have sufficient material to remain locked in. 
Jun 2017

79000 mi

US $40
Blower Door Actuator Motor replaced. Cheap plastic gear in the unit had one tooth break off of the gear. Tried super-gluing it back but that did not last. 
Jul 2017

79000 mi

US $55
Vapor Canister Purge Valve was clogged/dirty. Removed and cleaned to solve the problem, at least for the short term. 
Aug 2017

81000 mi

US $150
Transmission cooler bypass valve hose connection failed at the valve body. The actual threaded fitting sheared off, not a failure of the hose. Replaced bypass valve and sold the vehicle! 
Ford Explorer in Rhode Island, United States
Jan 2012 - Jan 2017
Jan 2014

49000 mi
Rear liftgate would not go all the way up 
Jan 2016

46486 mi
There are times when the heat on the driver's side does not work, usually after the HVAC controls have been adjusted. Could not duplicate the problem so not fixed. Had car in in May for the same issue and they could not find a problem. Could not duplicate the problem so not fixed. Had car in in May for the same issue and they could not find a problem. 
Dec 2016

52000 mi

US $100
Replaced both blend door actuators. Had taken vehicle in 3X before for heat issues but "could not replicate" so no repair. Found TSB this time. Only $100 because under extended warranty. Oil leak in front cover. Replaced gasket. 
Ford Explorer in Minnesota, United States
Apr 2011 - Jul 2011
May 2011 MFT (My ford Touch) multiple reflashs. Still very buggy but getting better. Reflashs done in May and in July. Windshield noise, dealer unable to verify. 
Ford Explorer in Maryland, United States
Apr 2011 - Jun 2013
Aug 2011

3000 mi
Water present in the right mirror turn signal indicator light. The exterior trim piece on the A-Pillar was buzzing at high speed. Attempted to pickup vehicle three times in 4 days but immediately returned with the problem. A rental was provided. 
Mar 2012

15000 mi
A trim piece on the outside of the A-pillar was buzzing at speed. A new redesigned trim piece has been made available to fix the problem. 
Jun 2012

20000 mi
TSB with electrical connector on fan. This repair was during a routine oil change. 
Ford Explorer in Ohio, United States
Mar 2011 - Jun 2011
May 2011 ABS activated causing sudden slowdowns when taking 3-4 degree turn at 38-42 miles/hr. Replaced part BB5Z*3F818*A Sensor - Steering Rotation 
Jun 2011

8000 mi
replaced passenger seat airbag wiring assembly... wires broke from moving the seat full forward 
Ford Explorer in Indiana, United States
Feb 2011 - Apr 2011
Apr 2011

1000 mi
MyFordTouch had some issues. Dealer said that they needed to update the software. Problems were, cell phone would not sync, clock not keeping time. 
Ford Explorer in Colorado, United States
Mar 2013 - Jun 2013
Apr 2013

29800 mi
The BLIS system reports frequently that it isn't working and I need to take to the dealer. The dealer won't look at it unless it happens while in their possession and its not a daily occur. Turn car off then on and it resets. Ugh!! 
Ford Explorer in Indiana, United States
May 2011 - Jan 2018
Aug 2011

2000 mi
both LED's on side view mirrors replaced due to condensation build up in them 
Sep 2011

2000 mi
replaced a module in the sync system preventing pretty much everything from working, also replaced the side mirrors again for condensation in the led lights 
Nov 2011

3000 mi
both side mirror replaced again due to moisture in the side indicator led's built into the mirrors.  Performed tsb on the a-pillars for the rattling noise. tsb resolved the noise. 
Jan 2012

9200 mi
A-pillars making whistling noise since last repair. A-pillars removed and more sealant added. Seems to have fixed it. I found out Ford has redesigned the windshield trim but no one can get it since its on national back order. 
Apr 2012

5200 mi
Side mirror led on passenger side filled with water again. Mirror replaced again, for the third time. 
Dec 2012

10000 mi
A-pillar trim making noise again. Replaced with revised parts--Ford TSB. New designed parts are supposed to fix the problem--so far so good. 
Jan 2013

10000 mi
Exterior black trim piece on the inside top edge of the tailgate came loose at one end. Piece was double sticky taped back in place (that is how it was originally installed--no fasteners). 
Jun 2013

12000 mi
A-pillar trim fastening tab broken somehow. Trim replaced. 
May 2014

21000 mi
Front sway bar link bushings making noise--clunking over bumps at slow speed. Dealer replaced both sway arm links. 
Jun 2015

33000 mi

US $100
Right rear wheel bearing replaced--making noise Left rear caliper seized--pads wearing quickly, rotor overheating. Caliper replaced. Right caliper inspected and was fine. Pads replaced on both rear wheels. Left rotor replaced, right machined. 
Jun 2017

45000 mi

US $150
Seals on rear AC lines failed. Lines had to be replaced. In order to do so dealer had to remove rear subframe. Extended warranty paid for repair--just had to pay deductible. 
Aug 2017

48000 mi

US $100
Clutch on AC compressor failed, compressor replaced under extended warranty 
Nov 2017

48000 mi

US $150
Serpentine belt replaced, was squealing and slipping in wet conditions 
Ford Explorer in Oregon, United States
Mar 2013 - Jun 2017
Apr 2014

14200 mi
TSB recall 
Oct 2014

17300 mi
front wiper stops working. 
Sep 2015

25000 mi

US $130
high water temp warning light on. 
May 2016

32000 mi

US $700
cooling fan not working 
Ford Explorer in Maryland, United States
Dec 2011 - Aug 2019
Jan 2013

54000 mi
Clunk when accelerating from a partial stop. Hesitation when shifting. Dealer rebuilt valve body. Navigation System randomly shuts down 
Feb 2013

55500 mi
1-2 shift clunked when accelerating from around 20mph (like leaving a toll booth). Dealer re-flashed ECM, said it didn't take the first time. 
Jul 2015

120800 mi

US $300
Rear calipers frozen. Replaced both rear calipers. 
Jan 2017

115000 mi
Found that the body seam cracked. Carpet is soaked, temporarily sealed with RTV. Will facilitate a more permanent repair as soon as time permits. The crack is in the top corner near the hatch..not easy to spot for those looking. 
May 2017

170000 mi
The water leak returned, and the seam sealer in the rear was still closed up from my previous repair. This time, I was actually able to catch the leak while it was happening, which made identifying the cause much easier. The behavior of this leak was a little different than last time, and the fix was easier. The latest leak was due to a clogged valve on the driver front sunroof drain. Some sand/dirt had gotten up above the wheel liner, and plugged the check valve, preventing the trey around the sunroof from draining completely. Unlike the previous leak, this one manifested by flowing down the drivers side A-pillar and onto the floor. The fix was very simple. Just cut the wheel hard to the right (for a drivers side repair), remove the fender liner push pins, pull the liner back about 6", reach up and run your finger across the check valve to clear it of debris. Ours was undoubtedly due to years of driving on the 4x4 beach at the Outer Banks N.C, and will now be something I check as part of my routine maintenance when we get back from that trip. 
Aug 2017

177000 mi

US $500
Replaced the shocks/struts and mounts. They were worn out. They weren't wearing the tires or anything, but it didn't ride like it used too. 
May 2018

194000 mi

US $400
Replaced both front Lower Control arms, as the rear bushings were shot. 
Jun 2018

196000 mi

US $300
Primary O2 sensors failed. Replaced both upstream O2's and spark plugs while it was apart. 
Ford Explorer in Ontario, Canada
Feb 2011 - Mar 2014
Jun 2011

2480 mi
Active Park Assist not working. Diagnosed right front sensor faulty. Replacement part ordered. Replaced right front sensor to correct fault in Active Park Assist. 
Jan 2012

7600 mi
Rain sensing wipers would sometimes do a random wipe when there was no reason for it. Dealer replaced the processor. 
Mar 2012

5580 mi
A performance upgrade was installed for MyFord Touch (MFT). Many owners experienced various problems with MFT and Ford redesigned and worked on the software package. New navigation card was also installed. 
Nov 2012

7020 mi
MyFord Touch software update and installation of a new A4 SD card for the navigation. 
Mar 2013

8060 mi
Over the past few months I had to trickle charge the battery several times since it was low. Never failed to start the car. Battery was tested when I went for season tire change and the result was that the battery was replaced. 
Apr 2013

8160 mi
Rain sensing wipers would periodically wipe for no reason. Dealer replaced control module. This was the second time it was replaced. 
Ford Explorer in Florida, United States
Nov 2011 - Dec 2017
Feb 2012

13000 mi
Condensation on mirror indicator lights. 
Apr 2012

15800 mi
Performance Update for Sync required visit to Dealer for most 2011 Explorers. Left turn signal lamp condensation. 
Feb 2013

27100 mi
Master headrest DVD player (driver side) was resetting randomly and having issues with "Surround Around" (FM Modulation). Wiring Harness under the driver seat was loose causing intermittent failure. Repaired by dealer. 
Dec 2013

36000 mi
Driver side in-headrest DVD player failed to play DVD or sync with second screen. Sunroof has leaked twice; water dripping from map lights in front of sunroof. 
Nov 2015

58300 mi
Sirius XM module needed to be replaced - audio would work, but data would not load (ie, traffic data, weather, etc). 
Mar 2016

59000 mi
Exhaust fumes present in vehicle after aggressive acceleration. Smell especially noticeable after highway merging. Told even though this was a TSB that this item was related to body panels. $900 quote for repair (Extended wrnty not covered) 
May 2016

60100 mi
Exhaust fumes present in vehicle after aggressive acceleration. Smell especially noticeable after highway merging. Ford covered all but $100 with OoW assistance. 
Sep 2016

63000 mi
Exhaust in cabin (second trip). 

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2011 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic FWD

Ford Explorer in Texas, United States
May 2011 - Dec 2014
Sep 2014

49000 mi

US $250
Shifter will not always go into park 

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2011 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV

290-horsepower 3.5L V6 6-speed automatic AWD

Ford Explorer in Colorado, United States
Feb 2011 - Jan 2012
Jul 2011

7800 mi
sync system voice recognition does not work very well 

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2011 Ford Explorer Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2011 Ford Explorer problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.