What 1,191 owners told NHTSA about the 2011 Ford Explorer Gas

Hidráulic problem

NHTSA ODI 11580448

The fuel sending unit goes bad due to the split tank and differential and drive train have to be taken apart and dropped in order to change. Costing over $1,000.00. You can not go under half a tank of gas and if you do you just run out of gas immediately causing you to stop on highways side roads etc.Its very dangerous to have a vehicle that will just all of a sudden run out of gas and no one is paying to get them fixed because of the pricepoint charged to repair. This is Fords faulty work 1000%

NHTSA ODI 11568553

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact detected an abnormal fuel odor. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that there was a vapor leak coming from the top of the fuel tank. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.

NHTSA ODI 11513366

9/25/22 My 2011 Ford Explorer xlt would start jerking when pushing on the gas paddle and then would start losing speed or power. Today is the third day this has happened so I looked on YouTube and entered my symptoms of my car and it suggested it could be my (electronic position sensor). And YouTube told me there is an extended warranty on this part. I have 140000 miles this vehicle. This vehicle has not been inspected or confirmed by a dealership as of yet. There was no warning when this problem began and no warning lights on the dashboard. I am very hesitant in driving this vehicle around town , fearing it may stop completely.

NHTSA ODI 11487008

The vehicle has been in for service at Downs Ford Dealership twice in the past two years for the same issue and has yet to be resolved. When the gas tank is filled with gas, there is overwhelming smell of gas that doesn’t get better until the tank is about half full. The first time the car was in for service, I was told that the gas tank needed to be replaced but they were having trouble finding one. They said to take the car home and they would call when they found one but they never called. The vehicle was brought in a 2nd time to fix the issue in July of 2021. At that time we were told a valve needed to be replaced and charged $500 but it has not fixed the issue. I’m frustrated and tired of wasting $ and time without my car when they don’t seem to be able to fix it. Consumer would like to would like to withdraw the complaint.

NHTSA ODI 11456797

No warning when the fuel relay gasket attached to the pump assembly fails and allows fuel vapor to fill the cabin of the car. Owner safety is at risk of possible fire. I know of 2 Ford dealerships that are aware of the safety hazard.

NHTSA ODI 11445337

AS A REPAIR SHOP OWNER, THE VEHICLE OWNER STATED THAT THERE WAS A STRONG FUEL ODOR AFTER FILLING THE FUEL TANK. I NOTICED FUEL STAINS FROM THE TOP OF THE TANK SO I REMOVED THE TANK AND FOUND FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL PUMP MODULE. I FOUND THE STEEL LOCK RING RETAINING THE MODULE TO THE PLASTIC FUEL TANK HAD RUSTED AND THE RESULTING RUST 'BLOOM' HAD CRUSHED THE PLASTIC FLANGE CAUSING THE FUEL LEAK. I HAVE NOTICED THIS ON ANOTHER CAR ( 2007 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN, VIN [XXX]) JUST LAST WEEK WITH THE SAME ISSUE. AFTER SHARING THE PICTURES WITH A DIAGNOSTIC DISCUSSION GROUP, OTHERS HAVE SEEN THIS AROUND THE COUNTRY AND CANADA, ESPECIALLY IN THE "RUST BELT" STATES. THIS ISSUE SEEMS TO APPLY TO ANY FUEL SYSTEM WITH A PLASTIC FUEL PUMP MODULE AND A STEEL LOCK RING IN A RUST PRONE AREA. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI 11363135

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JONES FORD CASA GRANDE (1932 N PINAL AVE, CASA GRANDE, AZ 85122, (520) 836-3100) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE BLOCK WAS MIXING WITH THE OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE POWER STEERING WAS LOCKING CONSISTENTLY, AND THE INTERLOCK AND ADVANCETRAC WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER AND WAS REPAIRED AGAIN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER ASSIST WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SAME DEALER WHERE THE GEARS AND ALIGNMENT WERE RESET. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT AN UNKNOWN PART NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL FILTER NECK ASSEMBLY ALSO NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE EVAPORATOR CANISTER WAS REPLACED AND THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED BECAUSE THE FUEL TANK WAS NO LONGER MANUFACTURED BY FORD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE REMAINED AT THE DEALER AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 48,000.

NHTSA ODI 11289272

"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? *TT *TR 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).'*JB

NHTSA ODI 11233854

I RECENTLY GOT THE 2011 FORD EXPLORER.I KEEP GETTING THIS ODOR SMELL WHEN I FIRST START THE CAR AND ACCELERATE.IT LASTS FOR 5 MINUTES,THEN IT GOES AWAY. ALSO, I RECENTLY STARTED GETTING THIS VIBRATION THROUGH THE GAS PEDAL ON HIGHWAY SPEEDS.THE CAR WILL SHAKE SOMETIMES.WHEN I BRAKE FROM HIGHWAY SPEEDS,MY CAR SHAKES.I HAVE BROUGHT IT TO FORD TWICE AND THEY CHARGE ME $2000 TO REPLACE PARTS,BUT THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTED.OTHER GARAGE CANT SEEM TO FIGURE OUT WHATS CAUSING IT.

NHTSA ODI 11233717

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONTACT BECAME NAUSEAS FROM BREATHING IN THE FUMES AND THEIR NOSE BURNED FROM THE INSIDE, WHICH WAS A DISTRACTION TO THE CONTACT'S HEALTH AND CONCENTRATION DURING DRIVING. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT RECEIVED. THE CONTACT CALLED BOWDITCH FORD OF HAMPTON (11291 JEFFERSON AVE, NEWPORT NEWS, VA 23601, (800) 735-2211) WHERE AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED FOR JULY 19, 2019. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,480.

NHTSA ODI 11232879

EVERY TIME I GO IN THE HIGHWAY AND I GO 60 MILES PER HOUR I START SMELLING THE EXHAUST SMELL INSIDE MY CAR START FEELING KIND OF DIZZY WITH HEADACHES TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER CHECK THAT AND IT'S DOING IT AGAIN EXHAUST SMELL COMES INSIDE OF CAR REALLY BAD

NHTSA ODI 11192082

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, A STRONG ODOR OF NATURAL GAS WAS DETECTED COMING FROM THE AIR VENTS. WHEN THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE, THE ODOR WAS ALSO NOTICED AROUND THE PERIMETER OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, ALL THE WINDOWS WERE FOGGY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL ODOR WAS STRONGER WHEN THE HEAT WAS ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LESTER GLENN SUBARU (1501 RTE 37 W, TOMS RIVER, NJ 08755, (888) 785-0675) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE O-RING INSIDE THE FUEL LINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.

NHTSA ODI 11154713

CAR ONLY HAS 64K BUT HAS STARTED LEAKING FUEL, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS FULL. FUEL LEAK APPEARS TO BE NEAR RIGHT REAR WHEEL AND DANGEROUSLY CLOSE TO EXHAUST PIPE. REPAIR SHOP ESTIMATES $1000 TO REPLACE FUEL PUMP.

NHTSA ODI 11144097

MY VEHICLE PRODUCES UNBEARABLE SMELL THAT GETS INSIDE THE CABIN WHENEVER THE RPM REACHES 3500 AND HIGHER AND IF THE VEHICLE IS IN LOW GEAR AND DRIVING UP HILL AND ALSO WHEN VEHICLE IS IDLE AND YOU RAVE UP TH ENGINE. THE SMELL THAT GETS INSIDE THE CABIN COULD MAKE ONE PASS OUT UNLESS WE ROLL DOWN THE WINDOWS COMPLETELY TO LET A LOT OF FRESH AIR INSIDE. I WENT THE DEALERSHIP WHICH I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE FROM THE FIRST MONTH AND THEY INSPECTED THE CAR AND GOT BACK TO ME THAT THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN ALREADY RESOLVED BEFORE I HAD BOUGHT THE CAR AND ITS FIXED ALREADY BUT ITS NOT I'VE DRIVING THE CAR NOW FOR ABOUT 5 MONTHS AND VERY CAUTIOUS WITH IT AS WHENEVER THE INCIDENT HAPPENS I FEEL VERY DIZZY BY THAT SMELL. SO THE ISSUE NEVER BEEN FIXED AS MY VIN NUMBER DOES NOT HAVE A RECALE WHEN I CHECKED IT ON THE NHTSA AMD IN ORDER FOR THE ISSUE TO BE FIXED BIN HAS TO BE RECALED LIKE OTHER SIMILAR EXPLORERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE. MOST OF THE OLDER MODES OF POLICE INTERCEPTORS EXPLORERS HAD RECALLS FOR SAME ISSUE. SOMEONE PLEASE ADVICE ME ON HOW I CAN GO ABLUT THIS TO GET SOME RESOLUTION.

NHTSA ODI 11132409

FUEL SYSTEM LEAKS FROM THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY. SIGNIFICANT GAS LEAK WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND TANK FULL. GAS SMELL AFTER DRIVING VEHICLE. PUMP IS NEAR THE EXHAUST SYSTEM AND I BELIEVE THERE WAS A FIRE HAZARD. VEHICLE HAS ONLY 62K MILES ON IT. IT COST ME $825 TO REPAIR. FORD HAS NO TSB ON IT.

NHTSA ODI 11075471

WHILE DRIVING THE SUV, AN ORANGE WRENCH ERROR CAME ON THE DASH BOARD. THEN THE SUV HAD NO ACCELERATION. I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, TURN OFF THE SUV AND TURN IT BACK ON. AFTER RESTARTING THE ENGINE, THE SUV HAD ACCELERATION, BUT THIS ERROR AND NO ACCELERATION KEEPS HAPPENING. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THIS IS AN ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY ISSUE THAT FORD IS AWARE OF, BUT DOESN'T HAVE A RECALL LISTED FOR THIS ISSUE FOR MY TRUCK.

NHTSA ODI 11040016

SINCE I PURCHASED BY 2011, NEW IN 2011, I HAVE NOTED A STRONG SMELL OF GAS IN THE CABIN OF THE CAR UPON EXCELERATING TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC ON THE HIGHWAY. THE SMELL WILL LINGER AND REQUIRES NECESSITY TO CRACK MY WINDOWS TO CLEAR. I HAVE ADDRESSED THIS WITH MY LOCAL FORD SERVICE CENTER TWICE, BUT THEY HAVE HAD NO ANSWERS. IN THE PAST TWO YEARS, UPON RE-ENTERING THE VEHICLE AFTER DRIVING AND PARKING, I HAVE NOTED A PUNGENT SMELL SIMILAR TO SCORCHED HAIR INTERMITTENTLY. CONCERNED ABOUT EXHAUST FUMES AND POTENTIAL CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING.

NHTSA ODI 11034485

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 $200.00. 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.

NHTSA ODI 11019382

EXHAUST FUMES ENTER CABIN DURING HARD ACCELERATION. CONDITION HAS EXISTED SINCE NEW IN MAY OF 2011. A/C ON OR OFF, RECIRCULATION ON OR OFF. REQUIRES ROLLING DOWN WINDOWS TO REMOVE FUMES. CONDITION CAN BE DUPLICATED AT ANY TIME.

NHTSA ODI 11013633

SMELL OF EXHAUST FUMES INSIDE THE CABIN WHEN ACCELERATING HARD (IE, TO MERGE ON THE FREEWAY ETC). HAVE NOTICED THE ISSUE SINCE WE FIRST BOUGHT IT (USED) IN 2013).

NHTSA ODI 11012257

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AND DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, A STRONG FUEL ODOR WAS PRESENT IN THE CABIN. WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS ACTIVATED, THE ODOR INTENSIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SUNRISE FORD OF NORTH HOLLYWOOD (5500 LANKERSHIM BLVD, NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CA 91601 (818) 980-9800), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 166.

NHTSA ODI 11012169

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT A STRONG FUEL ODOR WAS PRESENT IN THE VEHICLE AFTER THE CRASH OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT COULD NOT PROVIDE INFORMATION ABOUT WHAT COMPONENT FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 37,000. UPDATED 01/26/2017*CT UPDATED 7/11/18*JB

NHTSA ODI 10928622

UPON HEAVY ACCELERATION SUCH AS WHEN PULLING ONTO A HIGHWAY, OR PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE ROAD, AN EXHAUST/FUEL SMELL WILL ENTER THE VEHICLE AND BE VERY NOTICEABLE TO EVERYONE IN THE VEHICLE. THIS OCCURS MOSTLY WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER IS ON, ON RECIRCULATION. MY WIFE (PRIMARY DRIVER OF THIS 2011 FORD EXPLORER) COMPLAINS OF A LOT OF HEADACHES AND I AM BEGINNING TO WONDER IF SHE IS GETTING CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING FROM DRIVING THIS VEHICLE DAILY. WE ARE GOING TO BUY A CO2 DETECTOR TO SEE IF THIS IS IN FACT TRUE.

NHTSA ODI 10905564

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH, THE ODOR OF EXHAUST FUMES FILLED THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED TO PAY A PORTION OF THE REPAIR COST. THE FAILURE WAS REMEDIED, BUT RECURRED LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER AWAITING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000.

NHTSA ODI 10904938