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

Power Steering quit working in a sharp turn. No accident occurred. No prior issue. Recall 14so6 was performed on 2/06/2015 under 15no1. But at the time of recall it did not present any codes and they skipped replacing whole steering gear and hardware. Currently it is presenting code U3000:49-08 which would cause them to replace whole steering gear and hardware and they are refusing to repair vehicle under their cost because of mileage. All that was performed at time of recall was updating power steering control module. I do not understand how a known recall is not being fixed because of mileage.

NHTSA ODI 11577971

The internal water pump failed in my 2011 Ford Explorer without any warning signs and the coolant then leaked into my engine causing catastrophic engine failure. We were driving on a busy highway and the Ford Explorer simply started shutting down in the left lane. Nothing would happen when I pushed the gas petal and suddenly all the lights started flashing and heat went to above high. I was barely able to get over to the shoulder as smoke started to come out of the front of the engine. We were extremely afraid of getting hit since the car stalled on the highway only feet from the exit ramp. The car was towed and diagnosed at the Ford Dealership: Internal water pump failed causing engine failure - water mixed with oil. The car received state inspection and oil changed 17 days prior. Paid for engine replacement at the Ford Dealership with costs over $11,000.

NHTSA ODI 11578002

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 75 MPH, the driver's side A-Pillar Trim flew off hitting the driver's side mirror and cracked the mirror and casing. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure), however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 229,000.

NHTSA ODI 11577639

2011 Explorer, 102,000 miles. Power steering light would occasionally come on upon starting the car and would reset itself after turning the car off and back on. September 2023 upon starting the car the power steering would not fix itself so it was towed to a mechanic. He repaired the power steering for $3K. Found out in February 2024 through an inspection receipt there had been a 'recall' on the power steering and the rear toe-link (never received a letter from Ford) so we took it to the dealership. We're being told since the car is over 10 years old we cannot get reimbursed for the power steering charge even though apparently we were extremely lucky my 16 year old son wasn't actually DRIVING it when it went out based on other people's situations. This should be a RECALL, not an extended warranty issue and Ford should be liable for fixing this extremely dangerous faulty part.

NHTSA ODI 11577070

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had noticed that the trim on both A-pillars were loosened. The contact stated that the trim pieces had not detached nor separated from the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11576253

Driver side window panel flew off during my drive on the interstate directly after I noticed it being loose for the first time. 3rd row seatbelts leak when it rains on both sides. Rear backup camera is opposite/flipped and goes in and out. Trunk will close on you after opening it up with the car not running. It will not sense movement when the car is off and continues to shut resulting in harm.

NHTSA ODI 11575023

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the windshield wipers were in the on position, the wipers went off the vehicle and had to be pushed back into place. There was an unknown yellow warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while making a turn, the driver's and passenger's front wheels detached on two occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the vehicle received an unstated repair. There was an abnormal sound while driving at various speeds. While shifting gear, the vehicle jumped. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer however, the result of the diagnostic test was unknown. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.

NHTSA ODI 11574904

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the "Power Steering Assist Fault" message was displayed, after which the contact became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning as needed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 184,000.

NHTSA ODI 11573325

I own a 2011 Ford Explorer Limited with 150K miles. The Power Steering Assist light has come on a number of times. Typically when I first start the car and start to move. It has however failed 3 times while driving in traffic. I shut off the car and restart it and it clears and is drivable again. Today it failed about 4 miles from home and would not reset. I gimped it home with no power steering. I will take it to the dealer this week to see if they will honor their recall. DOA.

NHTSA ODI 11571310

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Steering Fault," message was displayed, and the electric power steering assist was not operating properly. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, and after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the power steering control module. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 15N01. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 134,000.

NHTSA ODI 11570901

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine block was cracked and the oil sending unit was damaged. The dealer informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.

NHTSA ODI 11570310

Over the past couple of years the steering wheel has locked. But would reset if turned off and on. The traction light also engaged temporarily and later went off. When I took my vehicle in to the dealership at Blue Springs Mo Ford on [XXX] for service and diagnostic they indicated a sensor and/or steering mechanism needed repair or replaced and the part has been on back order. They would order the parts-and let me know when they came in. They have yet to contact me on the part. They said it could be some time. . About a month the tire pressure sensor fault warning came on so I was looking repairs. Early this week while driving the power steering quit working. A day or so later while troubleshooting the dash display reported faults with both power steering assist and advance tract. After turning it back on and off the warning lights engaged. I have a new battery, checked connections and fuses, then looked online and found ford has a known problem with power steering assist failing. Also comments report if an issue occurs with the electronic power assist at any time Ford is responsible to repair for free. Today I called the ford number 800-392-3673 to report this problem and was informed my vehicle does not qualify for free repairs due to the mileage 173,958. The fix expired at 150,000 miles or 10 year - which was an extension to warranty). I don’t agree with this approach as Ford has been aware of this issue with the power steering electronic system for years and provided no notice to consumers. I would have had it checked prior to hitting the 150,000 mile mark. Please advise on my rights or recourse. Thanks. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11569311

We were driving down the road and lost complete control of steering. Me and my family's safety as well as other drivers on the road was very much at risk as we lost steering at 60 miles per hour. The problem was reproduced and there was a recall issued 14s06 but Ford Motor Company will not repair as it has been too long (in their opinion) at the dealership and calling Ford Motor Company There was no warning prior.

NHTSA ODI 11569032

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact had received a recall notification two years ago for the power steering. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that because there were no codes displayed, to bring the vehicle back when the code displayed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering was inoperable. The contact stated that the steering malfunction warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 128,037.

NHTSA ODI 11568515

This is the second complaint for my 2011 Ford Explorer for the same issue: steering rack. I replaced my seering rack at a cost of 3K. Drove it a day and had a failure again. New Motorcraft part as I was told from the dealer. The NHTSB had Ford issue a recall some metal A-Frame issue but not one for a more serious issue of a steering rack failure! No right.

NHTSA ODI 11568534

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

My car show me warning Power steering assist fail Now my car not drive because cant turn right or left is too hard Engine and transmission is ok Power steering recall was in past Now I try get help from dealer they say not recall for steering is weird Epas 15N01 recall Still original parts on my car Please what I need to do Thanks

NHTSA ODI 11567408

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the water pump and determined that water had leaked into the engine and mixed with the engine oil, resulting in engine damage. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 113,000.

NHTSA ODI 11567572

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon start of the vehicle, the power steering assist warning light appeared on the instrument panel. Despite the failure, the contact drove the vehicle to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective power steering module and power steering assembly. The contact was informed that the part needed to repair the vehicle was initially under warranty; however, the warranty expired. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was a 111,300.

NHTSA ODI 11567060

While driving my 2011 Ford Explorer at 60 mph I received a indicator stating service steering system soon. My concern was making sure I was able to still steer the vehicle to a safe location. I was still able to steer the vehicle and headed to the nearest parking lot to hopefully reset the system by restarting the vehicle. After parking I turned off the car and restarted it. After doing this the error came of service steering system now! Trying to steer the vehicle was extremely difficult. I proceeded home which is 30 min away and parked the vehicle until I could get it into a dealer. I did not call a tow truck as they are expensive and I know the repair was going to cost me a lot of money. The dealer verified the steering system was faulty and needed replaced. The steering system is electronically controlled and the failure of the system puts the occupants of the vehicle as risk of injury in the event the system failed and you need to move out of the way in an emergency or if I was not able to control the vehicle. The steering rack will be returned as part of the core charge for the replacement of the unit. Ford customer care told me this was a safety notice but is not a recall and it expired 10 yr after the warranty and vehicle over 150,000 miles. This should not be a notice but a recall as it seems there are a lot of failures. I should not have to pay money for something that is a known issue by the manufacture. The NHTSA needs to force Ford to recall these parts and replace them at their cost since it is a known issue!

NHTSA ODI 11566162

Husband started vehicle, and, as he started backing out of garage, warning chime sounded, and "Electronic Power Steering Assist Fault" message displayed on dash. Steering locked up; he was unable to turn steering wheel. He turned car off and restarted, thinking possible computer error. No further display. Ran errands. Did some research, and found that Ford had issued a prior recall on certain 2011-2013 Explorers in 2014. Safety Recall 14S06 was issued. This vehicle was checked at that time for any DTCs. When none were found, the computer was reprogrammed and power steering coverage was extended to 10 years, or 150,000 miles, from date of manufacture. In these affected vehicles, if a DTC was present, it moved on to the availability of Safety Recall 15N01, which involved one-time replacement of steering gear. After seeing this, we phoned dealer, whose rep (actually 2 separate reps, in 2 separate calls) verified recall on this issue and assured us this would be covered. Upon taking vehicle to dealer on 1/15/2024 for first available appointment, we were told Safety Recall 15N01 had expired and was no longer covered. Repair was estimated to be between $500 and $2,500, depending on DTC results. DTCs present were: C1B00-86, U3000-49 and U3000-72. We were told the steering gear needed to be replaced, at a cost of $1,372.73 for parts, $680 labor, as well as $169.95 for subsequent alignment, for a total of $2,222.68, plus state sales tax. We feel the one-time replacement of the steering gear should still be a covered option if it was already previously deemed a potential safety risk, regardless of the vehicle now being over 10 years old, and still just as potentially hazardous. Loss of steering ability is a serious safety issue, putting countless lives at risk. Vehicle has only just over 70,000 miles on it, is garage-kept, original owner, in very good condition, and has always been kept up-to-date on recall repairs.

NHTSA ODI 11565793

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH and making a left turn into the parking lot, the steering wheel became difficult to turn with the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then to a local mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired yet. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 198,000.

NHTSA ODI 11564625

I am the owner of a 2011 Ford Explorer Limited that recently developed a power steering issue. We have only owned the vehicle 6 months and there's under 95,000 miles on it. The (2) recall notices that went out in 2014 were unknown to us at the time, because we just bought the SUV in 2023. Since it a safety issue, there should not be a 10-year recall expiration date associated with either recall, as we are being told by Ford customer service. And since we didn't own the vehicle before the recall notices went out in 2024, why will Ford not stand behind the recall and honor the time period to include our vehicle? Ford Motor Company is stating that our VIN is not covered, even though it the vehicle falls within the production recall period. Additionally, Ford issued a customer satisfaction program warranty, but Ford regards this as a survey and will not take corrective measures to assist in getting our vehicle repaired under any forego mentioned recall notices. Therefore, I feel Ford should honor any recall regarding the poor design or faulty engineering of their electronic steering components regardless of the expiration date since it is a safety concern. Ford is reluctant to financially assist me even though the SUV has less than 95,000 miles on it and the recall press release dates were not issued until 2014. Instead, Ford is going by the vehicle production date and not the recall issue dates. Therefore, my SUV recall dates have since expired, and Ford will no longer honor any of its warranties on this vehicle, even though lack of power steering is a clear safety issue, which to my knowledge, do not have expiration dates. Ford customer service has acknowledged the power steering fault assist issues under the following recall campaigns: NHTSA - 14e001000 & 14v286000 and CSP 15N01. I also have a case number with the Ford Motor Company (Case #47111783) associated with this issue.

NHTSA ODI 11564116

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was inoperable and difficult to steer. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to the residence unrepaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 114,000.

NHTSA ODI 11563467

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering was inoperable. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ODI 11562334