2011 Ford Explorer Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 44about this part
- Share
- 4%of 1,198 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 66,500miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 44 complaints about the air bags of the 2011 Ford Explorer, 4% of the 1,198 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 66,500 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My air bag control light came on 3 years, I took the vehicle to the Ford dealership a d they discovered the seat belt pretensioner had shorted out. It was replaced at my expense. Fast forward to today and the same light is back on for what I imagine is the seat belt pretensioner again! The light stays on from the time the car is started till it's turned off.”
NHTSA complaint #11372803, filed 2020-11, 153,000 miles“Driving 25 to 30 MPH when the steering wheel became difficult to turn,.call dealer Ford al piemonte and make and appointment but they say is not a recall ,they didn't repaired as yet.( what can I do?) in melrose park illinois. I took this truck for a recall in 2017 for the same problem and at that time they fix it not this tme.”
NHTSA complaint #11256034, filed 2019-09, 61,359 miles“Bought used-air bag light stays on most of the time-- kirk Ford fixed it at dealer cost from barksdale cadillac where it was purchased.. Air bag light still comes on and when I talked to them they said it might be something else causing it. . Husband fightin g cancer and I could no get thr recall on door handle fixed. Husband passed away and I dont have funds to get airbag light fixed..I dont know the brand of air bag.so I dont know if it is takata”
NHTSA complaint #11042828, filed 2017-11, 48,355 miles“The dash check air bag light is on. Its my understanding that while the check air bag light is on, the airbags will not deploy in the event of a crash. Out of regular warranty, do have extended warranty plan from Ford, but I don't think I should pay for the repair deductible.”
NHTSA complaint #10727031, filed 2015-06, 63,000 miles“Diagnose and advised that driver pretensioner is faulty. I have to pay $400 plus to have this replacement. My air bag light is always on with faulty pretensioner it may not go off in an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10936469, filed 2016-12, 69,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10038965Apr 1, 2011Comm-trans lund: some 2009-2011 models may have the air bag inicator flashing with a stored trouble code. This is a software problem.
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 2% |
| 2025 | 5 | 5% |
| 2024 | 2 | 10% |
| 2023 | 4 | 4% |
| 2022 | 7 | 3% |
| 2021 | 6 | 1% |
| 2020 | 6 | 0% |
| 2019 | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 | 11 | 2% |
| 2017 | 34 | 2% |
| 2016 | 99 | 4% |
| 2015 | 84 | 5% |
| 2014 | 47 | 3% |
| 2013 | 18 | 1% |
| 2012 | 27 | 3% |
| 2011 | 44 | 4% |
| 2010 | 6 | 5% |
| 2009 | 2 | 6% |
| 2008 | 4 | 3% |
| 2007 | 12 | 6% |
| 2006 | 8 | 1% |
| 2005 | 15 | 3% |
| 2004 | 39 | 3% |
| 2003 | 50 | 4% |
| 2002 | 162 | 5% |
| 2001 | 28 | 7% |
| 2000 | 62 | 7% |
| 1999 | 97 | 7% |
| 1998 | 40 | 2% |
| 1997 | 27 | 2% |
| 1996 | 41 | 3% |
| 1995 | 27 | 3% |
| 1994 | 11 | 1% |
| 1993 | 5 | 1% |
| 1992 | 1 | 0% |
| 1991 | 3 | 0% |
Other parts of the 2011 Ford Explorer
743 complaintsOther or unknown
118 complaintsBody and structure
110 complaintsElectrical system
95 complaintsEngine
83 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
64 complaintsFuel system
40 complaintsBrakes
28 complaintsElectronic stability control
28 complaintsSuspension
24 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
23 complaintsEngine cooling
21 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 Ford Explorer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology