2011 Ford Explorer Electronic stability control Problems
- Complaints
- 28about this part
- Share
- 2%of 1,197 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 38,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 28 complaints about the electronic stability control of the 2011 Ford Explorer, 2% of the 1,197 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 38,000 miles. 1 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.
“While pulling into a busy intersection (attempting to turn left at a t intersection) the power steering failed. I received errors on the cluster stating that power steering and stabilitrak had failed. I was unable to steer the car into traffic; luckily there was a driveway a few degrees off center from the t and I was able to pull in there.”
NHTSA complaint #10475661, filed 2012-09, 20,000 miles“On july 4, 2012, was driving on the highway getting ready to exit in about 100 yards, as I was decreasing speed I heard and felt a light bang, the car seemed to surge like it was the transmission and brakes were pulsating, and had no power steering. Car pulled severely to the right almost hitting the guard rail, could not steer. Jammed on breaks, fortunately in the slow lane, and pulled over. …”
NHTSA complaint #10469324, filed 2012-08, 15,500 miles“While driving down the highway, there was a notification on the info center that there was an issue with the power steering. At that point I lost power steering in the vehicle and then traction control. This issue has occurred 4 times in the last month and we have already taken it to the dealership and they were unable to find out what the issue was since it is not keeping records in the computer of these issues.”
NHTSA complaint #10534998, filed 2013-08, 59,871 miles“I was rounding a curve in an intersection when the steering became impossible to steer . I managed to get it off the road and I noticed the traction controls were lit up along with the steering failure warring came on. After restarting the car everything returned to normal.”
NHTSA complaint #10551205, filed 2013-11, 58,161 miles“This is the 4th time my vehicle has lost its power steering. I was driving in traffic at about 45 MPH and the power steering. I have to find a place on the side of the highway to pull over and turn my car off and wait a while then restart it and sometimes it fixes the problem and sometimes it doesn't. There is only a matter of time that this will happen going at a higher rate of speed and cause injury or worse! Ford needs to recall this asap!”
NHTSA complaint #10588110, filed 2014-05, 66,800 milesElectronic stability control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 5 | 0% |
| 2018 | 1 | 0% |
| 2017 | 4 | 0% |
| 2016 | 18 | 1% |
| 2015 | 17 | 1% |
| 2014 | 14 | 1% |
| 2013 | 45 | 2% |
| 2012 | 19 | 2% |
| 2011 | 28 | 2% |
| 2010 | 3 | 3% |
| 2009 | 2 | 6% |
| 2008 | 3 | 2% |
| 2007 | 2 | 1% |
| 2006 | 10 | 2% |
| 2005 | 1 | 0% |
| 2004 | 3 | 0% |
| 2003 | 3 | 0% |
| 2002 | 3 | 0% |
| 1999 | 2 | 0% |
| 1998 | 1 | 0% |
| 1997 | 4 | 0% |
| 1992 | 1 | 0% |
Other parts of the 2011 Ford Explorer
742 complaintsOther or unknown
118 complaintsBody and structure
110 complaintsElectrical system
95 complaintsEngine
83 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
64 complaintsAir bags
44 complaintsFuel system
40 complaintsBrakes
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 27, 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