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EquipmentPart report

2011 Ford Explorer Equipment Problems

Complaints
6about this part
Share
1%of 1,197 total for the year
Median mileage
75miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the equipment of the 2011 Ford Explorer, 1% of the 1,197 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“We have purchased a 2011 Explorer, with the bluetooth activated, the person driving cannot be heard because of background noise. From my investigation, I found that the roof area above the windshield seems to not have any insulation, the wind noise is being picked up by the speaker above the drivers head. This is not the only problem, when it is raining the noise from the rain sounds like a tin roof of an old house. I reported this to the dealership and they said that there is not anything they can do without Ford having more complaints.”

NHTSA complaint #10417932, filed 2011-08, 100 miles

“When accelerating the vehicle quickly with the air conditioner on (does not matter if it's on fresh air intake or recirculation), there is a definite burnt smell the cabin of the vehicle. The problem can be duplicated at any speed, from a dead stop or accelerating during a passing maneuver. The vehicle was taken to the local dealership three time and two technical bulletins were addressed upon completion of the factory warranted technical bulletins, the odor remained. Burnt smell.”

NHTSA complaint #10545178, filed 2013-09, 50 miles

“I agree about the microphone on the my touch system. It picks up wind noise, air conditioning/heating fan noise & when it rains, driver can not be heard. It seems that the roof does not have insulation to allow the driver to speak to the microphone without shouting. I did mention this to the Ford service department at our local Ford dealer and was told that this is the way it comes from the factory.”

NHTSA complaint #10425376, filed 2011-09

“2011 Ford Explorer. Consumer writes in regards to issues with a my Ford touch voice activated system. The consumer stated the my Ford touch is a voice or touch screen activated system that controlled entertainment, climate, navigation and hands free cell phone functions. When the system stopped working, there was no control over any of the aforementioned devices. The consumer had to take the vehicle to the dealer three times, because of the malfunctioning system. …”

NHTSA complaint #10488263, filed 2012-12

“Letter from re few defects in my 2011 Ford Explorer remain after the dealers repeated repair attempts. These issues distract me while driving and it is a concern to my safety as well the consumer stated the main issue was the steering; the steering wheel was not straight and when driving, the vehicle pulled in the opposite direction. The shift increased when increasing speed. Also, the A/C unit changed temperatures by itself. The brake warning light illuminated and the touch and sync did not work. …”

NHTSA complaint #10427390, filed 2011-09

Related service bulletins

Equipment: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202120%
202030%
201841%
201730%
201620%
201520%
201410%
201340%
201271%
201161%
200913%
200821%
200731%
2006112%
200561%
2004141%
2003141%
2002602%
2001113%
2000141%
1999272%
1998372%
1997392%
1996161%
199571%
1994323%
1993273%
1992234%
1991295%

Other parts of the 2011 Ford Explorer

Steering
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 complaintsElectronic stability control
28 complaintsSuspension
24 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
23 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2011 Ford Explorer

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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