2011 Ford Explorer Other or unknown Problems
- Complaints
- 118about this part
- Share
- 10%of 1,197 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 71,240miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 118 complaints about the other or unknown of the 2011 Ford Explorer, 10% of the 1,197 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 71,240 miles. 2 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.
“Strong exhaust smell when you start the car and then again when you accelerate to get on to the highway. Intermittent smell as you are driving. It doesnt matter if you are sitting still or on the highway, you will inevitably smell the exhaust. I have been having health issues with my heart that we now believe are related to the carbon monoxide from these fumes.”
NHTSA complaint #11245532, filed 2019-08, 110,000 miles“Started the Ford and the backup camera was not functioning. Also noticed the 'sync' screen was blank, climate controls were not visible (functioning) as well as the radio system was not functioning. Went out and started the SUV in my driveway, everything was correct when I returned home the night before.”
NHTSA complaint #11269253, filed 2019-10, 109,777 miles“My Explorer has had an exhaust smell in the passenger area. I have brought it to sears auto and Ford dealer and both told me there was nothing wrong, yet I continue to smell the exhaust when I am driving on the highway and up hill, with my AC on. I am worried about this problem since I am now seeing that police and other explorers are having them same problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11011616, filed 2017-07, 110,000 miles“While driving and especially after, there is a burning hair smell that is in the car and when you step outside the car it is very strong in the engine. Upon learning of the class action lawsuit too late, it helped make sense why I was smelling the burnt hair smell when I ran the heater and/or AC. This was anytime I drove the car whether highway driving or around town.”
NHTSA complaint #10954441, filed 2017-02, 83,000 miles“Exhaust leak problem in my car while the air conditioning is on or when I accelerate. The car smells like gas constantly, even when it is parked and in my garage. I am terrified for my three children. We have taken it to Ford twice already and they can't fix it and expect me to pay for the repairs. No way! We are all sick all of the time. I am terrified to even drive it.”
NHTSA complaint #10968882, filed 2017-03, 105,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11029052Feb 24, 2026Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing…
- 10226952Nov 4, 2022Certain 2011 - 2013 Model Year Explorer Vehicles with Rear Wheel Knuckles that have been Replaced Rear Toe Link Inspection/Replacement Under Safety Recall 21S43, some of the…
- 10226951Nov 4, 2022Certain 2011-2017 Model Year Explorer Vehicles Rear Toe Link Replacement Under Safety Recall 21S32, some of the affected vehicles exposed to a highly corrosive environment where…
- 10041215Jun 17, 2011Ford: 2011 explorer. Vehicles with auto park may have the traction light come on while making a turn above 3mph and within 50 seconds of starting a vehicle. Trouble codes will be…
- 10039075Feb 1, 2011Ford: the traction control light may come on making turns while driving above 3mph and right after the vehicle was started. There will be trouble codes stored. 2011 explorer.
Other or unknown: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 11 | 26% |
| 2025 | 19 | 18% |
| 2024 | 4 | 19% |
| 2023 | 26 | 23% |
| 2022 | 58 | 21% |
| 2021 | 90 | 20% |
| 2020 | 212 | 17% |
| 2019 | 48 | 16% |
| 2018 | 168 | 23% |
| 2017 | 374 | 22% |
| 2016 | 434 | 18% |
| 2015 | 407 | 22% |
| 2014 | 343 | 20% |
| 2013 | 351 | 16% |
| 2012 | 108 | 13% |
| 2011 | 118 | 10% |
| 2010 | 9 | 8% |
| 2009 | 6 | 18% |
| 2008 | 12 | 8% |
| 2007 | 5 | 2% |
| 2006 | 24 | 4% |
| 2005 | 16 | 3% |
| 2004 | 37 | 3% |
| 2003 | 48 | 4% |
| 2002 | 44 | 1% |
| 2001 | 12 | 3% |
| 2000 | 27 | 3% |
| 1999 | 27 | 2% |
| 1998 | 43 | 2% |
| 1997 | 40 | 2% |
| 1996 | 33 | 2% |
| 1995 | 16 | 2% |
| 1994 | 16 | 1% |
| 1993 | 11 | 1% |
| 1992 | 5 | 1% |
| 1991 | 16 | 3% |
| 1990 | 1 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2011 Ford Explorer
742 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 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