2011 Ford Explorer Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 1%of 1,197 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 20,236miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the seats of the 2011 Ford Explorer, 1% of the 1,197 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 20,236 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“I have my air bag light on my dash, and my emergency lights do not work. This car is too young to have such problems. My passenger back seat belt case is broken as well. The stitching on the seat belt seem to be tearing. This is only a 2011 Ford Explorer it is way to young for all these major safety issues. My mechanic cant figure it out.”
NHTSA complaint #10881572, filed 2016-06“Since I purchased my Explorer in april 2011, I have had to see my doctor for very extreme lower back pains, I also have to go weekly for chiropratic care, acupuncture and traction for stretching the vertebrae in my back. The nerves are constantly pinching and cause sharp pains throughout the day and night. I am nearly disabled because of these seats. I cannot work due to the pain and fear I will become permanently disabled very soon. This is my only car, so it must be remedied a.s.a.p.. I have driven my daughters borrowed car and have no pains associated with any other vehicles I drive.”
NHTSA complaint #10437810, filed 2011-11“The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the passenger heated seat was activated and it burned a hole through the seat on two separate occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 12,000 and the current mileage is 28,261. Updated 01/07/14 updated 1/22/2014 updated 03/17/15 the consumer requested to have the case re-evaluated. Updated 8/18/2015”
NHTSA complaint #10550546, filed 2013-11, 12,000 miles“The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH the power steering assist failed message came on the instrument panel, immediately after it became extremely difficult to make any turns or maneuver the steering wheel. The contact mentioned that after powering off and restarting, the vehicle was performing as normal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the manufacturer was made aware of the failure who filed a report and did not offer any further assistance. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 28,472 and the current mileage was 29,600. …”
NHTSA complaint #10470387, filed 2012-08, 28,472 miles“Lear corporation and Ford already knew that a spacer/washer was left off the Explorer by three rotating lear employees on the night shift. These employees were not penalized in any way. The shift stinks of nepotism and every other eoe/eeo misdeed. Other employees, not meeting numbers(not quality issues) are being walked out. This lear facility, in hammond, indiana, receives a $5000 federal tax credit for each new w2 form turned in.”
NHTSA complaint #10381116, filed 2011-02Related recalls
- 11V063000Feb 2, 2011Ford is recalling certain model year 2011 explorer vehicles manufactured from july 15, 2010, through december 13, 2010, equipped with second row 60% seats…Covers: Ford Explorer 2011
Related service bulletins
- 10091204Jul 12, 2016Some 2009-2010 f-150 and 2011-2016 explorer vehicles may have a seat cushion cover that appears loose near the front of the seat. This may be caused by the seat cushion cover…
- 10056170May 1, 2014Lincoln/ford: on some vehicles and trucks, there is a popping, squealing, binding or grinding noise come from power seats when moving backwards or forward. Model 2009-2015 f-150…
Seats: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 17% |
| 2025 | 3 | 3% |
| 2024 | 2 | 10% |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 5 | 2% |
| 2021 | 17 | 4% |
| 2020 | 41 | 3% |
| 2019 | 3 | 1% |
| 2018 | 7 | 1% |
| 2017 | 16 | 1% |
| 2016 | 32 | 1% |
| 2015 | 16 | 1% |
| 2014 | 7 | 0% |
| 2013 | 10 | 0% |
| 2012 | 2 | 0% |
| 2011 | 7 | 1% |
| 2010 | 20 | 17% |
| 2009 | 3 | 9% |
| 2008 | 27 | 18% |
| 2007 | 24 | 12% |
| 2006 | 11 | 2% |
| 2005 | 3 | 1% |
| 2004 | 6 | 0% |
| 2003 | 12 | 1% |
| 2002 | 30 | 1% |
| 2001 | 24 | 6% |
| 2000 | 39 | 4% |
| 1999 | 68 | 5% |
| 1998 | 70 | 4% |
| 1997 | 38 | 2% |
| 1996 | 29 | 2% |
| 1995 | 19 | 2% |
| 1994 | 20 | 2% |
| 1993 | 30 | 3% |
| 1992 | 20 | 3% |
| 1991 | 16 | 3% |
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 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