2011 Ford Explorer Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 24about this part
- Share
- 2%of 1,197 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 125,050miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the suspension of the 2011 Ford Explorer, 2% of the 1,197 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 125,050 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“About a year ago, we noticed a squeaky noise in the front of vehicle each time we would accelerate, hit a bump, or make a turn. Took it to my mechanic who replaced parts in the front suspension of the vehicle. Took care of most of the issue but still occasionally squeaks as we brake. I believe there is an issue with the front suspension of this vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11253171, filed 2019-09, 128,000 miles“As I was in motion driving my service power steering light came on and about 30 seconds later I lost all power steering causing my vehicle to swerve to the left. I was able to stop the vehicle. The vehicle ihas has this issue of loosing power steering in the past august of 2019 and the power steering rack was replaced february of 2018. I have taken my vehicle into the local Ford dealership in 2019 and was advised it needed a new power steering rack at my cost! I have since had this issue again november 3rd. …”
NHTSA complaint #11373171, filed 2020-11, 170,000 miles“Almost wrecked vehicle the other day. Out of no where, no control of steering/back end of car. Back end feels like driving on ice. Fishtailing and then whole car feels out of control. Wheels squeal when turning, changing lanes. Steering wheel cocked at 2 o'clock position. Drive over railroad tracks, bumps, cracks and back end sways out. Traction control on but isn't responding. Car with swerving lines behind shows on dashboard. I saw recall notice 19s17 for suspension issue. This seems to be what I am experiencing but my VIN# isn't listed. This is very dangerous, afraid to drive vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11252766, filed 2019-09, 125,050 miles“My vehicle was on the road in motion when I heard a creaking/clanking noise on the front right side near the tire. After taking my vehicle to the dealership to determine what the cause of the noise was, I was advised that it was a faulty front right strut and spring assembly. I had my mechanic replace both the front and left struts. After doing a lot of research on the internet from other Ford Explorer owners , I believe that strut and spring assembly are manufacture defects. While backing up my vehicle, I noticed that the back up camera was blank and not working. …”
NHTSA complaint #11002690, filed 2017-07, 120,000 miles“I had a recall on my 2011 Ford explorer for toe Links and bushings. Since ever since this has been going on I have gone through 38 tires in the rear in the past two years alone no shop will fix my car because the camber is so out of whack I have to have the whole rear suspension redone again when it should have been fixed the first time with the recall link Ford spent 5 minutes going through my car and said that my car didn't qualify for any recall because my car is a front wheel drive and not an all-wheel drive so they did not do the recall now after bringing it to another shop I have the…”
NHTSA complaint #11695632, filed 2025-10Related recalls
- 21V746000Sep 22, 2021Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of…Covers: Ford Explorer 2011–2013
- 19V435000Jun 10, 2019Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.Covers: Ford Explorer 2011–2017
Related service bulletins
- 10232579Feb 7, 2023Certain 2011-2017 Model Year Explorer Vehicles Rear Wheel Knuckle Replacement REASON FOR THIS SUPPLEMENT Program Terms: added 21R01 and 21R02 REASON FOR PROVIDING A NO-COST…
- 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…
- 10208271Feb 18, 2022This program provides a no-cost, one-time repair (if needed) to the rear wheel knuckles for six (6) months from the Repair Order (RO) opening date for field service actions 21S32…
- 10166446Sep 12, 2019This SKU is a Suspension Lateral Link. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to revise the design similar to the OEM supercession associated with…
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 3% |
| 2024 | 3 | 14% |
| 2023 | 14 | 12% |
| 2022 | 13 | 5% |
| 2021 | 15 | 3% |
| 2020 | 36 | 3% |
| 2019 | 11 | 4% |
| 2018 | 23 | 3% |
| 2017 | 58 | 3% |
| 2016 | 73 | 3% |
| 2015 | 83 | 5% |
| 2014 | 103 | 6% |
| 2013 | 79 | 4% |
| 2012 | 22 | 3% |
| 2011 | 24 | 2% |
| 2010 | 4 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 3 | 2% |
| 2007 | 6 | 3% |
| 2006 | 5 | 1% |
| 2005 | 15 | 3% |
| 2004 | 37 | 3% |
| 2003 | 63 | 6% |
| 2002 | 422 | 13% |
| 2001 | 43 | 11% |
| 2000 | 62 | 7% |
| 1999 | 65 | 5% |
| 1998 | 111 | 6% |
| 1997 | 105 | 6% |
| 1996 | 97 | 7% |
| 1995 | 93 | 11% |
| 1994 | 65 | 5% |
| 1993 | 59 | 6% |
| 1992 | 60 | 9% |
| 1991 | 33 | 5% |
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 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 29, 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