2011 Ford Explorer — Known Issues & Recalls

Your vehicle's electric power steering assist has stopped working again, even though Ford reprogrammed the steering control module in 2014 and considered the recall closed. A Ford dealer confirmed the problem in 2025 and attempted reprogramming again in November 2025, but it didn't fix the issue — you're still losing power steering assist. Ford's own guidance from 2019 says this could happen and might need additional repairs, but the company has refused to help because they officially closed the recall and your vehicle is outside their customer satisfaction program limits. The repair will likely require replacing or further servicing the power steering control module or related electrical components.

Your power steering stopped working while driving, making it extremely difficult or impossible to steer, especially at low speeds. A power steering fault warning appeared on your dashboard. Resetting the system provided only temporary fixes—lasting 30 minutes the first time and 2 weeks after the dealership reprogrammed the module—before the problem returned. The issue likely requires replacement or deep repair of the power steering control module or electronic steering components.

Your steering wheel became locked and wouldn't turn when you attempted to restart your car. This is a safety concern that prevents you from controlling the vehicle. The issue likely involves the steering lock mechanism or ignition system and will require professional diagnosis and repair.

Your steering wheel became extremely stiff and difficult to turn while driving. The problem occurred at 160,000 miles on your 2011 Ford Explorer. You didn't have the vehicle repaired or notify Ford about the issue. A mechanic should inspect your power steering system to identify whether the problem is low fluid, a failing pump, or a stuck component.

Your power steering stopped working while you were driving, making it extremely difficult to steer and avoid hitting curbs or other vehicles. Ford previously replaced this same component under warranty, but it has failed again and is no longer covered. The part is expensive, and you're concerned it will fail repeatedly if replaced.

Your steering wheel became hard to turn left and right while driving, and then locked up completely. A steering wheel warning symbol appeared on your dashboard. After turning the vehicle off and restarting it, the steering assist function worked again temporarily. A mechanic told you that your electric power steering assist system needs to be replaced. This issue appears to be related to a known Ford recall, but your vehicle's VIN wasn't included in that recall.

While driving at about 15 mph, your power steering suddenly stopped working and your steering wheel became locked, especially when trying to turn right. Your power steering warning light came on, and following the owner's manual instructions didn't fix the problem. This happened at around 200,000 miles on your vehicle. You'll likely need to have a mechanic inspect and repair your power steering system, which may involve replacing the power steering pump, hose, or fluid.

Your power steering has stopped working, making it difficult to steer your vehicle. This is a significant safety and drivability issue that requires immediate attention. The fix will likely involve diagnosing the power steering system, which may require replacing the pump, hoses, or fluid.

While driving at 35 MPH and turning left or right, you hear a grinding sound from the steering column and feel the steering wheel jerk. Your dashboard also shows three unknown warning lights plus a traction control warning light, along with unknown messages. The dealer inspected the vehicle but couldn't identify the cause. The issue may require inspection and replacement of steering column components like the intermediate shaft, universal joints, or steering gearbox seals.

Your power steering suddenly stopped working while you were driving, forcing you to pull over safely. Warning lights appeared immediately when this happened. You believe this is related to a 2015 recall (15N01 EPAS) for the electric power steering system, but the dealership estimates the repair will cost more than what you still owe on the vehicle. The fix will likely require replacement or repair of the electric power steering motor or control module.

Both C-pillars (the vertical supports around your rear windows) are loose and lifting away from the vehicle body. If these pillars detach while driving, you could lose control of your car, potentially causing damage to other vehicles or a collision.

Your 2011 Ford Expedition is subject to a safety recall (NHTSA Campaign 24V031000) related to the vehicle structure, but the necessary repair parts haven't been available for two years despite repeated contact with both the dealer and Ford. You haven't experienced any actual failure yet, but the repair remains pending until parts become available.

The trim piece on the driver's side of your windshield (the A-pillar trim) started to come loose while you were driving. Your Ford Explorer is covered under a recall for this issue, but the replacement parts aren't available yet from the dealer. You've been waiting longer than expected for the repair to be completed.

Your 2011 Ford Explorer has a known recall (Campaign 24V031000) for cracked A-pillar trim pieces on both the driver's and passenger's sides. You've noticed these trim pieces are cracked and coming loose, and you've temporarily taped them to hold them in place. When you contacted your dealer, they told you that the official recall repair isn't available yet, and you feel the manufacturer has taken too long to provide a fix. The dealer will need to replace the damaged A-pillar trim panels once the recall repair becomes available.

Your 2011 Ford Explorer caught fire while parked, turned off, and unoccupied. The local fire department extinguished the fire and indicated the cause may have been a wiring malfunction in the electrical system. The vehicle was destroyed and the fire department filed a report, though the dealer did not diagnose or repair the vehicle. This electrical wiring issue can cause a complete vehicle fire and requires immediate professional inspection.

Your vehicle's electric power steering system failed while you were stopping at a red light, causing the steering wheel to become very difficult to turn and triggering warning messages about power steering and traction control. This is a known safety defect covered by a federal recall (NHTSA Campaign 14V284000), but both the dealership and Ford Corporate refused to perform the recall repair. A steering torque sensor replacement or electric power steering unit repair would typically be needed to restore normal steering function.

Your backup camera screen shows nothing but black when you put the vehicle in reverse. This prevents you from seeing behind your car while backing up, which could result in hitting a person or object. The issue may require replacing the camera itself or checking the electrical connections.

Your wheels lock up at low speeds, though it happens infrequently—about 3 times per year. You've reported this to your Ford dealer multiple times over several years without resolution, and you recently discovered there's an open recall for this issue. The dealer is now refusing to service it because the recall is more than 10 years old and your vehicle has 180,000 miles, even though you never received the original recall notice. Fixing this will likely involve the dealer inspecting and repairing the powertrain components related to wheel locking, possibly including the transfer case or related electronic controls.

Your power steering stopped working, making it harder to steer the vehicle. This could be caused by an electrical issue with the power steering system or a failure in the steering pump itself. You'll need to have the electrical connections and power steering pump inspected and potentially replaced.

I don't have enough details from your complaint to provide a clear explanation. The report mentions issues with service brakes and the engine, but doesn't specify what problems you're experiencing. Please provide details about what's happening with your brakes or engine (such as noises, warning lights, performance changes, or specific symptoms) so I can give you a helpful translation.