CarComplaints.com Notes: The NHTSA's complaint data shows potentially scary power steering problems with the 2011 Ford Explorer.
The steering complaints are pretty serious - owners report the power steering cuts out while driving. The NHTSA opened an investigation into the power steering problems in June 2012, which lead to a recall in 2014. However years later, many 2011 Explorer owners report this defect is still occurring.
It's too bad because the 2009 & 2010 Ford Explorer are solid, trouble-free model years.
Ford Explorer Armrest Repairs - Directly addresses fix for slitting door armrests. Who knows the life of the fix, but you can do it yoursely for probably $30 plus your time per door, versus $700 from Ford
2011 to 2015 Armrest splits open. Ford fix is replace door panel at $690.00 then you ask what is to keep the new door panel from doing the same thing. The answer is nothing. Upholstery shop state if they sow it will tear more. You would think Ford would have a fix. The $35,000 to $55,000 for a SUV and they use vinyl on the armrest. There has to be a fix somewhere?
Bought this 2011 Ford Explorer at First Ford in Fall River, MA three years ago, September when it had 19k on the odometer. Discovered in 2016 that the driver's side arm rest had split open exposing the yellow foam padding within. Mileage then approx. 57k. Have the Platinum extended warranty on this vehicle and was told the issue is not covered under the warranty, and that the whole door panel would need to be replaced at my expense! The door looks like crap now, and it is obvious that this fake leather is poorly manufactured.
In an attempt to have it repaired on my own, I visited an auto apholstery repair shop and was advised that they could not repair it. Went to a sail making company nearby to see if perhaps it could be stitched and they could not do the repair and they suggested attempting to glue the tear with superglue and clamps.
In researching this issue, I discovered that apparently this is a somewhat consistent issue and complaint made by other Ford Explorer owners, and they experience the same problem. i.e. Ford wont address the repair or replacement of the faulty arm rest.
I've always owned Ford vehicles, but this will certainly be my last.
(*I now have learned of other issues with the Ford Explorer that are worrisome also, i.e. exhaust leaks in the passenger compartment.) A local police officer who I am acquainted with, who drives a Ford Explorer displayed the same problem with his cruiser, i.e. the split arm rest, and he further pointed out locations on the rear hatch where plugs should have been installed, in order to prevent exhaust fumes from entering the passenger compartment. He showed where he was advised to place tape over the holes, and we then observed that my own Explorer had the exposed holes also! WTF!
As with most of Fords Limited Explorer the fit and finish is poor for how much the vehicle cost. The drivers side arm rest is wrapped in a rubber material. It has a faux stitching on the edge that eventually splits. If this was cloth or leather and real stitching this would be an easy fix. However, this isn't a simple fix now the complete door card needs to be replaced and its an out of pocket expense with an inferior product. I'm not interested in replacing the same part every 3 years of use. Just one of many issues we have had with the car and I highly do not recommend to anyone to buy Fords Explorer. It's cheaply made. They cut corners in places that just don't make sense.
The front passenger arm rest door pad has split on a fake leather joint in the vinyl.
Dealer said it was out of warranty, so now I have a 4 year old high end car with a split door pad, I am not impressed with Ford Quality, a door pad is certainly not a wear item, and I should not need to buy new door pads for a car this new, advice to people, look closely if you see anything get it changed while you still have warranty
- colinon,
Guelph, ON, Canada
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After a hard cold snap the simulated seam opened up on the front passenger arm rest, about 4-5" long, out of warranty and not repaired, left it to remind me what brand not to buy next time.
Please if you have this car keep an eye on it and get it repaired right away
The arm rest should not be cracking open. This is due to the seam in the plastic being the weak point. Talked to Ford and as it was past 36k mileage would not take care of it. This exposes the foam in the arm rest. Crack is about 6 inches long.
Arm rest is cracking in seam. This seam is the weak point on the arm rest. The drivers side cracked much earlier probably due to that side seeing more use than the passenger side. This is an issue that should not be happening. This is a weakness that must be showing up in the other Explorers and Edges.
Overall the Explorer has a nice interior but disappointed that after 2 years the seam on the driver's side arm rest ripped open. It is a one piece apparatus so it cannot be glued or sewned (fake seam). I believe it is a defective part. I will attach a photo shortly.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Drivers side armrest seam ripped. It's defective and no solution but to spend over $500 to replace it.
- Mary P., Redwood City, CA, US