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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.

1.7

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
96,935 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2011 Ford Explorer steering problems

steering problem

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2011 Ford Explorer Owner Comments

problem #9

Apr 222024

Explorer

  • 170,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The steering assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the electronic power steering. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 170,000.

- Stevensville, MD, USA

problem #8

Sep 032022

Explorer

  • 80,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The power assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the Electric Power Steering (EPS) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced the Manufacturer Campaign Number 15N01: Electric Power Steering (EPS). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the recall expired and to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

- Denair, CA, USA

problem #7

Aug 262022

Explorer 6-cyl

  • miles
2011 Ford Explorer. Consumer writes in regard to steering wheel locking up while driving. The consumer stated the vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. When the failure occurs, a warning light illuminated. The failure occurred intermittently.

- Windsor, MO, USA

problem #6

Sep 062021

Explorer 6-cyl

  • 110,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while reversing out of her driveway, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was able to be restarted and regained functionality. The contact stated that the power steering assist message was displayed. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the Power Steering Control Module software to be updated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

- Winter Haven, FL, USA

problem #5

Aug 282021

Explorer

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at a low rate of speed, the power steering locked as the power assist warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to his home. The contact then had the vehicle towed to a dealer where he was informed that the extended warranty on his vehicle had expired. The contact then had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who informed him of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the mechanic. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

- Hampton Bays, NY, USA

problem #4

Aug 242021

Explorer

  • 89,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the power steering and traction control warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel and the power steering assist failed to operate. The contact used excessive force to steer the vehicle while driving to the dealer. While at the dealer, the contact was informed that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer and was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.

- Elkhart, IN, USA

problem #3

Aug 272021

Explorer

  • 195,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while at a standstill, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact stated that the power steering warning message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic and was diagnosed but not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 195,000.

- Sherburn, MN, USA

problem #2

May 272014

Explorer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 87,417 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that when backing out of the driveway the power steering failed. As a result, the power steering assist fault and service steering advance tract lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle has not been taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 87,417 and the current mileage was 87,437. Pm updated 9/4/14

- Wesley Chapel, FL, USA

problem #1

Jun 192013

Explorer

  • 41,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 mph, there was a loss of power steering with the illumination of the warning indicator. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road where the engine was turned off. The vehicle restarted and resumed normally. The failure recurred. The vehicle failure was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 41,000.

- La Plata, MD, USA

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