VehicleVerdict

2011 Ford Explorer body & structure problems

The 2011 Ford Explorer has 111 body & structure complaints filed with NHTSA — 7% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

111

Body & Structure complaints

7%

Share of year

2

Crash-involved

2

Related recalls

Body & Structure complaints by year

Related recalls

24V031000Body & StructureJanuary 19, 2024 · 1,889,110 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.

Consequence

A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed Feburary 16, 2024. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 18, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.

15V171000Body & StructureMarch 24, 2015 · 194,484 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the interior door handle return spring may unseat, resulting in interior door handle that does not return to the fully stowed position after actuation.

Consequence

If the interior door handle return spring is unseated, the door may unlatch in the event of a side impact crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four of the interior door handles and either repair or replace them, free of charge. The recall began on July 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S11.

What owners report

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AT AROUND 20 MPH WHEN THERE WERE CARS THAT SUDDENLY STOPPED. WHEN I WAS BRAKING I FELT AS IF THE STEERING WAS ALLOWING ME TO TURN AND IT HAPPENED SO FAST I FELT AS IF I LOST BRAKING POWER. THEN I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME HARD. *TR

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · August 28, 2014 · crash

Common questions

How many body & structure complaints does the 2011 Ford Explorer have?

NHTSA has 111 complaints about the 2011 Ford Explorer body & structure — 7% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2011 Ford Explorer body & structure?

Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the body & structure: 15V171000, 24V031000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.