Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2011 Ford Explorer
The 2011 Ford Explorer is often criticized for steering and structural issues, supported by numerous complaints and recalls. There are eight recalls, mostly concerning the steering system and body structure, indicating significant areas of concern. Proceed with caution and thoroughly inspect steering components and structural integrity during the pre-purchase inspection.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2011 Ford Explorer has 8 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,197 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #24V031000 Exterior A-Pillar Trim May Detach NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21V746000 Rear Suspension Toe Link Fracture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V435000 Rear Suspension Toe Links May Fracture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17E048000 Hub Unit Bearing may Allow Wheel Detachment NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V171000 Interior Door Handle Return Spring may Unseat NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V286000 Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14E001000 Replacement Steering Gears may Lock Steering NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #11V063000 CENTER RECLINER MECHANISM/FMVSS 207 NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Steering 743 complaints
- Unknown or Other 112 complaints
- Structure 110 complaints
- Electrical System 95 complaints
- Engine 83 complaints
- Power Train 64 complaints
Of the 1,197 complaints on file, 30 report a crash and 4 a fire; across all 1,197 complaints, owners report 15 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Power steering assist fails
How to check: Test steering at various speeds for stiffness or failure to assist.
Rear suspension toe link fracture
How to check: Inspect rear suspension links for signs of stress or damage.
A-pillar trim detachment
How to check: Check for secure attachment of A-pillar trim pieces.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises or vibrations.
Red flag: Knocking noises at startup.
- 02
Initial acceleration
What to check: Ensure smooth shifting through gears.
Red flag: Rough or delayed gear changes.
- 03
City driving
What to check: Monitor steering for stiffness or loss of power assist.
Red flag: Steering becomes stiff or unresponsive.
- 04
Highway driving
What to check: Check for stable, controlled steering at speed.
Red flag: Wandering or unstable steering.
- 05
Braking
What to check: Listen for grinding or squeaking sounds.
Red flag: Brake noise or vibration.
- 06
Parking
What to check: Test all electronic features and controls.
Red flag: Non-functional electronics or unresponsive controls.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the power steering been repaired?
- Any recent suspension repairs or issues?
- Have all recalls been addressed?
- Any structural repairs done on the vehicle?
- Can you provide service records?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Full service history
- Proof of recall repairs
- Accident history report
- Title and registration documents
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2011 Ford Explorer at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2011 Ford Explorer? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.