Makes›Ford›Explorer›2011

2011 Ford Explorer

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.

Ford Explorer
Pictured: Ford Explorer (sixth generation) IMG 6063. Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV AWD Base V6/Xlt V6/Limited V, 4dr SUV FWD Base V6/Xlt V6/Limited V
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
20 combined · 18 city / 25 hwy
Length
197.2 in
Curb weight
4,557–4,731 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
6 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints849 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 110 for similar models — most often about the steering.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 28 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2011 Ford Explorer is a SUV - offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.

It measures about 197 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,731 lb (4dr SUV AWD Base V6/Xlt V6/Limited V).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (18 city / 25 highway), 4% worse than the 2011 SUV - average of 20.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,350 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 849 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.

What changed for 2011

  • New body dimensions: 3.5 in longer, wheelbase −1.2 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
  • Engine added: 3.5L 6-cyl
  • Engines dropped: 4.6L 8-cyl and 4.0L 6-cyl
  • Best combined MPG up from 17 to 20

Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 Explorer →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV AWD Base V6/Xlt V6/Limited V197.2 in78.7 in70.5 in112.6 in66.9 / 66.9 in4,731 lb54/46
4dr SUV FWD Base V6/Xlt V6/Limited V197.2 in78.7 in70.5 in112.6 in66.9 / 66.9 in4,557 lb54/46

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Explorer FWD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 20-4%$3,350444
Explorer FWD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 20-4%$3,350444
Explorer 4WD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19+1%$3,550468
Explorer 4WD3.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)4-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19+1%$3,550468
Spend $4,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
20.9 MPG2011 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Ford Explorer.

Similar 2011 SUV -s

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2011 Ford Explorer (this car)20 MPGNot rated6
2011 Toyota Land Cruiser15 MPGNot rated5
2011 Toyota 4Runner19 MPGNot rated10
2011 Toyota Highlander28 MPGNot rated5
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee18 MPGNot rated6
2011 Chevrolet Tahoe21 MPGNot rated6
2011 Volkswagen Touareg22 MPGNot rated4

Recalls (6)

Structure › Body › Roof And Pillars · Jan 19, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V031000 · 1,889,110 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
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. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024 and December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
Suspension › Rear · Sep 22, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V746000 · 150,723 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. These vehicles may be equipped with a cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) replacement part that could seize, and result in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.
Risk
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealer will inspect for the presence of a CABJ. If a CABJ of any design is found, the dealer will inspect the tightness of the CABJ, and replace the CABJ, knuckle, and/or toe link as necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters were mailed November 10, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 17, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S43.
Suspension › Rear · Jun 10, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V435000 · 1,194,173 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
Risk
A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, and inspect both rear toe link ball joints, replacing the rear wheel knuckle(s), if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S17.
Structure › Body › Door · Mar 24, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V171000 · 194,484 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
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.
Fix
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.
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · May 29, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V286000 · 179,027 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured May 17, 2010, through February 28, 2012. The affected vehicles may experience an intermittent connection in the electric power steering gear, which can cause a loss of the motor position sensor signal resulting in a shut down of the power steering assist.
Risk
If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist it will require extra steering effort at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) software, free of charge. If a vehicle shows a history of a loss of motor position sensor signal when the vehicle is brought in for the recall remedy, its steering rack assembly will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on July 23, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S06.
Seats · Feb 2, 2011

NHTSA campaign 11V063000 · 1,658 vehicles

Problem
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 EXPLORER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 15, 2010, THROUGH DECEMBER 13, 2010, EQUIPPED WITH SECOND ROW 60% SEATS WITH MANUAL RECLINER MECHANISMS THAT MAY HAVE COMPONENTS THAT ARE OUT OF DIMENSIONAL SPECIFICATION. THESE SEATS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 207, "SEATING SYSTEMS."
Risk
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT BACK MAY NOT PROVIDE THE REQUIRED STRENGTH, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
Fix
FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE SEATS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 15, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2011 Ford Explorer is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

849Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
19Involved a crash
2Involved a fire
5Injuries reported
89,162 miTypical mileage at failure
Steering453
Unknown Or Other109
Engine72
Electrical System61
Structure54
Structure › Body45
Power Train39
Air Bags38
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/10: 1324/11: 624/12: 1225/01: 1025/02: 925/03: 925/04: 525/05: 325/06: 1025/07: 725/08: 925/09: 325/10: 525/11: 625/12: 626/01: 226/02: 326/03: 426/04: 326/05: 326/06: 526/07: 426/08: 126/09: 124/1025/0125/0425/0725/1026/0126/0426/07max 13

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2011 Ford Explorer buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Steering — 453 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  3. Engine — 72 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Electrical System — 61 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 89,162 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 Ford Explorer. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Explorer years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Explorer23–Not rated20
2026 Explorer24198.8 inNot rated1542
2025 Explorer24198.8 in★★★★★22109
2024 Explorer24198.8 in★★★★★1021
2023 Explorer27198.8 in★★★★★15113
2022 Explorer27198.8 inNot rated25273
2021 Explorer27198.8 in★★★★★27456
2020 Explorer28198.8 in★★★★★351,249
2019 Explorer22198.4 in★★★★★6300
2018 Explorer22198.4 in★★★★★7737
2017 Explorer22198.4 in★★★★★141,713
2016 Explorer22198.4 inNot rated142,484

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →