Skip to content
Trimslate
SavedHelp

2011 Ford

Explorer 4WD

Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L

Ford Explorer: best and worst years
2011 Ford Explorer 4WD

Photo may show a different model year; you're viewing the 2011.

PhotoRichard SmithCC BY 2.0Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WDEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Drivetrain
4-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Transmission
Automatic 6-spdEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Powertrain
GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel
RegularEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Engine & performance

HP
287
Power to weight
0.063 hp/lb
Axle ratio
3.39
Cyl
6EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Aspiration
Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy
23 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG City
17 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG Comb
19 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel $/yr
$3,300EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Smog score
5/10
Elec. Range
0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Real-world MPG
20.4 mpg, reported by 1 driverabout 1.4 mpg above the EPA combined estimate
SmartWay certified
No

Dimensions & capacity

Length
197 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Width
79 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Height
70 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Wheelbase
113 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Curb Weight
4,557 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

Recalls
8
Owner complaints
1,187
Reported injuries
15

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • STEERING50%
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER8%
  • STRUCTURE7%
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM6%
  • ENGINE6%
  • POWER TRAIN4%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 1,477 total.

Ford Explorer: best and worst years

Federal investigations NHTSA defect investigations, model year

  • PE23001opened Jan 27, 2023STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

    Windshield trim molding Item detachment

  • EA17002opened Jul 27, 2017STRUCTURE:BODY

    Exhaust Odor in Passenger Cab

  • PE16008opened Jul 1, 2016STRUCTURE:BODY

    Ford Explorer Exhaust Odor

  • PE12017opened Jun 19, 2012STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

    Electric power steering failure

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

71 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • Feb 24, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSSM 54601

    Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applica

  • Apr 24, 2024EQUIPMENTSSM 52476

    All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer

  • Apr 4, 2023STRUCTURESSM 51536

    For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification number (VIN) from a different vehicle. Most modules on these affected vehicles are VIN/vehicle specific and hardware variations between modules do exist. Swapping a module from a vehicle or ordering a module using a different vehicle/VIN can cause ineffective repai

  • Feb 7, 2023SUSPENSION22N01 S1

    Certain 2011-2017 Model Year Explorer Vehicles Rear Wheel Knuckle Replacement REASON FOR THIS SUPPLEMENT Program Terms: added 21R01 and 21R02 REASON FOR PROVIDING A NO-COST, ONE-TIME REPAIR: added 21R01 and 21R02 OWNER NOTIFICATION MAILING SCHEDULE: added mailing schedule for 21R01 and 21R02 OASIS ACTIVATION: added 21R01 and 21R02

  • Nov 4, 2022SUSPENSION:FRONT21R02

    Certain 2011 - 2013 Model Year Explorer Vehicles with Rear Wheel Knuckles that have been Replaced Rear Toe Link Inspection/Replacement Under Safety Recall 21S43, some of the affected vehicles that have had one (or both) rear wheel knuckle(s) replaced and were sold or operated in certain traditional corrosion areas where road salt is used extensively during winter months, may experience a seized toe link ball joint resulting in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link

  • Nov 4, 2022UNKNOWN OR OTHER21R01

    Certain 2011-2017 Model Year Explorer Vehicles Rear Toe Link Replacement Under Safety Recall 21S32, some of the affected vehicles exposed to a highly corrosive environment where road salt is used extensively during winter months, have experienced a seized toe link ball joint resulting in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.

  • Mar 31, 2022WHEELS22N01

    Certain 2011-2017 Model Year Explorer Vehicles Rear Wheel Knuckle Replacement Ref 21S32 Submitting Owner Letter

  • Jan 7, 2022VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLYSSM 50379

    Some 2011-2022 Explorer and 2020-2022 Aviator vehicles may experience an inoperative roof opening panel motor. If diagnostics lead to a motor replacement, visually inspect the original motor for signs of water intrusion. If found, determine source of water leak prior to replacing the motor. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 501-17, Pinpoint Test A for 2011-2016 and Pinpoint Test B for 2017-2022 for identifying the source of the water leak.

  • and 63 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
3 yr / 36k mi
Powertrain
5 yr / 60k mi
Roadside assistance
5 yr / 60k mi
EV battery
8 yr / 100k mi

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.