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 applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Ford Explorer body problems
moderate Owners of the 2011 Ford Explorer have filed 98 NHTSA complaints about the body, typically surfacing around 109,333 miles at roughly $1,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See body across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
98
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,500
| Model year | body complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 Explorer | 8 |
| 2011 Explorer (this page) | 98 |
| 2012 Explorer | 128 |
| 2013 Explorer | 386 |
| 2014 Explorer | 256 |
| 2015 Explorer | 371 |
When does it fail?
Of the 98 body complaints filed for the 2011 Ford Explorer, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 98 body complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering body on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
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 repairs and additional vehicle down time. Make sure all appropriate Workshop Manual (WSM) procedures are followed when diagnosing the condition prior to all module replacements and only order modules using
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles equipped with a factory keyless entry keypad may exhibit a loose driver side B-pillar front door upper moulding. This may be caused by a lack of adhesion of the front door upper moulding to the door. To resolve the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to reapply adhesive tape to the front door upper moulding. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition on vehicles that meet all of the following criteria: * 2011-2019 Explorer * Equipped with factory keyless entry keypad * Left side front door upper moulding is loose
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The dominant failure on these 2011 Explorers is A-pillar windshield trim detachment. The rubber or plastic trim that seals the windshield corners loosens, cracks, or flies off during normal driving, sometimes at highway speeds. Owners report loud buzzing or popping sounds, visible trim separation, and trim pieces becoming roadside projectiles. More than 40 complaints cite NHTSA Campaign 24V031000 (Structure), which addresses this defect via trim and clip replacement—but the recall parts have been on back order since August 2024. Owners are left with tape, glue, or complete trim removal as temporary fixes. One independent shop noted that even new replacement trims fail within days due to broken plastic retention tabs.
Water leaks through failed sunroof seals are a secondary issue. Multiple owners report water pooling in third-row seat belt passages, filling the front floorboard, and dripping onto dashboard electronics, with mildew growth and recurring failures even after dealer repairs. Ford has not issued a recall for this defect.
Other reported failures include exhaust odor entering the cabin (particularly on grades), door panels separating from frames, spontaneous rear window shattering, hood corrosion and paint failure, and intermittent door handle failures. Parts availability and slow manufacturer response are consistent complaint themes across these body defects.
Same Ford Explorer body reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
A-Pillar Windshield Trim Detachment and Separation
The rubber or plastic exterior trim that seals the windshield at the A-pillar (front corner posts) detaches, loosens, cracks, or flies off while driving. This is the dominant failure mode affecting dozens of vehicles in this cluster. The trim pieces either separate gradually with visible loosening and cracking, or detach suddenly and become projectiles. The failure leaves the windshield seal exposed, allowing water infiltration.
When: Occurs across mileage range from 52,000 to 240,000 miles; can happen during normal driving or at highway speeds (40–75 mph), and sometimes while parked or washing the vehicle.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud buzzing, popping, or tapping noise from windshield area; Visible loosening or cracking of rubber trim gasket around A-pillar; Rubber trim piece detaches and flies off vehicle; Trim piece flaps against windshield while driving; Sealant on trim deteriorating; Water leaking into cabin after trim failure
Repairs/costs cited: NHTSA Campaign 24V031000 (Structure) addresses this defect via replacement of A-pillar trim and retention clips. However, recall parts were on back order for extended periods (many complaints cite 6+ months of waiting since August 2024–early 2025). Independent shops report replacement trims also fail shortly after installation due to broken plastic retention tabs. Temporary fixes used include tape, glue, or removal of trim entirely.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 24V031000 (Structure); Recall 24S02 exterior A-pillar applique trim clip. Dealership responses repeatedly cite parts unavailable/on back order. One dealership denied repair coverage under the recall after inspection passed initially but failure recurred. Some owners referred to NHTSA Hotline for complaint filing.
Water Leaks Through Sunroof Area and Seat Belt Passages
Water enters the cabin through failed sunroof seals or deteriorated seams, running down the third-row seat belt passages, into the front passenger-side floorboard, and dripping from the headliner onto center console electronics. Multiple owners cite recurring leaks over 2+ year periods despite previous dealer repairs. The leaks occur during rain or car washing.
When: Occurs during rain or vehicle washing; documented as recurring issue years after initial repair attempts; one owner had initial repair in 2016, recurrence by 2018.
Symptoms owners cite: Water pooling in third-row seat belt passages; Water filling front passenger floorboard; Water dripping from headliner onto center instrument panel electronics; Mildew and mold growth inside vehicle; Mildew odor in cabin; Fogging/condensation on interior windows; Rust damage to spare tire area
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report the failure originates from sunroof seal degradation. One owner had Carmax perform repair in 2016; recurred worse by 2018. Dealers have not provided permanent fixes. Third-row seating unusable due to constant moisture. One repair estimate mentioned water entering rear trunk area.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford denied recall status, stating no recall exists for this condition. Dealers covered partial repairs in some cases only after owner advocacy. No factory remedy identified.
Exhaust Odor Entering Cabin
Exhaust smell enters the vehicle cabin, particularly noticeable while climbing or descending hills or on varied terrain. Occurs from first year of ownership. Dealership technicians initially stated the odor was part of vehicle design or could not identify a cause.
When: From first year of ownership; occurs when driving uphill, downhill, or on varied terrain; happens on both express and normal roads.
Symptoms owners cite: Noticeable exhaust smell in cabin; Smell becomes more frequent with time; Occurs consistently during grade changes
Repairs/costs cited: One dealership offered repair estimate of $600 but owner had not pursued it after reporting the issue for 36,000 miles without resolution from multiple dealerships.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership service staff indicated no known cause or stated it was part of vehicle design. No recall or TSB identified.
Door Panel Separation from Frame
Driver-side and passenger-side door panels are separating from the door frame, creating a gap that widens from left to right along the middle of the panel. One owner reports the gap trapping his shirt sleeve and coat while entering/exiting, impeding drivability.
When: At approximately 147,000 miles; occurs while opening and using driver's side door.
Symptoms owners cite: Visible gap between door panel and door frame; Panel separating from center top area; Gap widens from left to right; Gap traps clothing and impedes drivability
Repairs/costs cited: Owner was referred to an auto body shop for repair; vehicle not repaired at time of complaint.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was informed; no specific recall or warranty program noted.
Rear Window Spontaneous Failure/Shattering
Rear window glass cracks spontaneously and shatters while the vehicle is started or shortly after starting, with no external impact noted. Glass fails with a loud pop and becomes spider-webbed; debris found both outside and inside the rear compartment.
When: While vehicle was being started in the driveway; occurred immediately upon closing the driver's side door after starting the engine.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud pop sound from rear window; Large hole appears in upper center portion of rear window; Remaining glass spider-webs/shatters; Glass debris scattered in rear compartment and on ground outside
Repairs/costs cited: Not specified in complaint narrative.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in complaint.
Hood Paint Bubbling, Chipping, and Corrosion
Paint on the aluminum hood bubbles and chips due to underlying corrosion. Dealer diagnosed that the hood must be replaced because it is aluminum and has started to corrode.
When: At 20,000 miles; vehicle had been previously repainted as an attempted remedy.
Symptoms owners cite: Paint bubbles on hood; Paint chips off hood; Visible corrosion of aluminum hood
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer recommended hood replacement; vehicle not repaired at time of complaint despite two separate dealer visits.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was made aware; no warranty or repair program noted.
Door Handle Intermittent Failure
Rear passenger-side and front driver-side door handles fail to operate intermittently, preventing door opening.
When: At 70,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Door handle intermittently fails to operate; Inability to open door at times
Repairs/costs cited: Not specified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 15V171000 (Structure) addresses this failure; however, repair parts were unavailable at time of service attempt.
Synthesized from 98 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
In the 2021 Ford Explorer there are multiple leaks due to rain / water damage. The back of the trunk has a leak that has water running down the side into the third row seat it causes rust on to the spare tire, it’s causes fog to be on the inside of the car causing issues to see. There is also leaking in the front of the car that comes out through the light unit above all electric panel. This…
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the exterior A-pillar Trim detached. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not yet available.…
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehilce was taken to the local dealer where the exterior A-pillar trim was removed. The vehilce was not repaired due to parts being backordered. The contact stated that the…
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000(Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 70-72 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal popping sound, and the driver's side windshield exterior A-Pillar trim separated and flew off. Additionally, the contact stated that the…
Had body trouble with your 2011 Ford Explorer?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the body problem on the 2011 Ford Explorer?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 98 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $1,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the body typically fail?
Across the 52 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most body failures cluster between 58,519 and 143,000 miles, with the median around 109,333. A quarter of owners report trouble before 58,519; a quarter make it past 143,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,500 for body repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to body?
No active recalls currently cover body issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Ford/Explorer.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.