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…
2011 Ford Explorer body problems
moderate 96 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,500 · see body across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
96
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,500
When does it fail?
Of the 96 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 96 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.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
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. 96 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.