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2011 ford Explorer steering problems

moderate 735 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700

Complaints
735
Recalls
0
Crashes
19
Avg fix
$700

What owners are reporting 14 most recent

steering · filed 12/31/2025

Loss of power steering

steering · filed 12/31/2014

WHEN PARKED IN A PARKING GARAGE I STARTED OUT AND OF MY SPOT AND DOWN A RAMP TOWARD THE PAY STATION/BOOTH OF THE GARAGE TO EXIT. THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT CAME ON, I IMMEDIATELY LOST POWER STEERING AND WAS HEADED DIRECTLY TOWARD THE PAY BOOTH/ATTENDANT UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO BRAKE AND MUSCLE THE STEERING AWAY FROM THE IMPENDING CRASH. THIS POWER STEERING ISSUE HAS STARTED TO OCCUR BRIEFLY OV…

steering · filed 12/30/2021

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while attempting to reverse out of the driveway, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the power steering fault warning message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the rack and pinion replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contac…

steering · filed 12/30/2013

DRIVING IN THE MOUNTAINS AT NIGHT, PROCEEDING UP A STEEP AND ICY GRADE, THE VEHICLE GAVE A WARNING SIGNAL ABOUT A POWER STEERING PROBLEM AND IMMEDIATELY THE POWER STEERING UNIT FAILED. THE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT STEERING CAPABILITY OF THIS VEHICLE DURING THIS FAILURE, FORCED US TO CREEP ALONG A MAJOR HIGHWAY TO FINISH THE EIGHT MILES TO THE NEAREST TOWN. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM, I STUMBLED O…

steering · filed 12/28/2023

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering was inoperable. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact …

steering · filed 12/28/2022

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the "service power steering now" warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact used excessive force to steer the vehicle off the highway and into her husband's place of business. The contact called the dealer and was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steerin…

steering · filed 12/28/2022

the electric power steering failed due to manufacture recall on my exact year and model

steering · filed 12/28/2014

AFTER BRINGING MY CAR IN ON 9/15/14 TO ADDRESS THE FORD EXPLORER 2011 RECALL, SHEEHY FORD IN SPRINGFIELD, VA DECLARED MY PARTS OK AND REPROGRAMMED MY PSCM (I HAD NEVER HAD A SINGLE ISSUE WITH MY POWER STEERING)...I SUBSEQUENTLY DROVE TO KENTUCKY (FROM BURKE, VA) AND SEVERAL OTHER PLACES...EVENTUALLY DRIVING TO MY PARENT'S HOUSE IN VIENNA, VA (ABOUT 30+ MINUTES AWAY) FOR THANKSGIVING DAY (12/27/14)…

steering · filed 12/27/2021

My steering wheel is not moving and I have a warning coming on saying Power Steering Assist Fault. I called the dealership because it was a recall on the truck in 2014 and the owner back then never went and got it fixed. The dealership is refusing to fix the recall

steering · filed 12/27/2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO STEER OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND "POWER STEERING FAULT" APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MOSES FORD INC (2001 MACCORKLE AVE, ST ALBANS, WV 25177) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND NEEDED REPLAC…

Common questions

How serious is the steering problem on the 2011 ford Explorer?

It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 735 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.

At what mileage does the steering typically fail?

Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering 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 steering?

No active recalls currently cover steering 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.

Other problem areas on this vehicle

Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database. 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.
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