88 complaints reported

2011 Ford Explorer Structure

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
88
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Dec 2025

Loose/Detached Bilateral Exterior C-Pillar around the rear window. Both sides are lifted and very loose with the potential to cause driver to lose control if detached resulting in damage to other vehicles on the road or even a traffic collision… this is a safety defect

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: May 2025
Nov 2025

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Expedition. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that for two years, the dealer was repeatedly contacted; however, the contact was informed that the parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was contacted; however, the contact was informed that the parts were not available. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Nov 2025
Nov 2025

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 both the driver's side and passenger's side windshield exterior trims had detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the trims were removed from the vehicle to prevent a road safety hazard. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Nov 2024
Oct 2025

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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Feb 2024
Sep 2025

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 made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the passenger’s side A-pillar trim flew off the vehicle. A local dealer was notified of the failure; however, the contact was informed that parts for the recall repair were unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2024
Sep 2025

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 that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Sep 2025
Aug 2025

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V301000 (Structure) in February 2024. The contact had been calling a dealer for several months but was informed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was contacted for parts availability and was informed that parts were anticipated by April 2025. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2024
Aug 2025

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on both sides of the windshield started to detach. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the A-pillar trims needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the parts for the repair would not be available until December. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Aug 2025
Aug 2025

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 that upon further inspection, the front driver’s side and passenger’s side A-pillar trims were loosened. The contact used super glue to perform a temporary repair. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Aug 2025
Jul 2025

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 that the vehicle was previously taken to the dealer, where an unknown windshield exterior A-pillar trim was replaced under the recall. Additionally, the contact stated that while washing the vehicle, the contact noticed that both the driver's side and passenger's side windshield exterior A-pillar trims were loose. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the recall parts were on back order, and the contact was informed that there was no record that the vehicle had been repaired in the past. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jun 2024
Jul 2025

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, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the front passenger’s and driver’s side A-pillar trim pieces were unsecured. The failure mileage was 160,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jul 2024
Jul 2025

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 that the driver's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim had separated from the vehicle while driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and was inspected. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jul 2023
Jul 2025

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 that while her daughter was driving 45 MPH, the passenger’s side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted, and a mobile mechanic was sent to the residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The mechanic checked the front driver's side A-pillar trim and peeled an unknown part off. The mechanic informed the contact that both parts needed to be ordered. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the driver's side A-pillar trim detached and was loose. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jul 2024
Jul 2025

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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while she was washing the vehicle with a garden hose, the driver's side of the A-pillar detached and separated from the vehicle. The contact was unable to reinstall the trim piece. The contact stated that recently the passenger’s side A-pillar trim became loosened. The failure mileage was 58,519. Parts distribution disconnect.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2024
Jun 2025

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's side windshield trim detached. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a fractured front windshield A-Pillar trim. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was inspected, and the vehicle passed the inspection. The failure later occurred, and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer; however, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 176,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Feb 2025
Jun 2025

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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jun 2025
Jun 2025

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. An unknown local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jun 2025
Jun 2025

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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the driver’s side A-pillar trim had become detached and flown off the vehicle after an inspection. No warning lights were illuminated. The approximate failure mileage was 177,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2024
May 2025

Recall 24S02​​.EXTERIOR A-PILLAR APPLIQUE TRIM CLIP on Ford Explorer 2011 -Dealership: Pearson Ford, 10650 N Michigan Road, Zionsville IN 46077 -August 2024: I notified the Ford dealership that the rubbery part around the A-frame on drivers side windshield was coming off and there has been a recall on this part. They looked at it and said the part was on back order. -Over the next few months the rubbery part that attaches to window came completely off. -I continued to notify Ford dealership throughout the next several months, and they continue to say the part is on back order. -April 2025: After filing a google complaint, Tyler with customer service called back and said he will contact me when the A-frame is ordered and in the shop. [XXX]: I was on the highway and the right side A-frame (part of the body) completely flew off and hit the car behind me. May 26-29th, 2025: I have attempted several times to get ahold of someone at this dealership (text, phone messages), and no response. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: May 2025
May 2025

Referencing Recall 24V031: A and B Pillar trim clips fail and cause cover to fly off while driving. * Puts driver and others at risk by part releasing from clips and flying off while driving. * I just lost my 4th one and have been waiting for parts at Corning Ford (530-824-5434) to fix this issue since August of 2024 when we originally took the vehicle in for repair. * After viewing my other cover, it is also near detaching and flying off without warning. * I feel the lack of attention and available parts for this recall is causing unnecessary risk to drivers and others on the road. PLEASE TAKE ACTION IN THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY COMPLETES THIS RECALL AND FIXES OUR VEHICLE.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: May 2025
Apr 2025

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 that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a piece of the front driver’s side A-pilar trim detached and blew off onto the highway. The contact stated that a piece of the driver’s side A-pilar trim remained attached; however, the vehicle was temporarily repaired with tape. The local dealer was contacted; however, parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: May 2024
Apr 2025

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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Dec 2024
Mar 2025

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 that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer and a second dealer, Serra Ford Kalkaska (408 W Mile Rd, Kalkaska, MI 49646), were made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Jan 2024
Mar 2025

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 that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Mar 2025
Mar 2025

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver’s and passenger’s side a-pillar trim pieces became disconnected. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); the VIN was included, but the vehicle had already been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 240,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2011 FORD EXPLORER, Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Incident: Mar 2025

Trend Over Time

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Quick Summary

The 2011 Ford Explorer has 88 Structure complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.