Ford Explorer 2011–2019
5th generation · U502 (Ford D4)
NHTSA data through 12 August 202615,842 complaints, 9,738 with mileageMethod
On this generation, failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 26,830 and 98,000 miles.
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 120 complaints (1.2%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 5,200
- 25%
- 26,830
- Median
- 59,000
- 75%
- 98,000
- 90%
- 135,632
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 | 896 | 9.2% |
| 5,000–10,000 | 425 | 4.4% |
| 10,000–15,000 | 363 | 3.7% |
| 15,000–20,000 | 309 | 3.2% |
| 20,000–25,000 | 329 | 3.4% |
| 25,000–30,000 | 283 | 2.9% |
| 30,000–35,000 | 324 | 3.3% |
| 35,000–40,000 | 380 | 3.9% |
| 40,000–45,000 | 437 | 4.5% |
| 45,000–50,000 | 412 | 4.2% |
| 50,000–55,000 | 417 | 4.3% |
| 55,000–60,000 | 328 | 3.4% |
| 60,000–65,000 | 371 | 3.8% |
| 65,000–70,000 | 317 | 3.3% |
| 70,000–75,000 | 364 | 3.7% |
| 75,000–80,000 | 264 | 2.7% |
| 80,000–85,000 | 352 | 3.6% |
| 85,000–90,000 | 270 | 2.8% |
| 90,000–95,000 | 296 | 3.0% |
| 95,000–100,000 | 238 | 2.4% |
| 100,000–105,000 | 347 | 3.6% |
| 105,000–110,000 | 207 | 2.1% |
| 110,000–115,000 | 201 | 2.1% |
| 115,000–120,000 | 136 | 1.4% |
| 120,000–125,000 | 196 | 2.0% |
| 125,000–130,000 | 137 | 1.4% |
| 130,000–135,000 | 138 | 1.4% |
| 135,000–140,000 | 108 | 1.1% |
| 140,000–145,000 | 135 | 1.4% |
| 145,000–150,000 | 78 | 0.8% |
| 150,000–155,000 | 148 | 1.5% |
| 155,000–160,000 | 72 | 0.7% |
| 160,000–165,000 | 68 | 0.7% |
| 165,000–170,000 | 62 | 0.6% |
| 170,000–175,000 | 56 | 0.6% |
| 175,000–180,000 | 29 | 0.3% |
| 180,000–185,000 | 44 | 0.5% |
| 185,000–190,000 | 23 | 0.2% |
| 190,000–195,000 | 32 | 0.3% |
| 195,000–200,000 | 26 | 0.3% |
| 200,000+ | 120 | 1.2% |
What this can and cannot tell you: these are complaints owners chose to file, not a failure rate. Popular models accumulate more of them simply by being common. How this is built.
Owners filed 15,842 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011–2019 Ford Explorer, and 9,738 of them record the mileage at which the failure happened. That is enough to show not just what fails, but when.
Failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 26,830 and 98,000 miles. The median is 59,000 miles.
The most-reported areas are the steering (21.6% of complaints, typically around 77,000 miles), body structure (19.1% of complaints, typically around 80,000 miles), problems owners could not categorise (14.4% of complaints, typically around 31,000 miles).
32 recall campaigns cover this generation.
What fails, and when
- Steering77,000median 77,416 miles, middle half 44,000 to 117,000
- Body structure80,000median 80,000 miles, middle half 50,000 to 111,000
- Problems owners could not categorise31,000median 31,000 miles, middle half 8,000 to 60,000
- Engine38,000median 37,800 miles, middle half 9,000 to 73,000
- Transmission and driveline55,000median 55,200 miles, middle half 25,000 to 90,000
- Electrical system52,000median 51,700 miles, middle half 23,000 to 90,000
- Fuel and propulsion system35,000median 34,600 miles, middle half 6,500 to 59,000
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 3,425 | 21.6% | 77,000 | 44,000–117,000 |
| Body structure | 3,029 | 19.1% | 80,000 | 50,000–111,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 2,286 | 14.4% | 31,000 | 8,000–60,000 |
| Engine | 1,536 | 9.7% | 38,000 | 9,000–73,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 826 | 5.2% | 55,000 | 25,000–90,000 |
| Electrical system | 814 | 5.1% | 52,000 | 23,000–90,000 |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 511 | 3.2% | 35,000 | 6,500–59,000 |
| Suspension | 471 | 3.0% | 81,000 | 42,000–116,000 |
| Engine and its cooling system | 465 | 2.9% | 72,000 | 22,000–111,000 |
| Airbag system | 363 | 2.3% | 60,000 | 42,000–80,000 |
Which systems, and when
Complaints about this generation are not spread evenly across the vehicle, and the systems that generate the most of them do not all fail at the same point in a car's life. The median failure across all systems here is 59,000 miles; the figures below show which parts of the car run ahead of that and which run behind.
The steering accounts for 21.6% of complaints (3,425 reports, 2,410 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 77,416 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 44,000 and 117,000 miles.
Body structure accounts for 19.1% of complaints (3,029 reports, 1,541 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 80,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 50,000 and 110,660 miles.
Problems owners could not categorise accounts for 14.4% of complaints (2,286 reports, 1,181 of them with a mileage figure), and it fails early — a median of 31,000 miles, well before the vehicle's overall median. Failures clustered this far below the rest of the car usually point to a design or manufacturing problem rather than wear, because wear does not selectively target one system on low-mileage examples. The middle half of these reports falls between 8,000 and 59,650 miles.
The engine accounts for 9.7% of complaints (1,536 reports, 993 of them with a mileage figure), and it fails early — a median of 37,800 miles, well before the vehicle's overall median. Failures clustered this far below the rest of the car usually point to a design or manufacturing problem rather than wear, because wear does not selectively target one system on low-mileage examples. The middle half of these reports falls between 9,000 and 73,425 miles.
The transmission and driveline accounts for 5.2% of complaints (826 reports, 565 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 55,200 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 25,000 and 90,000 miles.
The electrical system accounts for 5.1% of complaints (814 reports, 470 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 51,700 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 23,400 and 90,000 miles.
Differences between model years
Within this generation, complaint volume is not constant across model years. The 2016 model year drew the most — 3,022 complaints — while 2019 drew the fewest at 334. The median year sits at 2,037.
Recalls and what they cover
NHTSA records 32 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation. A recall means the manufacturer or the regulator concluded there was a safety defect or a standard was not met, and that a free remedy is owed to owners — including second and later owners.
The campaigns cluster around the suspension (6), seats (6), body structure (5). Repeated recalls against the same area of the car generally mean the first remedy did not fully resolve the underlying problem.
Recall status is specific to the individual vehicle, not the model. Checking a VIN against NHTSA's lookup is free and takes under a minute, and it is the only way to know whether a particular car has had the work done.
Reported severity
Of the 15,842 complaints filed against this generation, 369 reported a crash; 89 reported a fire; 507 reported an injury; 7 reported a fatality. Crash-involved reports represent 2.3% of the total.
These are owner-reported outcomes, not verified investigations, and they are not adjusted for how many of these vehicles are on the road. They are included because the distinction between a fault that strands a car and a fault that causes a collision is the one that matters most, and it is not visible in a complaint count alone.
What this means if you are buying one
For a buyer, failures on this generation are spread rather than concentrated: the middle half falls between 26,830 and 98,000 miles, with a median of 59,000. There is no single mileage threshold to watch, which means condition and maintenance records are more informative than the odometer.
On inspection, the steering and body structure are where this generation's reports concentrate, so those are the areas worth a specific look. The steering in particular shows a median failure mileage of 77,416, which gives a concrete number to compare against the odometer of any car you are considering.
None of this is a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on the individual car. Aggregate patterns describe a population; the example in front of you has its own history.
Documented problems
Drivetrain 2011–2019, most reported 2013–2019
Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failure on AWD models. The PTU sits adjacent to the catalytic converter, holds only about half a quart of gear oil, and was specified with 'lifetime' fluid and no service interval; heat breaks the fluid down, the internal gears and seals fail, producing a hot/gassy odor, whine, grinding and eventual seizure that can damage the transaxle.
Engine 2011–2019
Internal (timing-chain-driven) water pump failure on the 3.5L/3.7L Cyclone V6. The pump is behind the timing cover; when the seal fails, coolant can enter the crankcase and destroy bearings. Weep-hole drip near the alternator or A/C compressor is the early sign. Labor-intensive repair.
Exhaust/Hvac 2011–2017
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) intrusion into the passenger cabin, subject of NHTSA investigations PE16-007 and EA17-002; associated with cracked exhaust manifolds and unsealed body seams in the rear quarter. Most acute on Police Interceptor Utility units with aftermarket upfitting.
Engine
Cracked exhaust manifolds producing a ticking noise that mimics a lifter/exhaust leak.
Infotainment 2011–2015
MyFord Touch (MFT) freezing, reboots and unresponsive touchscreen; subject of a class-action settlement.
By model year
| Year | Complaints | With mileage |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 1,499 | 1,099 |
| 2012 | 1,029 | 721 |
| 2013 | 2,790 | 1,889 |
| 2014 | 2,042 | 1,250 |
| 2015 | 2,214 | 1,419 |
| 2016 | 3,022 | 1,883 |
| 2017 | 2,037 | 1,002 |
| 2018 | 875 | 342 |
| 2019 | 334 | 133 |
Recalls (32)
| Campaign | Date | Component |
|---|---|---|
| 26V101000 | 2026-03-16 | Suspension:rear |
| 25V695000 | 2026-01-02 | Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera |
| 24V031000 | 2024-07-18 | Structure:body:roof and Pillars |
| 21V746000 | 2022-03-17 | Suspension:rear |
| 21V537000 | 2022-03-16 | Suspension:rear |
| 21V316000 | 2021-10-01 | Structure:body |
| 20V692000 | 2021-02-02 | Power Train:axle Assembly:axle Shaft |
| 20V675000 | 2020-11-27 | Suspension:rear |
| 19V651000 | 2019-11-08 | Seats |
| 19V633000 | 2019-10-21 | Seats:mid/Rear Assembly |
| 19V435000 | 2019-06-26 | Suspension:rear |
| 18V807000 | 2018-12-07 | Fuel System, Gasoline |
| 17V767000 | 2018-03-16 | Seats |
| 17V530000 | 2017-09-13 | Steering |
| 17V332000 | 2017-06-07 | Seats:front Assembly:recliner |
| 16V925000 | 2017-01-31 | Engine and Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/Supercharger |
| 16V245000 | 2016-11-18 | Suspension:rear |
| 16V475000 | 2016-08-18 | Seats:front Assembly:recliner |
| 16V183000 | 2016-05-18 | Engine and Engine Cooling:engine |
| 15V812000 | 2015-12-21 | Fuel System, Gasoline |
| 15V605000 | 2015-10-19 | Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:mounting |
| 15V464000 | 2015-09-04 | Parking Brake |
| 15V171000 | 2015-07-23 | Structure:body:door |
| 14V286000 | 2014-07-23 | Steering:electric Power Assist System |
| 13V270000 | 2013-08-02 | Latches/Locks/Linkages |
What owners reported
I have a 2011 Ford Explorer and the sun visors do not allow me to make small adjustments to block the sun. When the visor is fully opened i cannot make 1/4 or 1/2 inch adjustments. I almost have to bring the visor half way down before it holds in place. Then it blocks my view of traffic. I've notified champion…
2011 · 4 miles · Visibility equipment
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the illumination of the headlights was extremely dim. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they advised the contact that they would adjust the lights. The vehicle was repaired for the adjustment of the headlights. The same failure recurred soon…
2011 · 5 miles · Exterior lighting
Compliant on Ford Explorer 2011 steering problem; its highly dishonest and cruel how Ford is always selling cars to american people and saying that are the best in the market when in reality this cars (Ford Explorer 2011) have really high hazardous defects on its steering operation system. According to the reviews…
2011 · 25 miles · Steering
My 2011 Explorer has experienced the steering problem in several occasions, most of the time when i'm making a turn on the street or trying to park the vehicle the steering warning light comes on and the steering wheel becomes really hard to move around. Most of the time i'm driving under 30mph but it's pretty…
2011 · 40 miles · Steering
Built from 9,738 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-08-12 · open data · reproduce this page