111 of the 1,499 complaints about the 2011 Ford Explorer are about the body and structure — 7% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 101,000 miles.
111
Complaints
2
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
STRUCTURE:BODY
The pillar covers fell of the vehicle when driving last week. Both plastic covers are on the side of the interstate. I was told and found there is a recall for the clips on these covers, but when I searched, they are not listed for this vehicle. There appears to be an issue with this recall and the explorer.
NHTSA complaint #11745751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
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 dealer and 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 trim piece was almost detached. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11744504 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger's side exterior A-Pillar Applique Trim detached. The contact stated that the exterior A-Pillar Applique Trim was flapping and hitting the ground. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the parts were unavailable. The contact was advised to remove the detached exterior A-Pillar Applique Trim. The contact received a recall notification, NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however the parts were unavailable. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1000,000.
NHTSA complaint #11742184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
In early 2024, we learned our 2011 Ford Explorer was under open recall (NHTSA #24V031) for the A-pillar windshield trim, which could detach and create a road hazard. For two years, our Ford dealer said repairs could not be done due to parts availability. The A-pillar trim detached three separate times, including once at 75 mph on a highway, causing fear and danger. The vehicle’s elderly owner stopped driving for safety. On May 26, 2026, a non-Ford mechanic attempted a repair due to the delay at Ford, but the part broke during that attempt. The recall remains incomplete, and we have ongoing safety concerns, out-of-pocket expenses, and no timeline for a real fix.
NHTSA complaint #11740507 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
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 A-pillar trim clip detached, and the vehicle was taken to the local dealer where a temporary repair was performed using tape to secure the trim. 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 approximate failure mileage was 135,000.
NHTSA complaint #11732408 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side A-pillar trim on 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 dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired, and the dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The approximate failure mileage was 116,035.
NHTSA complaint #11726432 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
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
NHTSA complaint #11704644 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact became aware that the passenger’s and driver's side A-pillar trims had started to crack, and the pieces were loose. The contact used tape to secure the A-pillar trims. The contact called a local dealer and was informed that the remedy 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 informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
NHTSA complaint #11702487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11699461 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on the driver’s side windshield started to detach. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 21V746000 (Suspension); however, the parts to perform the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available and were on back order. The vehicle was not diagnosed or 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 not available.
NHTSA complaint #11695270 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11694140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11688820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11687329 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11682776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11682396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11680935 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
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 various speeds, the front driver’s side A-pillar trim became loosened and was temporarily repaired using tape. In addition, the contact stated that the sealant on the driver's side A-pillar trim was deteriorating. 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 failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
NHTSA complaint #11677836 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11677022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11676210 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11675529 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11671695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11670196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11670213 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11669420 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11665277 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11664605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
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)
NHTSA complaint #11663709 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11654162 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11651360 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11650741 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.