2011 Ford Explorer: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Dec 12, 2025 · Steering · 193,000 miles · KS

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was a grinding sound coming from the steering column while making left and right turns. Additionally, the contact stated that the steering wheel jerked while driving and making left or right turns. The contact stated that three unknown warning lights were illuminated, and the traction control warning light was also illuminated. Additionally, there are unknown messages displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but the diagnosis was unknown. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 193,000.

Filed May 11, 2023 · Suspension · 126,000 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired at the dealer under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V435000 (Suspension); however, the failure occurred after the recall repair was performed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made squeaking and popping sounds. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the sway bar links needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.

Filed Jun 11, 2020 · VA

I have a 2011 ford explorer limited, at random times while driving it will make a grinding noise, the vehicle will slow down and then the traction control lights will flash. If the traction control lights stop flashing the vehicle will pick up speed and drive normal but if the traction control light continues to flash for a long time eventually the traction control system will disable and then the warnings lights will say service advance trac and collision warning malfunction warning. If I let the vehicle sit for hours it may reset but it has continued to do so at random times and speed.

Filed Sep 4, 2019 · Suspension · 128,000 miles · GA

About a year ago, we noticed a squeaky noise in the front of vehicle each time we would accelerate, hit a bump, or make a turn. Took it to my mechanic who replaced parts in the front suspension of the vehicle. Took care of most of the issue but still occasionally squeaks as we brake. I believe there is an issue with the front suspension of this vehicle.

Filed Sep 2, 2019 · Steering, Suspension · 125,050 miles · WA

Almost wrecked vehicle the other day. Out of no where, no control of steering/back end of car. Back end feels like driving on ice. Fishtailing and then whole car feels out of control. Wheels squeal when turning, changing lanes. Steering wheel cocked at 2 o'clock position. Drive over railroad tracks, bumps, cracks and back end sways out. Traction control on but isn't responding. Car with swerving lines behind shows on dashboard. I saw recall notice 19s17 for suspension issue. This seems to be what I am experiencing but my VIN# isn't listed. This is very dangerous, afraid to drive vehicle.

Filed Feb 6, 2017 · Steering, Transmission · 114,000 miles · MD

My 2011 ford explorer had a faulty transfer case, which set me back $2000.00. The issue I was experiencing was a grinding noise in my front end while driving. I would experience hesitation when increasing speeds, as if the transmission was slipping. While going in reverse, the car would stall and the gear would lock. I would have to put the car back in park and try to reverse again, in order to move. Mazda has the same issue with their transfer case, which is the same transfer case on the 2011 ford explorer!!!!!!! This car has major issue across the board. I just recently replaced the power steering rack, which was eventually recalled by ford after numerous complaints. The 2011 ford explorer transfer case should be recalled by ford. The transfer case can dismantle and cause a major accident while your are driving!!

Filed Jul 19, 2016 · Engine · 113,000 miles · VA

Long story short, I pulled out of my neighborhood got about a quarter of a mile down the road. Heard the drive belt squeal for about 15 seconds, followed by check engine light, and extreme engine knock. The vehicle was shut off immediately. The codes read, crankshaft/camshaft correlation bank a sensor 1, the second code was engine knock. Vehicle towed to the dealer were they had 2 of their top technicians look at the vehicle and the both reported the water pump had failed and filled the engine up with coolant which cause the engine to expire. My wife only had the truck for 2 years and she's very careful driver. No woarning signs of a failing water pump. Just got back from a 7hr road trip a week before the water pump failed and the engine expired.

Filed Apr 24, 2015 · Brakes · WI

Both rear brake calipers are seized. I noticed the problem only when the brake pads had worn down to metal on metal and were causing a grinding noise. I've owned the vehicle for less than a year and bought it from a dealership.

Filed Jun 5, 2014 · Brakes · 72,050 miles · IL · fire

During traffic in hot weather on highway there is squealing sound coming from front drivers side of vehicle and smoke coming from rear driver tire after exiting highway to check the noise. After exiting highway I felt all 4 metal wheels and driver's side rear was extremely hot and other wheels were warm to the touch. I had the exact same conditions on passenger rear brakes last summer at ~50,000 miles, and the dealership replaced rear passenger caliper immediately. This time they claim are not able to reproduce the seizing of caliper after 3 mile test drive and calipers appeared to be in working condition. I argued that the problem may occur during long distance highway travel and may not happen on short test drive. Dealership argued that it is ford policy not to perform warranty repairs/replacement work when they are unable to reproduce problems described by customer. I am very upset that I have to worry about my car starting on fire every time I drive on highway. 2011 ford explorer xlt 3.5l v6 tivct. Northwest chicago il.

Filed Apr 21, 2014 · Brakes · 19,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contacts a 2011 ford explorer. The contact stated that the breaks would constantly squeal even when accelerating. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, who indicated that the caliber, rotors and brake pads needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 19,000.

Filed Oct 19, 2012 · Brakes, Steering · 16,000 miles · PA

Brakes make a grunting/grinding sound when braking shortly after being stationary. When this phenomenon happens on a downward slope, drive gets the feeling that brake effectiveness is reduced greatly. Owner has brought car to dealer a total of 4 times and was able to replicate noise one time.