2011 Ford Explorer driver assistance problems

Filed Feb 13, 2026 · Driver assistance, Transmission · AZ

During a red-light, as I was coming to a stop, the vehicle gave the warning saying “service power-steering now” and “traction control off.” I was unable to turn the steering wheel much due to it being so heavy. My official complaint: Vehicle: 2011 Ford Escape XLT Safety Recall: the federal safety agency Campaign Number 14V284000 (Ford Recall 14S05) Issue: Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist (EPS) / Steering Torque Sensor Fault I am submitting this complaint regarding an unresolved safety defect involving my 2011 Ford Escape XLT. This vehicle is subject to a federally recognized safety recall for loss of electric power steering assist: the federal safety agency Campaign Number 14V284000, Ford Recall 14S05, which involves the electric power steering (EPS) system and steering torque sensor faults that can cause the vehicle to suddenly lose steering assist. The safety issue covered under this recall is still present and represents an ongoing risk. The vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, which makes the steering wheel extremely difficult to turn and increases the risk of a crash, especially at lower speeds, in traffic, or during turns. On February 13, 2026, I had a scheduled appointment at Kingman Ford (Arizona) at 3:00 PM specifically to address this safety recall issue and the continuing steering assist problem. Kingman Ford declined service and refused to perform any recall-related repair, stating they could not provide service related to the recall. After the dealership refusal, I contacted Ford Corporate Customer Service directly. Ford Corporate also declined to provide any repair assistance, and stated they had no knowledge of any federal directives or requirements regarding safety issues connected to this recall. Because this is a federally recognized safety recall and the defect continues to occur, I am requesting that the federal safety agency document this as a recall remedy failure / unresolved safety defect, and review Ford’s refusal (and the dealership’s refusal) to correct a known steerin

Filed Jun 25, 2025 · Driver assistance · 125,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a distorted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. The message "Camera not Available - Contact Local Dealer" was displayed. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

Filed Aug 1, 2024 · Driver assistance, Steering · MA

Power Steering just went out with no warning. Plus 3 other failures Service advance Trac Power Steering fault and Terrain Management Fault. All these occurred at the same time.

Filed Jul 26, 2023 · Driver assistance, Electrical · GA

The Electronic power steering went out for the third time while trying to park at grocery store parking lot. We have paid for 3 replacements and reprogramming now for the 3rd time it’s out again.

Filed Sep 14, 2022 · Driver assistance, Steering · FL

Electric power steering failed without any warning. Ford HAD a voluntary recall, but as a second owner I did not get any notification. As vehicles are supposed to exceed 100k miles this is disturbing (like iPhone battery fiasco). Electric steering is nearly impossible to drive and being thIs is a KNOWN problem with this vehicle and the fact it is the #1 vehicle currently utilized by Law Enforcement I find it odd there is not a mandatory safety recall for this issue. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Filed Mar 3, 2022 · Driver assistance, Steering · 142,000 miles · CT

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was recently repaired under an unknown steering recall. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The steering assist, traction control, and an unknown warning light were illuminated during the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle would regain power steering functionality a day or two after the failure. The failure had recurred three times within the month. The contact had contacted the dealer who diagnosed that the power steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer confirmed that the vehicle was out of warranty and referred the contact to the federal safety agency for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 142,000.

Filed Jun 15, 2019 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 178,805 miles · VA

Engine damage due to overheating. Regular and required oil changes are documented and implemented as scheduled. No other engine or vehicle malfunctions during the course of ownership, except regular oil changes and tire replacement. However, on may 15, 2019, vehicle sensor notified oil change needed. Five days later vehicle stalled at local motel due to decreased power, rocking motion of car and luckily we were able to slowly turn into local hotel to cut off engine and get to safety. After 2 hours of letting vehicle set and cool down, local mechanic, checked and said we had enough oil in vehicle and not sure what happened. Was able to drive vehicle home, with no sensors on dashboard alerting us to any further problems. Three days later, with no visible sensors flashing, car began to exhibit rocking motion not sputtering motion as I began to pull out in four-way intersection, and approaching traffic heading my way. Then suddenly, car regained power and was able to continue to proper lane as if nothing was wrong. After traveling another 1.6 miles, car just starting losing power, check engine, low oil pressure light, temperature light warning all appeared suddenly. I was able to drift in middle lane in front of dealership where vehicle was purchased. I immediatedly turned vehicle off and walked to dealership to get help in moving vehicle off the road. After 3days of waiting, duncah dealership in christiansburg, va, notifed us that head gasget was cracked and over 7,000 repair bill was needed to fix engine repair. As noted before no major problems has ever been repaired or replaced regarding this vehicle. During the two incidents regarding the vehhicle losing power, without no visible vehicle sensor notifications is of great concern to us regarding our safety in driving our vehicle. Thankfully, we weren't on a major highway.

Filed Jan 17, 2017 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 107,000 miles · IL

The battery charging system comes on while drive at normal speed and the steering becomes very hard and then everything shuts down and if you are lucky you might make it off the side of the road. This is very scary as I live in a rural around where you can't always get over in an appropriate area. In the past I could let it set for a minute and restart it and would be fine. Recently had to have it jump started for it to run again and then seems fine. Just last night/this morning it was so bad that we had to let it sit for several hours before we could get it to jump start it again. I have saw that others have had similar complaints. When I searched my VIN number it says there is no recalls but when I was searching for recalls it mentions the power steering as a recall. The recall was prior to me purchasing this unit. I am frustrated and this is a great safety recall that ford should fix on all vehicles. The date entering as event happened was the last event but it started back in may of 2016.

Filed Dec 2, 2016 · Driver assistance, Electrical · TX

There are allot of issues going on with the truck we have just hit around 70k miles, this started a few months ago the passenger back door is not latching correctly upon being closed. The whole electrical system has been faulty for some time now A/C doesn't work correctly/ remotes and lights on car on constantly flickering... Happens while vehicle isnt in motion and when in motion

Filed Oct 4, 2016 · Driver assistance · 90,000 miles · MI

2011 ford explorer xlt: failure of 2011 ford explorer passenger blend door actuator. Have had to replace this actuator three times in 12 months. Failure occurs slowly. Failure begins with clicking sound present for 10 seconds upon starting A/C or heater and turning off of A/C or heater. Issue progresses to clicking sound present throughout entire time A/C or heater is used. Issue then progresses to complete failure and not working. Vehicle purchased from ford dealer. Ford certified used with approximately 70,000 miles. Issue started occurring at approximately 90,000 miles.