2011 Ford Explorer engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jun 15, 2026OHEngine

   While stopped at a stop sign my engine suddenly died, before restarting a low oil pressure light came on but went out immediately. I was approximately 40 miles from home when I got to my destination. The car was showing no signs of issues, no warning lights or errors. When I went back out to start it and head home it would not start. I had to pay additional expense beyond my insurance road side coverage due to the distance. I have had an independent mechanic going over the…

   NHTSA complaint #11744176 · source
2. Filed Dec 24, 2024TXEngine

   Burnt exhaust smell in cabin after hard acceleration. The smell is overwhelmingly bad causing nose and eye burning and coughing. To remedy the smell the windows have to be rolled down to air out the cabin.

   NHTSA complaint #11632296 · source
3. Filed Jun 14, 2024200,000 miINEngine

   The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at various speeds, the engine overheated. The contact stated that the water pump was leaking, and the contact replaced the water pump himself. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was scanned with an ODB scanner an engine overheating code was retrieved. The contact stated that the radiator cooling fan failed to turn on. The contact stated he had…

   NHTSA complaint #11594371 · source
4. Filed May 30, 2024CTEngine

   My son was on the highway and his Ford Explorer 2011 just stopped, he could have been killed! He was able to get off safely and had car towed. Our mechanic told us today it is the Water Pump leakage and we need to take to Ford. We called Ford and they said at least $5,000 to repair possibly more. This is a huge safety concern when the act can just stop dead on highway. There are no safety recalls on this water pump. My son was lucky to make it off the highway alive.

   NHTSA complaint #11591572 · source
5. Filed Mar 18, 2024PAEngine

   The internal water pump failed in my 2011 Ford Explorer without any warning signs and the coolant then leaked into my engine causing catastrophic engine failure. We were driving on a busy highway and the Ford Explorer simply started shutting down in the left lane. Nothing would happen when I pushed the gas petal and suddenly all the lights started flashing and heat went to above high. I was barely able to get over to the shoulder as smoke started to come out of the front of…

   NHTSA complaint #11578002 · source
6. Filed Feb 6, 2024122,000 miPAEngine

   The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine block was cracked and the oil sending unit was damaged. The dealer informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11570310 · source
7. Filed Jan 24, 2024113,000 miFLTowedEngine

   The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the water pump and determined that water had leaked into the engine and mixed with the engine oil, resulting in…

   NHTSA complaint #11567572 · source
8. Filed Oct 10, 2023152,000 miMIEngine

   The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH while turning right and exiting a ramp, then when idle a message stated "Low Oil Pressure" illuminated on the instrument panel. Shortly after the vehicle lost motive power. A certified mechanic inspected the vehicle and diagnosed that the camshaft sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure reoccurred while test-driving the vehicle to determine if the…

   NHTSA complaint #11549175 · source
9. Filed Aug 1, 2023WAEngine

   There are exhaust gases entering the vehicle cabin. This is primarily at startup, while sitting at idle in traffic and under acceleration. After visual inspection it appears to be coming from a cracked passenger side exhaust manifold. This is an obvious safety issue and I believe it should have been included in TSB 14-0130 but was told my VIN was not included.

   NHTSA complaint #11535821 · source
10. Filed May 22, 2023OHAirbagsElectrical SystemEngine

    The dash lights go off then it's says starting rebot. Air bag lights stay on. Check engine light on says miss firng. All Carfax report was forged. Dealer said needs new engine but was not told by seller. No one will fix it they say not worth the price for car. I over paid big time. Got lied too.

    NHTSA complaint #11523289 · source
11. Filed May 1, 2023173,000 miCOTowedEngine

    The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact’s wife notified the contact, and the contact was able to coast the vehicle off the road. The contact then stated that he allowed the vehicle to cool down, restarted the vehicle, then coasted the vehicle to his residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the water pump failed and…

    NHTSA complaint #11519857 · source
12. Filed Mar 19, 2023OHEngine

    Was driving down the highway and my car lost power and put me in a very dangerous situation. Looking into the issue, i found out the waterpump was damaged in which is inside the engine and extremely expensive repairs (3000) dollars or more but the engine has been compromised with alot of coolant into the oil. My car is down and im still paying on it so im in very tough situation and believe the manufacturer should fix this situation.

    NHTSA complaint #11512681 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology