2011 Ford Explorer Steering Problems
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
How common are steering problems on the 2011 Ford Explorer?
742 owners have reported steering problems on the 2011 Ford Explorer, 62% of all complaints for this year and the most reported problem area. Most reported problems happened at about 31,000–129,000 miles. 2 recalls cover this area.
742 complaints 62% of all 2011 complaints 68,000 miles typical
Which parts fail
The specific part named in each complaint.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (571 of 742). The amber line is the middle value.
When problems were reported
Steering complaints by the year the problem happened.
Steering complaints by Explorer year
Related recalls
Electric power assist system
The affected vehicles may experience an intermittent connection in the electric power steering gear, which can cause a loss of the motor position sensor signal resulting in a shut down of the power steering assist. If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist it will require extra steering effort at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) software, free of charge. If a vehicle shows a history of a loss of motor position sensor signal when the vehicle is brought in for the recall remedy, its steering rack assembly will be replaced, free of charge.
Recall 14V286000 · May 2014Steering
The affected gears may lock, preventing the driver from being able to steer the vehicle. The inability to steer the vehicle increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners and dealers will replace the suspect steering gears with new steering gears, free of charge.
Recall 14E001000 · Jan 2014Get an email when your 2011 Ford Explorer gets a new recall
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Other 2011 Ford Explorer problems
Common questions
What are common 2011 Ford Explorer steering problems?
Complaints most often name the electric power assist system, rack and pinion and steering control module.
At what mileage do 2011 Ford Explorer steering problems happen?
Most complaints that gave a mileage fell between about 31,000–129,000 miles. The middle value is about 68,000 miles.
Is there a recall for 2011 Ford Explorer steering problems?
Yes: 14V286000, 14E001000. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Which Explorer year has the most steering complaints?
The 2013 Explorer, with 835 complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports.