2011 Ford Explorer engine problems
83 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2011 Ford Explorer — 7% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Jun 15, 2026
“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.”
filed Dec 24, 2024
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Some 2009-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbochargers may exhibit an oil leak from the turbocharger oil supply or return tubes, O-rings or 6.7L pedestal gasket. Although oil may collect on the…
SSM 49210 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 25, 2020
Engine problems in other Explorer years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Explorer | 5 | 23% |
| 2025 Explorer | 7 | 8% |
| 2024 Explorer | 1 | 5% |
| 2023 Explorer | 10 | 10% |
| 2022 Explorer | 26 | 10% |
| 2021 Explorer | 44 | 11% |
| 2020 Explorer | 112 | 9% |
| 2019 Explorer | 18 | 6% |
| 2018 Explorer | 94 | 13% |
| 2017 Explorer | 235 | 14% |
| 2016 Explorer | 380 | 16% |
| 2015 Explorer | 226 | 13% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2011 Ford Explorer
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.