Considering a used 2011 EX

[texonfire]

Well, I am in the market for a mid-sized SUV with a 3rd row and thought I had finally decided on a 2011 Explorer XLT. I love the look, feel, fit etc. Then I started to search for recalls and known issues. Two things stick out to me...

1. the troubles/frustrations with SYNC interface

2. power steering failures

The first one is nothing more than an inconvenience when it fails. The 2nd, well is unacceptable. I guess I'm hoping to get an idea how widespread the power steering issue could be. I can't purchase this vehicle with that big of a known issue, can I?

Any additional info/stats on this or other issues would be appreciated. I'm glad I found this forum, I was set to purchase this week.

Thanks for all the great info found here!

-Steve

 

[Sgt1411]

As the owner of a 2011 I would suggest you look at a 2013.

Ford has not completely resolved several of the issues and MFT is a completely different animal.

Read lots of the information on this forum about 2011 owners having to have things repaired 2 and 3 times.

The "A" pillar issue is another big issue that just won't go away.

Sounds like majority of issues have been worked out in the 2013, but if you decide to go for the 2011 make sure you do not accept it until all the TSB's on here have been completed.

 

[texonfire]

thanks for the reply...

What is the "A" pillar issue?

 

[Sgt1411]

Too much to explain but please read TSB section on this forum and look at the threads on the A Pillar you will get a great deal of info.

 

[briteboy]

The flip side of that coin

Granted, there have been some people that have experienced issues with a noisy A pillar, MFT issues, and one guy with a serious power steering problem

What you don't see are the thousands of others with little, if any problems. I have TWO 2011 Ex's, both XLTs and haven't had any mechanical problems at all. Both have 12k miles on them.

I have had a couple of minor MFT issues, but far fewer than my PC in the house.

I would say that the 2011 Ex is just as reliable than any other car, with a boat load of great features.

But..do your own due diligence. Has the car had the TSBs performed on it? Has version 3 of MFT been installed? Does the car have rattles or wind noise when you drove it? If not, you probably have one of the thousands of good ones...

Just my $.02

 

[Sgt1411]

Fair comments but there isn't just one guy with a power steering problem.

There's enough to cause the Federal Government to initiate an investigation into the power steering on 2011 Ford Explorers.

 

[s_vares]

Its also not just the 11 with steering problems.
12s and 13s are in this investigation too.

There has been no revised steering components in newer models

 

[peterk9]

Well, I am in the market for a mid-sized SUV with a 3rd row and thought I had finally decided on a 2011 Explorer XLT. I love the look, feel, fit etc. Then I started to search for recalls and known issues. Two things stick out to me...

1. the troubles/frustrations with SYNC interface

2. power steering failures

The first one is nothing more than an inconvenience when it fails. The 2nd, well is unacceptable. I guess I'm hoping to get an idea how widespread the power steering issue could be. I can't purchase this vehicle with that big of a known issue, can I?

Any additional info/stats on this or other issues would be appreciated. I'm glad I found this forum, I was set to purchase this week.

Thanks for all the great info found here!

-Steve

Welcome to the Forum texonfire.:wavey:
I have a Feb. 2011 built 2011 Limited and the only real problem I have had was with the random windshield wipe issue which was addressed with the TSB. The MFT has been fine since the performance upgrade.
All I can say is that you give the vehicle a good check. If it is a used vehicle, try and find out why it was returned, and if possible, the name of the previous owner so that you can contact them for any further info.
There are a few members here who have returned their vehicle due to the many issues they had with it. Most of us have had very few, if any problems but for some reason a few others have had one problem after another.
Good luck.

Peter

 

[Birdhunt1]

I would like add to the discussion that I love this vehicle and have any issues of great concern. I have had the a-pillar wind noise -fixed per TSB not a sign of a noise now. MFT freeze up issues - fixed with the up grade, works like a champ now. I have owned 4 exps now and this is the best by far. Would not trade it for any other brand. I say get the TSB's completed on the vehicle and buy it. You won't be disappointed. Granted you might have a problem. But from the number of EX on the road with no problems. I bet you stand just as good a chance with any new car. Good Luck. Just my .02 or .05 cents worth.

 

[peterk9]

Just a note to say that most TSB's are not automatically carried out. The vehicle actually has to show a symptom before anything will be done to fix it and usually the dealer has to be able to duplicate the problem before any TSB can be performed. In some cases this involves authorization from Ford.

Peter

 

[FordService]

Well, I am in the market for a mid-sized SUV with a 3rd row and thought I had finally decided on a 2011 Explorer XLT. I love the look, feel, fit etc...

Welcome to the boards, Steve! You can see that there are a number of drivers on the forum who love their ride. Our engineers are passionate about ensuring that our vehicles are of the highest quality.

Please don’t hesitate to drop me a line via PM if you have any more questions.

...The "A" pillar issue is another big issue that just won't go away.

Sounds like majority of issues have been worked out in the 2013, but if you decide to go for the 2011 make sure you do not accept it until all the TSB's on here have been completed.

I wanted to check in with you, Sgt1411; have you had your concerns resolved?

...What you don't see are the thousands of others with little, if any problems. I have TWO 2011 Ex's, both XLTs and haven't had any mechanical problems at all. Both have 12k miles on them...

Welcome to the Forum texonfire.:wavey:
I have a Feb. 2011 built 2011 Limited and the only real problem I have had was with the random windshield wipe issue which was addressed with the TSB. The MFT has been fine since the performance upgrade...

I would like add to the discussion that I love this vehicle and have any issues of great concern. I have had the a-pillar wind noise -fixed per TSB not a sign of a noise now. MFT freeze up issues - fixed with the up grade, works like a champ now. I have owned 4 exps now and this is the best by far. Would not trade it for any other brand. I say get the TSB's completed on the vehicle and buy it. You won't be disappointed...

briteboy, Peter, & Birdhunt1,

Thanks for taking the time to post your positive experiences, guys.

Cory