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2011 Ford Expedition Problems and Recalls

Owners filed 71 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Ford Expedition, most often about the transmission (30% of complaints, typically around 37,500 miles). It is 22nd of 27 Expedition model years by number of complaints.

Complaints71
Recalls0
Crashes reported2
Fires reported1
Injuries reported3

Most common 2011 Ford Expedition problems

  1. Transmission

    21 complaints · 30%

    Half of these problems showed up before 37,500 miles. Parts named most often: transfer case (4-wheel drive).

    We were driving on 95 when we heard a thud-type noise. We thought we had a flat tire, but then the vehicle would no longer accelerate. We were able to get off at the exit that was immediately upon US and safely pull off on the side of the road. We did not have any flat tires. The vehicle would still turn on and run…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2012, at 25,000 miles
    The contact owns a 2011 Ford Expedition. When the vehicle was shifted into reverse, the contact's vehicle accelerated independently and crashed into a parked vehicle. A police report was filed and there were no injuries. The vehicle did not stop even when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact attempted to shift…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2016, at 50,000 miles
  2. Engine

    13 complaints · 18%

    Half of these problems showed up before 93,000 miles. Parts named most often: cooling system.

    Camshaft roller bearings seized and scored the camshaft, requiring a top end replacement. The vehicle had less than 95000 miles. This the second Expedition requiring this engine work. My first Expedition required a complete engine replacement due to the same issue
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2020, at 92,807 miles
    The contact owns a 2011 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while coming to a stop, the vehicle jerked and made an abnormal noise coming from the engine. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2015, at 110,000 miles
  3. Body and structure

    10 complaints · 14%

    Half of these problems showed up before 48,000 miles. Parts named most often: body.

    The paint finish on the rear liftgate has several "bubbling" areas and has started to flake off in several areas. This issue was first noticed when the vehicle was less than 5 years old. There has never been any physical damage to this area nor has it been repainted. I have researched online and discovered that this…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2017, at 48,000 miles
    The contact owns a 2011 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the key fob failed to unlock the doors intermittently. In addition, the contact stated that the key pad located on the driver side door failed to operate. As a result, the contact was unable to access the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2016, at 44,977 miles
  4. Seats

    8 complaints · 11%

    Half of these problems showed up before 500 miles.

    The standard headrest in the 2011 Ford Expedition protrudes forward so much that I cannot sit with my back and shoulders leaning to the back of the seat without pushing my head forward, causing upper back and neck pain. I've driven the car two days and my neck hurts. The dealership offered no solution to the problem…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2013, at 11,800 miles
    Tl -the contact owns a 2011 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the angle on the headrest was making it difficult for the contact to position himself comfortably while driving. The dealer and manufacturer were notified of the issue but did not assist the contact. The failure was not repaired. The failure mileage…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2011, at 13,000 miles
  5. Other or unspecified

    8 complaints · 11%

    Half of these problems showed up before 80,000 miles.

    Stability control applies brakes randomly in normal conditions. Primarily this has been at slow speeds. Brakes pulsate and vehicle is difficult to steer/control. On 12/11/2016 the stability system kicked in at the same time the "resume" button was pressed for the cruise control. The front brakes applied with force as…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2016, at 38,000 miles
    Check engine light comes on and it reads check fuel fill inlet? If I can find someone to turn it off they will clear it but within a week it is back on.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2020, at 19,499 miles
  6. Speed control

    7 complaints · 10%

    Half of these problems showed up before 50,000 miles.

    The contact owns a 2011 Ford Expedition. When the vehicle was shifted into reverse, the contact's vehicle accelerated independently and crashed into a parked vehicle. A police report was filed and there were no injuries. The vehicle did not stop even when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact attempted to shift…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2016, at 50,000 miles
    In 2014 we purchased a 2011 Ford exp. Upon driving it, within the first week we noticed the vehicle would lung forward with no pressure applied to the accelerator or brake. It appears to happen when you first start up the vehicle. This happens when the vehicle is in drive or reverse.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2015, at 43,000 miles
  7. Electrical

    7 complaints · 10%

    Half of these problems showed up before 55,000 miles. Parts named most often: instrument panel.

    Door closed sensor is faulty and sounds like this is a known issue with Ford but a recall won't happen till more people complain. I am making my complaint official. Also seeking warranty repairs from the original dealership since the issue has returned.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2019, at 55,000 miles
    The contact owns a 2011 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that the key fob failed to unlock the doors intermittently. In addition, the contact stated that the key pad located on the driver side door failed to operate. As a result, the contact was unable to access the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2016, at 44,977 miles
  8. Fuel system

    4 complaints · 6%

    The contact owns a 2011 Ford Expedition. The contact smelled a strong fuel odor inside the vehicle. The contact also stated that the fan made an intermittent clicking noise on multiple occasions when the vehicle was being driven. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2014, at 60,000 miles
    In 2014 we purchased a 2011 Ford exp. Upon driving it, within the first week we noticed the vehicle would lung forward with no pressure applied to the accelerator or brake. It appears to happen when you first start up the vehicle. This happens when the vehicle is in drive or reverse.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2015, at 43,000 miles

Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

2011 Ford Expedition recalls

NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year.

Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.

NHTSA defect investigations

Questions about the 2011 Ford Expedition

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Ford Expedition?
By NHTSA owner complaints: transmission (21 complaints, typically around 37,500 miles); engine (13 complaints, typically around 93,000 miles); body and structure (10 complaints, typically around 48,000 miles).
How many recalls does the 2011 Ford Expedition have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2011 Ford Expedition. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls in case one is issued later.
Is the 2011 a bad year for the Ford Expedition?
It is 22nd of 27 Expedition model years by number of complaints, with 71 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.

Other Ford Expedition years

Ford Expedition problems by year