2011 Ford Explorer — Full Specifications
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Running gear matters most — before anything else, UK: check tyre prices at TirendoUS: check wheel & tyre prices at WheelHero for this car's fitment.
The 2011 Ford Explorer is an SUV powered by a 3.5L 6-cyl regular gasoline engine. Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 24 mpg (UK) / 20 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 23–24 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Ford Explorer workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2010 Ford Explorer: Fuel economy improves from 20 to 24 mpg (UK) combined on the most efficient configuration. EPA lists new engine options for 2011: 3.5L 6-cyl. No longer listed: 4L 6-cyl, 4.6L 8-cyl.
Full Specifications
| Engine | 3.5L 6-cyl |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (S6) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 24 combined / 22 urban / 30 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 20 combined / 18 city / 25 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 276 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,350 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 4 configurations for the 2011 Ford Explorer, all with the 3.5L 6-cyl engine. Combined fuel economy ranges from 19 to 20 mpg (US), or 23 to 24 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 23 | 19 (17/23) | 291 | $3,550 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 20 (18/25) | 276 | $3,350 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 23 | 19 (17/23) | 291 | $3,550 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 20 (18/25) | 276 | $3,350 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Owner Essentials for the 2011 Ford Explorer
Running Costs: 2011 Ford Explorer
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2011 Ford Explorer at 24 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,515 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $3,350 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2011 Ford Explorer Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
No NHTSA crash-test rating is on record for this model year. The NHTSA rates only a subset of vehicles each year; you can browse every rated vehicle on our NHTSA Safety Ratings hub.
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 8 safety recall campaigns that include the 2011 Ford Explorer (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Structure (2), Suspension (2), Steering (2). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Structure — campaign 24V031000, reported 19 January 2024. Risk: A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Suspension — campaign 21V746000, reported 22 September 2021. Risk: A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Suspension — campaign 19V435000, reported 10 June 2019. Risk: A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
- Wheels — campaign 17E048000, reported 28 August 2017. Risk: A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.
Showing the 4 most recent of 8 campaigns.
Owners have filed 1196 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Ford Explorer. The most-reported areas are Steering (742), Unspecified (112), Structure (110). Complaints include 30 reported crashes, 4 reported fires, 15 reported injuries. That is well above the median of 733 complaints across the 17 Ford Explorer model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2011 Ford Explorer
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Steering (2 recall campaigns · 742 owner complaints) — Check for play, noise or heavy steering, and ask whether any steering recall work was done.
- Body structure (2 recall campaigns · 110 owner complaints) — Inspect for corrosion and for subframe or body-panel damage, especially underneath.
- Electrical system (95 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Suspension (2 recall campaigns) — Listen for knocks over bumps and check tyre wear for signs of alignment problems.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Ford Explorer compare to similar SUVs? For context, SUVs in our database average around 27 mpg (UK) combined — this model's 24 mpg figure is 3 mpg below that average. Its 276 g/km CO₂ figure is 23 g/km higher than the 253 g/km average for SUVs on this site. This comparison is based on 1824 SUVs in our dataset.
Ford models in our database average about 28 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2011 Ford Explorer's 24 mpg is 4 mpg below that make average. Its 276 g/km CO₂ figure is 21 g/km higher than the 255 g/km Ford average.
Of the 17 Ford Explorer model years we cover, the 2011 ranks 16th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (24 mpg UK combined, against a high of 29 mpg). See every Ford Explorer year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2011 Ford Explorer
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2011 Ford Explorer have?
It's fitted with a 3.5L 6-cyl regular gasoline engine, paired with a automatic (s6) transmission.
What is the fuel economy of the 2011 Ford Explorer?
The most efficient configuration returns around 24 mpg (UK) combined, or 20 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 23 to 24 mpg.
How much does the 2011 Ford Explorer cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $3,350 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2011 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 8 safety recall campaigns that include the 2011 Ford Explorer (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Structure (2), Suspension (2), Steering (2). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2011 Ford Explorer?
Among the 1,196 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Steering (742 complaints), Unspecified (112 complaints), Structure (110 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
Is the Ford Explorer's fuel economy good for an SUV?
It returns around 24 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 27 mpg among the SUVs we track.