A 2011 to 2019 Ford Explorer with problems starting or a dome light not turning off is a couple of the top issues the 5th gen model can run into. Our expert mechanics review the most common problems with the 5th generation Ford Explorer, years 2011 to 2019 in this article and video.
Top 5th Gen 2011 to 2019 Ford Explorer Problems
1. Throttle Body Problems
Symptoms of Throttle Body Issues
- Trouble accelerating
- Check engine light for codes P2111; P2112
- Wrench light
Causes of Problems with the Throttle Body on the 2011 to 2019 Ford Explorer
The Explorer has trouble accelerating because it’s gone into “limp mode.” This will happen when the computer realizes there’s a problem with the information it’s receiving. This mode will diminish power but still give you enough to pull over. This usually happens on the 5th gen Ford Explorer because the throttle body has failed.
How to Fix Problems with the Throttle Body
Ford extended the warranty to 10 years or 150,000 miles. If the warranty doesn’t apply to you and the throttle body is the cause, replace it.
2. Problems Starting the 2011 to 2019 Explorer
Symptoms of Starting Problems on the 2011 to 2019 Ford Explorer
- Check engine light for P1450
- Explorer has trouble starting
Causes of Starting Failure
The P1450 code indicates there is a problem with the purge valve solenoid. When this fails, it can cause runability issues with the 2011 to 2019 Ford Explorer.
How to Fix Starting Problems
You’ll want to test this problem before replacing the purge valve. Disconnect the electrical connector and check for discoloration. Disconnect the hose from the valve and connect a vacuum gauge to test for vacuum. With the gauge connected to the purge valve, start the Explorer and run it. If there’s vacuum present, the purge valve is stuck open or being sucked open by the force of the vacuum. Place a hose that fits the valve and blow air into it if you don’t have a vacuum gauge. If you can’t force air through the hose, the purge valve is not stuck in the open position. If the purge valve is fine, check the electrical connectors and wires. Make sure there are no breaks in the wiring and that there’s a working electrical connection.
3. Dome Light/Door Ajar Light Stays on
Symptoms of Dome Light That Won’t Turn Off
- Dome light is still on with the door closed
- Doors don’t lock from the key fob
- Panic mode/alarm doesn’t work on key fob
Causes of a Bad Dome Light
The dome light or door ajar light can remain on with the doors closed. Sometimes the switch in the door latch assembly fails, and the car fails to read the door is closed.
The doors also might not lock, and this is because the failed latch assembly is not communicating with the key fob, so the doors do not unlock or lock. The panic button on the key fob might also not put the 5th gen Explorer into panic mode, and this is because it can’t lock the doors if the latch has failed.
How to Fix Bad Door Latches
This issue might be intermittent and may be temporarily fixed by closing the door with more force, but over time this problem can worsen. You might be able to remove the door panel, remove the bolts, and remove the door latch. With the door latch removed, cleaning it might fix this problem. Check the wiring and make sure there is connectivity and no broken wires. If all checks out, replace the latch assembly.
Fix Common Problems on the Ford Explorer with Parts, Tips and More
4. Carbon Monoxide Leak
Symptoms of an Exhaust Leak
- Nausea and headaches, usually when the vehicle is moving at higher speeds or higher RPMs
Causes of Exhaust Leaking into the Cabin
If carbon monoxide is finding a way into the cabin, it can cause nausea and headaches or worse symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. This is a sign that exhaust could be entering the cabin. It may be entering through the rear auxiliary air conditioning vents.
How to Fix a Carbon Monoxide Leak
It’s unsafe to drive if exhaust is leaking into the cabin, so you want to fix this problem as soon as possible.
With the hatch open, check the rubber grommets at the rear of the Explorer. If the grommets are cracked or leaking, fumes could be leaking into the cabin. If the seal along the trunk hatch is torn, that can also leak exhaust, so check and make sure it’s not loose, torn, or cracked.
Lift the hatch floor and check the rubber plugs for breaking, missing, or damage that can leak exhaust. Other areas on the body can break and remove a seal between the cabin and the exhaust.
Check the firewall, which is the wall between the passenger compartment and the engine. Inspect the hoses, cables, and parts that go through it. Check all the rubber grommets for missing, ripping, or tearing. An exhaust manifold leak, for example, can leak fumes into the cabin if these seals are broken.
You can also bring the Explorer to a Ford dealership and they’ll replace the rear tailgate vents, reprogram the AC system, and replace the rubber grommets.
5. Rear Tow Arms Failing (2011 to 2017 Models)
Symptoms of Bad Rear Tow Arms
- “Squirrelly feeling” suspension
- Explorer drifting in different direction from how turned
- Wheels misaligned
- Wheel movement
Causes of Bad Rear Tow Arms on the 2011 to 2017 Ford Explorer
A “squirrelly feeling” suspension, meaning maybe you’re driving and the Explorer feels like it’s swaying or drifting in different directions from how you turned, is a common cause of bad rear tow arms. The wheels can also misalign and have movement from a broken arm in the rear.
If the car is driven over rough terrain frequently, the tow link in the rear suspension can fracture. This problem affects the steering and increases your risk of having an accident.
How to Fix Faulty Rear Tow Arms
There is a recall out for 2011 to 2017 Ford Explorers. Replace the right and left rear suspension tow links. Once completed, get a wheel alignments.
6. Aluminum Hoods Flaking Paint
Symptoms of Aluminum Hood Paint Problems
- Paint flaking from the hood
Causes of Problems with the Aluminum Hood on the 2011 to 2019 Ford Explorer
The paint can flake off and you might notice white dust underneath, which is the aluminum hood. Moisture can leak in through a crack, build up corrosion, flake paint off, and expose a bigger area of the hood.
How to Fix Aluminum Hood Chipping
Separate the area with tape, sand it down to remove corrosion, prime the area, and paint it with paint that matches the vehicle color.
You could also have a professional replace the hood as an assembly and paint it to match the vehicle.
Fix More Problems on Your 2011 to 2019 Ford Explorer with How-to Videos
We have thousands of how-to videos for hundreds of models. Learn how to repair your 2011 to 2019 Ford Explorer and more with instructions from our expert mechanics.
5th Generation Ford Explorer Years
- 2011 Ford Explorer
- 2012 Ford Explorer
- 2013 Ford Explorer
- 2014 Ford Explorer
- 2015 Ford Explorer
- 2016 Ford Explorer
- 2017 Ford Explorer
- 2018 Ford Explorer
- 2019 Ford Explorer
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