P2111 on FORD EXPLORER — Throttle Actuator A Control System - Stuck Open

Q: "What does P2111 mean on a FORD EXPLORER?"

"P2111 indicates: Throttle Actuator A Control System - Stuck Open. This is a powertrain code. 13 FORD EXPLORER owners have reported this to NHTSA."

Q: "What are the most common causes of P2111 on FORD EXPLORER?"

"Based on 13 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Engine, Fuel/Propulsion System, Vehicle Speed Control. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints."

Q: "Is P2111 serious on my FORD EXPLORER?"

"Of 13 NHTSA reports for this code on FORD EXPLORER, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic."

Q: "What should I do if my FORD EXPLORER shows P2111?"

"1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare."

What P2111 Means on Your FORD EXPLORER

P2111 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: Throttle Actuator A Control System - Stuck Open. This code relates to the powertrain system. The vehicle's computer detected a condition outside normal operating parameters and stored this code.

13 FORD EXPLORER owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2006-2016. Most reports come from the 2013, 2015 model years.

Real FORD EXPLORER Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"While driving 2006 ford explorer shuts down several time at different occasion sometimes a little wrench appears and gas pedal becomes unresponsive and cruise control can not be engage and vehicle idle very rough when come to a stop."

— 2006 FORD EXPLORER owner · VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL · Filed 08/21/2011

"My 2011 ford explorer lost power even though the engine did not die there was no power when pressing on gas pedal. the yellow wrench light came on the panel. i turned the ignition off and waited a few minutes and it restarted. i took it to a dealer and they couldn't get anything to register."

— 2011 FORD EXPLORER owner · ENGINE · Filed 08/05/2016

"I/we have had multiple occasions of the engine failure to accelerate while in a regular driving mode. the engine will not continue to respond to the accelerator. the vehicle was driven to the local ford dealer and they were unable to duplicate the problem."

— 2012 FORD EXPLORER owner · FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM · Filed 08/16/2016

"While driving, the vehicle will drop out of drive, the engine will run roughly, the engine will not respond to accelerator pedal inputs. The service engine light will illuminate. If I coast to the side of the road, turn off the vehicle, then restart it, it runs normally as if nothing has gone wrong."

— 2013 FORD EXPLORER owner · ENGINE · Filed 06/06/2022

"Throttlebody p2111 code. loss of engine power. not covered by factory service bulletin 13n03."

— 2013 FORD EXPLORER owner · ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM · Filed 08/28/2019

All reports filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

1

'06

1

'11

1

'12

6

'13

2

'15

2

'16

Common Causes on FORD EXPLORER

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

ENGINE 23.1%

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 15.4%

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 7.7%

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 7.7%

POWER TRAIN 7.7%

What To Do Next

1
Check for recalls on YOUR VIN
Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. If your vehicle is covered, repairs are free.
2
Get a proper diagnosis
A code alone doesn't tell you the exact failed part. A diagnostic at a shop ($50–$150) pinpoints the root cause before you spend money on parts.
3
Compare repair quotes
Get 2–3 quotes. Dealer vs. independent shop prices often differ 30–50% for the same repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does P2111 mean on a FORD EXPLORER? ▾

P2111 indicates: Throttle Actuator A Control System - Stuck Open. This is a powertrain code. 13 FORD EXPLORER owners have reported this to NHTSA.

What are the most common causes of P2111 on FORD EXPLORER? ▾

Based on 13 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Engine, Fuel/Propulsion System, Vehicle Speed Control. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.

Is P2111 serious on my FORD EXPLORER? ▾

Of 13 NHTSA reports for this code on FORD EXPLORER, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic.

What should I do if my FORD EXPLORER shows P2111? ▾

1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare.