NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,197 reports3,500 miles · Dec 31, 2014
Air Bags
I PURCHASED A "CERTIFIED" USED 2011 EXPLORER BASE WITH 3500 MILES IN MARCH 2014 FROM FORD DEALER. AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED IN MAY AND STAYED ON STEADY...DEALER REPLACED MASTER MODULE (UNDER WARRANTY) AFTER A WEEK OF WORKING ON THE VEHICLE. AT THE TIME, THEY TOLD ME WHEN THE LIGHT WAS ON, IT INDICATED THE AIR BAGS WOULD NOT DEPL…
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I PURCHASED A "CERTIFIED" USED 2011 EXPLORER BASE WITH 3500 MILES IN MARCH 2014 FROM FORD DEALER. AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED IN MAY AND STAYED ON STEADY...DEALER REPLACED MASTER MODULE (UNDER WARRANTY) AFTER A WEEK OF WORKING ON THE VEHICLE. AT THE TIME, THEY TOLD ME WHEN THE LIGHT WAS ON, IT INDICATED THE AIR BAGS WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN A CRASH AND THEY WOULD NOT LET ME HAVE THE VEHICLE BACK WHILE THEY WAITED FOR THE PART, A CLEAR INDICATION OF HOW SERIOUS THEY CONSIDERED THE PROBLEM. LIGHT HAS COME BACK ON THREE MORE TIMES SINCE (EVERY 6-8 WEEKS). EACH TIME SINCE, DEALER HAS "GREASED" ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS WHICH CAUSES THE LIGHT TO GO OFF ONLY TEMPORARILY. WHEN THE LIGHT COMES BACK ON, WE ARE USUALLY DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND NOT PROTECTED BY THIS CRITICAL SAFETY SYSTEM. ASIDE FROM THE EXTREMELY UNSAFE CONDITION THIS POSES TO MY FAMILY, IT IS BECOMING MORE AND MORE DIFFICULT TO BRING THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER EVERY SEVERAL WEEKS TO HAVE THEM ONLY TEMPORARILY FIX THE ISSUE. BASED ON OTHER SIMILAR COMPLAINTS, I EXPECT THIS WILL CONTINUE FOR ME UNTIL THE WARRANTY EXPIRES AND I CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX THE PROBLEM ANY LONGER. I APPROACHED THE DEALER'S GENERAL MANAGER AND MY REGIONAL FORD REP ABOUT BUYING THE VEHICLE BACK BUT THEY BOTH TOLD ME THEY WOULD ONLY GIVE ME WHAT THE VEHICLE WAS WORTH (WHICH WOULD PUT ME IN A LARGE FINANCIAL HOLE)... *JS
NHTSA ODI #10669246
71,147 miles · Dec 28, 2014
Steering
AFTER BRINGING MY CAR IN ON 9/15/14 TO ADDRESS THE FORD EXPLORER 2011 RECALL, SHEEHY FORD IN SPRINGFIELD, VA DECLARED MY PARTS OK AND REPROGRAMMED MY PSCM (I HAD NEVER HAD A SINGLE ISSUE WITH MY POWER STEERING)...I SUBSEQUENTLY DROVE TO KENTUCKY (FROM BURKE, VA) AND SEVERAL OTHER PLACES...EVENTUALLY DRIVING TO MY PARENT'S HOUSE …
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AFTER BRINGING MY CAR IN ON 9/15/14 TO ADDRESS THE FORD EXPLORER 2011 RECALL, SHEEHY FORD IN SPRINGFIELD, VA DECLARED MY PARTS OK AND REPROGRAMMED MY PSCM (I HAD NEVER HAD A SINGLE ISSUE WITH MY POWER STEERING)...I SUBSEQUENTLY DROVE TO KENTUCKY (FROM BURKE, VA) AND SEVERAL OTHER PLACES...EVENTUALLY DRIVING TO MY PARENT'S HOUSE IN VIENNA, VA (ABOUT 30+ MINUTES AWAY) FOR THANKSGIVING DAY (12/27/14), JUST 3 MONTHS LATER. SEVERAL STREETS FROM ARRIVAL I RECEIVED A MESSAGE THAT MY POWER STEERING WAS FAILING. THE CAR BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE, BUT I WAS ABLE TO PARK THE CAR IN FRONT OF THEIR HOUSE. AFTER RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, I HOPED TO BE ABLE TO START THE CAR AND FIND THE PROBLEM FIXED, BUT UNFORTUNATELY WAS NOT ABLE TO STEER THE CAR AT ALL. I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED THE NEXT DAY TO A DEALER (I DID NOT CHOOSE THE SAME DEALER WHO HAD DONE THE RECALL). THEY REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PARTS SEVERAL DAYS LATER, BUT THE PARTS WERE NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL BECAUSE THE CODE THEY RECEIVED WAS DIFFERENT. THIS HAPPENED 3 MONTHS AFTER THEY DECLARED MY PARTS OK! I ONLY HAD TO PAY $100 FOR THE FIX BECAUSE OF MY EXTENDED WARRANTY, BUT AM ILL ABOUT WHAT MIGHT HAVE HAPPENED IF I HAD BEEN ON MY WAY TO OR FROM KENTUCKY WHEN THE POWER STEERING FAILURE HAPPENED SO I FEEL OBLIGATED TO REPORT MY ISSUE TO YOU. I UNDERSTAND FROM PRESS RELEASES I'VE SEEN THAT YOU CONSIDER THIS ISSUE CLOSED. I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT TO BE THE CASE... *TR
NHTSA ODI #10668613
70,000 miles · Dec 23, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. TH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
NHTSA ODI #10668022
47,607 miles · Dec 22, 2014
Steering
WE WERE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH WHEN WARNING LIGHT CAME ON STATING THERE WAS ISSUE WITH POWER STEERING, I BELIEVE IT SAID POWER STEERING SERVICE WAS REQUIRED. WHEN WE STOPPED AT NEXT INTERSECTION, IT WAS EVIDENT POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE WAS REDUCED. AFTER PULLING OVER AND SHUTTING OFF VEHICLE, THEN RESTARTIN…
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WE WERE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH WHEN WARNING LIGHT CAME ON STATING THERE WAS ISSUE WITH POWER STEERING, I BELIEVE IT SAID POWER STEERING SERVICE WAS REQUIRED. WHEN WE STOPPED AT NEXT INTERSECTION, IT WAS EVIDENT POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE WAS REDUCED. AFTER PULLING OVER AND SHUTTING OFF VEHICLE, THEN RESTARTING, THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE, ONLY MANUAL. WHEN TRAVELING AT LOW SPEED, TURNING WAS VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE. IMMEDIATELY AFTER STOPPING, BECAUSE WHEELS COULD NOT BE STEERED, VEHICLE WENT STRAIGHT, BLOCKING A CROSS PATH IN A COMMERCIAL LOT, WITH CROSS TRAFFIC NEARLY CAUSING COLLISION, ALTHOUGH NO COLLISION OCCURRED, THERE WAS CLEAR DANGER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10667813
80,000 miles · Dec 16, 2014
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED, THE TECHNICIAN DISCOVERED THAT THE ELECTRICAL PUMP FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA ODI #10664611
23,500 miles · Dec 9, 2014
Vehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A GARAGE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHIC…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A GARAGE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE ACCELERATING, THE ENGINE RPMS WOULD INCREASE RAPIDLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS 23,500.
NHTSA ODI #10663126
42,608 miles · Dec 8, 2014
Steering
2011 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED: I WAS DRIVING MY FAMILY BACK FROM A VACATION AND HAD BEEN TRAVELING AT AN APPROXIMATE SPEED OF 65 MPH ON THE HWY. I TURNED INTO A PARKING LOT FOR A RESTROOM BREAK FOR THE KIDS WHEN THE RACK & PINION BAR BROKE COMPLETELY NEAR THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT WHEEL. I NOTICED THE CHIMES, SOME LOUD POPS AND HARDER …
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2011 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED: I WAS DRIVING MY FAMILY BACK FROM A VACATION AND HAD BEEN TRAVELING AT AN APPROXIMATE SPEED OF 65 MPH ON THE HWY. I TURNED INTO A PARKING LOT FOR A RESTROOM BREAK FOR THE KIDS WHEN THE RACK & PINION BAR BROKE COMPLETELY NEAR THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT WHEEL. I NOTICED THE CHIMES, SOME LOUD POPS AND HARDER THAN NORMAL STEERING PRIOR TO THE PART BREAKING. VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE STEERED. IT IS NOT A EVERY DAY DRIVEN VEHICLE. VEHICLE HAS 42,608 MILES ON IT. LUCKILY WE WEREN'T TRAVELING AT 65 MPH WHEN THE PART FAILED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10662897
56,458 miles · Nov 14, 2014
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
REFERENCING PREVIOUS COMPLAINT FOR SAME ISSUE SEE TCN JEN28-49151 TRAVELING TO DINNER AT 7:00PM AGAIN POWERTRAIN WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, ENGINE RAN ROUGH AND SPEED DROPPED TO APPROX. 1 MPH. PULLED OFF SIDE OF ROAD, TURNED OFF CAR. RESTARTED AND CONTINUED ON MY WAY. SAME THING OCCURRED AGAIN THIS MORNING 11/14/14 AT APPROX. 7:15 …
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REFERENCING PREVIOUS COMPLAINT FOR SAME ISSUE SEE TCN JEN28-49151 TRAVELING TO DINNER AT 7:00PM AGAIN POWERTRAIN WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, ENGINE RAN ROUGH AND SPEED DROPPED TO APPROX. 1 MPH. PULLED OFF SIDE OF ROAD, TURNED OFF CAR. RESTARTED AND CONTINUED ON MY WAY. SAME THING OCCURRED AGAIN THIS MORNING 11/14/14 AT APPROX. 7:15 AM ON WAY TO WORK. THIS TIME THANKFULLY I WAS NOT ON THE CAUSEWAY WHERE TRAFFIC MOVES AT APP 50 - 60 MPH AS I WAS THE FIRST TIME THIS OCCURRED. WHEN THIS HAPPENED TWICE IN OCTOBER I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP BOTH TIMES AND THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. THIS CONTINUES TO HAPPEN AND I AM AFRAID THAT ONE DAY MY CAR WILL MALFUNCTION LIKE THIS ON A BUSY ROAD AT A HIGHER SPEED. I WAS LUCKY THE FIRST TIME ON THE CAUSEWAY THAT I MADE IT UP THE BRIDGE TO COAST DOWN ON TO THE GRASS WITHOUT CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10654910
34,690 miles · Nov 10, 2014
Fuel/propulsion System
WHEN FILLING THE GAS TANK THE GAS NOZZLE WOULD SHUT OFF. EVEN WHEN I WAS VERY SLOWLY PUMPING IN GAS , THE PUMP WOULD SHUT OFF VERY MUCH LIKE A TANK INDICATING IT WAS FULL WHICH I KNOW WAS NOT THE CASE. THEN GAS WOULD DRIP/STREAM (NUMEROUS DRIPS AND STREAMS)) UNDER THE VEHICLE CREATING A BASKETBALL SIZE GAS SPOT. UPON SERVICE AT …
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WHEN FILLING THE GAS TANK THE GAS NOZZLE WOULD SHUT OFF. EVEN WHEN I WAS VERY SLOWLY PUMPING IN GAS , THE PUMP WOULD SHUT OFF VERY MUCH LIKE A TANK INDICATING IT WAS FULL WHICH I KNOW WAS NOT THE CASE. THEN GAS WOULD DRIP/STREAM (NUMEROUS DRIPS AND STREAMS)) UNDER THE VEHICLE CREATING A BASKETBALL SIZE GAS SPOT. UPON SERVICE AT THE DEALER I WAS TOLD THE TANK VENT TUBE WAS BLOCKED BY COBWEBS. DRIVING FOR OVER 50 YEARS , I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A THING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10653854
73,000 miles · Nov 10, 2014
Steering
ON CRUISE CONTROL AT 75MPH HEADING EAST ON I-44 TOWARDS TULSA, OK. POWER STEERING SERVICE WARNING, ADVANCE TRAK WARNING, TERRAIN MANAGEMENT WARNING BECOME ACTIVE. POWER STEERING ADVANCE TRAK AND TERRAIN MANAGEMENT NO LONGER ACTIVE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10653851
Official recalls
6Jan 19, 2024
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024 and December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
Sep 22, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. These vehicles may be equipped with a cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) replacement part that could seize, and result in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealer will inspect for the presence of a CABJ. If a CABJ of any design is found, the dealer will inspect the tightness of the CABJ, and replace the CABJ, knuckle, and/or toe link as necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters were mailed November 10, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 17, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S43.
Jun 10, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, and inspect both rear toe link ball joints, replacing the rear wheel knuckle(s), if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S17.
Mar 24, 2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the interior door handle return spring may unseat, resulting in interior door handle that does not return to the fully stowed position after actuation.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the interior door handle return spring is unseated, the door may unlatch in the event of a side impact crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four of the interior door handles and either repair or replace them, free of charge. The recall began on July 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S11.
May 29, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured May 17, 2010, through February 28, 2012. The affected vehicles may experience an intermittent connection in the electric power steering gear, which can cause a loss of the motor position sensor signal resulting in a shut down of the power steering assist.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist it will require extra steering effort at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) software, free of charge. If a vehicle shows a history of a loss of motor position sensor signal when the vehicle is brought in for the recall remedy, its steering rack assembly will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on July 23, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S06.
Feb 2, 2011
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 EXPLORER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 15, 2010, THROUGH DECEMBER 13, 2010, EQUIPPED WITH SECOND ROW 60% SEATS WITH MANUAL RECLINER MECHANISMS THAT MAY HAVE COMPONENTS THAT ARE OUT OF DIMENSIONAL SPECIFICATION. THESE SEATS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 207, "SEATING SYSTEMS."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT BACK MAY NOT PROVIDE THE REQUIRED STRENGTH, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE SEATS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 15, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
4PE23001 · Windshield Trim Molding Item Detachment
Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Feb 8, 2024
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure:body:roof And Pillars
On January 27, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-001 to investigate allegations of A-pillar trim panel detachment on model year (MY) 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles. At the time of opening, the office had received 164 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reporting this failure. ODI has received 671 VOQs regarding this failure, including 1 alleged crash and 2 alleged injuries. Some consumers have reported that the failure occurred while they were driving at highway speeds, with the detached trim panel entering the path of travel of the vehicle behind them, requiring the driver of the following vehicle to take evasive action. It is noteworthy that motorists who experience this type of road hazard are less likely to accurately identify the subject vehicle the item detached from and report the event to the NHTSA. In its April 17, 2023 response to ODI’s information request, Ford provided 175 consumer complaints (including field reports) and 14,162 warranty claims related to A-pillar trim panel detachment. Ford relayed that the subject vehicles utilize a plastic A-pillar bracket, which is bolted to the vehicle structure during assembly. The A-pillar trim panel is attached to the bracket utilizing 7 plastic clips. Contributory factors which have been identified by Ford as leading to the subject defect include incomplete installation at the assembly plant, inadequate part stack up, damage to fasteners during installation, and failure to follow proper repair procedure during windshield replacements or other services. On January 19, 2024, Ford filed safety recall 24V-031 for MY 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles to address the subject defect. In the Part 573 Safety Recall Report, Ford identified that a detached A-pillar trim panel can create a road hazard for other road users, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall remedy includes an inspection of the existing A-pillar trim panel and, if necessary, the replacement of the component. The remedy A-pillar trim panels will be installed with an additional adhesive for robustness and utilize an inspection procedure to ensure full engagement of all the retention clips during installation. In view of the recall action being taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
EA17002 · Exhaust Odor In Passenger Cab
Opened Jul 27, 2017 · Closed Jan 17, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe; Structure:body
During the EA17-002 investigation, the agency reviewed and analyzed reports of exhaust odors in the passenger cabins of Model Year 2011 to 2017 Ford Explorers. This investigation required an approach that incorporated knowledge and expertise from the automotive, medical, environmental health, and occupational safety fields. The agency conducted an in-depth investigation that encompassed the review of over 6,500 consumer complaints, conducting field inspections, and testing the relevant vehicles, both independently and in coordination with Ford and other entities. During the investigation, the evolution of Ford service bulletins intended to reduce the level of exhaust odors and carbon monoxide (CO) entering the occupant compartment was examined and independent tests to evaluate the effectiveness of the final Field Service Actions (FSA) for both consumer and police vehicles were conducted. As part of the investigation, the agency also examined the effects of cracked exhaust mani-cats on the measured CO levels in the vehicles and tested the FSA repairs to ensure they did not adversely impact occupant compartment CO levels due to cracked mani-cats.The investigation identified upfitting issues for Police Interceptor vehicles. Upfitting (sirens, lights, cages, auxiliary power, etc.) is typically performed by governmental fleet operations, independent repair facilities, or local Ford dealers after the sale of the new vehicle. Sealing issues caused by upfitting were responsible for the highest measured carbon monoxide levels in tested vehicles. The police FSA instructs how to inspect the quality of the vehicle upfits and how to properly seal any leaks caused by these upfits, at no cost to the police agency. Similarly, the highest CO levels measured in consumer vehicles were usually traced to sealing issues caused by rear crash damage where the repairs did not ensure sealing integrity. The most recent Ford FSA procedure for both the police (17B25) and consumer vehicles (17N03) includes an HVAC reprogramming operation. Tests by Ford and NHTSA have demonstrated a substantial reduction of CO levels due solely to the HVAC reprogramming. Other FSA repairs also demonstrated measurable contributions to CO level reductions during controlled tests.Throughout the investigation, vehicles accurately measured with higher levels of carbon monoxide were almost always affected by upfitter alterations, damage, or other causes compromising rear passenger cabin seals.NHTSA received thousands of reports alleging odors which triggered a variety of physiological responses, predominately nausea, headaches, and lightheadedness. NHTSA focused the investigation on accurately measuring vehicle CO levels, and accurately measuring carboxyhemoglobin (COHB) levels from properly administered blood tests. Using rigorous test methods to produce exhaust gas intrusion in vehicles with a properly performed FSA, occupant compartment CO levels remained below current environmental limits for CO in any environment (EPA ambient air quality standards). Furthermore, even without FSA repairs, no vehicles unaffected by upfitter issues or prior crash damage were identified with CO levels that exceed accepted occupational CO exposure levels. This investigation finds that the 2011-2017 Ford Explorer vehicles when accurately measured produce occupant compartment CO levels which fall below current accepted health standards, and could not identify COHB levels for vehicle drivers or other occupants, which exceeded thresholds for acute physiological effects. Therefore, the agency has not identified a defect that represents an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.This inve
Additional source detail variants (2)
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe
During the EA17-002 investigation, the agency reviewed and analyzed reports of exhaust odors in the passenger cabins of Model Year 2011 to 2017 Ford Explorers. This investigation required an approach that incorporated knowledge and expertise from the automotive, medical, environmental health, and occupational safety fields. The agency conducted an in-depth investigation that encompassed the review of over 6,500 consumer complaints, conducting field inspections, and testing the relevant vehicles, both independently and in coordination with Ford and other entities. During the investigation, the evolution of Ford service bulletins intended to reduce the level of exhaust odors and carbon monoxide (CO) entering the occupant compartment was examined and independent tests to evaluate the effectiveness of the final Field Service Actions (FSA) for both consumer and police vehicles were conducted. As part of the investigation, the agency also examined the effects of cracked exhaust mani-cats on the measured CO levels in the vehicles and tested the FSA repairs to ensure they did not adversely impact occupant compartment CO levels due to cracked mani-cats.The investigation identified upfitting issues for Police Interceptor vehicles. Upfitting (sirens, lights, cages, auxiliary power, etc.) is typically performed by governmental fleet operations, independent repair facilities, or local Ford dealers after the sale of the new vehicle. Sealing issues caused by upfitting were responsible for the highest measured carbon monoxide levels in tested vehicles. The police FSA instructs how to inspect the quality of the vehicle upfits and how to properly seal any leaks caused by these upfits, at no cost to the police agency. Similarly, the highest CO levels measured in consumer vehicles were usually traced to sealing issues caused by rear crash damage where the repairs did not ensure sealing integrity. The most recent Ford FSA procedure for both the police (17B25) and consumer vehicles (17N03) includes an HVAC reprogramming operation. Tests by Ford and NHTSA have demonstrated a substantial reduction of CO levels due solely to the HVAC reprogramming. Other FSA repairs also demonstrated measurable contributions to CO level reductions during controlled tests.Throughout the investigation, vehicles accurately measured with higher levels of carbon monoxide were almost always affected by upfitter alterations, damage, or other causes compromising rear passenger cabin seals.NHTSA received thousands of reports alleging odors which triggered a variety of physiological responses, predominately nausea, headaches, and lightheadedness. NHTSA focused the investigation on accurately measuring vehicle CO levels, and accurately measuring carboxyhemoglobin (COHB) levels from properly administered blood tests. Using rigorous test methods to produce exhaust gas intrusion in vehicles with a properly performed FSA, occupant compartment CO levels remained below current environmental limits for CO in any environment (EPA ambient air quality standards). Furthermore, even without FSA repairs, no vehicles unaffected by upfitter issues or prior crash damage were identified with CO levels that exceed accepted occupational CO exposure levels. This investigation finds that the 2011-2017 Ford Explorer vehicles when accurately measured produce occupant compartment CO levels which fall below current accepted health standards, and could not identify COHB levels for vehicle drivers or other occupants, which exceeded thresholds for acute physiological effects. Therefore, the agency has not identified a defect that represents an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.This inve
Structure:body
During the EA17-002 investigation, the agency reviewed and analyzed reports of exhaust odors in the passenger cabins of Model Year 2011 to 2017 Ford Explorers. This investigation required an approach that incorporated knowledge and expertise from the automotive, medical, environmental health, and occupational safety fields. The agency conducted an in-depth investigation that encompassed the review of over 6,500 consumer complaints, conducting field inspections, and testing the relevant vehicles, both independently and in coordination with Ford and other entities. During the investigation, the evolution of Ford service bulletins intended to reduce the level of exhaust odors and carbon monoxide (CO) entering the occupant compartment was examined and independent tests to evaluate the effectiveness of the final Field Service Actions (FSA) for both consumer and police vehicles were conducted. As part of the investigation, the agency also examined the effects of cracked exhaust mani-cats on the measured CO levels in the vehicles and tested the FSA repairs to ensure they did not adversely impact occupant compartment CO levels due to cracked mani-cats.The investigation identified upfitting issues for Police Interceptor vehicles. Upfitting (sirens, lights, cages, auxiliary power, etc.) is typically performed by governmental fleet operations, independent repair facilities, or local Ford dealers after the sale of the new vehicle. Sealing issues caused by upfitting were responsible for the highest measured carbon monoxide levels in tested vehicles. The police FSA instructs how to inspect the quality of the vehicle upfits and how to properly seal any leaks caused by these upfits, at no cost to the police agency. Similarly, the highest CO levels measured in consumer vehicles were usually traced to sealing issues caused by rear crash damage where the repairs did not ensure sealing integrity. The most recent Ford FSA procedure for both the police (17B25) and consumer vehicles (17N03) includes an HVAC reprogramming operation. Tests by Ford and NHTSA have demonstrated a substantial reduction of CO levels due solely to the HVAC reprogramming. Other FSA repairs also demonstrated measurable contributions to CO level reductions during controlled tests.Throughout the investigation, vehicles accurately measured with higher levels of carbon monoxide were almost always affected by upfitter alterations, damage, or other causes compromising rear passenger cabin seals.NHTSA received thousands of reports alleging odors which triggered a variety of physiological responses, predominately nausea, headaches, and lightheadedness. NHTSA focused the investigation on accurately measuring vehicle CO levels, and accurately measuring carboxyhemoglobin (COHB) levels from properly administered blood tests. Using rigorous test methods to produce exhaust gas intrusion in vehicles with a properly performed FSA, occupant compartment CO levels remained below current environmental limits for CO in any environment (EPA ambient air quality standards). Furthermore, even without FSA repairs, no vehicles unaffected by upfitter issues or prior crash damage were identified with CO levels that exceed accepted occupational CO exposure levels. This investigation finds that the 2011-2017 Ford Explorer vehicles when accurately measured produce occupant compartment CO levels which fall below current accepted health standards, and could not identify COHB levels for vehicle drivers or other occupants, which exceeded thresholds for acute physiological effects. Therefore, the agency has not identified a defect that represents an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.This inve
PE16008 · Ford Explorer Exhaust Odor
Opened Jul 1, 2016 · Closed Sep 12, 2017
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System; Structure:body
During the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration?s (NHTSA?s) investigation into the Ford carbon monoxide allegations, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) identified additional Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports with similar exhaust odor claims.Presently, ODI has identified 791 VOQs for Model Year 2011-2017 Ford Explorers pertaining to exhaust odor claims.ODI has identified three crashes and 41 injuries potentially linked this issue.The reported injuries range from unspecified to loss of consciousness, with the majority being nausea, headaches, or dizziness ? all of which can be symptomatic of carbon monoxide exposure.Additionally, Ford provided 2,400 reports including owner complaints, warranty claims, dealer field reports, and legal claims, that involve 2,051 vehicles that may be connected to the exhaust odor issue.NHTSA's Vehicle Test and Research Center tested multiple vehicles, including complaint vehicles, during the investigation.ODI also conducted field inspections of complaint vehicles and crashes involving police units that occurred while the officers were on duty.When possible, data was collected to quantify carbon monoxide levels in the examined vehicles.Based on the information gathered to date, NHTSA upgraded this investigation to an Engineering Analysis (EA17-002).
Additional source detail variants (2)
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System
During the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration?s (NHTSA?s) investigation into the Ford carbon monoxide allegations, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) identified additional Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports with similar exhaust odor claims.Presently, ODI has identified 791 VOQs for Model Year 2011-2017 Ford Explorers pertaining to exhaust odor claims.ODI has identified three crashes and 41 injuries potentially linked this issue.The reported injuries range from unspecified to loss of consciousness, with the majority being nausea, headaches, or dizziness ? all of which can be symptomatic of carbon monoxide exposure.Additionally, Ford provided 2,400 reports including owner complaints, warranty claims, dealer field reports, and legal claims, that involve 2,051 vehicles that may be connected to the exhaust odor issue.NHTSA's Vehicle Test and Research Center tested multiple vehicles, including complaint vehicles, during the investigation.ODI also conducted field inspections of complaint vehicles and crashes involving police units that occurred while the officers were on duty.When possible, data was collected to quantify carbon monoxide levels in the examined vehicles.Based on the information gathered to date, NHTSA upgraded this investigation to an Engineering Analysis (EA17-002).
Structure:body
During the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration?s (NHTSA?s) investigation into the Ford carbon monoxide allegations, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) identified additional Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports with similar exhaust odor claims.Presently, ODI has identified 791 VOQs for Model Year 2011-2017 Ford Explorers pertaining to exhaust odor claims.ODI has identified three crashes and 41 injuries potentially linked this issue.The reported injuries range from unspecified to loss of consciousness, with the majority being nausea, headaches, or dizziness ? all of which can be symptomatic of carbon monoxide exposure.Additionally, Ford provided 2,400 reports including owner complaints, warranty claims, dealer field reports, and legal claims, that involve 2,051 vehicles that may be connected to the exhaust odor issue.NHTSA's Vehicle Test and Research Center tested multiple vehicles, including complaint vehicles, during the investigation.ODI also conducted field inspections of complaint vehicles and crashes involving police units that occurred while the officers were on duty.When possible, data was collected to quantify carbon monoxide levels in the examined vehicles.Based on the information gathered to date, NHTSA upgraded this investigation to an Engineering Analysis (EA17-002).
PE12017 · Electric Power Steering Failure
Opened Jun 19, 2012 · Closed Jun 12, 2014
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering:electric Power Assist System
On May 27, 2014 and amended June 2, 2014, Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA describing a safety defect that may result in a sudden loss of power steering assist in approximately 179,027 model year (MY) 2011 through 2013 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with electric power assisted steering (EPAS), including 82,328 MY 2011 Explorersthat are the subject of PE12-017.Ford has assigned the recall number 14S06.The NHTSA recall number is 14V-286.Ford's DIR indicates that loss of power steering assist while driving would require higher steering effort at lower vehicle speeds, which may result in an increased risk of a crash.Sudden loss of power steering assist while driving can occur in the subject vehicles if the system loses electrical power or whenever the system detects a fault that requires it to enter fail-safe mode, which removes power from the EPAS motor and defaults to manual steering.Ford's DIR indicates that the majority of steering assist failures in the recalled vehicles have been caused by an intermittent electrical connection in the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) that can lead to a loss of the motor position sensor signal.Ford's remedy instructs dealers to check the PSCM for diagnostic trouble codes (DTC).If upon initial inspection a loss of steering assist DTC is present, dealers will replace the steering gear at no charge to the owner and update the PSCM with revised software.Following detection of a motor position sensor signal fault, the revised software will provide audible and visual warnings to the driver that a power steering system fault has been detected and will maintain steering assist for the remainder of that drive cycle.If no DTC is present, dealers will reprogram the PSCM with the revised software. Analysis of information from all sources identified a total of 969 complaints and 4,059 warranty claims related to loss of power steering assist while driving in the MY 2011 through 2012 Explorer vehicles, resulting in a complaint rate of 5.4 incidents per thousand vehicles and a warranty claim rate of 2.3 percent.ODI identified 15 crashes with evidence indicating loss of power steering assist may have been a factor.All 15 crashes involved low-speed impacts with roadside objects during turning maneuvers, resulting in minor vehicle damage or no damage.In one incident that occurred in a low-speed curve, the driver attempted to brake in response to the sudden increase in steering effort and inadvertently applied the accelerator pedal instead.This caused the vehicle to run off the side of the road and strike a wooden pole at approximately 15 mph.Another incident occurred when the driver was unable to to negotiate a left-turn at an intersection and ran off the road into a shallow ditch, resulting in moderate front-end damage to the vehicle and minor injuries to the driver that did not require medical treatment. This investigation is closed.All ODI complaints associated with this closing resume are listed in the Attachment 1.
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