NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
827 reports131,400 miles · Nov 8, 2016
Electrical SystemEngineSteeringFire
DROVE ABOUT 2 MILES IN THE MORNING WHILE TURNING ONTO THE INTERSTATE RAMP THE STEERING LOCKED UP WOULD NOT GO OVER 30MPH, SUV STARTED TO SMOKE WHILE THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE NEVER CHANGED INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. LUCKY TO NOT HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. AFTER HAVING VEHICLE TOWED, PER THE MECHANIC THE COMPUTER SYSTEM IS FRIED, MOTO…
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DROVE ABOUT 2 MILES IN THE MORNING WHILE TURNING ONTO THE INTERSTATE RAMP THE STEERING LOCKED UP WOULD NOT GO OVER 30MPH, SUV STARTED TO SMOKE WHILE THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE NEVER CHANGED INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. LUCKY TO NOT HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. AFTER HAVING VEHICLE TOWED, PER THE MECHANIC THE COMPUTER SYSTEM IS FRIED, MOTOR VALVES MELTED, AND ALL SPARK PLUGS NEED TO BE REPLACED. THIS SUV IS ONLY A 2012 AND SHOULD NOT HAVE THIS MAJOR OF PROBLEMS WHEN IT HAS BEEN WELL TAKEN CARE OF. FORD REALLY NEEDS TO LOOK FURTHER INTO THIS SO THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN TO SOMEONE ELSE.
NHTSA ODI #10925105
55,128 miles · Nov 4, 2016
EngineFuel/propulsion System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PURGE VALVE WAS LEAKING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PURGE VALVE WAS LEAKING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,128.
NHTSA ODI #10924249
40,000 miles · Nov 2, 2016
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY POWER WOULD BE LOST. WHEN APPLYING MORE PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR, NO USABLE POWER WAS PRESENT AND THE VEHICLE COULD NOT EXCEED 30 MPH. AFTER THIS OCCURRED ON THE 4TH TIME ON A SUBSEQUENT DAY, THE "ENGINE" SYMBOL WAS DISPLAYED. CURRENTLY THE VEHICLE IS AT A FORD DEALERSHIP TO TROUBLESHOOT THE…
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WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY POWER WOULD BE LOST. WHEN APPLYING MORE PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR, NO USABLE POWER WAS PRESENT AND THE VEHICLE COULD NOT EXCEED 30 MPH. AFTER THIS OCCURRED ON THE 4TH TIME ON A SUBSEQUENT DAY, THE "ENGINE" SYMBOL WAS DISPLAYED. CURRENTLY THE VEHICLE IS AT A FORD DEALERSHIP TO TROUBLESHOOT THE PROBLEM. ON TWO OCCASIONS THIS DISCREPANCY WITH ACCELERATION AND FUNCTIONALITY OF AVAILABLE POWER NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT WITH SMALL CHILDREN IN THE VEHICLE. THIS SHOULD CAUSE A MAJOR CONCERN TO OTHER OWNERS AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY AS A WHOLE DUE TO THE POTENTIAL DAMAGE, INJURY, OR DEATH THAT COULD OCCUR DUE TO COMPLETELY LOSING ACCELERATION AND/OR POWER WHILE DRIVING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10923895
40,000 miles · Oct 27, 2016
Fuel System, GasolinePower Train
MY 2012 FORD EXPLORE LTD. STOPS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WHILE DRIVING. A WRENCH LIGHT COMES ON IN LOWER LEFT DASH, AND THE CAR LOSES POWER. I CAN NO LONGER ONCE THIS HAPPENS. I MUST TURN OFF THE CAR AND RESTART THE ENGINE TO GET IT GOING AGAIN. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON A HIGHWAY GOING 70 MILES PER HOUR, AND IN THE MIDDLE OF IN…
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MY 2012 FORD EXPLORE LTD. STOPS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WHILE DRIVING. A WRENCH LIGHT COMES ON IN LOWER LEFT DASH, AND THE CAR LOSES POWER. I CAN NO LONGER ONCE THIS HAPPENS. I MUST TURN OFF THE CAR AND RESTART THE ENGINE TO GET IT GOING AGAIN. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON A HIGHWAY GOING 70 MILES PER HOUR, AND IN THE MIDDLE OF INTERSECTIONS, ON REGULAR CITY, SUBURBAN OR NEIGHBORHOOD STREETS, NOT TO MENTION IT IS NOW HAPPENING 2-3 TIMES A DAY WHILE WITH NO WARNING. IT HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING ONLY, SOMETIMES AFTER TURNING, SOMETIMES NOT, BUT THE CAR IS ALWAYS IN MOTION AT THE TIME, AT VARIOUS SPEEDS IN VARIOUS TEMPERATURES, WITH CLIMATE CONTROL EITHER OFF OR ON, SEEMS TO HAVE NO BEARING. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND CAN EASILY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT, INJURY OR DEATH. APPARENTLY THE CURRENT RECALL FOR THE POWER STEERING DOES NOT ADDRESS THIS. I AM HAVING THAT WORKED ON RIGHT NOW AS I TYPE. THIS HAPPENED ONCE LAST YEAR ON THE HIGHWAY, AND ONCE ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO AS I PULLED OUT OF A PARKING LOT. HADN'T HAPPENED AGAIN SINCE UNTIL THE MONTH OF OCTOBER IN THE 80 DEGREE WEATHER OF PLANO TX, WHETHER CAR WAS ALREADY WARMED-UP OR NOT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10919359
152,600 miles · Oct 25, 2016
Electrical SystemExterior LightingSteering
TAKATA RECALL I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN JANUARY 2016, ON OCTOBER 22, 2016 WHILE DRIVING IN ELBERTON GEORGIA MY CAR ALERTED ME THAT THE POWER STEERING NEEDED TO BE SERVICED. ABOUT 2 MILES DOWN THE ROAD MY TURN SIGNAL WOULDN'T STAY ON WHEN BEING USED TO TURN. A FEW HOURS LATER WHEN READY TO HEAD HOME I COULD NOT GET MY CAR TO S…
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TAKATA RECALL I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN JANUARY 2016, ON OCTOBER 22, 2016 WHILE DRIVING IN ELBERTON GEORGIA MY CAR ALERTED ME THAT THE POWER STEERING NEEDED TO BE SERVICED. ABOUT 2 MILES DOWN THE ROAD MY TURN SIGNAL WOULDN'T STAY ON WHEN BEING USED TO TURN. A FEW HOURS LATER WHEN READY TO HEAD HOME I COULD NOT GET MY CAR TO STEER WITHOUT MAJOR EFFORT ON MY PART. I AM A MOTHER OF 3 AND I REFUSE TO PUT MY KIDS IN AN UNSAFE VEHICLE. THE ISSUE HAS TO DO WITH THE POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE AND I WAS INFORMED BY FORD THAT THEY WOULD NOT FIX THE ISSUE AT NO CHARGE BECAUSE THE RECALL 14S06 HAS EXPIRED AND I HAD EXCEEDED THE MILEAGE WARRANTY BY ALMOST 3000 MILES. I DON'T FEEL THAT I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CHARGES TO GET THIS ISSUE FIXED BEING AS I WAS NOT AWARE OF THE RECALL. I'M NOT HAPPY THAT I'M EXPECTED TO COVER CHARGES ON SOMETHING I WASN'T AWARE WAS A PROBLEM WITH MY VEHICLE UNTIL THE SERVICE ALERT APPEARED. THIS IS MY 1ST FORD VEHICLE AND I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT, HOWEVER, IF THIS IS THE CUSTOMER SERVICE THAT I AM GOING TO RECEIVE I WILL NOT EVER BUY ANOTHER FORD VEHICLE AND I WILL NOT RECOMMEND ANYONE TO PURCHASE FROM FORD. I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT A VEHICLE FOR 2 DAYS AS OF RIGHT NOW, WHICH MAKES IT VERY DIFFICULT TO GET MY KIDS TO DAYCARE/SCHOOL AND GET TO WORK. MY HUSBAND HAS HAD TO ASK ABOUT CHANGING HIS SCHEDULE IN ORDER TO HELP ME SINCE I DON'T HAVE A VEHICLE. SINCERELY, UNHAPPY MOTHER OF 3 *TR
NHTSA ODI #10918768
Mileage unknown · Oct 18, 2016
Air BagsElectrical System
MY AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON AND WON'T TURN. WHAT I HAVE READ IS ONCE IT ON THE AIRBAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY I'M CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. FORD KNOW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND IS NOT TRYING TO FIX THIS IS VERY UNACCEPTABLE FOR SUCH AN EXPENSIVE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #10917215
82,000 miles · Oct 18, 2016
Structure
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD FLEW OFF. UPON STOPPING AND INSPECTING, THE PLASTIC SLIPS THAT HELD IT IN PLACE WERE BROKEN. I CHECKED THE DRIVER SIDE, AND THE CLIPS ARE STARTING TO BREAK ON THERE AS WELL, IT IS NO LONGER ATTACHED AT THE TOP AND IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME THAT FAILS COM…
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WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD FLEW OFF. UPON STOPPING AND INSPECTING, THE PLASTIC SLIPS THAT HELD IT IN PLACE WERE BROKEN. I CHECKED THE DRIVER SIDE, AND THE CLIPS ARE STARTING TO BREAK ON THERE AS WELL, IT IS NO LONGER ATTACHED AT THE TOP AND IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME THAT FAILS COMPLETELY AS WELL. I HAVE ATTACHED PICTURES SHOWING THE PASSENGER SIDE THAT FLEW OFF AND THE DRIVER SIDE THAT IS FAILING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10916740
Mileage unknown · Oct 10, 2016
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Steering
VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVING PERFECTLY FINE AND OUT OF NO WHERE IT SHOWS 2 WARNINGS. ONE INDICTING TO SERVICE POWER STEERING, AND THE OTHER INDICTATING TO SERVICE ADVANCE TRAC SYSTEM. THE STEERING FLUID IS FULL AND THERE ARE NO DAMAGED TO THE HOSE OR POWER STEERING SYSTEM. THIS IS SHOWING THE SAME SIGNS OF THE RECALLED EXPLORERS YET…
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VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVING PERFECTLY FINE AND OUT OF NO WHERE IT SHOWS 2 WARNINGS. ONE INDICTING TO SERVICE POWER STEERING, AND THE OTHER INDICTATING TO SERVICE ADVANCE TRAC SYSTEM. THE STEERING FLUID IS FULL AND THERE ARE NO DAMAGED TO THE HOSE OR POWER STEERING SYSTEM. THIS IS SHOWING THE SAME SIGNS OF THE RECALLED EXPLORERS YET THIS ONE HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED.
NHTSA ODI #10915078
Mileage unknown · Oct 1, 2016
Unknown Or Other
STRONG EXHAUST SMELL INSIDE CABIN WHEN ACCELERATING. VEHICLE HAD ABOUT 65000 MILES. MY SPEED WAS FROM 0MPH TO 65 MPH.
NHTSA ODI #10910923
95,000 miles · Sep 26, 2016
EngineUnknown Or Other
STRONG EXHAUST (BURNING OIL SMELL) COMING INTO CABIN UNDER MEDIUM TO HIGH ACCELERATION THROUGH VENTILATION ( AC ON) . THE SMELL PERMEATES THE CAR AND BURNS YOUR NOSTRILS. I COULD SMELL IT FOR QUITE SOME TIME EVEN AFTER EXISTING THE VEHICLE (AS THE SMELL REMAINS IN MY NOSE). EVEN FELT A BIT LIGHTHEADED AFTER EXISTING THE VEHI…
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STRONG EXHAUST (BURNING OIL SMELL) COMING INTO CABIN UNDER MEDIUM TO HIGH ACCELERATION THROUGH VENTILATION ( AC ON) . THE SMELL PERMEATES THE CAR AND BURNS YOUR NOSTRILS. I COULD SMELL IT FOR QUITE SOME TIME EVEN AFTER EXISTING THE VEHICLE (AS THE SMELL REMAINS IN MY NOSE). EVEN FELT A BIT LIGHTHEADED AFTER EXISTING THE VEHICLE. I HAVE HAD PASSENGERS NOTICE THIS SMELL ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS ALSO.
NHTSA ODI #10909732
Official recalls
5Jan 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.
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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