NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
196 reportsClear category filter133,553 miles · Oct 25, 2021
Engine
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle, the vehicle started to overheat. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was sludge in the engine. The contact was informed that there wa…
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The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle, the vehicle started to overheat. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was sludge in the engine. The contact was informed that there was coolant leaking into the engine oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 133,553.
NHTSA ODI #11438016
Mileage unknown · Sep 24, 2021
Engine
In failure while driving on highway and it was found that the issue was due to a faulty water pump
NHTSA ODI #11434164
Mileage unknown · Sep 18, 2021
Engine
7/20/2020 and before, dashboard light came on with message "check charging system" then steering wheel locked up, turned off engine, waited 2-3 seconds, turned back on and its okay. Kept doing this once in a while, bought new battery, message kept coming on. 07/28/2021 message came on saying "something is draining the juice out …
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7/20/2020 and before, dashboard light came on with message "check charging system" then steering wheel locked up, turned off engine, waited 2-3 seconds, turned back on and its okay. Kept doing this once in a while, bought new battery, message kept coming on. 07/28/2021 message came on saying "something is draining the juice out of battery". This message came on after we bought a new battery. Told Ford company when getting oil change, they said my battery is charged okay. They don't know whats causing it.
NHTSA ODI #11433470
Mileage unknown · Aug 31, 2021
Engine
Internal water pump failure. coolant mixing with oil. vehicle shut down unexpectedly while in motion.
NHTSA ODI #11431154
Mileage unknown · Aug 28, 2021
Engine
Exhaust Manifold leaking. Causing Exhaust smell in cab.
NHTSA ODI #11430838
Mileage unknown · May 6, 2021
Engine
THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON A GAVE A READING OF P0016, WHICH IS A CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. TOOK MY EXPLORER TO FRED BEANS FORD IN MECHANICSBURG, PA. FOR INSPECTION. THEY TOLD ME THE CAM PHASERS ARE COMPUTER CONTROLLED CAMSHAFT GEARS. THE VARIABLE VALVE TIMING SYSTEM OPERATES WHEN THE ENGINE COMPUTER (PCM) SENDS OIL PRESSURE TO ONE…
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THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON A GAVE A READING OF P0016, WHICH IS A CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. TOOK MY EXPLORER TO FRED BEANS FORD IN MECHANICSBURG, PA. FOR INSPECTION. THEY TOLD ME THE CAM PHASERS ARE COMPUTER CONTROLLED CAMSHAFT GEARS. THE VARIABLE VALVE TIMING SYSTEM OPERATES WHEN THE ENGINE COMPUTER (PCM) SENDS OIL PRESSURE TO ONE OR THE OTHER CHAMBER OF THE PHASER VIS CAM TIMING SOLENOIDS. WHEN A CAM PHASER GOES BAD, THE VARIABLE CONTROL TIMING (VCT) SOLENOIDS WOULD BE DESTROYED, AND THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT (ECU) WOULD NO LONGER BE ABLE TO CONTROL THE PHASERS, WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE ENGINES TIMING WOULD BE AFFECTED. THE CHECK ENGINE CODE WAS HARD STORED IN THE VEHICLE WHICH RESULTED IN A FAILED EMMISSION TEST. THE RECOMMENDED REPAIRS WILL NEED TO BE DONE IN ORDER TO COMPLETE THE STATE EMMISSION TEST. THE TOTAL FOR ALL REPAIRS PLUS INSPECTION COMES TO A TOTAL OF $3,995,05 BEFORE TAX. TO ME THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL BECAUSE MY EXPLORER IS RUNNING GREAT. THE VEHICLE HAS ON 80,000 MILES ON IT AND OIL HAS BEEN CHANGED EVERY 6-7 THOUSAND MILES. I UNDERSTAND THE F-150 HAS A SIMILAR PROBLEM AND QUALIFIES FOR A RECALL WITH THE SAME BASIC ENGINE. TO ME, THIS IS RIDICULOUS. NOBODY WOULD BUY A FORD KNOWING THEY HAD TO DUMP $4000 INTO AT 80,000 MILES. LIKE I SAID MY VEHICLE IS RUNNING GREAT AND TO BE HIT WITH SUCH A REPAIR PRICE TAG IS VERY CONCERNING!! DON'T WANT TO SAY THIS IS A SCAM, BUT THIS SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO. I COULD DEAL WITH THE PRICE IF MY VEHICLE WAS RUNNING BAD. APPRECIATE ANY HELP ,
NHTSA ODI #11415416
96,000 miles · Apr 23, 2021
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS GETTING TOPPED OFF WITH COOLANT, SHE NOTICED THAT COOLANT WAS LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DON FRANKLIN FORD LONDON (388 KY-192, LONDON, KY 40741) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED W…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS GETTING TOPPED OFF WITH COOLANT, SHE NOTICED THAT COOLANT WAS LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DON FRANKLIN FORD LONDON (388 KY-192, LONDON, KY 40741) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE WATER PUMP NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RELATED THE ISSUE TO AN UNKNOWN RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 96,000.
NHTSA ODI #11413588
153 miles · Jan 31, 2021
EngineSteering
I HAD TOOK MY TRUCK TO A NEARBY FORD DEALERSHIP FOR A RECALL WITH THE TOE LINK TO BE REPAIRED AND YESTERDAY ON 01/30/2021 I WAS DRIVING AND THE ENGINE AND STEERING WHEEL STARTED SHAKING ENGINE SOUNDS LIKE IT'S ABOUT TO DROP THIS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AND ONCE I HIT THE HIGHWAY AND I STARTED TO DRIVE OVER 50 MIL…
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I HAD TOOK MY TRUCK TO A NEARBY FORD DEALERSHIP FOR A RECALL WITH THE TOE LINK TO BE REPAIRED AND YESTERDAY ON 01/30/2021 I WAS DRIVING AND THE ENGINE AND STEERING WHEEL STARTED SHAKING ENGINE SOUNDS LIKE IT'S ABOUT TO DROP THIS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AND ONCE I HIT THE HIGHWAY AND I STARTED TO DRIVE OVER 50 MILES IT MADE IT WORST, MY TRUCK WAS DRIVING PERFECTLY FINE BEFORE I TOOK IT IN TO HAVE THAT RECALL REPAIRED.
NHTSA ODI #11390841
107,000 miles · Sep 6, 2020
EngineUnknown Or Other
WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR COUPLE HOUR I BEGIN TO FEEL VERY DIZZY AND SICK AND I HAVE TO PUT OVER AND GET SOME AIR I HAVE NOICE EVERY TIME I DRIVE MY VEHICLE I GET THIS WAY I HAD THE VEHICLE FOR FIVE MONTHS NOW ALSO I HAVE FELT THIS WAS WHEN DRIVING AND IDLING TO A COMPLETE STOP I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AND I ALSO STOP…
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WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR COUPLE HOUR I BEGIN TO FEEL VERY DIZZY AND SICK AND I HAVE TO PUT OVER AND GET SOME AIR I HAVE NOICE EVERY TIME I DRIVE MY VEHICLE I GET THIS WAY I HAD THE VEHICLE FOR FIVE MONTHS NOW ALSO I HAVE FELT THIS WAS WHEN DRIVING AND IDLING TO A COMPLETE STOP I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AND I ALSO STOPPED BY THE FIRE STATION TO GET CHECKED OUT AND I DID HAVE A SPO2 SCALE OF 90.
NHTSA ODI #11353461
65,000 miles · Jul 8, 2020
Engine
MY WIFE CONTINUES TO GET HEADACHES, DESPITE HAVING THE 'CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM' THAT FORD PROVIDES DONE TO ELIMINATE CARBON MONOXIDE ISSUE IN HER CAR. WE BOUGHT A CARBON MONOXIDE SENSOR THAT READS DOWN TO 1PPM AND SHE IS GETTING 50-60PPM OF CARBON MONOXIDE IN THE CAB WHILE DRIVING HER VEHICLE. THE SAME SENSOR WAS PLACED…
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MY WIFE CONTINUES TO GET HEADACHES, DESPITE HAVING THE 'CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM' THAT FORD PROVIDES DONE TO ELIMINATE CARBON MONOXIDE ISSUE IN HER CAR. WE BOUGHT A CARBON MONOXIDE SENSOR THAT READS DOWN TO 1PPM AND SHE IS GETTING 50-60PPM OF CARBON MONOXIDE IN THE CAB WHILE DRIVING HER VEHICLE. THE SAME SENSOR WAS PLACED IN 4 OTHER CARS (2 FORDS, 1 SUBARU; 1 TOYOTA) AND ALL 4 OTHER CARS READ 0 PPM. FORD IS NOT ACKNOWLEDGING THERE IS A PROBLEM AT ALL. WE CALLED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE IT CORRECTED AND THE SERVICE ADVISOR SIMPLY SAYS 'I'VE NEVER HEARD OF CARBON MONOXIDE IN THE CAB.' THOUGHT LESS THAN A YEAR AGO THEY WERE THE SAME DEALERSHIP TO DO THE 'CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM' FOR THE EXACT SAME ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI #11338232
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.
Jul 15, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Exposure to road salt can cause the cross-axis ball joint to corrode and seize, resulting 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: Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle, and replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall numbers 16V-245, 19V-435, and 20V-675. Certain vehicles previously repaired will need to return for the new remedy. An interim notification letter notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on September 10, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2022. Owners may contact Ford's customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S32.
Mar 12, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 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 that were previously repaired under a prior recall numbers 16V-245 or 19V-435. The outboard section of a rear suspension toe link may fracture.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle attached to the rear suspension toe link and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S62.
Nov 10, 2020
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Explorer, 2014-2015 Taurus and 2014 Edge vehicles equipped with 2.0L or 2.3L engines and front wheel drive. The support bracket for the front drive axle halfshaft may fail.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The failed bracket could result in a loss of park function which can cause unintended vehicle movement, and loss of motive power while driving which increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the link shaft bracket, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners received an interim notification detailing safety risk December 8, 2020. A second letter will be mailed when parts become available in January 2021. The recall began February 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S63.
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.
Apr 26, 2016
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured January 17, 2014 to May 31, 2014. The affected vehicles may have improperly welded rear suspension toe links that may fracture.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fracture of the rear suspension toe link may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. The recall began on November 18, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S18.
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).
EA15005 · Front Brake Hose Failure
Opened Sep 28, 2015 · Closed Nov 2, 2018
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
On April 29, 2015, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE15-017 to investigate a report alleging incidents of front brake hose failure in model year (MY) 2015 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor vehicles used by the Sacramento Police Department in its pursuit driving training program (VOQ 10705832).On September 28, 2015, ODI upgraded the investigation to an Engineering Analysis (EA15-005) to assess maximum front caliper crimp temperatures under various test conditions, test hose assemblies removed from police interceptor service for any signs of thermal degradation, and further assess field data for evidence of a defect trend related to the alleged defect.The alleged defect results from exposure to extremely high heat at the caliper-side hose crimp. NHTSA?s vehicle testing suggests that the conditions necessary to produce the critical temperatures in the subject components result from drive-soak intervals that can occur during the Sacramento training program.NHTSA's testing of hose assemblies returned from police interceptor service did not identify any evidence of thermal degradation.NHTSA has not confirmed any incidents of caliper crimp failures due to overheating in vehicles not subjected to the Sacramento training course driving.The low number of hose assembly failure reports and the absence of any verified incidents of heat related front brake hose crimp failures since 2015 suggests that the Sacramento PD incidents resulted from conditions unique to the training program.A safety related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of Agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The Agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances.For additional information, see the Closing Report in the document file for EA15-005 on www.nhtsa.gov.
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