NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,675 reportsMileage unknown · Dec 11, 2020
Unknown Or Other
I WAS EXPERIENCING THE SMALL OF EXHAUST IN MY VEHICLE RECENTLY. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER AND THEY LET ME KNOW THAT IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE IN EXPLORERS FOR MODEL YEARS 2011-2017, BUT MY VIN NUMBER ISN'T COVERED BY THE SERVICE BULLETIN OR SAFETY RECALL. I DID PROCEED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED, THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME TO CO…
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I WAS EXPERIENCING THE SMALL OF EXHAUST IN MY VEHICLE RECENTLY. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER AND THEY LET ME KNOW THAT IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE IN EXPLORERS FOR MODEL YEARS 2011-2017, BUT MY VIN NUMBER ISN'T COVERED BY THE SERVICE BULLETIN OR SAFETY RECALL. I DID PROCEED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED, THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME TO CONTACT FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE. I HAVE CONTACTED THEM, THEY ALSO REITERATED THE SAME INFORMATION--THAT IT IS A KNOWN ISSUED, BUT MY VIN NUMBER IS NOT INCLUDED AS ONE WHERE THIS WOULD BE A CONCERN. I AM CONFUSED BY THIS AS I DID UNKNOWINGLY EXPERIENCE THESE FUMES IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE, THE DEALERSHIP HAD TO PARTIALLY TAKE THE CAR APART TO SEAL VARIOUS AREAS, ETC.
NHTSA ODI #11383055
Mileage unknown · Dec 11, 2020
Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN: 20V675000 (SUSPENSION). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED BOGGUS FORD HARLINGEN (2521 S EXPRESSWAY 83, HARLINGEN, TX 78550, (956) 423-2580) AND …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN: 20V675000 (SUSPENSION). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED BOGGUS FORD HARLINGEN (2521 S EXPRESSWAY 83, HARLINGEN, TX 78550, (956) 423-2580) AND WAS INFORMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED.
NHTSA ODI #11382997
60,000 miles · Dec 8, 2020
Steering
GOOD MORNING, MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER20S62 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER20V675 I FEEL THAT THE RECALL FOR THE REAR SUSPENSION IS ALSO CAUSING THE STEERING WHEELS ON MANY OF THE FORD EXPLORERS TO SQUEAK, OR CREATE A LOUD BANGING NOISE. MY VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY SQUEAKING EVERY TIME I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, THIS VEHICLE HA…
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GOOD MORNING, MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER20S62 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER20V675 I FEEL THAT THE RECALL FOR THE REAR SUSPENSION IS ALSO CAUSING THE STEERING WHEELS ON MANY OF THE FORD EXPLORERS TO SQUEAK, OR CREATE A LOUD BANGING NOISE. MY VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY SQUEAKING EVERY TIME I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, THIS VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN ACCIDENT AND NEVER HAD THE STEERING COLUMN REPLACED.
NHTSA ODI #11378449
93,000 miles · Dec 5, 2020
Unknown Or Other
2014 MODEL FORD EXPLORER INNER INTERIOR DOOR PANELS, GLUE HOLDING UPPER MATERIAL ONTO DOOR PANEL HAS LET GO AND FOLDED OVER ON BOTH FRONT DOORS, THIS WAS AN ISSUE AND A RECALL/REPLACEMENT WAS ISSUES UNDER A TSB AS WELL, BUT FORD WILL ONLY FIX OR REPLACE WITHIN 5 YEARS, UPON PURCHASE OF VEHICLE DOOR MATERIAL WAS STARTING TO COME …
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2014 MODEL FORD EXPLORER INNER INTERIOR DOOR PANELS, GLUE HOLDING UPPER MATERIAL ONTO DOOR PANEL HAS LET GO AND FOLDED OVER ON BOTH FRONT DOORS, THIS WAS AN ISSUE AND A RECALL/REPLACEMENT WAS ISSUES UNDER A TSB AS WELL, BUT FORD WILL ONLY FIX OR REPLACE WITHIN 5 YEARS, UPON PURCHASE OF VEHICLE DOOR MATERIAL WAS STARTING TO COME OFF, BY THE TIME IT WAS NOTICED IT WAS EARLY 2020 WHICH MADE THE REPAIR OPTION VOID DUE TO IT BEING OUT OF THE 5 YEAR PERIOD. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED FOR AT LEAST A 10 YEAR SPAN AS IT APPEARS THIS IS HAPPENING TO THOUSANDS OF THESE EXPLORERS JUST OUTSIDE OF TEH 5 YEAR REPAIR TIMEFRAME.
NHTSA ODI #11378024
93,894 miles · Dec 5, 2020
Steering
WHILE WIFE WAS DRIVING VEHICLE HOME FROM WORK, STEERING ABRUPTLY GOT STIFF AND MAKING THE VEHICLE BECAME VERY DIFFICULT AND DANGEROUS, GOT A WARNING FROM DASH AND NOW WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL THERE IS A LOUD GRINDING/RUBBING NOISE FROM THE STEERING ASSEMBLY. HAVE BEEN ADVISED THE RACK AND PINION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. T…
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WHILE WIFE WAS DRIVING VEHICLE HOME FROM WORK, STEERING ABRUPTLY GOT STIFF AND MAKING THE VEHICLE BECAME VERY DIFFICULT AND DANGEROUS, GOT A WARNING FROM DASH AND NOW WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL THERE IS A LOUD GRINDING/RUBBING NOISE FROM THE STEERING ASSEMBLY. HAVE BEEN ADVISED THE RACK AND PINION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER BUT WAS MANUFACTURED IN LATE 2013 AS A 14 MODEL. YET THIS RACK AND PINION IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. SINCE I CANNOT AFFORD THE REPAIRS THE VEHICLE HAS HAD TO SIT. PRIOR RECALL FOR THE 2011-2013 NEEDS TO BE EXPANDED TO COVER THESE NEW COMPLAINTS AS THESE PARTS WERE MOST LIKELY THE SAME PARTS INCLUDED IN THE INTIAL RECALL BUT PLACED IN THE NEWER MODEL YEAR VEHICLE. I CANNOT GET THE NEWEST RECALL ADDRESS BECAUSE I CAN'T GET THE EXPLORER TO THE DEALER WITHOUT PAYING FOR A TOW TO AND FROM SINCE THE RACK AND PINION IS A MAJOR ISSUE
NHTSA ODI #11378023
Mileage unknown · Dec 4, 2020
Unknown Or Other
I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE 20S62/HNTSA RECALL 20V-675. HOWEVER IT ISN'T IN ANY SYSTEM. I AM TRYING TO DETERMINE IF I ACTUALLY DO OR DON'T HAVE A SAFETY RECALL. I HAVE CALLED THE FORD CORPORATE OFFICE, BUT I CAN'T TALK TO A PERSON SO I CAN'T GET AN ANSWER FROM THE ISSUING OFFICE. PLEASE HELP!!
NHTSA ODI #11377920
88,000 miles · Dec 2, 2020
Structure
DOOR PANEL HAS POPPED OFF THE TOP OF INTERIOR DRIVERS SIDE DOOR AND IS ALSO PULLING AWAY ON ARM REST. THIS WAS A PREVIOUS RECALL BY FORD BUT OURS DID NOT OCCUR UNTIL AFTER THE RECALL END DATE AND FORD WOULD NOT REPLACE DOOR PANEL UNLESS YOUR SHOWED THE DEFECT. FORD REFUSES TO FIX EVEN THOUGH THEY KNOW ITS A FLAW.
NHTSA ODI #11377526
Mileage unknown · Dec 1, 2020
Structure
THE DRIVER DOOR PANEL HAD BUCKLED AND COMING OFF. RECALL 17N04 BUT BECAUSE IT AFTER 5 YEARS THEY WONT COVER. THIS NOT FAIR WHEN THEY KNEW THIS WAS AN ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI #11377337
60,000 miles · Nov 24, 2020
Steering
I WAS PULLING OUT OF MY DRIVE WAY TO LEAVE MY HOUSE AND NOTICED A GRINDING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT END, IT WAS VERY LOUD, AND CAUSED ME TO HAVE LOSS OF CONTROL OVER THE CARS STEERING; ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNING WHEEL LEFT AND RIGHT AT LOWER SPEEDS AND ON SHARP TURNS. (THE WHEELS DO NOT STRAIGHTEN OUT OR RETURN TO CENTER WHEN EX…
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I WAS PULLING OUT OF MY DRIVE WAY TO LEAVE MY HOUSE AND NOTICED A GRINDING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT END, IT WAS VERY LOUD, AND CAUSED ME TO HAVE LOSS OF CONTROL OVER THE CARS STEERING; ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNING WHEEL LEFT AND RIGHT AT LOWER SPEEDS AND ON SHARP TURNS. (THE WHEELS DO NOT STRAIGHTEN OUT OR RETURN TO CENTER WHEN EXITING A TURN AND WILL THEN OVER COMPENSATE AND VEER TO THE RIGHT AFTER HAVING TO MANUALLY TURN THE WHEEL BACK.
NHTSA ODI #11376135
17,000 miles · Nov 23, 2020
Steering
POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT LIGHT CAME ON. POWER STEERING WENT OUT COMPLETELY. VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 20,000 MILES ON IT.
NHTSA ODI #11375943
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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