NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
237 reportsClear category filter32,000 miles · Jun 13, 2018
Engine
I SMELL EXHAUST IN THE CABIN SOMETIMES. I WORK OUT OF MY CAR A FEW HOURS A DAY, LEAVING IT ON AND WITH AIR CONDITIONING ON WHILE I GO DOOR TO DOOR AND GET HEADACHES AND SUPER TIRED WHICH I HAVE NEVER HAD IN MY LIFE. I ALSO GET EXTREMELY SLEEPY AFTER BEING IN THE CAR FOR MORE THAN AN 40 MINUTES AT A TIME. SOMETIMES I TAKE A NA…
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I SMELL EXHAUST IN THE CABIN SOMETIMES. I WORK OUT OF MY CAR A FEW HOURS A DAY, LEAVING IT ON AND WITH AIR CONDITIONING ON WHILE I GO DOOR TO DOOR AND GET HEADACHES AND SUPER TIRED WHICH I HAVE NEVER HAD IN MY LIFE. I ALSO GET EXTREMELY SLEEPY AFTER BEING IN THE CAR FOR MORE THAN AN 40 MINUTES AT A TIME. SOMETIMES I TAKE A NAP IN THE CAR WITH THE A/C ON AND ALL 4 WINDOWS CRACKED ABOUT AN INCH EACH. WHEN I WAKE UP I FEEL DIZZY, SICK AND HAVE A HEADACHE AFTER A WHILE.
NHTSA ODI #11101687
5,000 miles · Jun 8, 2018
Engine
CARBON MONOXIDE LEAKING THROUGH THE AC VENTS
NHTSA ODI #11100549
6,000 miles · Apr 28, 2018
Engine
THE VEHICLE INSIDE CABIN SOMETIMES SMELLS LIKE NATURAL GAS. DRIVER HAS EXPERIENCED HEADACHE AND WEAKNESS AFTER DRIVING LONGER PERIODS OF TIME. WINDOWS HAVE TO BE OPENED TO RID OF THE SMELL.
NHTSA ODI #11090820
Mileage unknown · Apr 14, 2018
Engine
STRONG BURNING SMELL INSIDE OF VEHICLE WHEN ACCELERATING. THE SMELL IS SO STRONG IT WILL MAKE YOU NAUSEOUS, REQUIRING ME TO PULL OVER AND EXIT THE VEHICLE. I REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS ADVISED IT WAS THE UNDERCARRIAGE COATING BURNING OFF. I AM NOW AT 5500 MILES ON MY VEHICLE AND THE SMELL CONTINUES TO PERSIS…
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STRONG BURNING SMELL INSIDE OF VEHICLE WHEN ACCELERATING. THE SMELL IS SO STRONG IT WILL MAKE YOU NAUSEOUS, REQUIRING ME TO PULL OVER AND EXIT THE VEHICLE. I REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS ADVISED IT WAS THE UNDERCARRIAGE COATING BURNING OFF. I AM NOW AT 5500 MILES ON MY VEHICLE AND THE SMELL CONTINUES TO PERSIST. THE DEALERSHIP AND FORD MOTOR HAVE NOT BEEN HELPFUL IN RECTIFYING THIS PROBLEM OR FINDING THE CAUSE OF THE SMELL. THE PROBLEM OCCURS EVERY TIME I HAVE TO ACCELERATE, ON A DAILY BASIS.
NHTSA ODI #11085078
1,000 miles · Apr 9, 2018
EnginePower Train
VEHICLE SURGE ON FIRST ACCELERATION AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE. SURGE - THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCES AN ACCELERATING LUNGE FORWARD AND THEN STOPS FOR ABOUT TWO OR THREE CYCLES (STOP/START, STOP/START ETC.) IT IS UNEXPECTED AND UNCONTROLLABLE UNTIL IT SUBSIDES WITHIN 20 TO 30 FEET. THE DEGREE OF THE UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION IS EXC…
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VEHICLE SURGE ON FIRST ACCELERATION AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE. SURGE - THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCES AN ACCELERATING LUNGE FORWARD AND THEN STOPS FOR ABOUT TWO OR THREE CYCLES (STOP/START, STOP/START ETC.) IT IS UNEXPECTED AND UNCONTROLLABLE UNTIL IT SUBSIDES WITHIN 20 TO 30 FEET. THE DEGREE OF THE UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION IS EXCESSIVE WHEN COMPARED TO THE SLIGHT APPLICATION OF THE GAS PEDAL CONDITIONS - HAPPENS ONLY AFTER THE FIRST STARTUP OF THE ENGINE, IN WARMER WEATHER WHEN THE "CHOKE" IS NOT REQUIRED. EXAMPLE: START ENGINE, BACK OUT OF GARAGE, PLACE IN FIRST GEAR, ACCELERATE SLOWLY FOR THE FIRST TIME. THIS IS WHEN THE SURGE IS EXPERIENCE. IT DOES NOT HAPPEN WITH EVERY STOP/START CYCLE DURING NORMAL DRIVING, LIKE STOPPING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. IT HAPPENS ONLY AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE, AND GOING FORWARD FOR THE FIRST TIME. THE PRIMARY PROBLEM IS THE DEGREE OF THE UNCONTROLLED, OSCILLATING ACCELERATION RELATIVE TO THE SLIGHT AMOUNT THAT THE GAS PEDAL IS APPLIED. IT IS NOT ABOUT AN OVERLY SENSITIVE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. IT ABOUT THE ENGINE SURGING, THEN DYING OFF, THEN SURGING AGAIN.
NHTSA ODI #11084028
6,310 miles · Apr 3, 2018
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, EXHAUST FUMES EMITTED INTO THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE FUMES CAUSED THE CONTACT'S CHILDREN TO BECOME NAUSEOUS AND VOMIT. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF HIS CHILDREN. THE CONTACT CALLED ROD BAKER FORD AT (877) 222-7336 (LOCATED AT 16101 S LINC…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, EXHAUST FUMES EMITTED INTO THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE FUMES CAUSED THE CONTACT'S CHILDREN TO BECOME NAUSEOUS AND VOMIT. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF HIS CHILDREN. THE CONTACT CALLED ROD BAKER FORD AT (877) 222-7336 (LOCATED AT 16101 S LINCOLN HWY, PLAINFIELD, IL 60586) WHERE AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,310.
NHTSA ODI #11083128
Mileage unknown · Feb 28, 2018
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other
I AM AN ATTORNEY FILING THIS REPORT ON BEHALF OF AND AT THE REQUEST OF MY CLIENT, THE VEHICLE'S OWNER. THE COMPLAINT IS A NOXIOUS ODOR WHICH FILLS THE VEHICLE DURING ITS OPERATION; AFTER NUMEROUS REPAIR ATTEMPTS BY FORD, THIS CONCERN HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER HAS OBSERVED THE INTERIOR HAS BECO…
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I AM AN ATTORNEY FILING THIS REPORT ON BEHALF OF AND AT THE REQUEST OF MY CLIENT, THE VEHICLE'S OWNER. THE COMPLAINT IS A NOXIOUS ODOR WHICH FILLS THE VEHICLE DURING ITS OPERATION; AFTER NUMEROUS REPAIR ATTEMPTS BY FORD, THIS CONCERN HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER HAS OBSERVED THE INTERIOR HAS BECOME INUNDATED WITH A NOXIOUS, OVERWHELMING, AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS ODOR OF GASOLINE, EXHAUST AND/OR FUMES. THE DRIVER HAS FELT ILL EFFECTS AFTER THIS OCCURRENCE AND IS CONCERNED ABOUT CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING OR OTHER HEALTH PROBLEMS AS A RESULT. THIS ISSUE IS VERY CONCERNING BECAUSE OF THE POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS AND BECAUSE VEHICLE CANNOT BE DRIVEN FOR ANY SUBSTANTIAL PERIOD OF TIME WITHOUT FILLING WITH THIS ODOR. THE ISSUE HAS MOST OFTEN BEEN OBSERVED WITH HIGHWAY DRIVING WHEN THE ENGINE IS UNDER LOAD, I.E. ACCELERATING. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE SHORTLY AFTER THE TIME OF PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRST REPAIR ATTEMPT BY THE DEALER FOR THIS SPECIFIC ISSUE WAS MADE IN JULY OF 2017. AT LEAST 4 REPAIR ATTEMPTS HAVE BEEN MADE SUBSEQUENTLY. THE ISSUE CONTINUES. THIS LAW FIRM HAS REQUESTED THAT FORD TAKE BACK THE VEHICLE AND REFUND THE CLIENT'S PURCHASE PRICE UNDER ARIZONA'S MOTOR VEHICLE WARRANTIES STATUTE.
NHTSA ODI #11075430
11,000 miles · Feb 6, 2018
EngineSuspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN EXPLOSION COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE THEN STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM DETACHED, WHICH CAUSED THE PASSENGER TIRE TO EXPLODE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN EXPLOSION COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE THEN STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM DETACHED, WHICH CAUSED THE PASSENGER TIRE TO EXPLODE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOWING LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO PENSKE FORD COLLISION CENTER (8970 LA MESA BLVD, LA MESA, CA 91942, (619) 464-7777) WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO "WORK IT OUT THE BEST HE COULD". NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,000.
NHTSA ODI #11067268
250 miles · Jan 29, 2018
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE CONTACT FELT NAUSEATED, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE HEATER WAS ACTIVATED. THE CONTACT DID NOT PERCEIVE AN ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MATTHEW'S FORD NEWARK (500 HEBRON RD, NEWARK, OH 43056) AND THE HEATER SOFTWARE WAS REPROGRAMMED. THE FAILU…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE CONTACT FELT NAUSEATED, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE HEATER WAS ACTIVATED. THE CONTACT DID NOT PERCEIVE AN ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MATTHEW'S FORD NEWARK (500 HEBRON RD, NEWARK, OH 43056) AND THE HEATER SOFTWARE WAS REPROGRAMMED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND WAS NOT REMEDIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 250.
NHTSA ODI #11065604
16,500 miles · Jan 12, 2018
EngineUnknown Or OtherCrash
THERE'S EXHAUST FUME IN THE CABIN MY WIFE HAS SUFFERED SEVERE HEADACHE AFTER 60 MINS OF DRIVING INCLUDED MY 20MONTHS OLD BABY. MY CAR HAS ALREADY BEEN REPAIRED ONCE AND IS IN THE SHOP AGAIN BECAUSE I LEFT A CO2 SENORS IN BACK SEAT AND HAS GONE OFF MULTIPLE TIMES. FORD IS NOT BEING VERY HELPFUL BECAUSE I DON'T WANT THE CAR AN…
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THERE'S EXHAUST FUME IN THE CABIN MY WIFE HAS SUFFERED SEVERE HEADACHE AFTER 60 MINS OF DRIVING INCLUDED MY 20MONTHS OLD BABY. MY CAR HAS ALREADY BEEN REPAIRED ONCE AND IS IN THE SHOP AGAIN BECAUSE I LEFT A CO2 SENORS IN BACK SEAT AND HAS GONE OFF MULTIPLE TIMES. FORD IS NOT BEING VERY HELPFUL BECAUSE I DON'T WANT THE CAR ANYMORE. IT IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN AND I DON'T WANT MY WIFE AND TODDLER IN THE VEHICLE AT ALL.
NHTSA ODI #11062345
Official recalls
13Jul 14, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the roof rail covers and as necessary, repair or replace the push-pins, rail clips, or roof rail covers, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 28, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S54. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 21V316. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.
Feb 20, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links 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: Dealers will replace the toe links, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2026. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S08. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 21V537. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning February 25, 2026.
Oct 10, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
May 23, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will repair the B-pillar trim, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 5, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated November 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S53.
Jan 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.
May 5, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install push-pins and replace any damaged rail clips and roof rail covers, as necessary, free of charge. The interim owner notification letter was mailed on June 22, 2021. Owner notification letters (remedy available) were mailed on October 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S22.
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.
Sep 11, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with power front seats. The seat frames may have sharp edges.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Occupants my contact the sharp edges when reaching between the power front seat and center console, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install protective tape on the exposed inside edge and tab of the power seat frames, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S29.
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.
Aug 28, 2017
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Explorer, Taurus and Police Interceptor Utility and Sedan vehicles. The steering gear heat shield fasteners may corrode, allowing the heat shield to detach.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the heat shield detaches, the steering gear may overheat, increasing the steering effort required by the driver, especially at lower speeds, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers to inspect and replace the heat shield fasteners as needed, free of charge. The recall began on September 13, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S23.
May 22, 2017
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford Explorer, F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550 vehicles equipped with a manual driver's seat back recliner mechanism. In the event of a crash, the seat back frame may not restrain the occupant due to having inadequate welds. As such, these vehicles may not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202a, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the occupant is not adequately restrained in the event of a crash, they have an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the seat back frame, free of charge. The recall began on June 7, 2017. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C08.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Seats:front Assembly:recliner
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford Explorer, F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550 vehicles equipped with a manual driver's seat back recliner mechanism. In the event of a crash, the seat back frame may not restrain the occupant due to having inadequate welds. As such, these vehicles may not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202a, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
Consequence: If the occupant is not adequately restrained in the event of a crash, they have an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the seat back frame, free of charge. The recall began on June 7, 2017. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C08.
Seats
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Ford Explorer, F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550 vehicles equipped with a manual driver's seat back recliner mechanism. In the event of a crash, the seat back frame may not restrain the occupant due to having inadequate welds. As such, these vehicles may not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202a, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
Consequence: If the occupant is not adequately restrained in the event of a crash, they have an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the seat back frame, free of charge. The recall began on June 7, 2017. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C08.
Dec 22, 2016
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Taurus, 2016-2017 Ford Flex, Lincoln MKT, 2017 Ford Explorer and Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines. Improperly brazed turbocharger oil supply tubes may leak oil on engine components.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An oil leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the turbocharger oil supply tubes, free of charge. The recall began on January 31, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S46.
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
2PE23001 · 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
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