NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
237 reportsClear category filter300 miles · Oct 18, 2017
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD EXPLORER. EVER SINCE THE CONTACT PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND BEGAN DRIVING IT, SHE EXPERIENCED NAUSEA, VOMITING, DIZZINESS, BLURRED VISION, AND HEADACHES INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT REQUIRED HOSPITALIZATION FOR THE SYMPTOMS, BUT RECEIVED NO DIAGNOSIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SYMPTOMS OCCURRED W…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD EXPLORER. EVER SINCE THE CONTACT PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND BEGAN DRIVING IT, SHE EXPERIENCED NAUSEA, VOMITING, DIZZINESS, BLURRED VISION, AND HEADACHES INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT REQUIRED HOSPITALIZATION FOR THE SYMPTOMS, BUT RECEIVED NO DIAGNOSIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SYMPTOMS OCCURRED WHEN SHE WAS IN THE VEHICLE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300.
NHTSA ODI #11034271
19 miles · Oct 8, 2017
Engine
WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW ON 8/11/2017 (19 MILES)AND WE STARTED NOTICING A SMELL OF EXHAUST WHEN WE ACCELERATED AND WHEN WE HAD THE REAR A/C ON COMING IN THE CABIN. WE HAD IT AT THE DEALERSHIP FROM SEPT 25, 2017 TO OCT 6,2017 (1496 MILES). THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS WHEN WE PICKED IT UP FROM THE DEALERSHIP ON OCT 6, 2017…
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WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW ON 8/11/2017 (19 MILES)AND WE STARTED NOTICING A SMELL OF EXHAUST WHEN WE ACCELERATED AND WHEN WE HAD THE REAR A/C ON COMING IN THE CABIN. WE HAD IT AT THE DEALERSHIP FROM SEPT 25, 2017 TO OCT 6,2017 (1496 MILES). THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS WHEN WE PICKED IT UP FROM THE DEALERSHIP ON OCT 6, 2017. WE BELIEVE THIS IS A SERIOUS HEALTH CONCERN AS WE HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING HEADACHES, ESPECIALLY MY WIFE, WHO IS THE PRIMARY DRIVER. WE WILL NOT LET OUR GRANDCHILDREN RIDE IN THIS VEHICLE WITH THE EXHAUST FUMES PRESENT. WE ARE AWARE THAT FORD IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM SINCE 2012. AS THIS IS A BRAND NEW VEHICLE,WITH 1496 MILES, WE FEEL THAT THIS PROBLEM IS NOT GOING TO GO AWAY ANYTIME SOON. WE DO NOT WANT HAVE TO KEEP TAKING THIS TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR TEMPORARY FIXES (TSB). WE WANT A PERMANENT FIX, IF THAT INCLUDES GETTING A NEW ONE.
NHTSA ODI #11032245
9,000 miles · Oct 4, 2017
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO INCREASE THE RPMS TO APPROXIMATELY 25-30 MPH, THE VEHICLE EMITTED A STRONG, FOUL ODOR SIMILAR TO ROTTEN EGGS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO SANDERS FORD (1135 LEJUNE BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, NC 28540; 1-888-897-8527) WHO DIAGNOSED THE VEH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO INCREASE THE RPMS TO APPROXIMATELY 25-30 MPH, THE VEHICLE EMITTED A STRONG, FOUL ODOR SIMILAR TO ROTTEN EGGS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO SANDERS FORD (1135 LEJUNE BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, NC 28540; 1-888-897-8527) WHO DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AND COMPLETED THE DIRECTIONS ON A SPECIFIC SERVICE BULLETIN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER REPLACED THE VENTS UNDERNEATH THE BUMPER. THE SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,000.
NHTSA ODI #11031664
1,500 miles · Sep 26, 2017
Engine
FUMES ENTER CAR WILE DRIVING!
NHTSA ODI #11030062
3,000 miles · Sep 21, 2017
Engine
2017 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. 3.5 ECOBOOST. WHEN ACCELERATING 3/4 OR MORE ON THE PEDAL. DOES NOT SMELL SO MUCH AS EXHAUST AS IT DOES SULFUR AND BAD EGG SMELL. ONLY WAY TO GET THE SMELL OUT OF VEHICLE IS TO TURN AIR OFF AND ROLL WINDOWS DOWN. SEEMS WORSE WHEN AIR CONDITIONING IS ON THAN THE HEAT. PASSENGERS USUALLY GET IT WORSE THAN …
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2017 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. 3.5 ECOBOOST. WHEN ACCELERATING 3/4 OR MORE ON THE PEDAL. DOES NOT SMELL SO MUCH AS EXHAUST AS IT DOES SULFUR AND BAD EGG SMELL. ONLY WAY TO GET THE SMELL OUT OF VEHICLE IS TO TURN AIR OFF AND ROLL WINDOWS DOWN. SEEMS WORSE WHEN AIR CONDITIONING IS ON THAN THE HEAT. PASSENGERS USUALLY GET IT WORSE THAN DRIVER.. AT LEAST THAT'S MY EXPERIENCE, OR THAT IS THE SIDE WITH THE PROBLEM. I WAS READING ON WEBSITES BEFORE ALL THESE CLAIMS WERE BROUGHT UP AND I KEPT COMING TO THE CONCLUSION FROM READING UP WHAT COMPLAINTS I FOUND, IT WAS THAT THE TWIN TURBOS HAD A LOT OF BLOW BACK AND IT WAS ONLY THE ECOBOOST MOTORS. NOW I NOW DIFFER AND THERE IS A CURIOUS PROBLEM AND I OWE A SMALL FORTUNE ON A VEHICLE THAT'S NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AND ALSO WITH A FAMILY OF 5. DOES NOT HAVE PROBLEM AT IDLE OR IF DRIVING GENTLY. CAN DO IT AT LOW SPEEDS OR HIGH SPEEDS. JUST GIVE IT HALF OR MORE PEDDLE AND YOU WILL SMELL IT. WHAT DO I DO. THANKS. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).?*JB
NHTSA ODI #11024935
50 miles · Sep 12, 2017
EngineFuel/propulsion System
EXHAUST FUMES ENTERING VEHICLE WHEN STATIONARY AND IN MOTION.
NHTSA ODI #11022945
1,015 miles · Sep 7, 2017
Engine
EXHAUST FUMES FILL THE CABIN OF VEHICLE DURING HEAVY ACCELERATION. USUALLY CAUSES HEADACHE. DEALER CONFIRMED ISSUE. DEALER ADVISES FORD HAS ISSUED A TSB BUT THE PARTS HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR MONTHS SO NO REPAIR IS ABLE TO BE COMPLETED AT THIS TIME.
NHTSA ODI #11022227
10 miles · Sep 2, 2017
EngineUnknown Or Other
EXHAUST SMELL COMING INTO CABIN FROM THE FRONT VENTS ON HIGHWAY ACCELERATION.
NHTSA ODI #11021197
10,000 miles · Sep 1, 2017
EngineFuel/propulsion System
AFTER A SCARY LONG DRIVE FROM INDIANA TO NORTH CAROLINA I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT LETTING THEM KNOW THAT I COULD SMELL EXHAUST WHILE DRIVING AND I FELT OVERLY TIRED, WAY MORE TIRED THEN NEED BE. AFTER TESTING IT WAS DETERMINED THAT CO WAS COMING INTO THE CABIN OF MY VEHICLE. THEY STILL HAVE MY…
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AFTER A SCARY LONG DRIVE FROM INDIANA TO NORTH CAROLINA I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT LETTING THEM KNOW THAT I COULD SMELL EXHAUST WHILE DRIVING AND I FELT OVERLY TIRED, WAY MORE TIRED THEN NEED BE. AFTER TESTING IT WAS DETERMINED THAT CO WAS COMING INTO THE CABIN OF MY VEHICLE. THEY STILL HAVE MY VEHICLE NOW AFTER 2 WEEKS AND THE PARTS THAT WERE ORDERED WERE BODY FILLER AND ELECTRICAL TAPE. THIS DOES NOT SEEM TO BE THE APPROPRIATE FIX FOR THIS SITUATION THAT COULD CAUSE CATASTROPHIC INJURY OR DEATH AND NOW I AM SCARED TO PUT MY AND MY FAMILIES LIVES IN DANGER DUE TO MY VEHICLE TRYING TO KILL US. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN ON THE INTERSTATE AS SPEEDS OF 50-75 MPH. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND IF I WOULD NOT HAVE STOPPED SO MANY TIMES I WOULD HAVE PASSED OUT AND CAUSED AN ACCIDENT WHICH COULD HAVE KILLED ME OR SOMEONE ELSE. I WAS ADVISED THAT IF I WAS GOING TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE I SHOULD DO SO WITH THE WINDOWS DOWN, WHICH IS NOT ACCEPTABLE AND WHY I HAVE HAD A LOANER CAR FOR WEEKS.
NHTSA ODI #11021074
20,000 miles · Aug 26, 2017
Engine
I RENTED THE REFERENCED VEHICLE FROM ENTERPRISE RENTAL CAR FOR 1 WEEK. DROVE APPROXIMATELY 2000 MILES. THIS 2017 VEHICLE HAD APPROXIMATELY 20,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER WHEN I RENTED IT. I BELIEVE THAT THE ENGINE WAS THE 3.5 LITER VERSION. EVERY TIME I ACCELERATED HARD, SUCH AS ENTERING ON THE INTERSTATE, I COULD SUBSEQUENTLY …
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I RENTED THE REFERENCED VEHICLE FROM ENTERPRISE RENTAL CAR FOR 1 WEEK. DROVE APPROXIMATELY 2000 MILES. THIS 2017 VEHICLE HAD APPROXIMATELY 20,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER WHEN I RENTED IT. I BELIEVE THAT THE ENGINE WAS THE 3.5 LITER VERSION. EVERY TIME I ACCELERATED HARD, SUCH AS ENTERING ON THE INTERSTATE, I COULD SUBSEQUENTLY SMELL A VERY STRONG EXHAUST SMELL IN THE INTERIOR OF THE SUV. I ALSO NOTICED WHEN I RENTED THE VEHICLE THAT ALL THE WINDOWS AND SURFACES HAD A FILM ON THEM - PERHAPS RESIDUE FROM EXHAUST GASES. I AM A 54 YEAR OLD RETIRED ENGINEER AND HAVE OWNED AND RENTED OVER 25 VEHICLES IN MY LIFETIME AND FIND WHAT I EXPERIENCED WITH THE EXPLORER TO BE VERY UNUSUAL. I ALSO FOUND THAT I WAS SLEEPIER THAN NORMAL WHEN DRIVING PERHAPS DUE TO CO2 EXPOSURE. ALL OF MY PASSENGERS ALSO EXPERIENCED UNUSUAL SLEEPINESS. THE EXHAUST SMELL IN THE INTERIOR WAS UNDENIABLE. I FIND IT VERY DISTURBING THAT FORD IS TRYING TO EXPLAIN THIS AS A PROBLEM WITH ONLY THE POLICE INTERCEPTOR EXPLORERS DUE TO AFTER MARKET MODIFICATIONS. MY EXPERIENCE INDICATES THAT THIS IS A COMPLETELY FALSE AND MISLEADING EXPLANATION. I AM VERY PLEASED TO SEE THAT THE NHTSA IS DOING AN EA ON THE PROBLEM. FORD HAS IGNORED THIS PROBLEM FOR YEARS AND THE PROBLEM IS VERY REAL. I WAS CONSIDERING BUYING THE EXPLORER WHICH WAS ONE REASON I RENTED THE VEHICLE AND FROM MY EXPERIENCE I WILL NOT TOUCH THIS VEHICLE AND WILL NOT BE PURCHASING ONE. PLEASE DO YOUR DUE DILIGENCE REGARDING THIS PROBLEM AND I HOPE TO SEE THAT THIS EVENTUALLY LEADS TO A OVERALL RECALL OF ALL AFFECTED EXPLORERS. THANK YOU.
NHTSA ODI #11019909
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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