Structure. Review the 655 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine. Review the 237 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 123 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

34 crash reports11 fire reports36 injury reports

Vehicle Speed Control complaints

21 reports

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Mileage unknown · Sep 1, 2021

Back Over PreventionElectrical SystemVehicle Speed Control

The APIM is malfunction in my 2017 explorer. Accessories stay on after vehicle turned off, killed battery, vehicle collision sensors and camera intermediate malfunction. Cruise control intermittent function, GPS and screen options /operations inoperable

NHTSA ODI #11431391

98,000 miles · Apr 7, 2021

Vehicle Speed Control

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AUGUST 2020: WHEN PASSING A VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY, APPLIED GAS PEDAL FULLY TO THE FLOOR, IT STUCK. VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE, PEDAL WOULD NOT RETURN TO NORMAL POSITION. HAD TO GET TO SHOULDER, SHOVE VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL AND TURN OFF. FORD DEALER REVIEWED, DETERMINED ONLY LIKELY CAUSE COULD BE THE THROTTLE BODY, REPLACED THROTTLE BODY. APRIL 2021: WHEN ACCELERATING ON THE HIGHWAY, PRESSED PEDAL TO FLOOR, PEDAL ONCE AGAIN STUCK. WOULD NOT RETURN TO NORMAL POSITION, CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. MOVED TO SHOULDER AT HIGH RATE OF SPEED, APPLIED BRAKES AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE AND PUT VEHICLE INTO NEUTRAL, THEN PARK. VEHICLE COMPLETELY REVVED OUT, ENGINE AT MAX RPMS. TURNED OFF VEHICLE. WAITED A FEW MINUTES. TRIED TO TURN VEHICLE BACK ON, SOUNDED LIKE STARTER WAS STUCK. TURNED OFF VEHICLE. WAITED A FEW MOMENTS, TURNED ON AND DROVE CAREFULLY HOME.

NHTSA ODI #11406846

30,000 miles · Mar 22, 2021

Power TrainSteeringVehicle Speed Control

*VEHICLE MAKES POPPING NOISE *JERKS, LOSS OF POWER WHEN GOING DOWN THE ROAD, HARD TO STEER, PUSH ON GAS AND WILL NOT GO. ENGINE LIGHT AND WRENCH COME ON. CALLED DEALER WHEN FIRST HAPPENED WAS TOLD TO TURN OFF BACK ON TO RESET. HAVE WORKED WITH DEALER AND MANUFACTURE. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND I'M TERRIFIED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. TH…

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NHTSA ODI #11404305

5 miles · Apr 22, 2020

SteeringUnknown Or OtherVehicle Speed Control

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AS I WAS DRIVING THE EXPLORER THE CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT SENSORS WENT HAYWARE, THEN THE NAVIGATOR, RADIO, HVAC, AND EVERYTHING ELSE FROZE DID COMMANDS ON ITS OWN. THE PART ASSIST MODE CAME ON IT OWN, STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS WOULD NOT WORK AND CAR STARTED TO TAKE CONTROL. VERY SCARY AS THE CAR WAS TAKING COMMANDS I COULD NOT CONTROL. TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED TO BE THE ACCESSORY PROTOCOL INTERFACE MODULE (APIM). MY VEHICLE IS JUST OUT OF WARRANTY AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY WOULD NOT HELP. VERY DANGEROUS, COST ME $1,200. FORD HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM ON EARLIER MODELS AND RECALLED, BUT NOT ON MINE. THIS FAILURE NEED TO BE ADDRESSED AND IF NOT FIXED COULD LEAD TO A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. FORD NEEDS TO ISSUE A RECALL. FORD WAS NO HELP TO ME, VERY DISAPPOINT IN FORD AND THEIR NEGLECT TO MINE AND MY FAMILIES STAFEY.

NHTSA ODI #11321932

Mileage unknown · Oct 7, 2019

SteeringUnknown Or OtherVehicle Speed Control

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THE CRUISE CONTROL AT MY SPEED OF 65 MPH STOPPED ALONE CAUSE THE CAR TO BREAK MAKING ME LOOSE CONTROL, 2ND THE VOICE COMMAND DON'T WORK OR RESPONDING, TO HELP NAVIGATION OR PHONE PERPOUSE ( DON'T USE CELL WHILE DRIVING) AROUND DECEMBER 2018 BRING TOTHE ATTENTION OF THE DEALER AT SERVICE AND THE MISS. KENYA AFTER I PICK THE CAR SHE MANSION THAT THE RESET TO THE MANUFACTURE DAY WAS RELASED , BUT THE PROBLEM CONTINUE AS TODAY 10/07/2019 ON JUNE THE BATTERY EXPLODED, AND THANK GOD HOW NO BODY GET INJURY. THE CAR IS LEASING FOR 3 YEARS , ALL PROBLEM STARTS DECEMBER 2018 , PLUS THEARE IS A RECALL, AND FORD SAYVILLE IN 5686 SUNRISE HGWY , SAYVILLE, NY 11782 631 567-3800. REFUSE TO REPAIRE THE ISSUES, CLAIM THE CAR IS MILE COVERAGE IS OVER, BUT THE PROBLEM STRAT BEFORE PLUS ALL THIS IT'S MANUFATURE ISSUES, PLEASE HELP ME.

NHTSA ODI #11266910

50,000 miles · Oct 7, 2019

Electrical SystemVehicle Speed Control

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, IT SUDDENLY DISENGAGED ON ITS OWN. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO BRAKE ON ITS OWN AND SWERVE FROM SIDE TO SIDE. SAYVILLE FORD (5686 SUNRISE HWY, SAYVILLE, NY 11782, (855) 561-1191) STATED THAT THE LEASING MILEAGE LIMIT WAS EXCEEDED, BUT THEY WOULD NOT COVER THE COSTS. THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED THE SAME INFORMATION AS THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE BATTERY EXPLODED, BUT THE DEALER DISMISSED THE CONCERNS AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

NHTSA ODI #11266806

29,177 miles · Sep 25, 2019

Vehicle Speed Control

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED TO 20 MPH. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PARK ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. CONTACT STATED CAR WOULD NOT PICK UP SPEED AND LOST POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HERTRICH FORD LINCOLN (LOCATED AT 1427 BAY RD, MILFORD, DE 19963, (302) 725-0031) AND INFORMED THEM OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,177. *BF

NHTSA ODI #11258062

57,653 miles · Sep 24, 2018

Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control

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I PURCHASED MY FORD EXPLORER 2017, IN SEPTEMBER OF 2016, I HAVE RETURNED BACK TO THE DEALER MORE THAN 10 TIMES LESS THAN A 2 YEAR PERIOD. MY FIRST PROBLEM WAS THE TRUCK WOULD NOT GET ENOUGH SPEED, UNLESS I HIT THE GAS 2 OIR 3 TIMES, THE DEALER CAME IT WASN'T A PROBLEM UNTIL THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, AND THAN I WAS TOLD IT WAS A RECALL ON IT, BUT WHEN I CHECK, THERE WAS NO RECALL ON MY VIN. I HAVE 5 BATTERIES SINCE I HAD THE TRUCK, I ASK THEM WHAT IS CAUSING THIS, I NEVER GET A RESPONSE. MY AC/HEAT WENT OUT, I TOLD THEM, I NOTICE SOMETHING COMING IN THROUGH THE VENTS. I INFORMED THE DEALER'S REPAIR DEPARTMENT THAT IT SMELLED LIKE A ROTTEN EGG OR JUST LOOK LIKE AIR COMING IN THE VENTS. I NEVER GOT AN ANSWER TO THAT QUESTION. I TRIED CALLING FORD CORPORATE OFFICE, BUT KNOW ONE NEVER RETURNED MY CALL.

NHTSA ODI #11131112

17,125 miles · Aug 10, 2018

Vehicle Speed Control

THREE DIFFERENT TIMES IN MOTION ON THE HIGHWAY SUDDEN ACCELERATION OCCURRED WHILE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ENGAGED OR WHILE BEGINNING TO START CRUISE CONTROL AT AN ACCESSIVE RATE OF SPEED.

NHTSA ODI #11118886

15,000 miles · Jun 29, 2018

Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control

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I HAVE ENCOUNTERED TOO MANY ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE, MY BIGGEST ISSUE HAS TO DO WITH WHAT I THOUGHT I WAS HAVING A "FALLING ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL" ISSUE. THERE WERE A FEW TIMES LAST WINTER, AFTER LETTING THE CAR SIT STATIONARY AND WARM UP , THAT I COULDN'T "STAY AWAKE" WHILE DRIVING HOME ON THE FREEWAY. IT HAPPENED ONCE, TWICE, THEN CONTINUED, AND IT BECAME APPARENT IT WAS THE VEHICLE, NOT ME, THAT WAS CAUSING THIS. IT CAN BE BEST DESCRIBED AS THE SENSATION RIGHT BEFORE BEING PUT UNDER FOR A MEDICAL PROCEDURE. I WOULD THEN COME OUT OF THIS UNCONCIOUS STATE IN POTENTLALLY DEADLY DRIVING SITUATIONS. I ALSO NOTICED THAT MY DOG WAS BEING AFFECTED AT THE SAME TIME. I COULD SEE HIM GETTING ANXIOUS NEXT TO ME, AND THEN HAVE WHAT LOOKED LIKE A PANIC ATTACK UNTIL I PUT THE WINDOW DOWN. HE WOULD KEEP HIS HEAD OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE FOR A MAJORITY OF THE RIDE. I BASICALLY STOPPED USING THE HEATER. AT THE SAME TIME, THE BATTERY KEPT DYING, AND THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT DOWN AND GO INTO A "BATTERY SAFE" MODE, AND IT NEEDED TO BE JUMPED EVERY OTHER TRIP. WHEN I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER, THEY BASICALLY SAID THERE MAY BE A PROBLEM, BUT THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE REPLACEMENT PARTS, AND WOULD CALL ME WHEN THEY GOT IN. I NEVER HEARD BACK FROM THEM. THIS IS MY 3RD AND LAST LEASE WITH FORD, MY PREVIOUS 2 EDGES BOTH HAD NUMEROUS ELECTRICAL ISSUES, INCLUDING LOOSING POWER WHILE DRIVING. NOW, I'M IN AN UNSAFE VEHICLE, AND THEY WON'T EVEN ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM. I WANT OUT OF MY LEASE, BUT IN MY EXPERIENCE WITH FORD, THE CONSUMER LOOSES EVERY TIME. CAN'T FIGHT THEM IF THEY DON'T ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM. I'M PRAYING FOR MY LIFE, AND OTHER DRIVERS LIVES THAT SOMETHING GET RESOLVED QUICKLY BEFORE SOMEONE LOOSES THEIR LIFE. DOESN'T SEEM FAIR THAT THE CONSUMER HAS TO PAY FOR THE COMPANIES SHORTCOMINGS...

NHTSA ODI #11104709

Official recalls

26V448000 · Structure:body

Jul 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.

26V101000 · Suspension:rear

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.

25V685000 · Equipment:electrical:engine Block Heater

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.

25V347000 · Structure:body

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.

24V031000 · Structure:body:roof And Pillars

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.

21V537000 · Suspension:rear

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.

21V316000 · Structure:body

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.

20V675000 · Suspension:rear

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.

19V651000 · Seats

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.

19V435000 · Suspension:rear

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.

17V530000 · Steering

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.

17V332000 · Seats; Seats:front Assembly:recliner

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

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

Consequence: If the occupant is not adequately restrained in the event of a crash, they have an increased risk of injury.

16V925000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger

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

PE23001 · 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

Structure:body

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