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NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

32 crash reports6 fire reports29 injury reports

Suspension complaints

102 reports

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80,000 miles · Oct 6, 2020

SuspensionCrash

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH, THE REAR TOE LINK SPLIT IN HALF WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO LOSE CONTROL AND SLAM INTO THE GUARDRAIL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE VEHICLE BOUNCED AND SPUN 260 DEGREES AND HIT THE GUARDRAIL AGAIN AND SCRAPPED ALONG THE GUARDRAIL. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE DOWN TO SLOW DOWN AND COME TO A REST IN THE LEFT MEDIAN LANE. THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE AND GET OUT AND INSPECT THE DAMAGE. THE CONTACT HAD A POLICE OFFICER DIRECT HER TO FURTHER PULL HER VEHICLE COMPLETELY OUT OF THE LANE FROM ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION CENTER APPROVED BY HER INSURANCE COMPANY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE TOE LINK HAD BEEN A RECALL REPAIR FROM THE DEALER DOVI MOTORS, INC 263 TOMPKINS ST, CORTLAND, NY 13045 (607) 756-2801 BACK IN 2017. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

NHTSA ODI #11363057

137,754 miles · Aug 11, 2020

Suspension

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I WAS TRAVELLING ROUGHLY 30-35 MPH ON A COUNTRY ROAD (THAT WAS DRY AND CLEAR IN THE MIDDLE OF THE AFTERNOON) WHEN I SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE. IT FELT LIKE THE REAR END WAS FISHTAILING ALL OVER THE PLACE. I DID NOT HEAR ANYTHING BREAK, BUT I COULD HEAR MY TIRES SQUEALING. I WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE BEFORE GOING INTO THE DITCH AND CAME TO A STOP ON THE RIGHT HAND SHOULDER. I EXITED MY VEHICLE, SAW THE SKID MARKS BEHIND ME ON THE ROAD AND STARTED LOOKING THE VEHICLE OVER WHEN I DISCOVERED THAT THE RIGHT REAR TIRE WAS PHYSICALLY POINTING OUT TO THE RIGHT. I THEN CHECKED UNDER THE BODY AND FOUND THAT THE RIGHT REAR SUSPENSION TOE LINK COMPLETELY SNAPPED IN TWO. I LEARNED AFTER TAKING IT TO A LOCAL DEALERSHIP THAT ON 10/22/18 THIS VEHICLE HAD ITS REAR SUSPENSION TOE LINKS REPLACED PER A RECALL (17G01), BUT THE REPLACEMENT PARTS FAILED AND THE MANUFACTURER (FORD) WILL NOT REPLACE THEM AGAIN PER A PHONE CONVERSATION THAT TOOK PLACE WITH FORD CUSTOMER CARE ON 8/11/20.

NHTSA ODI #11348714

50,000 miles · Jun 16, 2020

SuspensionCrash

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING 75 MPH, THE REAR DRAG LINK DETACHED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SPIN AROUND SEVERAL TIMES AND CRASHED INTO THE CENTER RAIL AND POLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED IN THE FRONT AND REAR. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THERE WERE NO REPORTED INJURIES. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO RANDALL REED'S PLANET FORD (19000 EASTEX FWY, HUMBLE, TX 77338 866) 844-5995) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR DRAG LINK FRACTURED HOWEVER THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER THEY DECLINED THE REPAIRS DUE TO VEHICLE DAMAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A VIN SEARCH WAS DONE ON-LINE AND THEY DISCOVERED UNREPAIRED RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V435000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11329214

87,000 miles · Mar 11, 2020

SteeringSuspension

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V245000 (SUSPENSION) AND 19V435000 (SUSPENSION), AND THE STEERING MODULE WAS REPROGRAMMED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO SOUTHGATE FORD LOCATED AT ((16501 FORT ST, SOUTHGATE, MI 481195), (734)282-3636), WHERE THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE STEERING KNUCKLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11317486

50,000 miles · Feb 21, 2020

Suspension

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER HUSBAND WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TOE LINK FRACTURED WHICH CAUSED THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL TO TURN INWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SPITZER FORD HARTVILLE LOCATED AT (543 W MAPLE ST, HARTVILLE, OH 44632) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V435000 (SUSPENSION). THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THEY WOULD BE WILLING TO PROVIDE A SECOND FREE REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED WHILE HER HUSBAND WAS DRIVING AT 67 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS AGAIN TOWED TO SPITZER FORD WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE TOE LINK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

NHTSA ODI #11310490

111,000 miles · Feb 18, 2020

Power TrainSuspension

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO DRIVE AND THE VEHICLE SHUDDERED AND ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AUTONATION FORD VALENCIA 23920 CREEKSIDE RD, VALENCIA, CA 91355 TO BE DIAGNOSED. A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT HER VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED TRANSMISSION FAILURE AND WAS GIVEN AN ESTIMATE FOR THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: 19V435000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000.

NHTSA ODI #11309865

89,000 miles · Sep 19, 2019

SuspensionUnknown Or Other

THE RECALL 19S17 (NHTSA 19V-435) AFFECT THE REAR SUSPENSION .WE BRING IN THE CAR TODAY AND THEY REPLACE THE BAD PARTS . NOW FORD SERVICE IS TELLING ME THAT IT AFFECT MY MOTOR AND TRANSMISSION MOUNTS BUT I HAVE TO PAY $900 TO REPLACE THOSE . VEHICLE IS VIBRATING AND SHAKING OVER 70MPH . THE MOUNTS ARE HERE TO MINIMISE THE VIBRATI…

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NHTSA ODI #11256753

44,000 miles · Sep 17, 2019

Suspension

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE REAR SUSPENSION MADE NOISES WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT DROVE TO GORDIE BOUCHER FORD LINCOLN OF JANESVILLE (2727 US-14, JANESVILLE, WI 53545, 608-754-5511) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TOE LINK WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V435000 (SUSPENSION); HOWEVER, HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,000.

NHTSA ODI #11256142

Mileage unknown · Aug 20, 2019

Suspension

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V435000 (SUSPENSION) AND STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. MAC HAIK FORD PASADENA (4242 E SAM HOUSTON PKWY, S PASADENA, TX 77505) CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. *BF CONSUMER STATED UPON FURTHER TRIES, MAC HAIK SCHEDULED THE REPAIRS AND THE REPAIR WERE COMPLETED SEPT. 2019. I HAVE NO WAY OF ENSURING THE REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED CORRECTLY BUT I HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED ANY INDICATIONS THAT WOULD CAUSE ME TO DOUBLE THE QUALITY OF THE WORK. THANK YOU FOR FOLLOWING UP WITH MY COMPLAINT THAT THE MANUFACTURER WAS ACTING UPON SUPPLYING THE DEALER. SHIP PARTS TO FIX THE FLAW IN A TIMELY MANNER.*JB

NHTSA ODI #11245219

Mileage unknown · Jul 11, 2019

Suspension

I TAKE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR FAULTY DRIVER SIDE DOOR SENSOR AND I STRONGLY BELIEVE IT'S DEFECTIVE ON MANUFACTURING. THEN THE DEALER NOTIFY ABOUT REAR SUSPENSION TOE LINK REPLACEMENT AFFECTING THE STEERING CONTROL. THIS RECALL ALSO AFFECT THE REAR HUBS THE DEALER CHARGE TO ME $990.00+TAX TO FIX ISSUE. THE DEALER RECOMMENDS TO…

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NHTSA ODI #11231123

Official recalls

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.

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.

20V692000 · Power Train:axle Assembly:axle Shaft

Nov 10, 2020

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Explorer, 2014-2015 Taurus and 2014 Edge vehicles equipped with 2.0L or 2.3L engines and front wheel drive. The support bracket for the front drive axle halfshaft may fail.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The failed bracket could result in a loss of park function which can cause unintended vehicle movement, and loss of motive power while driving which increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the link shaft bracket, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners received an interim notification detailing safety risk December 8, 2020. A second letter will be mailed when parts become available in January 2021. The recall began February 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S63.

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.

16V245000 · Suspension:rear

Apr 26, 2016

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured January 17, 2014 to May 31, 2014. The affected vehicles may have improperly welded rear suspension toe links that may fracture.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fracture of the rear suspension toe link may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. The recall began on November 18, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S18.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

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

PE16008 · Ford Explorer Exhaust Odor

Opened Jul 1, 2016 · Closed Sep 12, 2017

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System; Structure:body

During the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration?s (NHTSA?s) investigation into the Ford carbon monoxide allegations, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) identified additional Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports with similar exhaust odor claims.Presently, ODI has identified 791 VOQs for Model Year 2011-2017 Ford Explorers pertaining to exhaust odor claims.ODI has identified three crashes and 41 injuries potentially linked this issue.The reported injuries range from unspecified to loss of consciousness, with the majority being nausea, headaches, or dizziness ? all of which can be symptomatic of carbon monoxide exposure.Additionally, Ford provided 2,400 reports including owner complaints, warranty claims, dealer field reports, and legal claims, that involve 2,051 vehicles that may be connected to the exhaust odor issue.NHTSA's Vehicle Test and Research Center tested multiple vehicles, including complaint vehicles, during the investigation.ODI also conducted field inspections of complaint vehicles and crashes involving police units that occurred while the officers were on duty.When possible, data was collected to quantify carbon monoxide levels in the examined vehicles.Based on the information gathered to date, NHTSA upgraded this investigation to an Engineering Analysis (EA17-002).

Additional source detail variants (2)

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System

Structure:body

EA15005 · Front Brake Hose Failure

Opened Sep 28, 2015 · Closed Nov 2, 2018

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

On April 29, 2015, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE15-017 to investigate a report alleging incidents of front brake hose failure in model year (MY) 2015 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor vehicles used by the Sacramento Police Department in its pursuit driving training program (VOQ 10705832).On September 28, 2015, ODI upgraded the investigation to an Engineering Analysis (EA15-005) to assess maximum front caliper crimp temperatures under various test conditions, test hose assemblies removed from police interceptor service for any signs of thermal degradation, and further assess field data for evidence of a defect trend related to the alleged defect.The alleged defect results from exposure to extremely high heat at the caliper-side hose crimp. NHTSA?s vehicle testing suggests that the conditions necessary to produce the critical temperatures in the subject components result from drive-soak intervals that can occur during the Sacramento training program.NHTSA's testing of hose assemblies returned from police interceptor service did not identify any evidence of thermal degradation.NHTSA has not confirmed any incidents of caliper crimp failures due to overheating in vehicles not subjected to the Sacramento training course driving.The low number of hose assembly failure reports and the absence of any verified incidents of heat related front brake hose crimp failures since 2015 suggests that the Sacramento PD incidents resulted from conditions unique to the training program.A safety related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of Agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The Agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances.For additional information, see the Closing Report in the document file for EA15-005 on www.nhtsa.gov.

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