Steering. Review the 496 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Structure. Review the 276 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine. Review the 196 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

32 crash reports6 fire reports29 injury reports

Unknown Or Other complaints

335 reports

Clear category filter

45,000 miles · Jan 25, 2018

Unknown Or Other

BASICALLY I AM HAVING ISSUES WITH THE EXHAUST. AT DIFFERENT TIMES I HAVE A STRONG EXHAUST SMELL IN THE VEHICLE I WENT TO THE DEALER AND THEY PROGRAMMED IT TO BLOW OUTSIDE AIR BUT I CAN STILL SMELL THE FUMES

NHTSA ODI #11064974

59,000 miles · Jan 25, 2018

Unknown Or Other

Read full complaint

A NOXIOUS ODOR RESEMBLING EXHAUST FILLS THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY, BUT NOT CONTINUOUSLY ON EVERY DRIVE. THE ODOR IS MORE NOTICEABLE AT IDLE OR STOP. THE ODOR SEEMS TO COME FROM THE HEATER/AC VENTS WHILE THEY ARE BLOWING AIR. THE PROBLEM HAS ONLY BEEN NOTED WITH THE HEATER OR AIR VENTS BLOWING AS AC HAS NOT BEEN USED THIS TIME OF SEASON. ON OCCASION, WE HAVE FELT ILL AFTER DRIVING (2 ADULTS IN THEIR MID 40'S, 2 CHILDREN AGES 6 AND 10). THE LOCAL FORD DEALER HAS PERFORMED THE 'CUSTOMER SATISFACTION/RECALL' WORK ON THE EXHAUST SYSTEM WITH NO IMPROVEMENT IN SYMPTOMS. THEY HAVE EXAMINED THE CAR SEVERAL TIMES AND HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO LOCATE A CAUSE OR SOURCE OF THE SMELL. THE CAR WAS PURCHASED USED 1.5 YEARS AGO FROM DEALER (NOT CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED). THE PROBLEM WITH THE EXHAUST ODOR WAS NOT NOTED UNTIL A FEW MONTHS AGO, BUT DEVELOPED SUDDENLY. ASIDE FROM THIS ISSUE, THE CAR HAS NOT HAD ANY MAJOR MECHANICAL OR ELECTRICAL ISSUES SINCE WE HAVE OWNED IT.

NHTSA ODI #11064866

47,000 miles · Jan 25, 2018

Unknown Or Other

THE SMELL OF EXHAUST FUMES IN THE VEHICLE WITH WINDOWS CLOSED UNDER MANY SPEEDS. THIS IS CAUSING HEADACHES AND DIZZINESS. INITIAL COMPLAINTS TO FORD DEALER LAST YEAR MENTIONED THERE WAS NO RECALL OR BULLETIN. LATER IN THE YEAR I RECEIVED A BULLETIN FOR REPAIR. THIS WAS COMPLETED YESTERDAY 1/24/18. WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR EXHAUS…

Read full complaint

NHTSA ODI #11064828

55,000 miles · Jan 22, 2018

Unknown Or OtherCrashInjury

Read full complaint

I HAVE A 2014 FORD EXPLORER OR DID !!!! ON 1-18-2018 I PASSED OUT BEFORE BEING INVOLVED IN VERY BAD ACCIDENT ! I WAS DRIVING TO WORK BRIGHT SUNNY DAY . PASSED OUT WENT THRU STOP SIGN A WORK TRUCK HIT MY SUV SPUN IT AROUND ! I RECALL NOTHING OTHER THAN DRIVING THEN WAKING UP TO MY GPS SAYING I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT AND IF I NEEDED 911. I DON'T DRINK DON'T DO DRUGS . 35 AND HEALTHY / MY CAR WENT TO THE FORD DEALER FOR THE RECALL ON THE C02 LEAKS AND DOOR PANEL . I MADE THE APPT A WEEK PRIOR THE END OF THE DAY NOTHING WAS REPAIRED THEY SENT ME THE RECALL LETTER AND FIXED NOTHING! THEY DIDN'T EVEN CHECK TO SEE IF MY VEHICLE WAS AT RISK ! I KNOW THERE ARE TIMES THEY CAN CHECK TO SEE IF MY CAR WAS IN FACT ONE THAT NEEDED ATTENTION! I FEEL NO ONE SHOULD BE DRIVING THESE VEHICLES ! THEY SHOULD GIVE FREE RENTALS . THESE CARS SHOULDN'T BE ON THE ROAD UNTIL REPAIRED IT'S NOT JUST POLICE VEHICLES ANYMORE 100'S OF CIVILIANS HAVE BEEN AFFECTED . MY CAR IS TOTALED ! I'M TOLD I'M LUCKY TO BE ALIVE . THE PICTURES ARE HORRIFYING .IM MISSING WORK FOR AT LEAST A MONTH , I WAS CHECKED FOR ANY MEDICAL PROBLEMS THAT WOULD CAUSE ME TO PASS OUT , NONE WERE FOUND . I DID NOTICE THE PRIOR COUPLE OF WEEKS A MOLDY BURNING SMELL . ALMOST LIKE HAIR . AND HAD HEADACHES ALMOST EVERY DAY AFTER DRIVING TO AND FROM WORK . I AM HAVING A FORENSIC EXPERT CHECKING MY CAR TO ACTUALLY SEE IF THIS WAS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR . I BELIEVE IT WAS ! I HAVE NEVER PASSED OUT IN MY LIFE . ONE MINUTE I'M DRIVING NO CARS AROUND , NEXT MINUTE OUT LIKE A LIGHT .IM DRIVING THEN HEARING THE 911 PERSON ON GPS . I WILL NEVER PURCHASE A FORD ! UNBELIEVABLE ! I WILL REPORT WHAT I FIND OUT FROM FORENSICS EXPERT . IF ANY OF YOU STILL OWN ONE OF THESE PLEASE PUT IN A C02 DETECTOR . I COULD HAVE DIED ON THIS ACCIDENT AND WORSE COULD HAVE KILLED SOMEONE ELSE . I WAS DRIVING ON A REGULAR BACKROAD .

NHTSA ODI #11064296

60,000 miles · Jan 2, 2018

Unknown Or Other

EXHAUST ODOR UNDER ACCELERATION, REGULARLY

NHTSA ODI #11057918

150 miles · Dec 28, 2017

Unknown Or Other

CARBON MONOXIDE SMELL WHEN ACCELERATING.

NHTSA ODI #11057108

94,604 miles · Dec 20, 2017

Unknown Or Other

Read full complaint

THE DEALER HAD TO REPLACE THE CRACKED EXHAUST, MANIFOLD/CARALYTIC CONVERTER ASMY. I WAS TOLD THAT IF THIS WAS NOT CORRECTED FUMES COULD GET INTO THE CAR. THIS IS THE SAME PROBLEM FORD IS HAVING WITH THE POLICE EXPLORERS. I HAVE HEARD THAT FORD IS PAYING TO HAVE THESE REPAIR. I WROTE TO FORD AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY WOULD NOT PAY FOR THIS. FORD STATES "THER ARE NO WARRANTIES IN EFFECT THAT WOULD PROVIDE ASSISTANCE FOR YOUR CONCERN" (MARSHA BOYD).. WHY ARE THE POLICE VEHICLES BEING REPAIR?

NHTSA ODI #11055831

52,250 miles · Dec 17, 2017

Unknown Or Other

Read full complaint

THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED USED ON OCTOBER 19TH. PROMPTLY AFTER PURCHASE THE SMELL OF CARBON MONOXIDE FUMES WERE DETECTED IN THE VEHICLE. WITH THE USE OF A CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR THE PRESENCE OF CARBON MONOXIDE WAS CONFIRMED AND THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED. WE WERE TOLD THAT FORD WAS WORKING ON A SOLUTION. DURING A FOLLOW UP CALL ON THE FIRST OF NOVEMBER WE WERE TOLD THAT THE DEALER HAD NOT BEEN PROVIDED GUIDANCE FOR A REPAIR. IN A FOLLOW UP CALL ON DECEMBER 8TH, WE WERE SCHEDULED FOR SERVICES ON DECEMBER 15TH. THE REPAIR WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. CURRENT CARBON MONOXIDE CONTINUES TO ENTER THE CABIN WITH LEVELS RECORDED AS HIGH AS 45 PPM WHEN MAX AC IS IN USE.

NHTSA ODI #11055152

Mileage unknown · Dec 6, 2017

Unknown Or Other

Read full complaint

FOR THE PAST SEVERAL WEEKS BOTH ME AND MY WIFE HAVE NOTICED A WEIRD SMELL COMING FROM THE 2014 FORD EXPLORER THAT WE HAVE. ALSO ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS MY WIFE HAS COMPLAINED ABOUT FEELING DIZZY AND NAUSEOUS FROM DRIVING BUT WE THOUGHT IT WAS NOTHING SERIOUS. THEN ABOUT A WEEK AGO AFTER DRIVING THE EXPLORER HOME FROM WORK MY WIFE BEGAN TO FEEL LIGHTHEADED, NAUSEOUS AND ALMOST PASSED OUT WHILE DRIVING WITH OUR 4 YOUNG KIDS IN THE CAR. WE ENDED UP RUSHING HER TO THE HOSPITAL TO SEE WHAT HE PROBLEM WAS, WHICH WAS THE SAME DAY THAT WE RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE FROM FORD ABOUT CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING THAT WAS HAPPENING IN ALL 2011-2017 FORD EXPLORER MODELS. SO WHILE SHE WAS IN THE EMERGENCY ROOM WE HAD HER BLOOD AND OXYGEN LEVELS CHECKED FOR CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING ESPECIALLY BECAUSE MY WIFE IS STILL BREASTFEEDING OUR 10 MONTHS OLD DAUGHTER. I HAVE RECENTLY TOOK MY VEHICLE TO A FORD DEALERSHIP FOR THEM TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE BUT MY REAL CONCERN IS WITH THIS ISSUE AFFECTING MILLIONS OF VEHICLES AND PEOPLE, WHAT IS THE POSSIBILITY OF THIS HAPPENING AGAIN. WE PLAN TO FOLLOW UP WITH OUR PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN TO ENSURE THAT THERE ARE NO SIGNS OF CARBON MONOXIDE BEING DETECTED WITHIN ANYONE IN MY IMMEDIATE FAMILY AS WE DRIVE THE 2014 FORD EXPLORER DAILY. I'M REACHING OUT TO FIND OUT WHAT ARE SOME OPTIONS THAT WE HAVE AS FORD CONSUMERS. I JUST PRAY THAT THERE ARE NO MORE SERIOUS HEALTH ISSUES WITH MY WIFE AND KIDS FROM THE TIMES THEY HAVE BEEN INSIDE HIS VEHICLE INHALING THESE POISONIOUS FUMES.

NHTSA ODI #11052763

48,000 miles · Nov 29, 2017

Unknown Or Other

Read full complaint

OUR VEHICLE CONTAINS A COMMON BACKUP SENSOR WHICH BEEPS WHEN IT DETECTS SOMEONE BEHIND THE VEHICLE. THE SYSTEM DOESN'T WORK APPROXIMATELY 5% OF THE TIME. MY OWN BROTHER HAS THE SAME YEAR FORD EXPLORER AND HE SAYS THAT HE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. SEVERAL TIMES WE ALMOST STRUCK SOMEONE, INCLUDING A SMALL CHILD, BECAUSE THE SENSOR DID NOT GO OFF. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, SO THEY COULDN'T FIX IT. THAT'S RIDICULOUS. DOES SOMEONE NEED TO DIE FOR THEM TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THEY HAVE A PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #11051346

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.

Go deeper into Ford Explorer problems

Ford Explorer electrical problems →Ford Explorer transmission problems →