The Ford Explorer recently made headlines due to exhaust fumes entering the cabin and making people nauseous. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration received more than 2,400 reports on the issue, with at least 41 citing injuries and three reporting crashes due to the ill effects of the carbon monoxide fumes on the 2011 through 2017 Explorer. However, investigations by the NHTSA and Ford turned up no significant changes in CO levels in the cabin. Well, except for Police Interceptor models. Ford says the issue stems from aftermarket up-fit companies leaving unsealed holes from the installation of police equipment. Still, Ford says it will fix any of the 1.3 million affected Explorers at the owner’s request, despite Ford calling the vehicles safe.
Ford’s voluntary service is free to Explorer owners regardless of the warranty status or vehicle mileage. The fix includes reprogramming the air conditioner, replacing the liftgate drain valves, and inspecting the sealing of the rear of the vehicle. Ford dealerships will begin offering this service starting November 1, 2017, and will continue through December 31, 2018. Of the Explorers built in that 2011 through 2017 timeframe, roughly 1.3 million are in the U.S., 84,000 are in Canada, and 24,000 are in Mexico.
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Why It Matters
It’s interesting that Ford is offering to inspect and replace parts on these 2011 through 2017 Explorers despite it claiming the vehicles are safe. Perhaps Ford is taking the high road and catering to its customers’ feelings of security and safety. Or, Ford could know there is an issue and is trying to downplay the situation. Who knows? Speculation aside, it certainly is a sign of good faith for Ford to voluntarily inspect and replace items on every 2011 through 2017 Explorer in North America.
What do you think? Is Ford trying to scoot by or is the automaker making an honest attempt at consoling its customers’ fears of carbon monoxide poisoning? Let us know in the comments below.
References
Ford Explorer
Read our full review on the 2017 Ford Explorer.
Read our full driven review on the 2017 Ford Explorer.