Engine Exhaust System problems of the 2012 Ford Explorer

24 problems related to engine exhaust system have been reported for the 2012 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2012 Ford Explorer based on all problems reported for the 2012 Explorer.

1 Engine Exhaust System problem

Failure Date: 04/05/2021

Persistent exhaust odor in vehicle upon start up . When the vehicle cranks up and with a/c on there is a strong exhaust odor , it isn't as noticeable at highway speeds but still there . This issue started a couple weeks ago and hasn't went away.

2 Engine Exhaust System problem

Failure Date: 06/06/2019

I bought my Explorer in June 2019. After purchasing I noticed the smell of the exhaust inside the vehicle . Throughout the summer months I drove with the windows down due to the a. C. Not working properly . I continued smelling the exhaust but financially unable to seek repairs. With cooler temperatures the windows now closed the smell of the exhaust was more apparent and I begin to experience severe headaches, frequent nausea, fatigue and some dizziness and confusion. I was told of reports of carbon monoxide issues with this make of vehicle and spoke to Ford about repairs as well as other recalls needed for my Explorer. I took my car for the repairs today and am still experiencing the carbon monoxide issue still. I will be contacting the Ford dealership tomorrow as this wasn't repaired. I'm concerned for my health and having this issue not fixed .

3 Engine Exhaust System problem

Failure Date: 05/24/2019

Tl the contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that exhaust fumes were present inside the vehicle. The contact's six year old daughter constantly complained of severe headaches within fifteen minutes of being in the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to john north Ford (3002 us-50, emporia, KS 66801) where the contact was informed that there would be a charge for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 61,467.

4 Engine Exhaust System problem

Failure Date: 01/09/2019

I have an exhaust smell coming from my vents. This odor is present in the front and back seats of the car. It is present when the vehicle is in motion, as well as when it is stationary. It happens at random times and can happen while driving at a slower rate, and while driving at high speeds. The dealership cannot identify the source of the smell.

5 Engine Exhaust System problem

Failure Date: 04/09/2018

Tl- the contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an ordor being emitted from the exhaust that caused the contact to feel period of nausea and dizziness. The contact took the vehicle to barber Ford 640 e 8th st. Holland, michigan 49423 on 3 separate occasion to have the voluntary Ford exhaust campaign completed. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that the failure he is experiencing has nothing to do with the campaign. The failure mileage was not provided. The VIN was not included. Nr.

6 Engine Exhaust System problem

Failure Date: 08/17/2017

An exhaust odor repeatedly occurred in the cabin while the vehicle was accelerating.

7 Engine Exhaust System problem

Failure Date: 07/01/2017

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the exhaust system failed and caused an odor to penetrate throughout the vehicle. The odor caused the contact to have nausea symptoms and headaches. The contact did not seek medical attention. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or mechanic for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 100,000.

8 Engine Exhaust System problem

Failure Date: 06/12/2017

I abruptly accelerated around a car that maneuvered infront of me and my interior cabin was filled with an nauseating exhaust smell. I got a headache, light headed, and pulled over, because I was starting to get dizzy and develop headaches. This occurred on a highway, and nearly killed me. I am furious.

9 Engine Exhaust System problem

Failure Date: 07/01/2016

When we accelerate in our 2012 Ford Explorer, the cabin is filled with exhaust fumes. Many times we are required to roll the windows down to let the fumes out as they cause headaches and smell bad. This mainly occurs when we accelerate on to a highway/interstate from the on ramp.

10 Engine Exhaust System problem

Failure Date: 06/20/2016

For about the last year, I would smell something burning inside my vehicle when entering the freeway. I was never able to identify the source of the smell, even after repeatedly stopping to sniff the engine compartment and around the tires and exhaust. I could not detect the smell outside of the car, nor did I find any evidence of anything burning (no smoke, charred areas, stuck brakes, melted rubber, etc). There didn't appear to be any pattern, as I would smell something burning at different points in my commute, with the only time I consistently experienced it being merging onto the freeway. On June 20, 2016 at 1:38 pm central time, I sent my husband the following text: "is the fire extinguisher still in the car?" due to the overpowering smell of smoke in the passenger compartment shortly after getting on the freeway. I rolled down the windows and exited the freeway, stopping at the far end of a parking lot. There was no smoke nor odor emanating from the exterior of the vehicle. Due to the heat, we drive with the air recirculating most of the year. Much of our driving is in the city, with light acceleration. Typically, the only time we rapidly accelerate is when entering the freeway. On this occasion, I accelerated more than normal due to a semi's position in the right lane. At times, my 7 year old has complained about not being able to breathe with the windows rolled up.

11 Engine Exhaust System problem

Failure Date: 10/14/2015

Exhaust odors in the occupant compartment and oil in the air filter.

12 Engine Exhaust System problem

Failure Date: 09/01/2015

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. While driving 72 mph, the contact turned on the heater. Approximately 15 minutes later, the contact became tired and sleepy. The contact rolled down the window and felt better approximately six minutes later. The contact experienced this issue several times within the past two years, mainly during the cooler months due to having the windows rolled up. The contact stated that this seemed to be a carbon monoxide failure. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. There were no recalls associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was unknown.

13 Engine Exhaust System problem

Failure Date: 08/12/2015

Exhaust gases enter the cabin when accelerating - smells like rotten eggs - to test theory placed house hold co2 alarm in vehicle cabin and drove up interstate - exceeding 3500rpm for 2-3 seconds - co2 alarm went off to indicate co2 present inside of cabin - conditions were - all windows closed all doors closed - air conditioner running. Dealer states no reported occurrences of this from other Explorer owners, said it could be a faulty co2 alarm - went to home depot - purchased new co2 alarm - tested in vehicle with windwos and doors closed - new co2 alarm also alerts to carbon monoxide (high levels). - co2 is 100% entering closed cabin.

14 Engine Exhaust System problem

Failure Date: 06/05/2015

I am experiencing the exhaust fumes smell in my vehicle when accelerating up hills or when merging into traffic. My family has suffered symptoms such as headaches and lightheadedness due to the smells. The smell is a very strong exhaust fumes smell and lasts for at least 30 seconds to a minute.

15 Engine Exhaust System problem

Failure Date: 03/01/2015

Exhaust smell in cabin after acceleration, for example during attempts to pass on highway, etc. Sometimes referred to as "rotten egg smell". Smell is definitely getting in to cabin. Dissipates after several minutes. Have been experiencing neurological problems for about 6 months now (random, constant muscle fasciculations throughout body, strange headaches and heat-related sensations, etc), trying to work with doctors to figure out if symptoms are related to vehicle and the smell. The smell is well-documented on the popular Ford Explorer forums online, and happens usually under hard acceleration or highway speeds.

16 Engine Exhaust System problem

Failure Date: 02/15/2015

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle had an exhaust odor in the vehicle constantly. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

17 Engine Exhaust System problem

Failure Date: 03/20/2013

I have been smelling exhaust into vehicle cabin, looked at forums, & found 62 pages of complaints by Explorer owners, on. . Read more...

18 Engine Exhaust System problem

Failure Date: 03/04/2013

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact noticed an abnormal odor through the vents when the air conditioner or heater was activated. The contact also noticed a loud noise coming from the area of the exhaust while fumes consumed the interior of the vehicle for years. The contact reported the failure to the manufacturer and they provided no odor testing as well as no specific recommendation to the dealer for a repair solution. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was not available.

19 Engine Exhaust System problem

Failure Date: 01/10/2013

I am experiencing an odor of carbon monoxide inside the car. I live in el salvador central America and have found in the internet that there is a recall for this problem the agency in my country does not responsabilize on this I have small children and we cant be smelling this exhaust fumens and strange odors inside our car.

20 Engine Exhaust System problem

Failure Date: 07/17/2012

When using the passing gear ,to pass a vehicle ,toxic exhaust fumes get sucked in the cabin ,took the vehicle to the Ford dealer ,and was told that it has been happening to the Ford Explorer,and that Ford motor company knows ,but does not know what is causing it ; this happens only when using the passing gear to pass another vehicle ,the fumes are so bad inside the cabin that the window has to be open to the let the fumes out . This a hazard and health issue .

21 Engine Exhaust System problem

Failure Date: 03/15/2012

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact was driving 60 mph when burning fumes were emitted into the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that under heavy acceleration, the gills allowed exhaust fumes to be emitted into the vehicle but they were unable to provide a remedy for the problem. The manufacturer was contacted who did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 4,500 and the current mileage was 6,309.

22 Engine Exhaust System problem

Failure Date: 01/06/2012

After a month of owning the 2012 Ford Explorer we noticed a very foul exhaust smell from inside the cabin of the Explorer. We would smell the odor under acceleration, especially when rpms reached 3,000 plus. This particular odor smell under the above conditions have been observed ever since. We did not think anything of the smell until we began researching it recently and came across several sources indicating this could be harmful to our health.

23 Engine Exhaust System problem

Failure Date: 12/15/2011

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. While driving approximately 65 mph, the contact smelled an exhaust odor coming from the vents. The contact believed that this was the result of the carbon monoxide issue in the news. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 18,613.

24 Engine Exhaust System problem

Failure Date: 07/04/2011

Drove vehicle with air conditioning on and recirculation closed from texas to virginia and back at normal highway speeds. There was an exhaust smell in the car most times. Had to be taken to emergency care with respiratory distress a couple of days after returning. Was on treatment for copd for the next five years.



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