Ford Explorer owners have reported 522 problems related to engine exhaust system (under the engine and engine cooling category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Ford Explorer based on all problems reported for the Explorer.
Tl the contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that when the climate control system was activated, an abnormal fuel odor was detected without warning. The vehicle was taken to chris auffenberg Ford (5840 mo-100, washington, mo 63090, (800) 264-5110) to be diagnosed, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The dealer, however, confirmed the presence of the odor. The failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The contact referenced technical service bulletin number: 70044 (exhaust odor in vehicle). The failure mileage was 86,000.
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Tl the contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. While operating the vehicle, the contact noticed an abnormal odor coming from the exhaust system. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing, but the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired and the failure recurred. The contact referenced NHTSA action number: ea17002 (structure, engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer and dealer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 19,500. The VIN was unknown.
Strong odor of exhaust in cabin of vehicle.
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There is an odor leaking into the car from either the engine or the exhaust . I've noticed it multiple times over the last few days and we have to put the windows down to not feel sick when we breathe. It happens whether I am driving or stopped at a light. I also started feeling tired while driving and almost fell asleep at the wheel in the middle of the day. I have now stopped using the vehicle. Something is very wrong.
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Vehicle emits a strong exhaust / sulfur smell when accelerating or placing a load on the engine such as using a/c or driving uphill.
My 2016 Ford Explorer sport during acceleration smells bad from exhaust fumes that entering the car. Took the car to the dealership and all the repairs that were done are not helpful contact Ford motor company which didn't help either. At this point dont know what to do.
Burning smell (presumably exhaust fumes) are leaking into cabin while driving. Happens more often upon hard acceleration and with air conditioning on in air recycle mode.
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The exhaust smell is overwhelming when you have to accelerate over 3,500 rpms. This is sometimes necessary when on highways or when traveling up a hill at higher speeds. It is not safe to inhaling exhaust fumes within the cabin. I worry about the safety of my child in this vehicle due to this issue.
Tl the contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking carbon monoxide from the exhaust system, which penetrated the vehicle vents. As a result, the contact suffered headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vision problems. Medical attention was received. The vehicle was taken to spirit Ford (4402 ann arbor road dunde, michigan 48131, 734-529-5521) to be diagnosed, but no failures were found. The manufacturer was contacted and provided case number: cas22318827. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 22,000.
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Vehicle has strong exhaust like burnt hair under harder acceleration. For instances, climbing a hill and needed to speed up. The smell stays with the vehicle as well. For at least a mile after the fact. I have had several vehicles and never have I had one smell like that under acceleration.
Tl the contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact smelled exhaust fumes inside the vehicle. The odor was a distraction and hazard to the contact and his children. The contact called rusty wallace Ford (134 sharon dr, dandridge, TN 37725, (423) 623-6138) and was informed that the manufacturer would not allow them to service this kind of failure any more. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to speak with the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 30,250.
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 .
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Exhaust is leaking into the cabin while driving. Usually while accelerating.
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May 29th 2019 I went into healey Ford in goshen NY after nearly 4 weeks of having huge plumes of white smoke pouring out of my exhaust pipes every time I pushed on the gas or stopped. It didn't matter if I was on the highway or a city street the issue still occured. The smell would permiate the entire inside of my car. We already had the recall fixed for the exhaust system cycling back into the car so this is alarming. It got progressively worse as the weeks passed and the plumes became thicker and very smelly. When I explained the problem they took it into the shop. About an hour after taking it back into the shop the service manager came back to me and said that he and 2 other techs personally ended up looking at it and agree they believe it is the turbo. I am taking it back in today June 3, 2019 and they said they would be taking apart the entire exhaust system and engine to fix it. I am concerned because there was a recall for this exact problem that posted January 23, 2017 covering only 1163 2017 Ford Explorers( NHTSA campaign #16v925000). I called Ford and report and what has been occuring, what was said, and my concerns on may 30, 3019. I explained my concerns about them possibly missing some cars and putting us at risk. They notated it, but were adamant that my Explorer is not involved. Today, June 3 2019, I will be dropping my Explorer off at healey and they will have it for a few days. I am hoping NHTSA will take another look into this recall and really make sure all cars that have the issue are covered. It's a dangerous recall and I believe some have been missed and Ford is not looking into it further which puts people's lives at risk. I will follow up with the results of the dealership's assessment and diagnosis when it is completed.
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.
We have noticed a car exhaust odor in our vehicle while at a standstill. The odor comes and goes and we are not sure what is causing it. It seems that car exhaust is coming into the vehicle through the car's ventilation system. The dealer ship could not find the issue. The vehicle did have the Ford carbon monoxide customer satisfaction program completed.
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Tl- the contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer . The contact stated that while driving various speeds they would smell fumes inside the vehicle. The engine warning light illuminated. A independent mechanic diagnosed and stated to repair the exhaust. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware. The dealer was not made aware. The failure mileage was 110,000. Nd.
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My 2018 Ford Explorer has under 9,000 miles on it and I've been experiencing exhaust smells in the cabin while merging on the interstate. This happens during acceleration. I have brought my vehicle to Ford several times now with no real answer. They said that they have not been able to "recreate" the smell so their hands are tied. They told me to turn off the recirculate ac function to get rid of the smell. Clearly, if that was their directive, they know that Explorers are having an issue. I was told today that I should contact Ford directly because the issue does not include 2018s. I have 2 young children that in my vehicle with me and something needs to be done about this problem. I owe money on this vehicle that is putting my family in danger and have no answers on how to get the problem fixed.
Tl the contact owns a 2019 Ford Explorer. While driving the vehicle, the contact smelled exhaust fumes and fuel inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to advantage Ford (4000 se federal hwy, stuart, FL 34997, (772) 287-0955) to be diagnosed, but the test was not yet completed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 4,500.
Tl the contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. When the accelerator pedal was depressed, the odor of exhaust fumes was present inside the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 71,000.
Exhaust still entering cabin following Ford corrective measures. This vehicle has been serviced for this seemingly ongoing issue using the corrective measures specified on the most recent technical service bulletin (17no3); however, the carcinogens and carbon monoxide produced by the exhaust are still entering the cabin following acceleration. As with other serious complaints involving this vehicle, the odor is a delayed response to acceleration, but very evident. As NHTSA is the consumer's avenue for assistance in protecting their health and safety, this ongoing open investigation should result in creating provisions that demand this company take ethical measures in preventing toxic substances from entering their vehicles. The open NHTSA investigation has already concluded, "Ford has issued multiple tsbs related to the exhaust odor issue, and in some cases revised those documents multiple times. . . ". If the manufacturer is continuously generating new technical bulletins, but complaints are still being raised with models as old as 2011, the end result is that the manufacturer is not taking these incidences seriously enough. Ford needs to be forced into correcting a disastrous design in their exhaust system as the technical service bulletins are obviously not producing results needed to protect consumers. Practices such as reprogramming the air handling system to allow for more "fresh air" to come into the cabin when accelerating is counterintuitive to preventing exhaust from entering the cabin. Measures to protect consumers from these toxins should be the only NHTSA conclusion. The fact that this has been ongoing since 2011, with no corrective change in the exhaust's design is also clear indicator that the manufacturer is not interested in taking this seriously. For now, rolling windows down during acceleration is the only measure to protect against these toxins.
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.
Tl-the contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45-70 mph, there was an abnormal exhaust odor in the vehicle. The contact became nauseated and also suffered headaches while the vehicle was being operated. The vehicle was jacky jones Lincoln, 2407 browns bridge rd, gainesville, GA 30504, (800) 835-5249, to be diagnosed. The contact was not provided a cause for the odor. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the issue. The contact was informed by the manufacturer that payment would be made to the local dealer to seal any openings in the exhaust and engine compartments to attempt to remedy the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 25000. Ah.
Exhaust leaking into cabin. Filling cabin of vehicle with a sulfer or cat pee smell.
Exhaust smell coming through cabin when idling and in motion. With ac/heat on and off. Most significantly when accelerating. It has caused me to have major headaches and nausea. It has went to the dealership to be �fixed� but problem is still occurring.
When accelerating, smell fumes and onset of dizziness and blurred vision while driving. Immediately slowed down (almost to a stop) in mid traffic and opened windows, allowing fresh air to blow in. Dizziness went away after a minute or two. Happened twice. . . Very scary experience. Carbon monoxide poisoning? never experience this before nor outside of vehicle. Already had exhaust problem fix by dealer. . . Still having issues. This is getting dangerous.
Exhaust fumes leaking in to the cab of the SUV. Causes a rotten egg smell, and has left my son and I nauseous many times.
Exhaust fumes inside vehicle causing nausea and headaches. Happening consistantly for the last 3yrs.
Took Explorer to the dealership. For the rotten eggs smell for the second time as well as another issue. They did not address the exhaust smell and when question a second time they stated it was driven and the could not smell it. I was told to drive the Explorer until it got worse and then bring it back in. This is unacceptable. Ford is knowingly allowing dealerships to place defective Explorers back on the street. People are getting hurt with this exhaust problem. Something needs to be done since I need to drive it until it gets worse, or pass-out and wreck the Explorer.
2017 Ford Explorer sport awd had the courtesy service for the exhaust bulletin done. I don't know what they fixed because the car still smells of exhaust when I accelerate hard. Trying to merge onto the highway on ramps comes to mind. Or if accelerate hard from a stop light in the city. Pretty much have to lower the windows. Dealers are useless they just claim the vehicles are safe. Have had this issue since purchased new.
Tl the contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there were exhaust fumes inside the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to arnie's Ford (119 e 3rd st, wayne, ne 68787, (800) 467-3780) where it was diagnosed that the vehicle needed to be resealed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 70,000. The VIN was not available. 119 e 3rd st, wayne, ne 68787 � (800) 467-3780.
Initial complaint to Ford dealership exhaust odors in cabin, possibly related to use of air conditioning (inspected 5/4/16, mileage 47,450, no repairs completed). Performance recall 17no3 completed 10/22/18. Exhaust odors worse after recall. Ford dealership inspected again on 10/30/18. Recommended using recirculation of cabin air at all times. Air conditioning has since stopped working. Per dealership rear a/c lines now need replacement, ext. Cost of $2,100. Cabin exhaust odors continue and inside of windshield is fogging. Odors worse when stopped at stoplights. Multiple occasions of CO detection in cabin while in motion in rural areas. Elevated cohb with various health symptoms and children now complaining of car sickness. Various areas of rust also reported to dealership and new areas appearing (I. E. Near drain vales of the liftgate).
Exhaust fumes in cabin when in motion.
We recently began smelling a pungent 'sulfur' or 'rotten egg' like smell that comes and goes in the interior cabin of our Explorer while driving the vehicle. Typically this seems to occur while or just after driving at freeway speeds/accelerating. We believe this is in line with other instances people have had in Explorers of possible exhaust leaks into the interior cabin space of the vehicle. We have 83,000 miles on our 2013 awd 3. 5l Explorer limited. We took our vehicle to a Ford dealer under customer service satisfaction program service # 17n03, but they stated our specific VIN does not apply to this service & thus would not cover that service fix for this issue.
As I was reversing I placed the vehicle from reverse to drive and it became very hard to turn the steering wheel. On several different ocassions the exhaust has blown smoke and the vehicle smells like fumes after turning it on.