2018 Ford Explorer
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Structure is the leading concern among 730 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 13th highest complaint count among 26 Explorer model years with reports.
Of the 2018 reports, 15 involved a crash and 7 involved a fire. 12 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Structure, bodyJul 14, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect the roof rail covers and as necessary, repair or replace the push-pins, rail clips, or roof rail covers, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 28, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S54. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 21V316. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.
Campaign 26V448000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearFeb 20, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the toe links, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2026. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S08. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 21V537. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning February 25, 2026.
Campaign 26V101000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, electrical, engine block heaterOct 10, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
Campaign 25V685000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, roof and pillarsJan 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.
A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 24V031000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, bodyMay 5, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.
A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will install push-pins and replace any damaged rail clips and roof rail covers, as necessary, free of charge. The interim owner notification letter was mailed on June 22, 2021. Owner notification letters (remedy available) were mailed on October 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S22.
Campaign 21V316000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, reclinerAug 28, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.
Campaign 19V633000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasolineNov 14, 2018
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L or 3.5L GTDI engine. Due to an assembly error, the fuel pressure sensor may leak fuel.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel line assembly, free of charge. The recall began December 7, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S35.
Campaign 18V807000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
730 reports, newest first.
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 30, 2019
WHEN STARTING VEHICLE, THE INSIDE OF MY VEHICLE FILLS WITH A STRONG SMELL OF GAS. THIS IS AN ONGOING AND REOCCURRING ISSUE. I BELIEVE IT MAY BE THE CAUSE OF MY 6 YEAR OLDS CHILD'S FREQUENT HEADACHES AND BOUTS WITH NAUSEA THAT BEGAN AT THE SAME TIME I STARTED NOTICING THE GAS SMELL ISSUE.
Air bags, Structure, Nov 28, 2019, crash
BOTH. VEHICLES WERE MOVING. THE EXPLORER FRONT HIT THE RIGHT REAR PANEL OF A 2011 FORD RANGER. BOTH VEHICLES WERE GOING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH. NO INJURIES SUSTAINED BY EITHER DRIVER. MY FORD EXPLORER AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS ON A CITY STREET THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS JUST BEGINNING TO TURN.
Suspension, Nov 25, 2019
VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH ON A SMOOTH STRAIT STRETCH OF ROAD WHEN A LOUD BACK WAS HEARD AND A SUDDEN LOSS OF STEERING RESULTING IN STRIKING THE CURB AS IT CAME TO A STOP. UPON INSPECTION IT APPEARS THE LOWER CONTROL ARM FAILED JUST BEFORE THE BALLJOINT AND HAD BROKEN IN HALF. THIS APPEARS IT'S AN ISSUE ACROSS A RANGE IF EXPLORERS THAT UTILIZE THE SAME CONTROL ARM.
Seat belts, Seats, Nov 4, 2019, crash
VEHICLE WAS STRUCK FROM BEHIND BY A PICK-UP TRUCK DRIVING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. UPON IMPACT MY VEHICLE'S FRONT SEATS COLLAPSED INTO THE BACK SEATS CAUSING THE SEAT BELTS TO BE INEFFECTIVE. AS A RESULT THE PASSENGER IN MY VEHICLE SUSTAINED BACK AND NECK INJURIES. MY VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AS THE TRAFFIC WAS AT A STANDSTILL. THE VEHICLE THAT STRUCK MY VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT ABOUT 70 MILES PER HOUR.
Engine, Oct 24, 2019
CARBON MONOXIDE IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF A 2018 FORD INTERCEPTOR UTILITY (A HONEYWELL BWC2R-M CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM HAD BEEN INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE HISTORY OF CARBON MONOXIDE ISSUES WITH THESE VEHICLES). ON OCTOBER 21, 2019 TWO OFFICERS WERE PATROLLING IN THE 2018 FORD INTERCEPTOR UTILITY. THE OFFICER WERE ACCELERATING QUICKLY AS THEY ENTERED THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM ACTIVATED. THE OFFICER STOPPED ACCELERATING AND ROLLED DOWN THE WINDOWS. THE CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM RESET AND NO FURTHER ACTIVATIONS HAVE BEEN REPORTED.(THIS REPORT CAME A MONTH AFTER ANOTHER OF THE CITY'S FORD INTERCEPTOR UTILITY VEHICLES WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE FOR CARBON MONOXIDE IN THE PASSENGER CABIN. THE FIRST INCIDENT WAS ACCOMPANIED BY A FOUL ODOR AND THE EGR PURGE VALVE WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED BACK IN SERVICE AND WITHIN A WEEK THE CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM ACTIVATED AGAIN. FORD WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE CARBON MONOXIDE IN THE PASSENGER CABIN SO NO REPAIRS WERE DONE.)
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Oct 24, 2019
STARTING WHIT A NOISE PROBLEM ON ENGINE WE BRING THE VEHICLE TO SERVICE DEPARTMENT THEM SAID WAS NOT A PROBLEM 2 MONTHS LATER WE ARE HERE ON SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR STEERING WHEEL PROBLEM, BRAKE NOISE, TO MUCH PROBLEMS. WE BUY A NEW CAR TO AVOID THIS PROBLEMS AND ISSUES WASTING OUR TIME. AND MONEY.
Tires, Oct 22, 2019
2018 FORD EXPLORER. HANKOOK VENTUS S1 NOBLE 2 TIRES. SIZE 255/50 R20 105H NO CRASH. MILEAGE !2,066 MILES. TIRES ARE CRACKING AND SEPARATING WITH CHUNKS FLYING OFF AS I DRIVE. FORD OFFERED ME $500 TOWARDS REPLACING THE 4 TIRES FOR THE SAME BRAND. THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE IT WITH A DIFFERENT BRAND THAT I FEEL SAFE WITH. I WILL BE RUNNING INTO THE SAME ISSUES. THESE TIRES NEED TO BE RECALLED!
Wheels, Oct 11, 2019
HANKOOK VENTUS S1 NOBLE 2 TIRES IN 255/50R20 ARE LOOSING CHUNKS OF RUBBER AND HAVE 20,000 MILES ON THEM. ORIGINAL TIRES ON 2018 FORD EXPLORER.
Tires, Oct 8, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD EXPLORER EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK VENTUS S1 NOBLE 2 TIRES, SIZE: 255/50R20. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE TIRE THREAD WERE PREMATURELY WORN. THE CONTACT HAD THE TIRES ROTATED AND ALSO NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER TIRES ALSO HAD LOOSE THREAD AND CRACKS. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000. *TR
Structure, Oct 5, 2019
I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW FORD EXPLORER, THE PASSENGER DOOR FLEW OPEN WHILE I WAS DRIVING AT 40 MPH. RAY SKILLMAN DEALERSHIP HAVE TO "FIX" THE DOOR THAT WAS TWISTED AND WARPED. THEN IT LEAKED. THEY PUT ON A NEW GASKET. IT STILL LEAKS AND SOAKS ME WHEN I OPEN THE DOOR AFTER A RAIN. SO FORD TOLD ME THEY WOULD SEND A FIELD INSPECTOR TO CHECK MY VEHICLE MY EXPLORER SAT AT RAY SKILLMAN FORD A WEEK, NO ONE FROM FORD CAME. NOW THE PATRONIZE ME. I PAY ALMOST 900 A MONTH FOR THIS NEW EXPLORER, AND I NOTICE THINGS ARE SHIFTED TO THE RIGHT, LIKE THE PANELS DOORS, ECT. THE DOOR WAS POPPING OPEN WHILE LOCKED, WHICH SET THE ALARM OFF ALL HOURS OF THE NIGHT. THEY WILL DO NOTHING. SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THIS NEW VEHICLE. FORD WILL NOT REPLACE IT. I HAVE MADE 12 COMPLAINTS TO THE FORD COMPANY COMPLAINT LINE. THEY DO NOT CARE. WHEN I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN WHEN THE DOOR FLEW OPEN WHILE DRIVING, THEY HAD IT FOR 3 DAYS, REFUSED TO GIVE ME A RECEIPT FOR WHAT THEY DID. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TT
Other or unspecified, Oct 2, 2019
THERE IS A STRONG EXHAUST SMELL IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE UNDER MEDIUM/HEAVY ACCELERATION. IT COMES THROUGH THE A/C VENTS AND IS WAY STRONGER IN THE REAR BACK SEATS THAN THE FRONT SEATS. I HAVE TO ROLL DOWN THE WINDOWS FOR A FEW MILES TO LET IT AIR OUT. ONCE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE SMELL WILL DISAPPEAR UNTIL YOU START CLIMBING A HILL OR STEEP GRADE OR YOU WERE FORCED TO SLOW DOWN AND GET BACK UP TO HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE DEALER HAS STATED THEY CAN NOT DUPLICATE MY CONCERNS. I HAVE THREE SMALL CHILDREN THAT ALL RIDE IN THE BACK PLEASE TELL ME WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS AT THIS POINT.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 18, 2019
STRONG SMELL OF EXHAUST AND ROTTEN EGGS ENTERED THE CABIN 5 TIMES DURING A 4 HOUR ROAD TRIP DURING ACCELERATION AND AT HIGHER SPEEDS. THE SMELL CAUSED HEADACHES AND NAUSEA. THE WINDOWS HAD TO BE OPENED TO RELIEVE THE SMELL. THE ISSUE WAS REPORTED TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP ON THE NEXT POSSIBLE BUSINESS DAY AFTER OCCURRING FOR REVIEW IN A SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE WITHIN 2 WEEKS OF THAT DATE. NUMEROUS TSB (FOR PREVIOUS MODEL YEARS 2011-2017) AND COMPLAINTS (FOR MODEL YEARS INCLUDING 2018) FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM CAN BE FOUND IN ONLINE SEARCHES. AT THE TIME OF RECORDING THIS COMPLAINT, MY TRUCK IS STILL WITH THE DEALERSHIP UNDER REVIEW.
Other or unspecified, Sep 16, 2019
HANKOOK TIRES - 255/50R20 105H VENUS S1/S2 - HAD ONLY 2/32ND TREAD AFTER 21,000 MILES. THESE TIRES CAME ON MY 2018 FORD EXPLORER, WHICH I PURCHASED NEW. BOTH FORD AND HANKOOK TIRES KNEW ABOUT THE ACCELERATED WEAR ISSUE WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, BUT NEITHER COMPANY MADE ME AWARE OF IT.
Other or unspecified, Sep 12, 2019
EXHAUST IN THE CABIN - HAPPENS DURNING AND AFTER ACCELERATION. OR WHEN THE VEHICLE IS UNDER STRESS ON AN INCLINE, HILLCLIMB OR PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE.BOUGHT VEHICLE IN NOV. 2018 AND WERE TOLD THAT EXHAUST SMELL PROBLEMS DID NOT EFFECT 2018 OR 2019. SO WE BOUGHT IT.
Other or unspecified, Aug 17, 2019
BECOMING ILL WHILE DRIVING 2018 FORD EXPLORER. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, AFTER AN HOUR OR SO OF INTERSTATE DRIVING I FELT AS IF I WAS GOING TO PASS OUT, ALSO EXPERIENCED DIZZINESS, HEADACHE, NAUSEA, DIFFICULTY CONCENTRATING, AND ANXIETY. SYMPTOMS BECAME MORE SEVERE AFTER EACH TRIP. FINALLY, AFTER MY DAUGHTER ALSO EXPERIENCED DIZZINESS WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE, I RESEARCHED OTHER DRIVERS EXPERIENCING THE SAME SYMPTOMS AND REALIZED OTHER FORD EXPLORER DRIVERS WERE EXPERIENCING SIMILAR SYMPTOMS FROM CARBON MONOXIDE EXPOSURE. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH AND BRINGING THIS ISSUE TO THE ATTENTION OF OUR FORD DEALERSHIP, IT WAS RECOMMENDED INSTALLING A CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR. IT WAS INSTALLED AND THE PRESENCE OF CARBON MONOXIDE WAS DETECTED. I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT A VEHICLE FOR THE PAST THREE WEEKS. IT HAS BEEN AT THE DEALSHIP. THIS CASE IS NOW WITH THE FORD OFFICE OF COUNSEL AND I HAVEN'T HAD ANY INFORMATION OR CORRESPONDENCE FROM FORD.
Other or unspecified, Aug 16, 2019
THE PROBLEM IS EXHAUST IN THE CABIN... INTERMITTENT AND HAPPENS DURING ACCELERATION. OR WHEN THE VEHICLE IS UNDER STRESS ON AN INCLINE OR PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE... CASE NUMBERS; CAS 22351032 CAS 15942505 CAS 22265738 I SPECIFICALLY ASKED ABOUT THIS POTENTIAL ISSUE WHEN I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE AND WAS TOLD IT DIDN'T AFFECT THE 2018 MODELS.. SERVICE DEPT CALLED THE FORD TECH HOTLINE AND PERFORMED ALL THE PROCEDURES THE ENGINEERS REQUESTED AND DID NOT FIX THE ISSUE
Other or unspecified, Aug 12, 2019
ON HARD ACCELERATION EXHAUST FUME GETS INSIDE THE CABIN EVEN WHEN THE A/C IS ON CIRCULATING MODE. WHEN PARKED ON IDLE WITH A/C CIRCULATING MODE TOXIC SMELL GETS IN THE CABIN TOO. IT CAN BE SMELLED OR DETECTED MORE ON THE RUBBER DOOR SEALS AROUND THE VEHICLE. TOOK IT TO FORD MULTIPLE TIMES BUT THEY CANNOT SOLVE THE ISSUE. IM WORRIED ABOUT MY FAMILY'S HEALTH. FORD USA GAVE ME 40,000 MILES FREE OIL CHANGE AND TIRE ROTATION TO MAKE ME FEEL A LITTLE BETTER. I THINK THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM OF FORD EXPLORER.
Structure, Aug 7, 2019
THE 2018 FORD EXPLORER XLT WITH BLACK PLASTIC ROOF RACKS. I HAVE HAD A RACK BLOW OFF TWICE IN HIGHER SPEED SITUATIONS! THREE TIMES TO DEALERSHIP, REPLACED NOW, TRIED NEW CLIPS, TRIED GLUEING, THEY STILL CANNOT CORRECT, AND ARE UNWILLING TO FULLY REPLACE BOTH RACKS ENTIRELY UNLESS IT FLIES OFF AGAIN. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS! I WAS TRAVELING 50MPH WHEN I WATCHED IT LAND IN THE ROAD. HAD A CAR BEEN BEHIND ME AND SWERVED TO MISS IT, ACCIDENT FOR SURE! A MOTORCYCLIST OR HORSE DRAW BUGGY COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A FATALITY. THIS IS NOT A SMALL PART, IT'S A LONG LUGGAGE RACK RAIL. ACCORDING TO CUSTOMERS ONLINE, FORD HAS DONE MANY OF THESE REPAIRS ON MANY EXPLORERS AND NOT ISSUED A RECALL OR AT LEAST CHANGED THE PART ? DOES A HUMAN HAVE TO GET INJURED OR KILLED BEFORE SOMETHING GETS ACCOMPLISHED?
Electrical system, Jul 30, 2019
THE CAR SAT FOR 7 DAYS (WE ARE RETIRED) AND THE STARTER BUTTON DID NOT RESPOND ON THE FIRST TWO TRIES TO START ENGINE. IT HAPPENED ON TWO OCCASIONS. IF LEFT AT AN AIRPORT, WE MIGHT HAVE BEEN STRANDED. I BELIEVE THE CAUSE IS THE HIGH CURRENT DRAIN FOR THE WIFI AND OTHER ELECTRONICS GOING ON. THE DEALER SAID TO CHECK BATTERY. THE PROBLEM DOES NOT OCCUR UNLESS THE CAR IS UNUSED FOR A NUMBER OF DAYS.
Structure, Jul 26, 2019, crash
WHILE PARKING VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WHEN MOVING FORWARD SO MUCH THAT HAD TO TURN WHEEL TO RIGHT SIDE TO TRY TO AVOID CAR PARKED IN FRONT TO NO AVAIL HIT CAR PARKED IN FRONT WITH DRIVER SIDE BUMPER AND FENDER.THANK GOD THERE WAS LIGHT POLE IN SIDEWALK WHICH SLOWED DOWN CAR ENOUGH TO BE SHUT OFF.
Structure, Jul 23, 2019
THE ROOF RAILS ON WILL NOT STAY ATTACHED. HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE SINCE JAN 2019. BOUGHT NEW. THE DEALERSHIP HAS TRIED 3 NOW 4 TIME'S TO MAKE REPAIRS. THE DRIVERSIDE WILL NOT STAY SEATED TO BOTTOM MOUNT. HAS COME LOOS ON TURNPIKE AND BEGAN BEATING THE ROOF OF OUR VEHICLE. MOST OFTENHIGH WINDS WILL UNSET AND DETACH THE PLASTIC COVER FROM THE BASE MOUNT. IT HAS COME LOOSE MANY TIMES LEAVING THE CAR WASH JUST AS THE BLOWERS WOULD DRY THE CAR.
Other or unspecified, Jul 20, 2019
NUMERUS TIMES--WHILE ON VACATION-- DURING ACCELERATION --WEATHER PASSING OR CLIMBING AN UPHILL GRADE--EXHAUST FUMES CAN BE SMELLED IN THE CAR CABIN--AT TIMES VERY BAD VERY CONCERNED --WHEN CARRYING THE GRANDCHILDREN
Other or unspecified, Jul 15, 2019
SMELL OF EXHAUST ESPECIALLY IF ACCELERATING AT HIGH SPEED AND MORE NOTICEABLE IF THE THE AC CIRCULATION IS ON
Engine, Jun 26, 2019
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.
Other or unspecified, Jun 26, 2019
VEHICLE EXHAUST SYSTEM EMITS CARBON MONOXIDE AND OTHER FUEL FUMES INTO THE CABIN ON VARIOUS OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING. USUALLY OCCURS DURING AN ACCELERATION WITH STRESS AS IN AN UPHILL PUSH TO THE TOP OR IN LOCAL TRAFFIC WHILE CHANGING LANES WITH ACCELERATION STRESS. THESE ARE HEAVY ENOUGH FUMES TO CAUSE NASAL DISCOMFORT, ON OCCASION LIGHT HEADED FEELINGS, AND THROAT IRRITATION. THE DEALER HAS USED ALL FORD MOTOR CO. PROTOCOLS AND THE FUMES STILL PERSIST. FMC HAS HAD A REGIONAL DIRECTOR CONTACT ME WHICH RESULTED IN GOING TO ANOTHER DEALER TO TRY THE PROTOCOLS AGAIN. ALTHOUGH THERE HAS BEEN SOME REDUCTION IN THE VOLUME OF FUMES, THE VEHICLE STILL EMITS THE FUMES INTO THE CABIN. FMC HAS NOW, ONE PLUS YEARS LATER, TOLD ME TO BUY A CARBON MONOXIDE METER TO TEST FOR EXISTENCE OR HIRE AN ATTORNEY. NO OFFER OF A TRADE-IN AT A PRICE TO OFFSET THE DEFICIENCY. THAT BEING SAID, I DID TEST DRIVE TWO 2019 XLT'S AND HAD THE SAME EMISSIONS OCCUR IN BOTH CARS WITHIN 24 HOURS OF THE OVER NIGHT DRIVES.