Ford Offers to Fix Carbon Monoxide Concerns on 1.4 Million 2011-2017 Ford Explorers

Ford motor is voluntarily agreeing to make some minor changes to 1.4 million 2011-2017 Ford Explorers. Ford contends that the Explorers are absolutely safe but many owners are concerned after carbon monoxide problems were reported with the Police Intercept vehicles. Ford says the problems with the Intercept vehicles are because of unsealed holes that were left behind after police equipment was installed.

Responding to customer concerns

Ford released a statement announcing the free repairs. In it, the company says, “Ford is aware that some 2011-17 Explorer owners have concerns about exhaust or carbon monoxide. These vehicles are safe. Our investigation has not found carbon monoxide levels that exceed what people are exposed to every day. However, for our customers’ peace of mind, Ford is offering a complimentary service that reduces the potential for exhaust to enter the vehicle. Customers can take their vehicles, regardless of mileage or warranty status, to a Ford dealer to have this service performed, starting Nov. 1, 2017 through Dec. 31, 2018.”

This is technically not a recall. Ford didn’t let it get to that stage. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced recently that it was looking into the owner’s concerns and Ford decided to go ahead and address the problem.

The Fix

The Ford reference number for the service is 17N03.

Ford says the modifications will reduce the potential for any exhaust to enter the Explorers. Dealers will replace the liftgate drain valves and inspect all of the seals at the rear of the vehicle. Dealers will also reprogram the air conditioners to increase the amount of fresh air that comes in to the vehicle.

This action involves approximately 1.3 million vehicles in the United States, 84,000 in Canada and 24,000 in Mexico.

The Police Intercept Problem

Earlier this year, several police departments nationwide pulled their Police Intercept vehicles out of service after complaints from officers that fumes were giving them headaches and nausea. At least one officer claims he lost consciousness. Ford investigated and found that the retrofitters drilled holes for police lights and radios that may have allowed exhaust fumes to seep into the cabin. Ford has offered to pay for the repairs to the police vehicles. Sales of police vehicles are huge for Ford and the Intercept, based on the Explorer platform, is one of their biggest sellers.

Ford has set up a hotline for customers who have questions. The hotline number is (888)260-5575.
The service only applies to the 2011-2017 Ford Explorers. Ford changed the body style in 2011 and the problem was not reported with the older style SUVs.