Investigations
Ford Explorer Exhaust Odor
NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE16008 — closed, opened 2016-07-01 and involving the FORD EXPLORER.
NHTSA investigation PE16008 is a Preliminary Evaluation opened on 2016-07-01 and currently closed. The subject of record is FORD EXPLORER, which places this file inside the Office of Defects Investigation queue for FORD. Latest activity on this investigation was logged on 2017-09-12 — NHTSA updates that field whenever an Information Request goes out, a supplement is filed, or a status change is recorded in the public docket.
A Preliminary Evaluation like PE16008 is the entry point of the federal defect-investigation process. NHTSA engineers scan complaint databases, field reports, and manufacturer data to decide whether an Engineering Analysis is warranted, whether a voluntary recall is already sufficient, or whether the pattern does not rise to a defect finding.
Investigators summarized the matter as follows: "During the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) investigation into the Ford carbon monoxide allegations, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) identified additional Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (..." Investigations are the early-warning layer of the federal auto-safety system, sitting upstream of formal recalls and defect orders. Whether this one closes without action or escalates into an Engineering Analysis, the full history stays in the ODI archive so researchers, litigators, and buyers can pull the paper trail at any time. Related FORD files, listed below, give context on whether this is an isolated concern or part of a broader pattern across the brand.
Investigation Summary
During the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) investigation into the Ford carbon monoxide allegations, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) identified additional Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports with similar exhaust odor claims. Presently, ODI has identified 791 VOQs for Model Year 2011-2017 Ford Explorers pertaining to exhaust odor claims. ODI has identified three crashes and 41 injuries potentially linked this issue. The reported injuries range from unspecified to loss of consciousness, with the majority being nausea, headaches, or dizziness – all of which can be symptomatic of carbon monoxide exposure. Additionally, Ford provided 2,400 reports including owner complaints, warranty claims, dealer field reports, and legal claims, that involve 2,051 vehicles that may be connected to the exhaust odor issue. NHTSA's Vehicle Test and Research Center tested multiple vehicles, including complaint vehicles, during the investigation. ODI also conducted field inspections of complaint vehicles and crashes involving police units that occurred while the officers were on duty. When possible, data was collected to quantify carbon monoxide levels in the examined vehicles. Based on the information gathered to date, NHTSA upgraded this investigation to an Engineering Analysis (EA17-002).
About This Investigation Type
A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first phase of NHTSA's investigation process. It is opened when the agency identifies a potential safety defect pattern, usually triggered by consumer complaints, manufacturer reports, or field monitoring. During a PE, NHTSA gathers information to determine whether a formal engineering analysis is warranted.
Other FORD Investigations
Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up
Timing Belt Failure
Underbody shields detachment
B-Pillar Trim Detachment
Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up
Data from NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Cross-references: NHTSA recall campaign API and NHTSA FARS where fatality records overlap. PlainCars does not rate or recommend vehicles. Learn more.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.