2016 Ford Explorer: gas smell in the cabin

Filed May 1, 2025 · Engine · 100,000 miles · ID

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and there were exhaust fumes entering the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the exhaust odor entered the vehicle while depressing the accelerator pedal and was constant. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the failure was related to Technical Service Bulletin Number: 17-0044; and the recommended that the repair be performed. The contact was advised that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Jul 17, 2024 · Engine · 100,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, exhaust fumes was detected inside the cabin of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact installed a carbon monoxide detector in the rear of the vehicle and was alerted by the carbon monoxide detector of carbon monoxide inside the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Jun 24, 2024 · Fuel system · FL

On June 14, we drove our 2016 Ford Explorer from Tallahassee, FL to Boone, NC without issue. However, on [XXX], upon starting the vehicle, we noticed a gasoline smell. Concerned for our safety, we checked the car before leaving the neighborhood and discovered fuel pouring from the front. We parked the vehicle in a safe location and coordinated a tow to the local Ford dealership and were informed our fuel line had ruptured. The vehicle had 41,000 miles at the time of the incident. We were not given a clear explanation for the fuel line rupture, leaving us apprehensive about the safety and reliability of Ford vehicles. The ordeal cost $4,000 in repairs, and the service experience made us feel taken advantage of after we were routinely asked if we were local. Our Ford mechanic in Tallahassee later mentioned that labor charged by the Boone dealership seemed excessive. Additionally, they refused to replace the gasoline-covered cabin air filter and engine cover, raising further concerns about the service provided. The rupture of the fuel line posed a severe safety risk as it could have led to a fire or explosion, endangering the lives of the occupants and others nearby. The problem has not been reproduced but was confirmed by the local Ford dealership. No inspections have been conducted by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives to our knowledge. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. Our gas tank was nearly full the morning of June 17, and it was empty when we picked it up from the Ford dealership after repairs were completed. Given the serious nature of the fuel line failure, the potential risks involved, and the financial burden of the repairs, we believe this issue warrants a recall investigation to prevent future incidents and to ensure the safety of Ford customers, especially given the multiple recalls already issued and the shared “significant safety concern” shared by the federal safety agency on this. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF

Filed Jan 26, 2024 · Transmission · OR

Several weeks ago we noticed a propane or natural gas smell in the vehicle' cab and around the vehicle. The smell was stronger sometimes and lesser others, but more so when the heater was on. In the very cold weather, I would have to dress in extra warm layers and keep the windows lowered with fresh air flowing through - in order to drive it... to keep the cab warm enough to drive with the heater on. The smell would be stronger when the heater/air was on. The smell would make me cough and gave me a headache. At first, we thought it was a bad batch of gas. Our mechanic couldn't say what it was and referred us to our local Ford dealer. I also researched on-line and found that several thousand U.S. customers have had the same problem [XXX] ; [XXX] ; [XXX] ). It looks from one article as if Ford settled a class action law suit on this issue in 2016, yet when I called the Ford Customer Service Help Line today, they said they cannot offer us any financial help for this repair, which is costing us over $3,100.00! The car is not that old! 2 days before we brought our vehicle to the Ford dealer, thick black liquid drained onto our garage floor under the front of the vehicle. The Ford dealer says the transfer case is going bad and spitting fluid on the vent/onto the exhaust and the smell was coming from that. The vehicle is still at the Ford dealer and repairs should be complete by 1/31/24. I am writing to you for help with this. It seems to me that Ford has already offered and should continue to offer some repair expense reimbursement for this apparently widespread problem! Can you help advocate for us in this? Thank you - [XXX] , [XXX] , [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 31, 2023 · Fuel system · 122,490 miles · OH

My check engine light keeps reading a evap code. I have replaced the evap throttle 3x’s. My car smells of a gas leak coming from somewhere. I have taken it to Ford, and to two other mechanics. They claim that the check engine code is wrong and they cannot find where the fuel smell is coming from without the proper code. My check engine light turns on and off with the same error everytime. The evap code is not the problem. I have made a complaint months ago, and still nothing. Not sure what else I can do.

Filed May 8, 2023 · Engine, Fuel system · 112,000 miles · UT · 2 injuries

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65-70 mph, there was an abnormal exhaust odor entering the vehicle. When the accelerator pedal was released, the odor dissipated. There were no warning indicator lights illuminated. The driver and passenger sustained a headache due to the odor but medical attention was not provided. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the seal was broken. Additionally, the mechanic informed her to use premium or Chevron fuel. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who opened a case, and referred her to the federal safety agency hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.

Filed Apr 21, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · OH

Everytime my ac/heat is on it affects my engine as I’m driving. My speedometer fast jumps. As soon as I turn it off it seems to run better. I made a complaint a week ago about something going on with my fuel and fan running high speed. I have a foul smell in my car. I thought for awhile it was something outside but now I believe it’s coming from my car. It smells like fuel/rubber/sewer if that makes sense.

Filed Jan 3, 2023 · Engine · 85,000 miles · IN

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that exhaust fumes were entering the cabin of the vehicle while driving. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact was concerned for his safety and discontinued driving on the roadways. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

Filed Nov 10, 2022 · Engine · CO

Unknown system or components, smells like propane or exhaust odors inside the cab. Mostly when driving slow or at a full stop. It is a police interceptor suv with 65k miles. No warning lights or other symptoms appeared prior to odor. Odor gives me a headache/nausea.

Filed Jan 20, 2022 · TX

3 weeks ago my vehicle has had an exhaust smell in the cabin, the car has been in the shop since. I started googling to see what the issue could potentially be and found your lawsuit. My vehicle is currently at Blake Utter Ford in Dennison TX getting diagnostics ran. My concern is my son and I have experienced nausea, dizziness, vomiting(my son), fatigue, and bloody noses after we exit the vehicle. Ford has known about this issue under Field service actions 17N03 and 19N05. If Ford has known of the issue why will they not make the issue an active recall? This is a health and safety concern, and could potentially be fatal. I have called Ford and filed an official complaint, there is nothing they will do since there are no active recalls on my vehicle, so we have to foot the bill?? They asked if I had a warranty, which I do, but if I didn't? This is would be a large expense. When I called [XXX] in McKinney, TX they didn't seem to care or know anything about the exhaust leak, they had a 10 day wait for diagnostics, with no rental vehicles. I called Blake Utter Ford where we purchased the vehicle, they have a 2-day wait for diagnostics, and same no rental vehicles. I have 3 children and two jobs I cannot be without a car. Who knows how long the repairs will take? I have never received any correspondence regarding the Class action suit, how can I be included? INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Filed Dec 10, 2021 · Fuel system · 90,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle constantly smelled of gasoline. The contact stated that the odor occurred when the vehicle was in motion but was stronger when the vehicle was idle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was not able to properly diagnose the vehicle. The mechanic sealed several locations where the odor might have been coming from. The vehicle was taken to the dealer because the gasoline odor was stronger on the outside of the vehicle. The dealer was not able to determine the cause of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency for assistance. The contact stated that the failure had gotten progressively worse. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000

Filed Oct 18, 2021 · 67,800 miles · IA

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, she started to smell exhaust fumes and the vehicle started to hesitate and became difficult to shift into other gears. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the power transfer unit to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and had the power transfer unit replaced. The contact also stated while driving at various speeds on 10/4/52021, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to her destination. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the power steering to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,800.