2017 Ford Explorer: gas smell in the cabin

Filed Jul 16, 2026 · Engine · VA

A strong exhaust smell comes through the cabin during acceleration at speeds higher than 35 mph. Worries us for possible co2 exposure coming through if exhaust smell can come through. But ford dealership has said it passes the recall standards. Still uneasy

Filed Apr 15, 2026 · Body, Engine · CA

I am reporting a serious safety concern with my 2017 Ford Explorer. The vehicle currently has approximately 93,752 miles and has become increasingly unreliable and unsafe to operate. On April 9, 2026, while my wife was driving home from work, the vehicle overheated, creating a dangerous situation and risk of sudden breakdown. This is especially concerning as the vehicle is used to transport children. Recently, after taking the vehicle in for an oil change, I was informed of multiple additional problems (three separate issues) affecting the vehicle. In addition, the check engine light remains on continuously, even after attempted repairs, indicating unresolved underlying problems. I have also previously attempted to have a recall repair completed, but was told that the necessary part was unavailable and that I would be contacted when it became available. Months later, I have still not been contacted, and the recall issue remains unresolved. Based on my experience and publicly documented issues, this appears consistent with known defects associated with this model, including reported water pump failures leading to engine overheating, rear suspension issues affecting control, and concerns regarding exhaust fumes entering the cabin. This is not normal wear and tear, but a potential safety-related defect. It is a serious concern that known recalls and defects cannot be repaired due to lack of available parts, leaving the vehicle in an unsafe condition. I am also concerned about the risk of continuing to operate this vehicle and potentially causing an accident that could injure myself, my family, or others on the road. This risk is heightened by the lack of timely communication and resolution regarding known defects and recalls. I am requesting investigation into these issues to prevent harm to drivers and passengers

Filed Apr 5, 2024 · Engine · 97,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and entering the freeway, the vehicle began to release exhaust fumes inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.

Filed Jan 20, 2024 · Engine · 162,609 miles · TX

Exhaust fumes entering inside vehicle when idling and driving on the road. Must drive with windows open and still cannot drive for over a few miles. Get a headache and effects lungs. Vehicle is now parked and cannot use. Exhaust is leaking near engine. Looks like a cracked manifold. Unsafe to use. Date this occurred is an estimate because I do not know how long this has been a problem. There are other 2017 models with the same issue.

Filed Dec 9, 2022 · Engine · 180,000 miles · MS · 1 injury

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that carbon monoxide was entering the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that there was an abnormally strong exhaust odor inside the vehicle after driving short distances. The contact stated that he felt lightheaded while driving the vehicle. No medical attention was sought. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.

Filed Dec 6, 2022 · Fuel system · CA

Fuel leak from damaged fuel line. Fuel leaking onto the upper part of the engine resulting in raw fuel fumes into the cabin thru ventilation. Extreme fire hazard in the engine compartment and or to the entire car. observed cause : crimp clamp located on the air box intake hose was installed in a position where the crimped part of the hose clamp rubs on the metal fuel line causing leak.

Filed Jul 18, 2022 · Fuel system · WV · 4 injuries

Exhaust Fumes entering the passenger cabin through the heat/ac vents and causing carbon monoxide poisoning to passengers! Having medical issues due to this issue and it has been found twice and it’s been doing this since day 3 of owning it! Purchased new on February 21, 2018 with only 2 miles and 6 miles when paperwork was signed! On day 5, 02-26-2018, called dealer was told by the salesman Tommy, it was the new smell and it would go away, Never has and never will! I’ve been sick for over 2 years and 90% of my medical issues has came from purchasing this vehicle and it’s still releasing exhaust fumes and causing me problems. I would like to know WHY a recall has never been done and FORD to be made response for their actions and deceit for this major problem!

Filed Jun 12, 2021 · Engine, Fuel system · TX

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? I have been experiencing the smell of gas/exhaust leaking into the cabin. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I am concern with the health issues that this smell could put my family and I in. Specially if theirs a possibility that carbon monoxide could be leaking into the cabin. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?No Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? I had the vehicle inspected by Ford but they advise that they couldn’t reproduce the smell. They also advice that their were a two drain plugs missing in the lift gate which would resolve the issue if replaced. I have replaced the two missing plugs and continue to experience the issue. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear?no

Filed May 19, 2021 · Engine · AR

Recall has been issued on the ford explorer for smell of exhaust in the cabin. I have had the recall inspected and completed in 2019. I am now smelling the exhaust again upon acceleration. I told the dealership I have always been able to smell the exhaust even after they "fixed" the issue the first time. It just wasn't as bad. The smell is much worse now.

Filed Dec 22, 2019 · Engine · 30,000 miles · NJ

Loud engine noises under acceleration. Sounds like rattling or detonation. Smell exhaust fumes during and after hard acceleration inside vehicle.

Filed Dec 18, 2019 · 83,200 miles · CO

Very strong odor of exhaust fumes inside cabin. I was using the car's automatic start feature and when I got in car to drive kids to school, you could smell exhaust throughout car. Just recently purchased car and noticed this issue on 2nd day of ownership. When driving on highway odor seems to go away but if you stop at a light or are in slow moving traffic, fumes quickly build up again.

Filed Dec 1, 2019 · 45,000 miles · NY

Exhaust smell coming into the cabin of the vehicle. Smells like hot exhaust that is coming in through the front vents while driving down the highway. Smells very bad and can't be good for you.