Ford Explorer fuel smell problems

Filed Nov 4, 2026 · Engine · MN

They’re been multiple occasions when my daughter and I are driving to either school or Daycare, where she would yell in the backseat that it smells back there. After having myself sit back and ride as my wife, I experienced lightheadedness, dizziness, and would smell like exhaust fumes in the car. I have read multiple reports online about exhaust manifold, cracking or warping and allowing exhaust to enter the car I also came across the temporary fix that was implemented which I don’t think is fair. But just today driving to work I experience lightheadedness from the driver seat and add some coughing sooner. They roll the windows down. I started to feel better. I keep trying to turn the air circulation on to hopefully keep the exterior exhaust fumes out but the air circulation times out and allows exhaust fumes to enter the cabin. As far as I can tell, there aren’t any issues with the exhaust system I do not hear any exhaust leaks. This only happens under 25% or more throttle when the vehicle kicks down to another passing gear. I have not contacted the dealership yet to have the issue diagnosed. But I feel it is the exhaust manifolds cause the issue

Filed Jul 31, 2026 · Engine · 120,000 miles · AL · 3 injuries

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there were exhaust fumes inside the vehicle, causing the contact headaches and nausea, and the two grandkids were complaining about headaches as well. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was determined to have a catalytic converter failure, which was repaired, but the fumes persisted. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic, who determined that the exhaust fumes were coming from the rear liftgate seals. No further information was available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 120,000.

Filed Jul 26, 2026 · Engine · DE

Exhaust fumes leak into the cabin while increasing speed.

Filed Jul 17, 2026 · PA

There are often times that there is a strong exhaust odor inside the vehicle, especially when idling

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 15, 2026 · Engine · OK

My vehicle is experiencing manufacturers defect identical to Ford program 21B35, yet Ford tells me my VIN is not covered under this program. Manufacturer defect includes car converter welds breaking, causing exhaust fumes to enter the cabin. This is a serious safety concern.

Filed Apr 10, 2026 · Fuel system · PR · fire

I own a Ford Explorer 2018 bought as second hand in July 2020. For the last three years, the investment in it has been exponential. Finally working with a proper car mechanic, I understood that all the fixes I have made, have been known for a while. I have received several recalls and searching for more, I found one that **I did not receiveD*** and I'm having an issue with it. It can be seen in the attached document. Research shows that "the 2018 Ford Explorer has significant, well-documented complaints, primarily regarding catastrophic water pump failure, transmission issues, and multiple recalls. The 3.5L engine's internal water pump often fails around 125,000 miles, causing engine destruction. Other common issues include rear suspension toe link fractures, exhaust smells, and electrical problems." My water pump failed way before 125K miles, as the previous statement states.. Mine is 94K. I fixed it last year and now it's broken again. And by the say of the mechanic, it could be because of the issue of the catalyst, of a recall I didn't get and that probably got the previous owner. I have tried to reach Ford through letter and phone and no one answers. I finally spoke to someone on Tuesday from the warranty department and told me he will reach me in 3 hours. Two days have gone by. I also did a complaint on BBB and the refuse to fix and reimbursed the recall I didn't received.

Filed Mar 5, 2026 · Body, Engine · 140,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there were exhaust fumes inside the vehicle while accelerating. There were no warning lights illuminated. Upon research, the contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Action Number: EA17002 (Structure, Engine and Engine Cooling). The local dealer was contacted and informed that there was a fee for the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Filed Feb 20, 2026 · Body, Engine · RI · 2 injuries

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the odor of exhaust fumes was present inside the cabin of the vehicle, causing the driver and the passenger to experience nausea and dizziness. No medical assistance was required. The contact was concerned that there was possibly carbon monoxide hazard inside the vehicle while driving. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were contacted regarding ethe failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed of the federal safety agency Action Number: EA17002 (STRUCTURE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the investigation. The failure mileage was unknown.