Every vehicle owner should pay attention to safety recalls issued by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) issued by car manufacturers. The NHTSA issues safety recalls on vehicles that have a defect or noncompliance issue with a Federal motor vehicle safety standard. Manufacturers typically issue TSBs on vehicles that have several occurrences of an unanticipated problem, and they contain recommendations to repair or eliminate the problem.
Ford Explorers
One particular issue has been with 2011-2015 Ford Explorers. Although not technically recalled, the NHTSA continues to investigate complaints about vehicle exhaust leaking into the passenger cabin. Some 2011-2015 Explorers leak exhaust into the passenger compartment when the auxiliary climate control system is on—the odor reportedly smelling like sulfur or rotten eggs.
In response, Ford issued two Explorer related TSBs. In the bulletin—TSB #14-0130 dated 7/22/14—Ford outlines the steps to correct the cabin contamination problem. (Please note: TSB #14-0130 supersedes the first edition and is the current document reference).
All reports of exhaust entering the cabin of any vehicle should be investigated, and any vehicle experiencing cabin contamination problems should be removed from service immediately and taken to a Ford approved service provider. If you elect to perform the repairs outlined in TSB #14-0130 in-house, then a Ford Technical Representative should be consulted before any work is done so as not to void the manufacturer warranty.
Fix the Problem, Don’t Use a Detector!
It has been reported that some Explorer owners are installing household/building carbon monoxide detectors in their vehicles. Be aware, this practice not recommended and should be discontinued.
Standard carbon monoxide detectors are not designed for use in vehicles. Environmental factors such as: extreme temperature ranges, wind, dust, humidity, air conditioning, and others have a tendency to render them unreliable, often providing false readings.
If you have or ever do receive a Safety Recall Notice or TSB, take it seriously and act accordingly!
Questions, please feel free to reach out to Juan Cajandig, EIA Sr. Loss Prevention Specialist.