This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. While driving various speeds, the contact observed an abnormal odor through the air conditioning unit when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000.
For about the last year, I would smell something burning inside my vehicle when entering the freeway. I was never able to identify the source of the smell, even after repeatedly stopping to sniff the engine compartment and around the tires and exhaust. I could not detect the smell outside of the car, nor did I find any evidence of anything burning (no smoke, charred areas, stuck brakes, melted rubber, etc). There didn't appear to be any pattern, as I would smell something burning at different points in my commute, with the only time I consistently experienced it being merging onto the freeway. On June 20, 2016 at 1:38 pm central time, I sent my husband the following text: "is the fire extinguisher still in the car?" due to the overpowering smell of smoke in the passenger compartment shortly after getting on the freeway. I rolled down the windows and exited the freeway, stopping at the far end of a parking lot. There was no smoke nor odor emanating from the exterior of the vehicle. Due to the heat, we drive with the air recirculating most of the year. Much of our driving is in the city, with light acceleration. Typically, the only time we rapidly accelerate is when entering the freeway. On this occasion, I accelerated more than normal due to a semi's position in the right lane. At times, my 7 year old has complained about not being able to breathe with the windows rolled up.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. While driving 70 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Exhaust smell in cabin after acceleration, for example during attempts to pass on highway, etc. Sometimes referred to as "rotten egg smell". smell is definitely getting in to cabin. Dissipates after several minutes. Have been experiencing neurological problems for about 6 months now (random, constant muscle fasciculations throughout body, strange headaches and heat-related sensations, etc), trying to work with doctors to figure out if symptoms are related to vehicle and the smell. The smell is well-documented on the popular Ford Explorer forums online, and happens usually under hard acceleration or highway speeds.
Since day one of ownership I signaled to the service department that I smell fumes in the car while using climate on heat or cold. They tested and said all is ok. After 1 year it still happens every time I use climate, sometimes more obvious than other times. No smoke enters the cabin, just a heavy odor. I always have to open the window to be able to stay in the car. Worried about long term effects on my family and our future baby. Called Ford even today to ask if they have any documentation on this problem..said no.
- Sammamish, WA, USA
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When we accelerate in our 2012 Ford Explorer, the cabin is filled with exhaust fumes. Many times we are required to roll the windows down to let the fumes out as they cause headaches and smell bad. This mainly occurs when we accelerate on to a highway/interstate from the on ramp.
While driving down the highway my Explorer made a loud clunk sound and then the wrench symbol appeared on my dashboard. Then the gas pedal quit working, and we had to roll off the highway avoiding being hit by other traffic. I had to stop and restart my car 5-6 times before the gas pedal would work again. This has happened 5 times in the past two months, and when I called to have it serviced they told me the wrench light had to be on for them to identify the problem. But I cant go anywhere when the wrench light comes on and a tow truck will not tow a car with it running for me to get it to the dealership to be tested. This is a safety issue that other people are having. The throttle body is going out on many Explorer after 55,000 miles. Is it going to take deaths before this is a recall?
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. While driving 15 mph, the engine stalled and the low engine pressure light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the cause of the failure could not be determined. The dealer reprogrammed the computer, but the failure recurred numerous times. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,700. The VIN was not available.
When accelerating to gain access to a highway or just speeding up on a local street, there is a gas or burnt oil smell that permeates the cabin of the vehicle. This happens every time I accelerate, every day.
I own a 2012 Ford Explorer XLT ecoboost was functioning fine till one day driving my family back from the airport my check engine light came on and began to flash. Then all of a sudden the car SUV began to shake horribly and would not in acceleration. After having the Explorer towed to the Ford dealer it was determined that the ecoboost system failed.
As I was breaking to turn left at a street light my car started to shake, wrench light came on, the vehicle lost power and stalled. I took it to jordan Ford in san antonio, Texas, they told me they could not duplicate the error message and noticed a carbon build up and recommended cleaning. Almost $500 to pay for something that may not fix the problem. I noticed other complaints online about the same issue that happened to my vehicle and I'm very worried. I drive my children in this car. I would like to know why there aren't any recalls on this vehicle.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph, the engine stalled and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart after the initial attempt. The failure recurred on three occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 52,920.
Exhaust gases enter the cabin when accelerating - smells like rotten eggs - to test theory placed house hold CO2 alarm in vehicle cabin and drove up interstate - exceeding 3500rpm for 2-3 seconds - CO2 alarm went off to indicate CO2 present inside of cabin - conditions were - all windows closed all doors closed - air conditioner running. Dealer states no reported occurrences of this from other Explorer owners, said it could be a faulty CO2 alarm - went to home depot - purchased new CO2 alarm - tested in vehicle with windwos and doors closed - new CO2 alarm also alerts to carbon monoxide (high levels). - CO2 is 100% entering closed cabin.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. While driving approximately 75 mph, a wrench warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle lost power and decelerated to 2 mph. The contact mentioned that a roaring noise emitted from the engine but was able to merge the vehicle to the side of the road. Shortly after, the vehicle restarted and resumed normal operation. Days later, the failure recurred and the vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician was unable to replicate the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 46,000.
Power cut off. (golden wrench of I dont know what's wrong came on) on 4 lane had to pull over to shoulder of road. Cut off engine, restart, no light drove to Ford shop Monday and left car. Shop to check out and get back with me. Friday had to call and see if any news of whats wrong. Told after 3 hr runaround, needs battery and throttle body $ $900 +- out of warranty consumer satisfaction program 13N03
While driving my for 2012 Ford Explorer ecoboost 2.0L, accelerating at approx 55mph up a hill, I lost power on several occasions starting on July 11th. I had to pull over and drive 10mph with hazards on. Thankfully was able to pull over and not on the freeway. My Explorer has been at the Ford dealership now for three days and they still do not know what is wrong with it, and not able to fix it. I'm already going to have to pay 600 in labor so far and over a 100 for a rental and of course it's not under warranty. I beleive this is a huge safety issue, since you loose all power. You could end up in a terrible accident if this happens on the freeway.
I was driving back from the mall on a single lane highway at 55 mph with the whole family. All of the sudden the vehicle just quit. I tried to restart the vehicle while it was gliding without power, but it would not start. I had to pull over to the side of the road until the car stopped by itself. While the car was gliding to a stop, there was no steering brakes or anything available, since the engine had cut off automatically. Luckily I did not get hit by anyone. I finally pulled over, restarted the car and drove again. In a couple of minutes the car stalled again with no controls. This happened about 4 times within a space of 15 miles. I took it to the Ford dealership the next day and had to spend $1000 fixing it, which they blamed on the throttle activation or body. This could have resulted in a fatal situation, especially because the vehicle had no controls when it stalled. I believe there has been the same issue with other Ford and Lincoln vehicles on the web. This should be considered a serious safety issue, which should be fixed as soon as possible. This could happen again to someone and result in serious injury. I feel like Ford should be responsible for the fix to ensure public safety.
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- Crowley, TX, USA