When A Recall Isn't A Recall? 1.4 Million Ford Explorers Qualify For Complimentary Service For Potential CO Risk

Ford said it would offer a limited-time-only free repair for about 1.4 million SUVs after a wave of public concern about Ford Explorer carbon monoxide leaks.

The company made the announcement Oct. 13. It’s a reversal for the second-largest U.S. automaker, which has insisted that there are no elevated CO levels in nonpolice versions of the popular SUV. Drivers have reported nausea, headaches, and even loss of consciousness...

Ford's press release follows:

FORD ANNOUNCES COMPLIMENTARY SERVICE FOR 2011-17 RETAIL EXPLORERS

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 13, 2017 – Ford is aware that some 2011-17 Explorer owners have concerns about exhaust or carbon monoxide. These vehicles are safe. Our investigation has not found carbon monoxide levels that exceed what people are exposed to every day.

However, for our customers’ peace of mind, Ford is offering a complimentary service that reduces the potential for exhaust to enter the vehicle. Customers can take their vehicles, regardless of mileage or warranty status, to a Ford dealer to have this service performed, starting Nov. 1, 2017 through Dec. 31, 2018.

To be clear, other carbon monoxide concerns in Police Interceptor Utilities are related to unsealed holes from the installation of police equipment by third parties after the vehicle was purchased.

This action involves approximately 1.3 million vehicles in the United States, 84,000 in Canada and 24,000 in Mexico. The Ford reference number for this service is 17N03.

To reduce the potential for exhaust to enter the vehicle, dealers will reprogram the air conditioner, replace the liftgate drain valves and inspect sealing of the rear of the vehicle at no cost to the customer.

Customers with questions also can call a dedicated hotline at 888.260.5575.

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MDarringer - 10/15/2017 8:26:06 PM

+1 Boost

My guess is that the lawyers say that because a recall isn't happening that it's good PR to fix the cars anyway.

HenryN - 10/16/2017 1:52:03 AM

-5 Boost

Another reason to drive EV instead. Who wants that nasty carbon monoxide from your own vehicle sneaking into the cabin, especially on long road trip ?

Ford should do a complete recall and be truthful about it - don't repeat the "GM ignition" fiasco on the unsuspecting consumers, or they will pay dearly for it.

MDarringer - 10/16/2017 8:20:02 AM

+8 Boost

Yeah, EVs have ZERO health risks.

HenryN - 10/16/2017 10:32:38 AM

-6 Boost

If you died from on board CO poisoning, would you hate it if the automaker, insurance and the police blame it on YOU for driving drowsy ? It only takes a minute amount of CO to incapacitate a person, and is pretty hard to detect post-mortem.

HenryN - 10/16/2017 3:26:42 PM

-4 Boost

Hey Bob, you slept in the garage again ? why so grouchy ?

So Ford provides a "complimentary service" to 1.4 million Explorers because ... of good will ? such baloney.

And you're comparing Carbon Monoxide in the car's cabin when you are driving to what ? Lithium battery CO2 emission during production of Lithium ?? What the fuck have you been smoking ?

You are beyond stupid Bob. Maybe the leaked CO in your car has destroyed the last brain cells you've got. Tonight when you sleep in the garage again, don't forget to turn on your car's engine. It'll help you with all the pains and rages you are having.

MDarringer - 10/16/2017 6:49:20 PM

+4 Boost

@HenryN Your response: "Another reason to drive EV instead." is patently illogical. It borders on being a non sequitur.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 10/16/2017 9:06:47 PM

-3 Boost

@MD - How is it illogical? No ICE No C0 No being gassed by your car or SUV from C0: carbon monoxide. And we can all agree that a Tesla can burn to the ground just as well as any Ferrari or any other ICE or BEV for that matter. What a BEV can't do is kill you slowly with C0.

MDarringer - 10/16/2017 10:24:40 PM

+5 Boost

It's illogical because they are in no way connected. If it's logical to say "Because Explorers might have exhaust fumes, it follows that buying an EV is the answer." then it's as logical to say "Because Explorers might have exhaust fumes, it follows that rectal itching can be solved with Prep H."

The first does not go automatically with the second in either case.

Given your political persuasion, I would not expect you to understand logic.