RSSFord Explorer Owners Report Strange, Nauseating Smells
A strange situation has arisen that concerns Ford Explorers manufactured and sold between 2011 and 2015 that has lead the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to open an investigation.
These automobiles, some of the most well known in the country, are especially popular among police departments, which is where many of the initial complaints have originated. According to an journalistic investigation undertaken by CBS, one of the earliest individuals affected was a Newport Beach police officer. In a recent incident, this officer—who remains unnamed in the report—was driving his car along a routine patrol when he began to experience nausea and a headache. The symptoms intensified until the officer lost control his vehicle and crashed it.
The investigation found that, so far, the Ford company has experienced over 150 different complaints regarding 2011-2015 Ford explorers, and that all of these complaints share a mention of unusual odors in the main compartment. Many people are concerned that the smell and its symptoms are, in fact, the result of excessive exposure to carbon monoxide. Due to the fact that so many of this particular model are utilized by law enforcement officers, the concern is amplified. The CBS investigation states that Seminole County police force has 250 of this car among their fleet of vehicles. Orlando’s Police Department has 70, and the Orange County Police Department also possesses numerous Ford Explorers.
Strangely enough, Ford has yet to issue any recall relating to their 2011-2015 Explorers. They have released a statement that says, among other things, that they take customer complaints seriously, however they go on to say that they do not believe that the unusual odors experienced by Explorer owners poses any particular risk to the drivers of these cars or their passengers. The statement ends by suggesting that anyone concerned should contact their local Ford dealer, although it is not clear just what results are supposed to come from this.
If you own a Ford Explorer, or if you know someone who does, this issue is one to keep an eye (or nose) on. Any strange smell found within the primary compartment of the vehicle could be evidence of a serious malfunction.
James O. Cunningham
Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.
Mr. Cunningham is an excellent and knowledgeable attorney.