Ford Offers Free Exhaust-Fume Inspections on Explorer SUVs
October 13 2017 - 7:17PM
Dow Jones News
By Mike Colias
Ford Motor Co. is offering a free inspection and repair on up to
1.4 million late-model Explorer SUVs in North America following
complaints about exhaust fumes leaking into the cabin, though the
auto maker says the condition doesn't pose a safety risk.
The fix follows U.S. safety regulators' decision in July to
expand an investigation into potential carbon-monoxide leaks cited
by Explorer owners. In a statement Friday, Ford said its own
investigation showed carbon monoxide in the vehicles don't exceed
normal levels.
"However, for our customers' peace of mind, Ford is offering a
complimentary service that reduces the potential for exhaust to
enter the vehicle," the company said.
Ford has faced similar complaints from law-enforcement agencies
that use specially modified police versions of the SUV. Some
agencies stopped using the vehicles, claiming fumes made officers
sick and even led to crashes.
In July, the auto maker said it found holes and "unsealed
spaces" in the backs of some police Explorers and offered to repair
all of those versions for free. At the time, Ford blamed the
problem on aftermarket work done to the police vehicles and said
civilian owners had no reason to worry.
Ford dealerships will reprogram customers' air conditioners,
replace parts in the liftgate and inspect certain seals to ensure
fumes don't seep into the vehicle, the company said. Repairs will
begin Nov. 1 and be offered through 2018.
The fix is the latest in a series of costly quality problems
that have dented Ford's profits. The company booked a $295 charge
in the first quarter related to a faulty door latch. Second-quarter
profits were hit by $142 million in costs to fix problems on
Transit vans.
A company spokeswoman said Friday that Ford won't disclose the
expected cost of the exhaust repairs.
Write to Mike Colias at Mike.Colias@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
October 13, 2017 19:02 ET (23:02 GMT)
Copyright (c) 2017 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
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