In early 2017, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced an investigation of the Explorer. It has since received more than 450 customer complaints. While the investigation involves older Explorer models, it does not include the newer ones. A class action lawsuit filed by plaintiffs in 2014 claimed that Ford Motors concealed the dangerous defect in its exhaust system. The lawsuit claims that high levels of carbon monoxide were produced by the vehicle’s exhaust system.

Ford Motor Co. settles class action lawsuit

The Ford Motor Company has settled a class action lawsuit over exhaust leaks on the Explorer. The lead plaintiffs claimed that the company sold defective vehicles and did not adequately test their models before selling them. Ford denied all allegations of wrongdoing. The company also makes Mustangs, Broncos, Escapes, and Rangers. Although the settlement is a win for the customers, the lawsuit also highlights several missteps by Ford in manufacturing these vehicles.

In response to the Plaintiffs’ allegations, Ford’s lawyers argued that the TSBs addressed the specific operating conditions and that a material flaw in the exhaust system was not a defect. Moreover, Ford’s lawyers argued that the class action was vague and that there wasn’t sufficient evidence to establish that the problem originated with the company. They argued that Ford had only two weeks from the filing of the complaint to file an answer.

Ford will offer free repairs

Following lengthy litigation over the leaks in Explorer exhausts, the Ford Motor Company has agreed to pay for the repairs for the owners of the vehicle. These plans will make sure that exhaust gases cannot seep into vehicles. The free repairs are in place until July 31, 2022. However, the settlement may not solve the problems. Safety advocates are unhappy with the limited information provided by the NHTSA. But the good news is that the company is taking steps to provide consumers with the necessary information.

The repair program covers 2011 to 2017 models. It is limited to certain models, including 2011 and 2017. However, it is large enough to cover 1.3 million vehicles. While the program doesn’t constitute a full recall, the Center for Auto Safety says the fix isn’t enough. It involves reprogramming the air conditioner, replacing drain valves, and checking seals around the back of the vehicle.

Ford will install a modified exhaust system

The lawsuit, filed in September 2017, was a result of complaints from owners of the Ford Explorer about the smell coming from the car’s exhaust system. Three Explorer drivers filed suit against Ford alleging that the manufacturer had hidden defects that could lead to a dangerous exhaust smell from the 2016 to 2017 model years. The complaint cites several defective parts in the exhaust system, including sheet metal panels, overlaps, rear air extractors, and auxiliary air conditioning systems.

The settlement offers compensation for owners of 2016 or 2017 Ford Explorer vehicles. However, the settlement excludes Police Interceptor Utility Ford Explorers. The settlement offers up to $175 to $500 to customers who purchased a vehicle with an exhaust leak problem. It also covers repairs and installation of a modified exhaust system in eligible vehicles. The settlement includes reimbursement for the cost of installing a modified exhaust system and sealing up the passenger compartment.

Ford will notify owners

The Ford Motor Co. has agreed to provide free exhaust leak repairs for Explorer owners. The company said the new plans will ensure that exhaust gases cannot get into the vehicle. The move follows a decision by the U.S. government to improve the investigation into Explorer exhaust leaks. Unfortunately, the repairs are not required for non-police Explorers. Ford has not yet decided whether or not to notify non-police Explorer owners.

The NHTSA started an investigation of complaints in 2016 and expanded it in 2017. The agency said preliminary evidence indicated that carbon monoxide levels could be elevated in some driving scenarios. As a result, Ford may have to recall more than a million vehicles and face hundreds of millions of dollars in costs. Ford is working to ensure that owners are adequately informed of the potential hazard. Until then, the company must do whatever it takes to make the problem go away.