Dec. 31 is the Deadline for Ford Explorer Owners to Get Free Repairs for Carbon Monoxide Problems
Dec. 31 is the Deadline for Ford Explorer Owners to Get Free Repairs for Carbon Monoxide Problems
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The deadline is drawing close for Ford Explorer owners to get their free repairs for carbon monoxide issues. According to a WNCN report, Ford offered about a year ago to repair almost 1.5 million Explorers for vehicle owners who might be concerned about carbon monoxide leaks. The problem with carbon monoxide leaking into the vehicle compartment initially became apparent in police cruisers. Officers around the country, including in Orange County, reported close calls after suffering carbon monoxide poisoning.
In Newport Beach, our client, a police officer, was seriously injured in an accident after he suffered carbon monoxide poisoning on the job while driving his department-issued Ford Explorer police vehicle. When Ford started getting more and more complaints, they determined that the problem with carbon monoxide leaks into police vehicles was related to the installation of aftermarket equipment such as lights and sirens. However, soon, civilian versions of the same Explorer models started to report problems as well.
Thousands of Complaints about CO Leaks
Both Ford and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received thousands of complaints from consumers who were sickened by carbon monoxide fumes leaking into the vehicle compartment. Last year, NHTSA began looking into more than 2,700 complaints from Explorer owners who said their vehicles had similar problems. The Center for Auto Safety had demanded that the automaker recall more than 1.5 million Explorers, but Ford continues to deny that the civilian versions of the Explorer has any problems. Instead, it said it would fix these 2011-2017 Explorers as part of a “customer satisfaction program.”
This program is coming to an end on Dec. 31, which means owners who need to move quickly to get a fix. NHTSA has not announced the results of its ongoing investigation and there is no recall campaign yet. So this customer satisfaction program might be the best way for those who own these vehicles to get them fixed as soon as possible. For more information, please call Ford’s hotline at 1-888-260-5575.
If You Have Been Injured
If you or a loved one has been injured or if you have suffered health issues as a result of carbon monoxide exposure, you may be able to seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, permanent injuries, disabilities and past and future pain and suffering. An experienced auto defect attorney who is currently handling Ford Explorer carbon monoxide cases will be able to help you better understand your legal rights and options.
