Regulators expand investigations into Ford Explorer SUVs over concerns of carbon monoxide leaking

Regulators are investigating Ford Explorer SUVs that may be leaking harmful carbon monoxide from their exhaust systems.

The popular and reputable models are commonly used by U.S police forces, and earlier this year between March and July, six police officers were reportedly taken to hospital to be treated for carbon monoxide poisoning.

Five officers required treatment but were not kept overnight, and the first police officer who was admitted for carbon monoxide poisoning in March was reportedly placed on medical leave for around a month.

The issue

The dangerous gas can reportedly leak into the cabin of the vehicle, affecting the driver and any passengers. Common effects from carbon monoxide exposure and poisoning can include:

With carbon monoxide having no smell or taste, drivers may not even realise they’re being slowly poisoned by the air they breath until it’s too late. Needless to say, losing consciousness whilst driving will almost certainly result in injuries.

The dangers of long-term exposure not to be dismissed

Long-term exposure to small amounts of carbon monoxide can still have an adverse effect on health; mainly neurological. According to an NHS information page, this includes “difficulty thinking or concentrating and frequent emotion changes – for example, becoming easily irritated, depressed or making impulsive decisions.”

For agents of law enforcement, these qualities are far from ideal.

Investigations

The investigation was prompted by thousands of complaints received by regulators. One online magazine revealed that 2,700 complaints were made; 41 injuries sustained; and three separate car collisions had occurred.

Initial investigations by regulators point to “small cracks in the exhaust system” as to the possible cause. So far, there is no confirmation as to how serious the leaks are, or the concentration of carbon monoxide drivers and passengers are being exposed to. In cases of high-level carbon monoxide poisoning, victims can experience impaired mental states, vertigo, ataxia, tachycardia, chest pains, seizures and even death.

The NHS warns that when someone loses consciousness in breathing in high levels of carbon monoxide, “death may occur in minutes“.

No recall so far

From what we understand, a recall has not yet been initiated, but if Ford want to avoid any injuries, they should act quickly to resolve the potentially deadly problem. With over a million Ford Explorers out there on the roads, Ford would have to cough up a large sum if a recall is issued.

Image Credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ford_Explorer_5_Miami_Beach_Police_(1).jpg