Ford recalled 85,238 Explorer SUVs from model years 2020 through 2022 because their engines can fail and catch fire. The recall applies only to Police Interceptor models. Ford doesn’t sell those to private citizens. But many police agencies sell them used, so some are used as family cars and commuters by non-police.
Ford tells the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that “affected vehicles have engines that could fail prematurely.” The company hasn’t isolated a single cause for the failures. However, it notes that engine failure can lead to a buildup of fuel vapor or engine oil, “near ignition sources resulting in potential under hood fire, localized melting of components, or smoke.”
Loud noises often precede engine failure. So, Ford advises Explorer Police Interceptor owners to “safely park and shut off the engine as promptly as possible upon hearing unexpected engine noises, after experiencing an unexpected torque reduction, or if smoke is observed emanating from the engine compartment.”
Since Ford is still studying the cause of the problem, it hasn’t yet developed a remedy. The company tells NHTSA that it “anticipates that the dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module software, which will include connecting rod bearing failure diagnostics and an inspection for engine noise. If a connecting rod bearing failure is detected, dealers will replace the engine long-block.”
Whenever the remedy comes, it will be free. By law, dealers never charge for recall repairs. But millions of us miss recall notices every year and unknowingly drive recalled vehicles. Find out if your car needs any free safety repairs at our easy recall center.
