Katherine Webster  |  July 19, 2021

Category: Auto News

Top Class Actions’s website and social media posts use affiliate links. If you make a purchase using such links, we may receive a commission, but it will not result in any additional charges to you. Please review our Affiliate Link Disclosure for more information.

Ford Explorer exhaust
(Photo Credit: Roman Tiraspolsky/Shutterstock)

A website has been established for consumers eligible to participate in a class action settlement resolving claims over certain Ford Explorer exhaust system problems.

Lead plaintiffs Suresh Persad, Daniel G. Wright, and Robert S. Drummond had alleged Ford Motor Co. had sold defective 2016 and 2017 Ford Explorers. The defect, they alleged, allowed exhaust fumes to enter the vehicles’ passenger compartments. 

Ford has denied all allegations of wrongdoing.

The company manufactures a number of popular vehicles in addition to the Explorer, such as the Mustang, Bronco, Escape, and Ranger.

The Class that has been conditionally certified includes any entities and natural persons in the United States, its territories, and the District of Columbia who currently own or lease or previously owned or leased a model year 2016 or 2017 Ford Explorer sold or leased in the United States; the Class excludes 2016 and 2017 Police Interceptor Utility Ford Explorers.

Under the terms of the settlement, if it is approved, Ford will offer free Field Service Actions 17N03 and 19N05 repairs — or FSA repairs — by authorized dealers until July 31, 2022, regardless of warranty status, to address the Ford Explorer exhaust odor issue.

If the FSA repair does not remedy the issue, an authorized Ford dealer may perform other repairs under Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 17-0044. These repairs will be free if the vehicle is still under warranty. 

If the vehicle is no longer under warranty, the TSB repairs will be available, but not for free. However, Class Members will be able to seek a partial reimbursement of the cost, up to $400 for either the inspection and sealing of gaps in the passenger compartment or the installation of a modified exhaust system in vehicles that are equipped with a normally aspirated 3.5-liter TiVCT.

Those amounts may be combined to a single Class Vehicle that involves both types of repairs, even if the repairs occur on different visits, as long as the repairs take place within the time and/or mileage requirements.

Those who wish to exclude themselves from or object to the Ford Explorer exhaust settlement must do so by Aug. 28, 2021.

A final fairness hearing is set for Nov. 15, 2021.

The deadline to file a claim has not yet been determined. Top Class Actions will update viewers when a claim form becomes available.

Do you drive a 2016 or 2017 Ford Explorer? What do you think of the settlement? Let us know in the comments below.

The plaintiff and proposed Class are represented by Joseph H. Meltzer and Ethan J. Barlieb of Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check LLP.

The Ford Explorer Exhaust Class Action Lawsuit is Suresh Persad, et al. v. Ford Motor Co., Case No. 2:17-cv-12599-TGB-MKM, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.


Don’t Miss Out!

Check out our list of Class Action Lawsuits and Class Action Settlements you may qualify to join!


Read About More Class Action Lawsuits & Class Action Settlements:

We tell you about cash you can claim EVERY WEEK! Sign up for our free newsletter.

49 thoughts onFord Explorer Exhaust Class Action Settlement Website Is Live

  1. Esteban Tello says:

    My husband and I purchased a 2016 Ford Explorer and we have been having problems with it since the beginning. Have taken it to Ford and they can’t find what’s wrong with it.

  2. Amarilys says:

    Triste saber que la situacion lleva tantos años, y no lo sabia. Compre la 2021 XLT y estoy teniendo el mismo problema de gases en la cabina?‍♀️

  3. Charlene penn says:

    I don’t understand why we get these notice after Soo long,,,,,!

  4. Santina Brutus says:

    I have a 2017 Ford Explorer sport. I have complained about a strong burning oil smell while
    Driving. It only happens occasionally. I have taken it to the Ford delearship twice and they can’t find anything wrong with it. I also have been told there is thick black smoke coming from my exhaust on occasion. There is a lot of thick black soot looking matter inside the base of my tailpipes. I would like to become
    Part of this class action suit as well. Ford has my service paperwork on file with all of the above complaints. I have only used Ford for all maintenance.
    Santina Brutus
    Sbrutus112@gmail.com

  5. Lonnie D Lyles says:

    Yes i have a 2017 Explorer, it does have a strong smell as soon as you turn it on. I closed the air vent but it still comes inside my truck. I have bad headaches every since ive gotten my truck in July of 2019. I use my 2017 Explorer to get back & forth to work. So what’s my next step

  6. Brian Walker says:

    Info from prior submittal is not showning. Re-entering with email.

  7. Brian walker says:

    I have a 2016 explorer and have asked about the odor. Was told we need new filters.

    Also have had ongoing airbag issue that Ford will not cover. There is a bulletin for repair but they will not cover since out of factory warranty (Purchased Ford Certified used)

    Please add me to the complainant list.

  8. Robin Smith says:

    I just recently purchased a 2017 Ford Explore xlt of February this year and it’s has been given so much problems the day I went to pick it up I couldn’t even drive it out of the parking lot because it broke down, dealership said ohh it’s the brakes and rotors and they claimed to have replaced them and it’s was something else from the engine have taken my truck back several times as of today and the mechanics can’t seem to find out what the problem is, please help! I would like to be included in this class action settlement against Ford!

  9. Stacie Wensel says:

    I have a 2017. There is a smell when you start it up

  10. Tamara Maples says:

    Keep me updated. My 2016 Ford Explorer has a smell too. I didn’t know anything bout this until I got a letter in the mail. I would love to file a claim as well

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. By submitting your comment and contact information, you agree to receive marketing emails from Top Class Actions regarding this and/or similar lawsuits or settlements, and/or to be contacted by an attorney or law firm to discuss the details of your potential case at no charge to you if you qualify. Required fields are marked *

Please note: Top Class Actions is not a settlement administrator or law firm. Top Class Actions is a legal news source that reports on class action lawsuits, class action settlements, drug injury lawsuits and product liability lawsuits. Top Class Actions does not process claims and we cannot advise you on the status of any class action settlement claim. You must contact the settlement administrator or your attorney for any updates regarding your claim status, claim form or questions about when payments are expected to be mailed out.