The Ford Explorer has a troubling problem: The popular sport utility vehicle (SUV) might be causing carbon monoxide to leak into the vehicle, putting people at risk of poisoning.
According to a broad CBS News investigation, 1.3 million owners of Ford Explorer model years 2011 through 2017 have received word from Ford that their vehicles are affected.The report says that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating what is causing carbon monoxide from the Explorer's exhaust to seep into the passenger cabin. While NHTSA hasn't found evidence of actual carbon monoxide poisoning, Ford has acknowledged that it has received up to 2,000 complaints from owners.
In a letter to customers, Ford has said that although carbon monoxide is indeed seeping into cars, the amount is "safe".
Still, the automaker is offering a voluntary repair program that will reprogram the air conditioner, replace drain valves and ensure the cabin is properly sealed. An exact cause of the seeping is still unknown.
So we've compiled the following quick-access guide to help you determine if your Ford Explorer, or any vehicle, has a carbon monoxide problem.
Carbon monoxide alarms
Believe it or not, many of the carbon monoxide alarms you use in the home are just as useful in the car.
Most carbon monoxide alarms sold today are small enough to fit in your vehicle and are sensitive enough to recognize the gas and alert you to its presence. The alarm might be a little loud in your car, of course, but it's always good to know when you're at risk.
But before you pick just any alarm, keep in mind that if you're using it in your vehicle, you'll need a mobile, battery-powered device or one that comes with a car adapter for plugging into your vehicle.
Here are a handful of good options that will keep you safe on a drive.
First Alert CO511B
First Alert's CO511B is a handy option that comes with both a loud alarm and a vocal alarm. It costs just $40 on Amazon and is battery-powered, so you can place it in your car and let it sit there.
Wewalab CO Detector
The Wewalab CO Detector is another battery-powered option if you don't want to spend too much cash on a detector. The device, which costs just $17, can sound an alert within 3 minutes of registering a 300-parts-per-million reading. Anything over 70 parts per million is considered unsafe.
First Alert CO400
If it's a cheaper carbon monoxide alarm you're after, consider the First Alert CO400. The battery-powered alarm costs just $17, and like the others, will alert you when the battery is running low.
First Alert CO710
The $36 First Alert CO710 is a carbon monoxide alarm that promises a whopping 10 years of battery life. It also comes with a digital temperature display that tells you how hot or cold it is outside.
Kidde Carbon Monoxide Alarm
If you're looking for the cheapest way to get a carbon monoxide alarm in your car, go with the Kidde. The battery-powered alarm is available in a two-pack for just $4 on Amazon. It only takes two AA batteries to get your reading.
Car-Only Alarms
If you're looking for devices that work solely for the car, here are a couple of options:
Quantum Eye Multi-Level Carbon Monoxide Detector
The Quantum Eye Multi-Level Carbon Monoxide Detector is well suited to a variety of vehicles, including cars, airplanes and others. The sensor can last up to 18 months before it needs to be replaced and can tell you within minutes whether you're in danger.
SevenPetal Carbon Monoxide Mointor
The SevenPetal Carbon Monoxide Monitor is a digital, programmable device that will set you back a whopping $179. For that, you'll get a rugged device that's both waterproof and dustproof and provides real-time analysis of parts per million on its built-in LCD. You can also set two alarm points to identify when the alarm should sound.
