Ford Explorer SUVs used by some police departments around the country have been under scrutiny lately after reports surfaced about officers suffering from carbon monoxide fumes, or even – in a few cases - getting into accidents after being overcome by the fumes.

Ford says it is concerned about the problem and is working with local police agencies, and has a team inspecting vehicles to make sure there are no problems. A news release from Ford last week suggested the issues might be related to aftermarket police-related equipment added to the vehicles. Ford said that, quote, "The company has discovered holes and unsealed spaces in the back of some Police Interceptor Utilities that had police equipment installed after leaving Ford’s factory." The Brighton City Police Dept. has four Ford Explorer SUVs, and Police Chief Rob Bradford tells WHMI that they have tested each one to make sure there are no problems with fumes. At the July 20th meeting, the City Council approved purchase of two new police patrol vehicles which will also be Ford Explorer Interceptors. Bradford says he expects delivery of the SUVs, which will replace patrol cars with high mileage, in about 10 weeks.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched a probe in July of Ford Explorers – not merely police interceptors but all models - citing 154 customer complaints about exhaust fumes in the 2011 through ‘15 model years. But that’s now grown to hundreds of complaints, including vehicles in the 2016-and-17 years, that are not part of the NHTSA investigation. (TT)