2015 Ford Explorer: Exhaust smell in cabin
Common wear/failure (not a recall)
Symptoms
Owners of the 2015 Explorer report: exhaust smell in cabin. CarComplaints.com lists 12 owner complaints, average mileage 6,000 miles.
NHTSA has 96 owner complaints for the 2015 Explorer in this area. Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11683301 (filed 08/26/2025): “While driving with the ac on you can smell exhaust fumes in the cabin and it's worse towards the rear carbin of the vehicle. i've gotten nauseated and sleepy from the fumes and have had several headaches in addition to the other symptoms. ford needs to recall …”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11586500 (filed 05/02/2024): “Extensive leaking from the windshield area that is causing a significant amount of water to flood the passenger floorboard and the middle console where the screen for the radio, ac/heating control, and navigation system is. the lights on the middle console scr…”
Likely causes
Sources do not establish a single root cause; diagnosis is needed. Owner-reported fixes are listed below.
Fix, in plain English
Most common owner-reported solutions on CarComplaints.com: AC /. Check for open recalls and extended warranty coverage with a dealer before paying out of pocket.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Opening the A/C system requires refrigerant recovery equipment, and US EPA Section 609 certification is required to service vehicle A/C for compensation. (Our assessment.)
Cost
No sourced cost range: get a written quote after diagnosis.
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