Local law enforcement addresses concerns over Ford Explorers and carbon monoxide poisoning

Eastern Idaho law enforcement agencies are addressing carbon monoxide fears in Ford Explorer police vehicles after several complaints of officers becoming sick on the job.

“The Idaho Falls Police Department has been notified of the recall on the 2011-2017 Ford Explorers and is working with the city garage and with the dealers to get replacement parts ordered,” a city spokeswoman said in a statement.

Thousands of complaints have been filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration over the past several months. Each complaint said exhaust fumes leaked into the cabin, resulting in officers becoming ill. NHTSA said the issue may be linked to three crashes and 41 injuries.

In Austin, Texas, 62 officers have filed complaints about carbon monoxide exposure, and 20 of those officers had elevated levels of carbon monoxide in their systems.

The Idaho Falls Police Department told KIFI/KIDK that they “have not received reports of officers becoming ill due to issues related to the Ford Explorers.”

In Pocatello, a spokesperson said they are aware of the issue as well and are looking into it.

Ford Motor Company says the problem is not with its cars but with modifications made to the Explorers after they are purchased. However, the automaker is continuing its investigation.

The probe includes years 2011-2017 Ford Explorers, an estimated 1.3 million SUVs.