One crash has been linked to exhaust issue known since 2012, report says

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened up an investigation into the 2011-5-15 Ford Explorer after receiving reports of exhaust fumes making their way into the cabin, according to Automotiveews.

In all, the NHTSA has received 154 such reports, with one of them now being linked to a crash that did not result in any injuries.
According to Automotive News, the problem has been reported by owners in instances of acceleration at full throttle, as well as when the air-conditioning system is set to recirculate air inside the cabin.

An investigation is the step before a possible recall; an investigation can lead to a recall but doesn't always, with the goal being to determine whether a recall is needed. In this case the number of reports is significant though neither the NHTSA or Ford have mentioned any specific systems in the Explorer SUVs from those model years that are under suspicion.
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