Exhaust Smell

[Maxpowa]

2017 ST, totally stock, 4k miles. Under hard acceleration, particularly at freeway speeds, a strong exhaust odor enters the cabin somehow. I drive with all the windows up, and have tried recirculation settings and fresh air settings on the HVAC. It doesn't matter, the smell comes through and seems to flood the cabin from the rear as I don't smell anything from the AC vents.

I've heard about the fiasco with the Explorers and exhaust smells and I was just wondering if anyone has experienced this with a Fiesta.

Any info is helpful.

 

[green_henry]

Sorry to hear about this. I have a '17 with just under 4k, one track event under its belt, and a fair amount of hard acceleration . I have not noticed exhaust odor yet.

 

[kivnul]

Exhaust smell is not normal. Get it looked at.

 

[codestp202]

Sounds like an exhaust leak? Header or downpipe leak?

 

[Maxpowa]

Sounds like an exhaust leak? Header or downpipe leak?

I thought this as well and will inspect the vehicle once I get it up on stands. Still trying to get my head around how exhaust can enter the car if the cabin is complete sealed without there being some sort of broken seal/joint or vent somewhere. I'm honestly leaning toward the two vents located behind the rear bumper.

 

[alexrex20]

The cabin is never completely sealed. Even in recirculation mode the hvac still draws in fresh air specifically for instances like this where exhaust fumes are making their way inside. I would definitely take it in to the dealer asap. This is not normal and definitely not safe.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

 

[Maxpowa]

Got some pictures for under the car. Seems like the flange between the DP/flex pipe and mid-pipe isn't completely sealed. I don't see any black soot though. Does this look normal?

http://i345.photobucket.com/albums/p361/Keps1701/20171215_141642_zps6f5fectl.jpg

http://i345.photobucket.com/albums/p361/Keps1701/20171215_141602_zpspgujg0ks.jpg

 

[Intuit]

It can be normal for gaskets to have a little bit of "lip". Totally stone cold exhaust, if you can gently slid a feeler gauge through there *without* damaging the surfaces, that will tell the story.
https://www.amazon.com/Hotop-Blades-Feeler-Imperial-Measuring/dp/B06XHXJG31/

 

[FLORIDAST]

Spray those areas with soapy water and you'll see if there's a leak. (Cold exhaust of course)

 

[Maxpowa]

Update: Vehicle taken to dealership. No leaks found. No smell detected. Can't say I blame them really since it's an intermittent issue.

I'm starting to lean more towards possible sealing issues at the rear of the car, maybe the rear hatch or the bumper vents. I recently reached behind the rear bumper and checked the vents; found that they were okay though very flimsy. Cleaned them and the seal with a rag and the smell only comes maybe 1-2 a week and is FAR less pungent. In the coming days I'll remove the rear bumper and inspect other seals. There's a video on YT of a guy who sealed the back of his Fiesta because of water leaking and he showed a bunch of places at the rear of the car where there are poor seals and holes. Will keep you updated.

 

[speed_easy]

Have you tried adjusting the striker forward in car? This would add seal compression and possibly remove whatever air loss there may be remaining.

 

[Maxpowa]

It was the rear hatch! Adjusted the striker on the bumper in a bit. Gotta close the door harder, but since the adjustment, no smell.