What 2,429 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Ford Explorer

Took 2016 Ford Explorer in for an oil change. Was informed that there is an Engine Water Pump leak and needs replacement. There were no warning lights or notifications. Concerns are a malfunction of only vehicle available to me and my family.

NHTSA ODI 11517050

My fuel evap pump check engine light keeps coming on. I’ve owned this vehicle since July 2022 and I have paid for the evap pump 3x’s. My fan constantly runs in the engine. My engine has a stutter when I press the gas. Ford absolutely dropped the ball with this vehicle. I have already paid thousands of dollars (water pump, evap pumps and more) please help on getting this car serviced. I still owe like 20k on this car. I cannot afford to keep getting it fixed. I have 121k miles on it.

NHTSA ODI 11516956

Defective water pump. Water pump is leaking coolant , this could lead to engine damage. Repair is extremely costly.

NHTSA ODI 11514308

This model has a defective water pump. When it goes the engine stops even if in the middle of a busy intersection.

NHTSA ODI 11513593

Informed that the water pump on my 2016 Explorer is going out. This seems to be an ongoing problem that Ford is not addressing.

NHTSA ODI 11512992

My Ford Explorer was idling roughly and unsafely hesitating in traffic. The check engine light came on. I had to drive it to the Ford Dealership to be evaluated. On the way to Bill Collins Ford in Louisville KY, my vehicle hesitated in traffic several times, and I feared that I would be hit by other vehicles. I was informed that it had a catastrophic engine failure. The head gasket was blown. The service manager informed me that replacing the head gasket would not resolve the issue due to the DESIGN FLAW with the engine. This design flaw that is inherent to this engine family has caused vehicles to unsafely hesitate in traffic and catch fire. There are currently no engines available due to the number of engines that are failing. My vehicle cannot be repaired at this time.

NHTSA ODI 11512178

The water pump is located inside the motor to repair is over $3,000 just to simply change a water pump a leaking water pump will lead to a motor lock up from what could of been a $100 do it your self job turns into a $3000 job for a dealership or locked up motor and motor replacement or a crash

NHTSA ODI 11510925

This is a known issue with the 2018 Explorer. A warning came on the dash with a wrench that says, see manual along with the airbag light. The vehicle lost all power, went into a safe mode and would only idle rough. The shop diagnosed this as a known issue with the throttle body malfunctioning. I called Ford and although there was a min extension done to the warranties for this car, it expired. This needs to be recalled. Had this of happened at interstate speed, myself and my entire family could have been severely injured or killed.

NHTSA ODI 11510978

My touch screen isn’t working properly and I have brand new converters in there is smoke coming out of my tail pipes, also I have to jump my vehicle every time I want to go somewhere.

NHTSA ODI 11509110

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that when the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for a routine oil change, he was made aware that there was coolant intrusion into the engine, and that the water pump, head gasket, and timing belt needed to be replaced. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was advised to have the repairs completed at a local dealer. The contact made a local dealer aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.

NHTSA ODI 11508720

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 MPH, a loud noise was heard coming from the engine compartment, and the vehicle then lost motive power while coming to a stop at a stop signal. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure reoccurred shortly afterwards, and the vehicle was unable to be restarted. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the part to do the repair was on backorder. The vehicle remained with the independent mechanic awaiting the parts for the repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 84,000.

NHTSA ODI 11508545

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact used an ODB scanner and retrieved a fault code for a misfire in cylinder #1. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the cylinder. The mechanic stated that either the engine or gasket needed to be replaced, and the contact was advised to have further diagnosis and repairs completed at a local dealer. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11508573

The heater stopped working but it seemed a benign problem-- until we had someone look at it. It was apparently leaking coolant due to a faulty design and water pump failure, and the mechanic told us the engine could have just seized up on the freeway putting us in danger. Ultimately cost over 3000$ and nearly 2 weeks to repair

NHTSA ODI 11507987

Water pump, leaking coolant, ticking engine

NHTSA ODI 11507751

2016 Ford Explorer. Wife was sitting in running vehicle, in line waiting to pick up our kids from school. Warning lights came on and engine sputtered out. Was checked by personal mechanic said coolant was empty but no leaks on ground at school. Said signs of past leakage. I filled with antifreeze and it ran fine with no visible leaks. @ months later i noticed reservoir low. Brought to ford for the luggage rack recall and had them check coolant issue and do oil change. Water Pump. We had only owned the car for six months. How many thousands of people need to have issues with the water pump failing before we get any help. For god sakes its becoming a meme. Ok another couple thousand after i just had the water pump on my lacrosse replaced. Kids can go without food again. At least we weren't traveling down the turnpike at 70 mph when it happened.

NHTSA ODI 11507234

2nd failed/leaking water pump since purchasing the vehicle. The water pump was replaced on 9/30/20 at 121,948 and now at less than 100,000 additional miles on 2/9/23 (210,826) the water pump is leaking again. $3000+ is an expensive repair for a $154 part.

NHTSA ODI 11506338

The water pump failed and dumped coolant into the oil and seized the engin

NHTSA ODI 11506424

Purchased vehicle used in November 2022 that had been inspected by the dealer i bought it from. On January 20, 2022 I had routine and recommended service completed, along with multi-point inspection at local Ford dealer. All components tested ok and was told vehicle is in good condition. One of the recommended services I had performed was a coolant flush due to mileage of 105,500. I drove home approx. 18 miles from where I had it serviced. I did not notice a leak when i picked it up because the vehicle was brought out too me from the service bay and i got in the driver's seat and drove off. I didn't notice anything wrong until the next day (Saturday) when i noticed an oily spot on my driveway. I thought during the oil and filter change the day before that oil had spilled on the frame and had dripped down on the driveway while parked. I drove approx 5 miles to pick up pizza and back home. When i arrived back home there was a fast drip of coolant dripping under the vehicle. I sent video to service department, and even though it was a Saturday evening one of the Service Reps called me back. He said they'd come pick up the vehicle if needed, and it was probably just a loose fitting or hose. From Saturday afternoon until Monday morning the vehicle sat unused due to the leak. I drove the vehicle back to Ford Service on Monday morning and dropped off first thing. It did not overhead on the drive, but it was still leaking fluid when i parked it in the service lane. I was called around noon and told the water pump failed, in no part due to the coolant flush of course, and would have to be replaced at a cost of approx. $2,200 due to the engine having to be dropped to access. I had just spent $555 in routine and recommended service so this was an inconvenience to say the least. Was told by service that these water pumps usually fail around 150,000 miles and due to location the engine has to be dropped to repair the water pump causing huge labor charges.

NHTSA ODI 11503562

Water pump failed at 80,000 miles and cause the car to stall mid intersection putting out life at risk. This is a known issue that should be recalled . Not to mention the repair is $4,000-$6,000 mostly labor to fix. Whole motor has to be taken out to replace the water pump.

NHTSA ODI 11499220

Out of nowhere, my engine starting running hot and did not give me any warning. I had to take it to a local repair shop, where they stated that the air compressor quit working and blew the head gasket, resulting in a purchase of a new air compressor and a used engine. I have two daughters and our safety was put at risk because I had no indication that anything was low, I check the gauges all the time and nothing ever showed low. My car got really hot and when it was basically too late, a light came on to tell me that my car was hot. There were not messages or anything that came up prior to that. The problem has already been corrected, out of my own pocket. I can send in any paperwork needed to confirm there was a problem. The vehicle was not inspected by the manufacturer, police or insurance representative. The Ford Dealership would not be able to look at it until 3 to 4 weeks after it happening and I needed it seen right then.

NHTSA ODI 11497213

Water pump failed.

NHTSA ODI 11494837

The water pump has failed causing me to breakdown going down the road. The car has less than 100k miles and did not alert me to any kind of mechanical issue before hand.

NHTSA ODI 11494869

Unknown system or components, smells like propane or exhaust odors inside the cab. Mostly when driving slow or at a full stop. It is a police interceptor suv with 65k miles. No warning lights or other symptoms appeared prior to odor. Odor gives me a headache/nausea.

NHTSA ODI 11493086

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle intermittently started shuddering. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer at lower speeds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where unknown repairs were completed; however, several weeks later, the contact noticed an abnormally strong burning odor inside the vehicle while driving. Additionally, the contact stated that upon parking the vehicle, she noticed that there was oil leaking onto the ground. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the rear main seal was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the rear main seal was replaced a second time; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who contacted the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer sent out a field technician who diagnosed that the crankshaft had failed, and the small block or engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact followed up with the manufacturer who informed her that they could not assist as the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 82,700.

NHTSA ODI 11490874

It has a known problem of that the water pump leaks into engine and causes engine failure. It's all over the google. Today, car dealer called me and told me, I would be better replace the water pump before it fails. It is not failed yet, but they said they saw the symptom, which will cause fatality if I don't change it. And it will cost me not to die from that design failure. Is this not a matter for a car manufacturer to cover by recalling it? When I searched on google, there is a law suit going on, and many many forum of people who's having the exact same issue with multiple ford and lincoln model. Please help people on this matter...

NHTSA ODI 11490199