YET ANOTHER Ford Explorer with a failed water pump and an expensive $2,500 repair. Ford designed and manufactured water pumps in the Ford Cyclone engines and located the water pump deep within the engine block itself. Instead of a $500 repair to replace a $135 water pump, the mechanic has to either drop the engine or take it out from above. I believe these engines are also in the Flex and certain Tauruses. Had I known this I would not have purchased this vehicle. If you are looking for a used Ford I would recommend avoiding Ford vehicles with these engines.

I contacted my local Ford dealership who was sympathetic but couldn't help and referred me to Ford CRS (customer relations specialist). The Ford CRS was not helpful. And despite Ford knowing everything about me, including my CLT (customer loyalty) score of 91, the CRS would only tell me that his name was Joe (he didn't sound like a "Joe"), no last name, no information, nothing. He said I would have to make an appointment to speak with his manager but the manager wouldn't offer further assistance or consideration.

"Joe at Ford" was rude although he did tell me that Ford has a "FORD CARES" program where they assist financially with the repair but only if the vehicle is <7 years old and has <150,000 miles on it. Mine was 8 years and 200,000 miles. I understand that parts fail eventually but when a critical $135 part fails you shouldn't have to pay $2,500 to replace it because Ford buried the part deep within the engine. The $2,500 was my mechanic's cost - the dealer wanted $2,850 from its loyal customer (I have owned a lot of Fords).

And yet I was one of the lucky ones because if the leaking water pump leaks into the engine the resulting oil/antifreeze milkshake will ruin the engine and cost you $9,000 if you choose to repair/replace it. So much for "QUALITY IS JOB 1." But I digress.

There is a class-action lawsuit: Bobby Roe, et al v. Ford Motor Co., case number 2:18-cv-12528-LJM-APP, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. There had been a partial summary judgment finding in favor of Ford however last I checked the case remains active on fraud by omission or fraudulent concealment and violation of consumer protection laws. I live in Massachusetts and plan to pursue Ford under MGL ch. 93A, the Commonwealth's consumer protection statute to recover my costs.

I noticed coolant leak on garage floor. Took car to Tiresplus to have oil change and asked them to inspect for coolant leak. They performed a pressure test and said it was leaking from inside engine due to water pump. Engine continues to leak.

Update from Apr 13, 2020: Car has low mileage 85k and dealer says it will cost $2600 to replace a water pump. Vehicle is out of warranty. In addition they suggested it is time to replace timing chain and tacked on another $1000.

This is ridiculous!