10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
6 / 0
Average Mileage:
28,293 miles

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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #187

Mar 032023

Explorer

  • miles
Without any warning, the engine and power system failed while on the highway. There was no system warning lights preceding the event, and the vehicle had be well maintained. We were lucky to have been able to get off the road by safely coasting. Once towed to the mechanics, we were told that a rod had failed and entire would need to be replaced.

- Belleville , IL, USA

problem #186

Feb 162023

Explorer

  • 0 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 55-60 MPH, the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that the vehicle had lost steering gear functionality. The contact was able to pull the steering wheel and regain control. There was an unknown steering message displayed. The contact stated that the traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering gear, connecting rod, and rear toe link needed to be replaced, but the parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Lexington, KY, USA

problem #185

Apr 012019

Explorer

  • miles
Upon excellerated take off the exhaust fumes fill the cabin. There has been a prior recall for such issues. This has happened multiple times over the entire time that I have owned it. It is getting increasingly worse and I worry for myself, my family and others. My local Ford dealership dismissed me every time I brought it up.

- Dade City, FL, USA

problem #184

Feb 082023

Explorer

  • 140,000 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the HVAC system was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the water pump was faulty, causing coolant intrusion into the engine, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

- Portland, OR, USA

problem #183

Jan 102022

Explorer

  • miles
When you drive the vehicle over 40 mph the vehicle let-??s out a smell that-??s very strong and you have to let the windows down so that you don-??t feel sick. The smell makes you have headaches and feel lightheaded.

- Memphis, TN, USA

problem #182

Dec 152022

Explorer

  • 175,000 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start as needed. The contact stated that the -??Service Required-?? light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000.

- Long Beach, CA, USA

problem #181

Dec 252022

Explorer

  • miles
Timing belt broke and caused vehicle to stop running, this was after I took it to a mechanic who did a diagnostic and no issues showed up. Now, because of the timing belt breaking, the engine is irreparable and the entire engine will need to be replaced. It only has 116K miles. Another minor complaint is the front driver's side side windshield panel has come unglued. Luckily, the vehicle was stationary when I noticed it being loose. However, it could pose a safety risk. I have noticed other similar vehicles missing the same piece, so it seems to be a consistent problem with Ford Explorers.

- Panama City Beach, FL, USA

problem #180

Dec 012022

Explorer

  • miles
My 2015 Ford Explorer is having fumes in the car. The dealership has charged me for an oil leak, cracked exhaust and now wants me to pay for a muffler. There is still exhaust fumes coming into the car making it hard to drive in the cold.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #179

Sep 012022

Explorer

  • miles
Water pump damaged the engine and water pump replacement cost is high and I cannot afford that kind of service because a stupid designed engine. The part is really cheap compared with the cost of the labor and hours to replace. Suggested from the mechanic replace the engine and the cost is high. I do not have a car anymore and they don-??t want to do it.

- Spring Hill, FL, USA

problem #178

Dec 152022

Explorer

  • miles
In 2015, when I leased a Ford Explorer XLT, I was never made aware or otherwise notified that a host of Ford models, including the 2015 Ford Explorer XLT had a long known design flaw in which the water pump, encased in the engine block, had a history of prematurely breaking and causing engine coolant to enter the engine and mix with the oil, and also into the oil pan, causing total engine failure, with no advance warning to and at the peril of the vehicle owner or operator, when the vehicle may come to a complete standstill or stop in traffic or in any operation placing the operator at risk of injury or in jeopardy of causing an accident or being subject to becoming an accident victim, plus creating the need to replace a new engine or a rebuilt engine into the vehicle. catastrophic damage in 2011 to 2020 models, with the replacement costs having to be borne by the owner of said vehicle because no recall had been undertaken, despite of their being a host of victimized owners. This incident happened to me and the 2015 Ford Explorer XLT vehicle I was driving. It occurred while I was in traffic and the exception caused total engine failure with no advance warning, no instrument panel warning and the entire engine had to be replaced at my personal cost of over $7,000. I attempted to negotiate with Ford Motor Company to no avail, and I had to expend the funds to acquire and install a rebuilt engine, at my own expense, to be able to continue to use the vehicle for my livelihood. Numerous correspondence with the dealership of origin, Liccardi Ford of Watchung, NJ, and the Ford Motor Company were fruitless. With all of the incidents and all the victims of this design flaw, a recall should have, in my opinion, resulted, but it did not. To my knowledge, which I have not been able to confirm, the design was corrected in newer models, but no assistance was afforded to the owners of the affected vehicles. I have sold the vehicle and it is not available for inspection.

- Raleigh, NC, USA

problem #177

Nov 222022

Explorer 6-cyl

  • miles
Water pump leakage I noted that my Ford was leaking fluid and took it in to be serviced. Upon review it was determined that the water pump needed to be replaced as well as the timing belt. Ford Explorer models from 2011 to 2016 had the most water pump issues. Consumers have continuously reported complaints with a few of all the models having leakage issues. I am not alone in this and it looks like several are indicating a class action lawsuit should occur as Ford knows this is an issue and has not completed a recall. https://www.vehiclehistory.com/articles/all-about-the-ford-explorer-water-pump-recalls The loss of engine coolant through a leak in the water pump can damage the engine. Without the engine coolant, the motor will overheat and lock up, causing the consumer to purchase a new engine. Ford Motor Company has repaired the issues when the consumer brings the vehicle in for service. No recalls have happened, so the customer has to pay for the repairs. Ford engines from this year have the water pump built inside the engine. When the pump fails, the coolant mixes with the oil shutting the engine down. A class-action lawsuit was issued, but there were no recalls. A recall needs to occur and Ford needs to fix for all impacted models and reimburse those who were impacted by this dangerous flaw.

- Lees Summit, MO, USA

problem #176

Nov 072022

Explorer

  • miles
This vehicle has an internal water pump. Failure can destroy engine. Failure can cause vehicle to stop. Repair costs are approximately $3,500.

- Westbury, NY, USA

problem #175

Sep 162022

Explorer

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled and then lost motive power. The engine temperature warning light was illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and the contact was advised to tow the vehicle to the local dealer for diagnostic test and repair. The vehicle was then towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

- Merrit Island, FL, USA

problem #174

Sep 302022

Explorer

  • 127,000 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving on an incline, the engine stalled. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that her uncle who is an independent mechanic, looked under the hood and determined that the water pump had fractured and leaked over the engine and unknown coil and water pump needed to be replaced. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for the following month. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.

- Riverbank, CA, USA

problem #173

Aug 272022

Explorer

  • miles
Vehicle stopped suddenly as I was driving on the highway. When I was able to resume driving the vehicle began to drag as if there was no power. The check engine light came on. I was eventually able to reach a auto supplier who checked the engine light that reported that the blower fan motor was not working. This was a very dangerous situation as the posted speed limit is 55mph and my vehicle suddenly stopped on the highway.

- Upper Marlboro, MD, USA

problem #172

Aug 022022

Explorer

  • miles
At approximately 101,000 miles noticed a drip of coolant on garage floor. Inspected car, noticed empty coolant expansion tank and leak from water pump weep hole. Took to dealer and confirmed leaking water pump. Vehicle is not equipped with coolant monitor, most people would not of noticed this leak. This has lead to catastrophic engine failure on other Explorers leading to loss of power while driving.

- Herndon, VA, USA

problem #171

Aug 022022

Explorer

  • 150,000 miles
The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while her daughter was driving at an unknown speed, the contact stated that the vehicle was performing abnormally when the coolant temperature warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the coolant leaks while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the water pump cracked and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000

- West Greenich, RI, USA

problem #170

Aug 052022

Explorer

  • miles
Sitting in my car one day and the engine coolant light came on, so I checked and noticed that it was low but I just had an oil change the prior week that included fluid checks. I purchased coolant and put it in no problem and the following week I'm picking up school supplies and notice fluid leaking from my car, checked coolant and it is all gone on the ground. Luckily I was somewhere to purchase more coolant in order to get it home. Local mechanic says that water pump is gone and it's gonna run about $2k-3k to fix.

- Toledo , OH, USA

problem #169

Jun 072022

Explorer

  • miles
Water pump went out and had to have my vehicle towed and I was out of my vehicle for a month and half... Faulty water pump and Ford knows this that is why they have a law suit against them. Then where they put this water put makes the cost even more!!! $1500 labor and $500 water pump then from the water pump going out it mixed oil and water through my engine and leaked all over my compressor so that went out so I had to change that also and that was another $1000.. FORD SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL THES FAULTY WATER PUMPS BECAUSE THEY KNOW THEIR IS A PROBLEM WITH THEM!@!@!@!@

- Lafayette, LA, USA

problem #168

May 132022

Explorer

  • miles
2015 Ford Explorer XLT was parked at gas station and when returning I got a warning light -??Engine coolant over temperature-??. Coolant leaking in a puddle on front passenger side at bottom of motor indicating the same water pump issue everyone else has mentioned. Was able to make it to an Auto Zone down the road and the reservoir was nearly empty. Added more coolant and is still leaking out. With this flawed design causing people to pay thousands out of pocket, Ford should recall or reimburse vehicle owners.

- Terrell, TX, USA

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