Driving down IH10 in San Antonio, Texas one bright sunny day when the engine cut out without warning. Fortunately I was able to pull off the highway to a safe location and had the car towed when it would not re-start. After complete inspection by two mechanics, it was determined that the water pump had broken and spewed not only water but anti-freeze liquid all over the inside of the engine block. After removing the right tire, headers, timing chain and lower pan the engine was repaired.

I had checked on the cost of this repair before I had it fixed and it ranged from a low of $1500 up to $4000. I paid $3800. I grew up in Detroit, worked for Ford Motor Company and thought their cars were always great, but I cannot believe that Ford engineers were stupid enough to put a water pump in the middle of the engine block. No warranty coverage and no recall. I bought the vehicle used as a third buyer (it was actually first owned by a Ford manager) and it ran great until then. No overheating, no excess water leaks, no engine missing, it just quit completely on a fast moving highway without warning. I consider myself lucky that I wasn't hit trying to exit the highway. Ford f*cked up royal when they put aluminum engines in their vehicles and now another f*ck out, without warning, without recall and I'm stuck with the bill because of their stupidity. I'll think twice before I buy another Ford product.

Update from Aug 15, 2022 In addition to the water pump issue I had with my MKX, I also remember that about 12 months prior to the water pump going out, my vehicle began losing power and the engine started missing. I took it to my mechanic who checked it out and learned that even though the CarFax notes included in the purchase paperwork, stated that the MKX had been steadily maintained and had been taken to the local Ford dealership for maintenance, the spark plugs had never been changed. They were supposed to have been changed at 100,000 miles service, but it was never done, so I had to lay out $800 to have the spark plugs and coils changed to get it running properly again. Very disappointing Ford product, I'll never take that chance again.