general problems of the 2013 Ford Explorer - part 1

I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding a severe design defect in the 3. 5l v6 engine of my 2013 Ford Explorer. The vehicle is equipped with an internal, chain-driven water pump that is currently failing at 100000 miles, as evidenced by coolant actively draining from the factory weep hole. Because this pump is located inside the engine block and driven by the timing chain, a complete seal failure dumps engine coolant directly into the oil pan. This is a critical safety hazard. When the coolant and oil mix, it destroys the engine bearings and causes the engine to completely seize without warning. If this sudden engine seizure occurs while driving at highway speeds, it results in an immediate and total loss of motive power, power steering, and power brakes. This defect creates an extreme crash hazard for the occupants of the vehicle and other drivers on the road. The internal weep hole provides virtually no dashboard warning or indicator to the driver before this catastrophic failure occurs. I am requesting that the NHTSA investigate this known, dangerous design flaw to force a mandatory safety recall before this sudden loss of vehicle control causes severe injuries or fatalities.

I was leaving the store pulled out on a main road in town about to head on the highway. My steering wheel locked and would hardly move with all my strength and the help of my significant other we pulled back into the store parking lot rarely missing hitting several vehicles in the process. I had my children with me at the time in this vehicle as well. The power steering assist fault message popped up. I had the vehicle towed to Ford groves and after a diagnostic test was ran I was told it was my steering gear and the entire steering column needed to be replaced. The second opinion I got said it was the rack and pinion needing to be replaced. After doing research I found other reports of other 2013 Ford Explorer owners having wrecks due to this some with the same edition as myself (limited). There are recalls for the steering on 2013 Ford Explorer but not the limited. I need my edition to be added because this is clearly happening here as well. This was very dangerous when I explained to the dealership about the recalls they told me this was not accurate and was the wrong information. This was random and happened out of no where my vehicle was fine prior to this. Yes the vehicle is available upon request for inspection.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked unattended and turned off for a few hours, it caught fire. There were no warning lights illuminated prior to the failure. The fire department extinguished the fire. There were no reported injuries airbag deployment or crash. The vehicle was towed to a police tow lot. A police report was filed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who assisted with a claim. The failure mileage was approximately 250,000.

Failure break systems, failure break systems.

Recently, I experienced a catastrophic water pump failure that has resulted in extensive damage to my vehicle’s, a 2013 Ford Explorer equipped with a cyclone engine, engine and turbocharger details of the incident according to Ford of englewood, NJ, the water pump failure in my Explorer caused coolant to seep into the oil pan, mixing with other fluids. This has resulted in the need for a complete replacement of both the engine and turbocharger, at an estimated cost of $15000. See diagnostics attached. I recently discovered there have been several class action lawsuits launched regarding this exact problem. The vehicle is currently with the service department at Ford of englewood. As mentioned above it has been diagnosed as premature water pump failure resulting in catastrophic engine damage. Luckily this issue presented its self at engine turnover, however had the failure occurred at speed on the highway the results could have been extremely dangerous indeed, not just to myself but to other unsuspecting road users. Most concerning is that no warning lamps or warning gauges were activated until well after the exhausts started spewing thick white smoke, and then only the check light flicked on but went off again after a few minutes. At which time I immediately contacted Ford of englewood to book a diagnostic. As I non mechanically minded consumer I could never of guessed the extent of the damage.

The engine water pump started leaking heavily (as discovered later) and the engine overheated in traffic. Since the water pump is located inside the engine, I have bee quoted an astronomical repair estimate of at lease $2,500 (including the parts) just to fix the water pump!! that is completely insane and apparently a design flaw, in my opinion, that I think the manufacturer should be responsible for.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving, the contact noticed a strong unusual odor in the interior of the vehicle. The contact stated that the air conditioner was on, and the odor came through the vents. In addition, the contact stated that he and his minor child developed a headache and became nauseous. Medical attention was not sought as of yet. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not assist. The contact researched and discovered customer support program 19n05, which had a similar failure description. However, the contact was informed that the repair was completed on the contact's vehicle on February 5, 2020. The contact t was advised to contact the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 157,625.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the coolant temperature warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while driving to the nearest independent mechanic to add coolant to the vehicle, the engine was running rough as if the vehicle would stall. The contact pulled over and parked the vehicle. The contact walked to the independent mechanic and purchased coolant to add to the coolant reservoir. The vehicle operated as needed; however, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the water pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the same assessment was made, and a cost for the repair was performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered to trade the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 144,300.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly hesitated and lost motive power. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the water pump. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 93,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering was difficult to steer. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. The contact stated that when the vehicle was parked, the vehicle lost motive power and would not restart. The contact the vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with a failed water pump. The contact was informed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated when his wife was driving the vehicle she became sleepy from the exhaust fumes. The contact stated his wife would feel fine when she was not in the vehicle. The was no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who informed the contacts wife to drive with the windows down and not to drive passengers. The vehicle was not repaired, but the mechanic discussed replacing both exhaust manifolds. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 119,000.

Unknown. My sister had went to town in her car. She had came back home and parked the car in the driveway. After doing so her and her husband we inside, heard a rumbling sound went outside and car was on fire. The neighbors say they saw the car just catch on fire in her driveway. She had purchased the car less than 60 days ago in manhattan, KS from csm auto.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that anti-freeze was leaking from the vehicle. While driving at unknown speeds, the overheating message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the water pump. The contact called the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the driver’s and passenger’s side exterior a-pillar around the front windshield was detaching. The contact placed the a-pillars back in position. The contact stated that water was leaking into the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 24v031000 (structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact called two other local dealers, premier Ford of bay ridge (612 86th st, brooklyn, NY 11228) and crown Ford inc service (420 merrick rd, lynbrook, NY 11563) but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed reimbursement would not be provided if the repairs were completed by an independent mechanic. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

My vehicle was purchased new from Ford dealer with factory tow option, which comes with an undercarriage cover with integrated air scoop to help cool engine & transmission while towing. This cover (Ford # bb5z-9910494-a) is designed with quarter tern thumb screws to hold it on to the undercarriage. While driving on highway, this part fell off and was not recovered. Now my vehicle is at risk of serious damage to either transmission or engine, or both in not having this key part. The weak design for fastening this metal part to the vehicle is a serious safety hazard, and Ford should provide a resigned replacement part through recall.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was leaking coolant. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact added additional coolant as necessary. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the water pump was leaking and needed to be replaced. The contact called the local dealer, who stated there was no recall coverage for the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked and he noticed water leaking from underneath the vehicle onto the ground. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with a failed water pump. The water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle is currently being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000. VIN unavailable.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 30 mph, the vehicle engine had independently shut off. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. Wrench warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.

For that pass 6 months my vehicle has had a check engine light on. Warning light will flash steering assist fault the the wheel locks up and vehicle comes to a holt. This problem has been happening on and off some days it’s fine some days this accurs. Recall #14s06.

Unknown what caused the issue but our vehicle erupted into flames in our driveway not 10 minutes after we pulled in. No warnings, no indication anything was wrong. We smelled smoke and went outside to find the hood completely engulfed. It took fire department to extinguish it. They’re not certain of cause yet but said likely an electrical short.

The heat in my 2013 Ford Explorer won't work. The rad fan isn't working so any antifreeze I put in is gone after 1 trip to the store. It's burning it. The sunroof has never opened fully, it wobbles. The electrical is shot on it. There are so many safety issues with this vehicle and I see I'm not the only one but yet I search my VIN and there are no recalls that's not right.

My water pump started leaking coolant. My reservoir leaks out from night until morning being parked. Engine has always been maintained and it seems to be a faulty part. I saw where Ford had to replace a big number of faulty water pumps by recall and lawsuits. Mine never has been took in for a recall. Please help with this or do you think I need to call my attorney?.

Faulty water pump causing coolant loss and engine shutting off in traffic!.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, the engine overheated warning light was illuminated. The vehicle also started sputtering. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and waited approximately 10 minutes before restarting the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle to a nearby certified mechanic who diagnosed that the water pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.

I’d first like to say whoever designed this water pump seriously needs a new job. I brought my car into the shop a year ago for an ac replacement, where it was brought to my attention that there was a small water pump leak. I couldn’t afford to have it fixed and was told to keep coolant in it until I can have it fixed. I was quoted $3000 to fix it, while at an event at a local Ford dealership I was putting coolant in my car when a lady with the exact same car next to me said she just had to pay $3000 to have hers fixed the week before. This is apparently an issue that goes refuses to acknowledge or replace for their customers. $3000 for a family with 4 kids is very hard to save up, so again I just kept up with my coolant. Going down the interstate last week my engine locked up, with my wife and 4 kids in the car. The water/coolant mixed with the engine oil because of where it’s placed. $5000 fix to replace the entire motor with a used engine. We are not under warranty and our lives were at stake because of a faulty water pump that is being ignored by Ford. Not only are we now out of a car, but we have to figure out how to come up with $5000 to fix a major problem because of Fords terrible placement of a faulty water pump. Avoid these cars at all costs and don’t hold your breath to get any help from them pertaining to something that should’ve been recalled by now!.

Driving down the street to my house at 25mph. Suddenly there was a ticking sound coming from under the hood. I pulled into my driveway shutoff the vehicle and looked under the hood. The engine had not overheated, it hadn’t even revealed a maintenance code. I checked the oil and noticed that the color was not as dark as it should be and seemed like there was a lot of air bubbles in the oil. I allowed the vehicle to cool down an hour drained the oil and it was the consistency of chocolate milk, and coolant leaking. Took it to a Ford dealership, they say the engine is a total loss due to water pump failure even though it wasn’t run or driven any significant distance after the water pump failed. There are no safety recalls, there was no warning, and now I’m left with only purchasing another engine or vehicle. Numerous other have reported similar experiences. This is the result of faulty design and Ford should be held accountable.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there was a loud squeaking sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The contact then became aware that there was coolant leaking from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the water pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact called the dealer and was informed that the failure was a known issue. The contact was referred to NHTSA hotline to file a complaint. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 165,000.

The power steering system has an intermittent electric connection and the steering wheel will jerk in opposite directions. There is a recall for the issue with similar year Ford Explorers but for has told me to contact NHTSA to see if this vehicle can be added to the list for the same issues. Also I am not able to smog it due to bad catalytic converters.

My Explorer has 120000 miles and water pump started going bad. Bought parts to get it fixed. $80 for pump, $300 for timing chain kit due to it being a stupid internal chain driven pump. $1200 labor to break motor down just to change an $80 part. Less than 28 days, was pulling out of driveway. Went about 50 feet and chain breaks locking motor up ruining motor due antifreeze leaking into motor from where internal water pump was going bad originally. Now have to pay additional $3000 for a new motor due to internal pump. Please help. An internal water pump is the most stupid idea they ever came up with. Too many critical parts were tied in to this part. Would’ve been easier for it to be external with a serpentine belt driving it. Fire whoever came up with this stupid and very expensive idea.

A Ford dealership informed me my water pump was severely leaking and needed to be replaced. The water pump is located inside the engine, which is extremely costly to repair. After digging into it I realized that this is common in this type of engine but Ford has not issued a recall in the us, but canada has a recall. Now we have to come out of pocket to fix this issue when it is well know to Ford that this water pump inside the engine is a massive design and mechanical flaw.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, the high engine temperature and the check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed and determined that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

My car was showing oil engine replace message, it was not performing as usual, when taken for normal service at Ford dealer to change oil, they identified cooling liquid leaking inside the engine as it seems in the Ford Explorer and other models the water pump is inside the engine which makes identifying any leakage very challenging as it is not easily visible. The faulty water pump leaks liquid inside the engine which overheats and damages the engines and lead to car failure when driving it. Since leakage is not easy to detect the faulty water pump and bad design(by putting the water pump inside the engine) may lead to engine failure when driving the car and accidents leading to life threatening situation. When seaerching on the net it seems several Ford Explorer 2013 owners faced same issues and were not able to identify the leakage easily and had engine damage and had to pay a lot of money to fix it. Ford should recall and change the pumps on its own cost.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 mph, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. Additionally, the contact stated that the a/c unit was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the air compressor and the cv joint had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired by the dealer. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was a leak of freon. The mechanic also diagnosed that there was a strong odor of carbon dioxide coming into the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 109,000.

Water is leaking out from underneath the front passenger side part of the engine. I was told it was a water pump failure and the water pump is internal to the engine.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary in his garage, he noticed a leak of water on the driveway. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with needing the water pump to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.