general problems of the 2015 Ford Explorer - part 2

While driving the temp started to fluctuate, causing the car the shut down in traffic. I had no clue what was happening. The only warning I got from the vehicle was a check engine light. This should not be possible. I understand the design is meant to protect the engine, but what about the driver. This was horrible and I've seen hundreds of others with this same issue. This needs to be recalled. In addition, it will cost me 4000 to fix this. . . While the pump itself only costs 200. The labor is the other 3800. This is a horrible thing to do to drivers.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. Additionally, the contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, it shuddered. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the crankshaft pulley needed to be replaced; however, the part is not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was 65,417.

Waterpump.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with a thumping sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that when the ignition was turned to the on position, the vehicle failed to start with the lights illuminated inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 128,000.

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.

3/23 I noticed my coolant reservoir was empty. The vehicle was involved in a minor accident in 12/22 and so I thought coolant slowly leaked out due to the accident. The vehicle was repaired at a collision center so I was concerned they didn't repair or totally missed the leak. I filled it up and took the Explorer for an oil change and that is when the mechanic informed me that I had a small coolant leak. I contacted the collision center and my insurance and both were stating that was from wear and tear. They also proceeded to tell me that is a big issue with the Explorers and certain other vehicles. They mentioned a lawsuit was filed in MA because of this issue. The leak start to get worse, causing me to constantly refill the reservoir with coolant. Always had to have coolant in the vehicle because you just never know. I take the Explorer to Ford for a diagnostic and they confirmed it was the internal water pump. This seems to be an issue and recalled because of a defective part or the way the vehicle was built. The leak can happen at any time and mine had 114,000 miles. My other 2010 Ford f150 has 180,000 miles and I have never had this issue. Needless to say, I had to for over $2,300 for the dealership to repair.

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.

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.

Water pump died at 80,000 miles. Seems in my research this is a common probably with class action lawsuits.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to use the hvac system, the heater was inoperable. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed and determined that the water pump needed to be replaced. The mechanic stated that the water pump had been leaking coolant into the oil pan and could have caused the vehicle to stall. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. . Read more...

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 mph, there was a burning odor coming from the vents. The oil pressure warning light was displayed before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the water pump had failed causing coolant to leak into the engine oil, causing the engine to fail. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 168,000.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 mph a burning odor was suddenly present coming from the vents and the oil pressure warning had displayed before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the water pump had failed causing coolant to leak into the engine oil evenually causing the engine to failed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 168,000.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 mph a burning odor was suddenly present coming from the vents and the oil pressure warning had displayed before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the water pump had failed causing coolant to leak into the engine oil eventually causing the engine to failed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 168,000.

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

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, the vehicle decelerated unintendedly, and the contact heard abnormally loud sounds coming from the engine. The contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the water pump was replaced due to the water pump seal being burned; however, the failure persisted. The dealer diagnosed that the motor pin fixers had failed, and the engine 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 110,000.

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.

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.

The contact owns a 1998 Oldsmobile intrigue 3. 8. The contact stated that he smelled a fuel odor throughout the vehicle. The oil warning light intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the front valve cover and the front valve cover gasket needed to be replaced. The contact refenced NHTSA campaign number: 09v116000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vn was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000. Th VIN was unavailable.

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.

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.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle overheated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the water pump was leaking coolant. The mechanic informed the contact that the water pump and timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.

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.

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.

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 abnormal 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.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 mph, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. During the failure the message "terrain management fault" was displayed along with the wrench icon. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated normally, and the message and the wrench icon were no longer displayed. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions and at various speeds. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at 40 mph, she smelled a strong burning odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the turbo charging of the cooling lines was weakening. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact became aware of an unknown recall. The contact contacted the local dealer for recall repair. However, the dealer informed her that the vehicle could not be repaired under the unknown recall as the VIN was not included. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Last year the water pump needed to be replaced at 99,500 miles. It cost upwards of $2,000 to be replaced. Fast forward now, a year later the check engine light is on, the car is not accelerating properly and it is back in the shop. The shop called and said it is not as simple as fixing the sensors. They have to look further and thinks it may be the timing chain which would be another $2,000. When it was in the shop a year ago fixing the water pump they said the timing chain at that time looked good. I am so frustrated that the water pump is not a part of a recall since our shop said they are seeing this all the time with Explorers with about 100,000 miles.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the engine temperature gauge indicated the engine temperature was high and overheating. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the engine water pump had failed. No further information was available. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were contacted but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 123,000.

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.

The timing chain needs replaces. The phasers are causing the timing chain to stretch. . Read more...