Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Ford Explorer - part 1

I am writing to formally report a series of catastrophic and life-threatening mechanical and electronic failures in my 2025 Ford Explorer active (VIN: [xxx] ]), purchased in bogotá, colombia. Despite immediately notifying the Ford post-sales support line after the first incident, the technical response was insufficient, leading to a second, more severe event that nearly resulted in a fatal high-speed collision on February 9, 2026. Incidents summary: 1. Total power loss: engine and all electrical systems shut down while in motion (40 km/h), losing steering and braking assistance. 2. Brake system failure: at 70 km/h, the vehicle presented a multi-system failure of sensors, audible alarm and illumination of warning lights (abs, traction control, pre-collision assistant, hill start assist not available, check brake system, brake, esc check, driving modes not available). The vehicle experienced a total loss of brake pedal response followed by a sudden, uncontrolled autonomous "hard braking" event. This happened on a high-traffic highway (autopista norte). Global safety concern: I am formally requesting a global technical investigation into this unit and the 2025 Explorer active series. The failure of the electronic brake booster and the total system shutdown represent a "product liability" risk that could lead to mass-casualty events. I demand: • direct intervention from Ford global to Ford colombia. • a formal safety alert or recall investigation for similar units. Sincerely, [xxx] mail [xxx] bogota colombia phone [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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Engine light activation code: p0430 catalyst system efficiency below threshold bank 2.

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The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after the vehicle was idling at a traffic stop, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted; however, the vehicle stalled after driving several minutes. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The vehicle remained with the independent mechanic unrepaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 162,000.

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Unknown.

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The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact's husband, who was an independent mechanic, used a diagnostic machine to diagnose the vehicle and discovered a failure with the emissions system. The contact stated that the failure was like the failure listed in NHTSA campaign number: 25v455000 (fuel system, gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

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I was informed by the dealership that the engine issue with my 2021 Ford Explorer is the same issue for which a recall was issued. However, because my vehicle’s VIN was not included in the recall, I was required to pay for the engine replacement. I attempted to work with the dealership to have them coordinate with the manufacturer, but they declined to do so. I then contacted the manufacturer directly to file a complaint and request a review of the issue. I was advised that there was nothing they could do because my VIN is not listed under the recall. I am requesting that the manufacturer investigate this matter further and reimburse me for the repair costs if it is determined that the issue is applicable to my vehicle.

While driving the crankcase sensor malfunctioned and caused my vehicle to stall without warning, this is a safety issue because of you are driving at highway speeds this will prevent the vehicle from being controlled properly to get to the side of the road. This sensor does not give any engine codes suggesting that it needs replaced until it goes out completely. The check engine light did not come on until after the component failed. I ordered a new part directly through Ford and even they said "yes that part will go out without any warning at all and will shut the engine down completely". When this sensor went out, it also caused pressure to build up in the engine which in turn has led to several other components that now need to be replaced. I have a had a mechanic look at it, and it now requires a turbo intake hose and a new turbo because the pressure that was built up in the engine due to the crankcase sensor going out burst the turbo intake hose and prevented the turbo from working correctly. It's approximately $4,000 in repairs due to a $150 part going out.

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Leaking water pump that if isn’t repaired will cause catastrophic engine failure. Very expensive repair, $2800 because of internal placement of the pump. Since the water pump is in line with the crankshaft and located over the main body of the engine, it allows coolant to leak from the water pump into the oil pan. Mixed coolant and oil will lead to engine failure.

- I have experienced a sudden loss of engine power and speed on 5 occasions. Very scary and dangerous to completely lose power on the highway with cars behind you. Had to pull off onto the shoulder(s) in dangerous conditions, with two young kids in the backseat. Hazards, turn off the car, restart the car, etc. - when the power loss happens, the vehicle's dashboard lights turn on, including the engine and wrench icons along with the words "see manual. " - based on my research, I believe it may be due to a defective throttle body and/or software, related to the "terrain management system. " - problem was not reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center - no inspections by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others - no warning message is provided prior to the failure, which is another issue.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that on several occasions, while starting the vehicle and while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the long block assembly had failed, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

My Explorer was very slow/unable to accelerate onto the highway. The next time I started it there was rattling and lots of non engine noises, along with all kinds of warning lights. I took it to the dealership. In his words ‘the turbo grenaded itself into the engine. Quoted me 15k to fix/replace the engine, turbo and half shaft. I still owe 9k on it. Extended warranty that I purchased expired 4,000 miles ago. I have had multiple issues with this vehicle since I purchased it brand new in 2020. I am trading it in tomorrow??.

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The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 24v598000 (engine). The local dealer was contacted and declined to complete the recall repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Blown engine due to ecoboost fuel issues. Vehicle quit and shut off on highway. Multiple issues with 2019 Ford Explorer that does not get resolved.

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There is an odor in the passenger cabin. Seems unsafe.

Police car started to run rough at low speed. Stalled in middle of road. Scanned codes and code for catalytic converter showed up along with misfires from numerous cylinders. Brought to dealer and was told needed plugs and a wire. Vehicle was returned and the same issue occurred. Fixed again. Picked up and once again the same issue started. Turned around and brought it back to dealer. The mechanic stated he never checked the catalytic converter as he was never told it had a code for the converter being bad. Two weeks later I am informed that cylinder 5 is bad. No compression. Two issues. Ford upped the warranty on the catalytic converters because of this common problem. The tech sheet shows that a bad cat will cause misfires, but never checked. Second issue is the recall 24s55 was for Fords with a 3. O liter engine, built in chicago, between the dates of 7/21 and 10/21. My vehicle was built in chicago on 9/21 and has a 3. 0 liter engine. I also received the post card regarding the recall and we had brought it t o the dealer. 24s55 states the valve could cause engine failure. Well now I have a bad engine. Ford says no recall even though prior chief brought to dealer after receiving postcard for recall.

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.

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My Explorer is only 4 years old and it suddenly suffered catastrophic engine failure due to low engine oil. The engine started knokcing and clattering before any warning lights came on the dash. This could also be due to premature bearing failure which is common in the 3. 0 ecboost engines.

Unknown.

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12 v battery continues to die and I've had the car less than a year. On [xxx] the battery was dead. Our neighbor put it on his supercharger. On [xxx] the 12v battery low light came on while I was driving 30 miles away. It went off the next day and reappeared on Thursday [xxx] disappeared on Friday and back on Saturday. I called the future Ford on Monday and technician [xxx] said it only showed 15% charge. I took it in to the dealership and it was kept over night and the next day he said it was charged to 90%. I was not happy with the "you can come and get it". I told him I'm a [xxx] and bought this car so I wouldn't breakdown and now I don't feel safe with it. He checked the charge again while we were on the phone and he said it dropped to 80%. He said thats not good it will probably need a new battery. That evening he text and said it is fully charged and I can come get it without a new battery. I was not happy as I've received no reason for why it was losing charge. So I did some research on my on and text him back that evening. I told him about my research and found this was an ongoing problem and that they need to find out what is causing the draining issue. I'm sure the dealership had to know as there was a recall for this issue. I suggested a parasitic test, or software glitch issues to check. He said they would run the parasitic test. . He said it would take several days. I checked back on 12/4/25 and he said no progress today. I told him I want a copy of all the test run. Wouldn't you know it he gets right back to me saying a handful of modules need updated software. That they will attend them this morning. I think they were trying to get out of the fix as my warranty runs out this month. Why are only certain vehicles being recalled (mine not one of them), when they all should be recalled. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Complete failure of the water pump at 58000 miles.

Engine over heat warning while driving and I checked there is a coolant leakage.

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Another timing chain failure on highway with engine stopping on road. This should be a recall!!!!! only 101,300 miles on engine. No warnings no check engine lights until after failure.

I was driving on a freeway when the engine stopped without warning. The timing chain apparently; slipped and the pistons collided with the alves leaving me stranded on the road. This si a dangerous situation that Ford knows of adn is ignoring. The car had 101000 miles on it. The car was serviced at 98500 miles by Ford but the timing issue was ignored by the mechanics becasue the computer produced no error codes. The obvious ticking of the engine was the only indication that there was a problem that the mechanics ignored. This is a know premature failure and danger to drivers and the engine should be recalled for repair at Ford's expense. Please issue a safety recall on this engine. ( 3. 5l v-shaped 3. 5l ti-vct) consumers are at risk for unexpected breakdowns without warning, at speed, in traffic. . .

Ford Explorer recall – ongoing safety hazard in July 2025, Ford issued a recall notice for my vehicle. Shortly after, the check engine light came on. Starting October 15, 2025, my vehicle began failing to start after refueling—making noise and taking multiple attempts to start. The same issue occurred repeatedly on October 23 and October 30, worsening each time. On November 3, we brought the car to a Ford dealership. They confirmed there is no available fix for the recall and said there’s “nothing they can do. ” I explained this was a safety issue since I drive my son with a disability to therapy daily. They told me I would have to pay out of pocket for repairs even though the problem is linked to the recall. On November 8, while driving in arizona, my vehicle again failed to start after refueling. Later that day, it lost power on the road, the speed dropped suddenly, and it would not accelerate. The same stalling and jerking occurred again on November 10 while my husband was driving. We contacted Ford corporate and NHTSA, but both said nothing could be done because the recall label says the car is “still drivable. ” this is inaccurate and dangerous. The car stalls and loses acceleration randomly, creating a serious risk of an accident. On November 21, the car again failed to start after refueling. This has happened multiple times each week, and Ford continues to delay a fix. My vehicle is unsafe to drive, and this unresolved recall poses an ongoing safety hazard to my family and others on the road.

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When accelerating and braking, motor rocks forward and backwards. Rpms jump erratically when this happens and when sitting stationary at a light or stop sign. Which causes the entire vehicle to vibrate. Oddly enough, fuel injector cleaner seems to help with the vehicle shaking somewhat.

Ya me marco el funcionamiento del motor.

The vehicle has an ongoing oil leak originating from the engine/drivetrain area. The affected components include the intermediate shaft and related seals, which are subject to Ford technical service bulletins, and potentially the plastic engine oil pan and its sealing surfaces. The vehicle is currently operable and remains available for inspection upon request. He vehicle is actively leaking engine oil at approximately one drop per day. Oil leakage presents a safety risk due to the potential for oil contacting hot engine or exhaust components, reduced lubrication if the condition worsens, and the possibility of oil dripping onto road surfaces, which could reduce traction for other motorists. The condition has not caused an accident to date, but it presents an ongoing safety concern. Yes. A Ford dealership identified and documented oil leakage during a scheduled service visit in November. In addition, the dealership acknowledged known issues with the affected components and confirmed that the vehicle continues to exhibit oil leakage. The manufacturer has declined repair outside of warranty. The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized Ford dealership on multiple occasions. Ford motor company executive customer care reviewed the case and documented a decision to decline repair based on warranty status. The vehicle has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. No warning lamps or messages were present prior to the discovery of the oil leak. The condition was first identified visually during a scheduled service visit in November when oil leakage was observed. The vehicle currently exhibits ongoing oil leakage without warning lamps or messages. I am also concerned that this model has had several recalls regarding the engin and our falls just outside the range of Ford recall it was build in January of 21 and the recall starts in may of 21. I would like to have that expanded to my vwhicle as well.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA campaign numbers: 21v316000 (structure), 24v031000 (structure), and 25v347000 (structure). However, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that rainwater was leaking inside the vehicle and standing water had accumulated on the carpet. The water was leaking from the front door, the roof near the dome light, and the glove compartment. The contact was unsure of where the water was entering the vehicle. The contact stated that there was a musty odor inside the vehicle. Most recently, while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal burnt odor inside the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was constantly illuminated since the vehicle was purchased. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

My 2025 Ford Explorer st-line is up to date on recalls as of October 7, 2025. However, I am still experiencing engine "shudder" and hesitation at low rpms (between idle and 1500 rpm) when accelerating. The 10 speed transmission is also continuing to shift harshly at times. I am very concerned that the hesitation and shudder could be an issue when pulling out into traffic. By comparison, my previous 2017 Explorer did not exhibit this behavior, whichh I consider disconcerting. Also, this car (and all 2025 Explorer models ) injects fake engine noise into the audio speakers to make the 2. 5l engine sound more powerful. These fake "bass tones" are disturbing to some passengers with hearing aides, and per Ford's website there is no way to disable the fake noise. Thus, some people with a hearing disability cannot ride in my car without removing their hearing aides. It should be unacceptable to not be able to disable that feature. Note updated form dated 8/1/25 states fake noise cannot be turned off.

2022 Ford Explorer with less than 100,000 miles on it. Started getting engine shudders and a check engine light. It’s currently in the shop and I’m being told by the shop and a third party adjuster that I need a whole new engine because there is coolant leaking into the cylinders.

Coolant intrusion in the cylinder walls.

My vehicle is experiencing exhaust fume issue where the exhaust fumes are entering into the cabin for Explorer and aviator models (any model with the 3. 0l ecoobost). Upon inspection by 3rd party mechanic, it can be determined that the problematic catalytic converters that are not the one piece cast was installed on my vehicle from the factory. Speaking to other st and interceptor owners, the problem seems widespread to every 2021 model that Ford installed the multipiece welded catalytic converters. Apparently the cast part fairs better and is not subject to cracks. The recall originally covered the left side catalytic converter but the flawed design also affects the right side catalytic converter where many owners are experiencing this issue. This has affected all 3. 0l ecoboost engine vehicles. [xxx] I believe the recall should have extended to cover all 2020 and 2021 model year vehicles. There are forum posts where owners outside the recall have experienced the issue in addition to owners having to repeatedly replace the catalytic converters post warrant as Ford continued to reinstall bad catalytic converters as part of the repair process. I have driven this vehicle for several thousand miles with the issue and did not realize exhaust was leaking until notices of headaches and health issues as CO is odorless, causing co2 levels to reach 3000+ inside the cabin at stop lights and blows in through the vents if a/c is on. I believe NHTSA should investigate this issue further and require Ford to replace both catalytic converters as this issue poses a serious health hazard, especially given the location of the exhaust leak and the commonplace occurrence. I am happy to forward to forums and provide evidence of this occurring. Ford considers lifetime of the vehicle to be ~150k miles and these exhausts do not last close to that, resulting in a massive expense and danger to us consumers. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

It is known that for the specific year make and model that the water pump goes out around 100,000 miles. This water pump was built as an internal water pump, which is not typical for most cars. In order to fix this part, the engine has to be taken out and lots of parts have to be disassembled just to get to it. The part itself is fairly cheap, but the labor cost thousands of dollars due to where it is located. Ford knowingly built this car and put that pump where it is at and therefore should be reliable to pay the cost when it is so common that this part goes out around 100,000 miles. If it is a known issue that occurs on these models frequently then it should become a recall because a failing water pump can cause significant issues within the engine and make the vehicle in operable.

Engine stopped working I wanna know if there is a warranty.

Bought my car 2020 and every year I have been on and off the shop to fix it. Last year I just paid them to fox my transmission gearing, clutch and axle. The other dy I have them service it again due to power train malfunction. And sent me an invoice of $1700 not including the $195 to diagnostic test for my car.