Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Ford Explorer - part 2

While driving at highway speeds, the vehicle displays a "drive train malfunction" warning message and the traction control warning light illuminates. Shortly after the warning appears, the vehicle loses power and may enter a reduced-power mode or stall, creating a serious safety hazard in traffic. This has occurred while traveling on the highway, forcing sudden deceleration and creating the risk of being struck by other vehicles. The check engine light is illuminated, and diagnostic code p0a1e is present. The problem is intermittent and unpredictable, making it difficult to determine when the next failure will occur. The vehicle has been taken to Ford for diagnosis multiple times, and significant money has been spent attempting to repair the issue. Despite these efforts, the root cause has not been identified and the problem continues to occur. This defect affects the drivetrain system and impacts the safe operation of the vehicle. The sudden loss of power on the highway places the driver, passengers, and surrounding motorists at risk. Based on discussions with other owners, this appears to be a common issue affecting Ford Explorer police interceptor utility vehicles and warrants investigation by NHTSA.

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The car was up on ramps, to replace a sensor, in park and slipped out of gear rolling backwards with force. Someone could have been under or behind the vehicle. Other vehicles could have been behind, property could have been damaged. The cars door caught the building and pulled it all the way back against the front fender.

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Car started to overheat randomly, no signs of issues before, replaced the water pump for the second time in a year (2025 and again 2026). Continued having issues & white smoke puffing, turned out to have an oil leak due to piston rings being melted to the pistons, causing all spark plugs (prior repalced) and engine to be bad. Car is continuing to worse, sputters just sitting after you start it. Smells like burnt oil. Too dangerous to drive so it’s been sitting for weeks after pouring $3,000 into it to not have it fixed and now needing a new motor.

Vehicle was brought to an authorized Ford dealership for coolant leak. The dealer confirmed a coolant leak originating from the internal water pump. The water pump on this engine is chain-driven and located inside the engine behind the timing cover, requiring approximately 12 hours of labor to access and replace. This is a known design defect affecting millions of Ford vehicles with the 3. 5l cyclone/duratec engine across multiple model years (2007-2020). The defect allows coolant to leak past the bearing seal, with potential to mix with engine oil and cause catastrophic engine failure. This is a serious safety risk as failure can occur without warning while driving. The problem was confirmed and documented by the Ford dealership. No warning lights appeared prior to the leak being discovered. Repair cost exceeded $4,300. This defect was the subject of a federal class action lawsuit (roe v. Ford motor company, eastern district of michigan) which was settled confidentially in January 2024 without a recall being issued. Ford has not notified owners of this known defect or offered any remedy program to us customers, despite a canadian class action resulting in relief for affected owners there. I am providing the cost invoice but will provide an itemized invoice once repairs are finished.

The contact owns a 2025 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started shaking violently. The check engine warning light came on, and the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact used a scanner to identify an error code. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove to the residence while driving 20 mph with the vehicle shaking abnormally. Upon arriving at the residence, the vehicle lost power. The contact called Ford customer service and spoke with a Ford roadside assistance representative to retrieve the vehicle from the residence. An appointment was scheduled for the dealer to pick up the vehicle at the residence. The vehicle was taken to ciocco Ford, but was not diagnosed or repaired; however, the spark plugs were replaced but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 9,000.

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On 2/27/26 I heard a knocking sound in my car, no warning lights came on, took it to local car place and was told there was no oil in the tank. I immediately made an appt to take it to river view Ford dealership for service. They looked at it on 3/2 and found the engine to be damaged from the turbos pulling oil out of the oil tank and sucking it into the engine. They informed me nothing was being offered to replace the engine for that year 2020 and my warranty just ended 11/25. This car is worth $70,000 new, just paid it off early, otherwise in great condition. I called the customer service line and was told there is nothing they can do or offer and filed the complaint. My husband called back and spoke to 3 different rude people requesting someone call our dealer and talk with the service people- this didn't happen. Earlier this year this car had a differential leak that cost $3000; it also had the undercarriage of the car that holds the flex pipes up, fall apart and required the entire undercarriage to be replaced. I find it appalling that you google st engine issues and they specifically say 2020 models have issues with and suffer from severe oil-related issues, including high oil consumption, oil starvation, and, in some cases, turbocharger failure or engine knocking. How is this not a recall? no warning signs til its too late.

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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.

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When acceleration hot air blows through dashboard fogging front driver windows. Weather strips in doors are coming apart.

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Upon startup rough idle and check engine light came on. Mechanic confirmed cylinder head thinning causing fluid leak into first cylinder. A mechanical note verifies but Ford won't issue a recall. Apparently Ford has know this for years with ecoboost engines. I don't want to become a victim of vehicle dying in the middle of traffic. Have seen several complaints from Ford owners with no fixes by Ford.

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When I'm driving on the freeway. I could be on flatland and it will stall, I could be going down a hill and it stalls, I could be on a regular road, turning a corner, hitting a bump. And it stalls when I'm on the freeway, I have to get over very scary happens all the time when it happens I coast, I put it into park, I turn it off, and it restarts immediately every time. This is constantly happening. Ihave a video and picture but it will not upload on this. But it says hell descending control fail.

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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).

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.

Unknown.

Vehicle: 2016 Ford Explorer 2wd v6-3. 5l VIN: [xxx] rchase: January 20, 2026 odometer at purchase: 70,929 miles (fraudulent — true mileage approximately 123,779 miles) dealer: drive time car sales company llc, dba drive time, 8805 e adamo dr, tampa, FL 33619-3525 narrative — copy and paste into NHTSA online form: on January 20, 2026, I purchased a 2016 Ford Explorer 2wd v6-3. 5l (VIN: [xxx] ) fr [xxx] sales company llc, located at 8805 e adamo dr, tampa, florida 33619-3525. At the time of sale, the vehicle had three open, unrepaired federal safety recalls: 1. Nhtsa recall 19v435 / Ford 19s17 — rear suspension toe link replacement (initiated June 26, 2019, affecting 1,194,173 vehicles). The rear suspension toe links may fracture, causing sudden loss of vehicle handling and risk of crash. 2. Nhtsa recall 21v537 / Ford 21s32 — rear suspension toe link cross-axis ball joint (owner notifications mailed March 2022, affecting 644,055 vehicles). The cross-axis ball joint may corrode and seize, causing toe link fracture and loss of steering control. 3. Nhtsa recall 25v347 / Ford 25s53 — b-pillar door trim detachment (owner notifications mailed June 2025, affecting 492,145 vehicles). B-pillar trim may detach while driving, creating a road hazard for other motorists. None of these recalls were repaired prior to sale. The dealer had documented actual knowledge of all three open recalls. Drive time provided me with copies of the recall notices as part of the purchase paperwork at the time of sale. Additionally, the recall documentation included a printout from the NHTSA recall lookup website for this specific VIN, timestamped January 19, 2026, at 5:28 pm — the day before the sale — proving that drive time actively investigated and confirmed the open recalls within hours of delivering the vehicle. Ford's own dealer notice for recall 19v435/19s17 states: "federal law requires dealers to complete this recall service before a new vehicle is information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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.

I own a 2020 Ford Explorer with approximately 85,776 miles. The vehicle has experienced two separate loss-of-propulsion events in traffic. On both occasions, the vehicle suddenly lost power while driving and stalled in the middle of a busy intersection. There was no prior warning of imminent engine failure. After stalling, the vehicle would crank but would not restart. The vehicle was disabled in the intersection for approximately 45 minutes to one hour each time. My family was inside the vehicle during these incidents. The vehicle displayed multiple malfunction warnings including “shift system fault” and messages indicating the vehicle was not in park even when the shifter was in the park position. The dealership, hansel Ford of petaluma, verified the concern and referenced Ford technical service bulletin (TSB) 23-2249 related to internal transmission components, including the valve body and park pawl actuator system. The dealership confirmed that when the vehicle is placed in park, it may actually remain in neutral. This creates an additional safety risk of unintended vehicle movement. This issue presents a serious safety hazard due •sudden loss of propulsion in traffic •vehicle disabled in active intersections •extended inability to restart •potential rollaway risk due to park malfunction the vehicle is currently pending major transmission-related repairs. I am submitting this complaint due to concerns about loss of propulsion and park system malfunction creating a safety risk for occupants and surrounding traffic.

The specific component or system has not fully failed. However, my vehicle is currently experiencing an intermittent check engine light condition, turning off and on, which was diagnosed at a retailer producing code p0018 then at the dealership and produced code p0017. The codes relate to the engine control module (ecm) detects that the camshaft on is out of sync with the crankshaft resulting in misaligned engine timing. I have requested that the dealership further review and escalate the diagnosis to determine whether the issue aligns with any known concerns, technical service bulletins, or manufacturer-supported programs. The vehicle and any related components are available for inspection upon request. At this time, the vehicle experiences reduced engine performance, including stalling, and inability to accelerator as needed, which pose a safety risk while driving, particularly in traffic or at highway speeds. The vehicle has been inspected and confirmed by the dealership. I have also contacted the manufacturer, who advised me to work directly with the dealership to have the issue reviewed and potentially escalated. I have since requested that they further evaluate the condition and determine whether it corresponds to any known issues or manufacturer-supported repair programs. At this time, the vehicle has not been inspected by police, insurance representatives, or other third parties. This check engine light and fluctuating rpm directly impacting the vehicles acceleration was the primary indicator of the issue. The manufacturer previously issued two customer satisfaction program notices to address this issue for other model year vehicles. I have attached both notices to this complaint. This demonstrates a manufacturer defect which is a safety hazard for drivers.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road, and the contact inspected the vehicle and became aware of smoke coming from underneath the vehicle. The failure reoccurred while the contact and the contact's minor children were traveling. A nearby police officer assisted the contact. The contact informed the officer that the vehicle was recently purchased from a carmax. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the nearby carmax. The vehicle was taken to carmax, where the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine had severe fluid leaks. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was shipped back to the residence a month later. The failure reoccurred and was a persistent failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken back to carmax twelve times due to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

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.

Smoke coming from engine bay area. Vehicle in limp mode. Mechanic says piston broke a hole in engine wall.

Front end axle actuator failing and causing all safety systems to turn off, loss of power and can lead to seized up front end.

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.

Description on your vehicle, some of the bolts used to attach the vehicle trailer tow hitch may have below-specification torque. Safety risk this condition may affect vehicle handling characteristics or lead to loss of attachment of the trailer hitch while towing, increasing the risk of a crash. Remedy parts are now available to repair your vehicle. Ford motor company Lincoln has authorized your dealer retailer to inspect and secure or replace the trailer tow hitch bolts as required free of charge. Next steps contact your dealer for more information to schedule the free service.

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??.

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.

The intermediate shaft has gone bad on my 5 year old car. Noticed it on 12/11/25 after owning for 1 year. I’m slowing losing oil which then can cause my engine to go out. I have read many things stating other peoples frustration with this $3. 59 part going bad in the 2021 Ford Explorers but to get it fixed you have to drop the entire engine resulting in it costing $1,800. I think Ford should be responsible for this and aware to make a better part.

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.

The contact called on behalf of the owner of a 2019 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA campaign numbers: 24v031000 (structure) and 26v101000 (suspension). The contact stated that after the vehicle was stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle stalled. The battery warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure was occurring every other day. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The independent mechanic replaced the manifold absolute pressure (map) sensor and an unknown sensor; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while the vehicle was idling, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted. The contact stated that while the temperature gauge was midway, the vehicle stalled. The battery warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that whenever the temperature gauge was midway, the vehicle would stall. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic who replaced a fractured spark plug and the timing chain. The vehicle was repaired; however, two months after the last repair, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

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.