NHTSA Complaint #11610459 — 2017 FORD EXPLORER

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the code indicating the vehicle had been overheating had been displayed however the vehicle had not overheated. The contact's spouse had replaced the sensor but then shortly after while driving 50 MPH the code displayed itself again and the vehicle overheated. The failure had become more persistent and would overheat while driving at various speeds. The Engine Coolant Low warning would illuminate and the message letting them know the engine was overheating had illuminated. The gauge displaying the vehicle temperature would show increased temperatures. The contact noticed at first the vehicle would cool itself down and whenever they would accelerate the vehicle would cool down. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the thermostat, water pump, head, and head gasket failed and needed to be replaced. The thermostat, water pump, head, and head gasket were all replaced. The dealer had completed an engine flush and oil change coolant flush and refilled the coolant. The failures persisted and the vehicle had been taken to the dealer a total of 3 times. The dealer diagnosed the engine block had failed causing water to enter cylinder #1 causing engine failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure where it was confirmed the VIN was not covered under recall. The manufacturer had referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a safety complaint. The failure mileage was 147,371.