NHTSA Complaint #11616938 — 2016 FORD EXPLORER

*Premature water pump failure that is housed in the timing chain chamber and driven by the timing chain. Component is not available for inspection as of this complaint because vehicle is being repaired. *Possible sudden catastrophic engine failure due to water pump failure, which will put safety of driver, passengers, and others at risk. *I am not aware if problem has been reproduced or confirmed by dealer or other independent services. Several dealers that I contacted did expressed that it was a "bad design". *I am not aware if component has been inspected by the manufacturer or others. *The only warning sign of premature pump failure was a small puddle of coolant under the vehicle. This happened at around 70K miles and the dealer was informed, but according to the Ford technician, upon inspection, no sign of coolant leak was found. At approximately 82K, the dealer was informed about a sudden coolant leak, and again, the Ford technician did not find the leak. It wasn't until I personally took a video of the coolant leaking and showed it to them, that they "diagnosed the problem correctly".