NHTSA Complaint #11628300 — 2017 FORD EXPLORER

Water pump defect with my 2017 Ford Explorer XLT V6. This vehicle has a significant design flaw related to the water pump, which is located inside the engine cover. Recently, the water pump in my vehicle failed, the signal warning light turned on and indicated that the thermostat reaching high engine temperatures and warning the engine could overheat. The failure of the water pump can lead to engine overheating, which could cause the vehicle to break down unexpectedly, putting my safety and the safety of others at risk, especially while driving at high speeds or in heavy traffic. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by both a Ford dealer and an independent service center. Ford acknowledges this issue and that the water pump is prone to failure approximately every 100,000 miles. The repair costs amount to over $4,000. This exorbitant cost is due to the labor-intensive process required to access the water pump, owing to its placement within the engine cover. The cost of the repair is disproportionately high and places an undue financial burden on consumers.