NHTSA Complaint #11670877 — 2018 FORD EXPLORER

I am writing to formally report a significant mechanical issue involving the water pump in my 2018 Ford Explorer with the 3.5L V6 engine. This vehicle recently experienced a sudden failure of the internal water pump, a problem I have since learned is common across this model and others using the same engine design. In my case, the water pump failure occurred just outside of the vehicle’s extended warranty coverage, leading to engine overheating and a substantial repair cost. What makes this issue particularly concerning is the design flaw in which the water pump is located internally, driven by the timing chain. When the pump fails, it can leak coolant internally, potentially leading to catastrophic engine failure without warning. This design not only makes the part extremely costly to repair (often $2,000–$4,000 or more), but it also introduces a serious safety risk—drivers may experience engine overheating or seizure while on the road, with minimal to no warning. This poses a clear hazard, especially at highway speeds or in high-traffic situations. I understand that many other Ford owners have reported similar failures, yet no recall or Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP) has been issued to address the problem. Given the frequency of these incidents and the potential danger involved, I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate whether this condition qualifies as a safety-related defect. I have included my vehicle details below for your reference: Make/Model/Year: 2018 Ford Explorer Engine: 3.5L V6 (non-EcoBoost) Mileage at Failure: 101345 Failure Description: Internal water pump failure leading to coolant leak and overheating Repair Estimate: $4511.19