This water pump problem is the worst Ford engineers have put together. Ford motor company thinks that they need to make all vehicle problems so it has to go to the garages. If vehicle companies would make it easier to work on any cars then people Would not have to pay so high price to repair it. This water pump issue is something they could have avoided with putting the water pump on the outside of the vehicles motor not chain driven inside a cover. Ford is the worst damn company about this no other company has done this and will never do this. The engineers should be the people to repair this pump when its gone bad to see how they have screwed it up.

2013 Exploder is what it should be called. Whatever engineer decided to put the water pump inside the engine should be fired. Water pump replacement is fairly common and normally not a very expensive repair. Not in this case though. I spent over 30k on this vehicle new. I have had nothing but issues to include electrical, AC, suspension, interior falling apart, and now the water pump. The water pump is costing over 5k to fix due to the poor design. I have been a loyal Ford customer for 25 years. I have bought at least 8 cars during that time. The Exploder was the final straw.

I will never buy a Ford vehicle again. Ford won't address the issue so I am done buying their product. Worst part is I have been told that I am lucky due to the mileage I got before it happened. Most 2013 to 2016 Exploders that experience this problem do so between 100,000 to 120,000 miles. So Ford wants us to pay $30,000 plus to be able to drive a poorly designed vehicle for 100,000 miles before being forced to darn near replace the engine. Absolutely garbage. Ford, own up to your design flaws and fix them. Just to clarify - I no longer call it an Explorer..... nope it's officially the EXPLODER NOW!!!! All good though. Learned my lesson and I will NEVER buy a Ford again.

Water pump began leaking radiator fluid in early December. Puddles seen on driveway daily. After diagnosing the issue at home a call was placed to three separate Ford Dealers. First, Cerritos Ford estimated cost around $2600 plus 400-500 in parts. The estimated was not calculated by a computer, Advisor stated it's from experience. Second, Long Beach Ford. Advisor seemed unsure and estimated $1200 plus water pump parts. Information from advisor was from experience once again - no computer information to properly estimate the work.

Third, contacted the dealership where vehicle was purchased in 2013. The arrogant advisor refused at first to provide an estimate and he wanted the vehicle for an inspection to determine the proper issue. Keep in mind, I work on all my vehicles and have a complete understanding on estimates, time required for service, etc. I informed the Advisor the vehicle has only 90,000 miles and well maintained and the water pump should provide excellent function up to 150,000 miles. Reply by Advisor, I see the Ford Explorers come in for the same issue at 20,000 miles , 30,000 miles etc. After mentioning I am a mechanic the Advisor then states, "well if you want an estimate then the cost will be roughly $3600". I provided cost information from the other dealerships and the advisor stated the information is inaccurate and since an estimated was requested, this is all that can be provided. Keep in mind, the advisor provided zero concern nor assistance to my family's vehicle and safety.

Given the ridiculous estimates from Ford, I contacted non-dealer auto shops to be told it was a dealer fix, due to the time required for a $120 part.

I would appreciate any information on a party whom will and can provide a positive, honest working relationship that would not take advantage of The American People like my family.

Sincerely,

Tim Clark