2011 Ford Explorer: engine stalls while driving

Filed Mar 18, 2024 · Engine · PA

The internal water pump failed in my 2011 Ford Explorer without any warning signs and the coolant then leaked into my engine causing catastrophic engine failure. We were driving on a busy highway and the Ford Explorer simply started shutting down in the left lane. Nothing would happen when I pushed the gas petal and suddenly all the lights started flashing and heat went to above high. I was barely able to get over to the shoulder as smoke started to come out of the front of the engine. We were extremely afraid of getting hit since the car stalled on the highway only feet from the exit ramp. The car was towed and diagnosed at the Ford Dealership: Internal water pump failed causing engine failure - water mixed with oil. The car received state inspection and oil changed 17 days prior. Paid for engine replacement at the Ford Dealership with costs over $11,000.

Filed May 1, 2023 · Engine · 173,000 miles · CO

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact’s wife notified the contact, and the contact was able to coast the vehicle off the road. The contact then stated that he allowed the vehicle to cool down, restarted the vehicle, then coasted the vehicle to his residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the water pump failed and caused the coolant to leak into the engine and damaged the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 173,000.

Filed Dec 13, 2022 · Engine · 147,000 miles · CO

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard a popping sound then the vehicle stalled. The contact then stated that he attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to restart. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but not assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.

Filed Apr 20, 2022 · Engine · 185,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the engine temperature hot warning light illuminated as the vehicle began to stall. The contact pulled off to the side of the road as a white smoke started coming from the vehicle. The contact waited for the vehicle to cool down before opening the hood and discovering that the coolant reservoir was empty. The contact added coolant in the reservoir; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact then called a family member who was able to jumpstart the vehicle; however, after several miles of driving, the failure recurred. The contact coasted the vehicle into a Walmart parking lot where she purchased more coolant; however, the coolant immediately leaked out of the vehicle. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic and it was determined that the water pump had malfunctioned which led to the engine failure. The manufacturer was notified of failure but offered no assistance. The manufacturer referred her to the federal safety agency to file a complaint. The vehicle was then towed to another independent mechanic where it remained in their possession and was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000.

Filed Apr 7, 2022 · Engine · 113,000 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The low coolant message was displayed. The contact was able to pull off to the side of the road. The contact called the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the engine had seized. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

Filed Sep 28, 2021 · Transmission · VA

Between 7/17/20 and 9/7/20 car stalled five times and stopped moving while in drive mode with no warning. Dealer kept car from 7/30/20 to 8/7/20, but problem was not fixed. Car returned to dealer 9/8/20 and kept by them until 9/16/20 when it was returned with problem apparently fixed. No problem since. Diagnosed Throttle Body Failure. Have verifying work order and invoice.

Filed Aug 11, 2020 · Engine · IL

While driving with my 3 young kids on a busy road, my water pump failed and catastrophically damaged my engine. My car turned off while driving, with no warning. We were almost involved in a horrible car accident because of this. The car behind me had to make an abrupt stop. Had he hit my car, we would have spun because of the force. The water pump fails and because it's inside the engine, it damages the engine in seconds without prior warning. This type of problem puts people's lives in danger, especially those of kids. Leaves you stranded in the middle of a high traffic street. Without warning there is no way we can prevent putting our lives in danger this way. Ford states that water pumps should last the life of the engine and its manual doesn't state that the water pump needs to be replaced after certain miles. Repair shop is quoting 6,000 for a new engine.

Filed Mar 12, 2020 · Engine · 136,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 ford explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle overheated and loss motive power. The contact stated that when the vehicle was designed, the water pump was placed on the inside of engine. The contact stated that when the water pump failed, coolant entered the engine which caused the vehicle to stall. The vehicle was not repaired. Jefferson motor co inc, located at 141 lee st, jefferson, ga 30549, (706)367-5217, was contacted however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced at a cost of $8,000. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 136,000.

Filed Jun 15, 2019 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 178,805 miles · VA

Engine damage due to overheating. Regular and required oil changes are documented and implemented as scheduled. No other engine or vehicle malfunctions during the course of ownership, except regular oil changes and tire replacement. However, on may 15, 2019, vehicle sensor notified oil change needed. Five days later vehicle stalled at local motel due to decreased power, rocking motion of car and luckily we were able to slowly turn into local hotel to cut off engine and get to safety. After 2 hours of letting vehicle set and cool down, local mechanic, checked and said we had enough oil in vehicle and not sure what happened. Was able to drive vehicle home, with no sensors on dashboard alerting us to any further problems. Three days later, with no visible sensors flashing, car began to exhibit rocking motion not sputtering motion as I began to pull out in four-way intersection, and approaching traffic heading my way. Then suddenly, car regained power and was able to continue to proper lane as if nothing was wrong. After traveling another 1.6 miles, car just starting losing power, check engine, low oil pressure light, temperature light warning all appeared suddenly. I was able to drift in middle lane in front of dealership where vehicle was purchased. I immediatedly turned vehicle off and walked to dealership to get help in moving vehicle off the road. After 3days of waiting, duncah dealership in christiansburg, va, notifed us that head gasget was cracked and over 7,000 repair bill was needed to fix engine repair. As noted before no major problems has ever been repaired or replaced regarding this vehicle. During the two incidents regarding the vehhicle losing power, without no visible vehicle sensor notifications is of great concern to us regarding our safety in driving our vehicle. Thankfully, we weren't on a major highway.

Filed Apr 23, 2019 · Engine · 130,575 miles · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 ford explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle decelerated independently while driving on the highway. Consumer stated vehicle stalled and could not turn the steering wheel. The contact lost control and swerved wildly, but managed to pull the vehicle over onto the shoulder. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to gene langley ford (3500 eastend dr, humboldt, tn 38343, (731) 784-9311) where it was diagnosed that a new motor needed to be installed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but did not assist because the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was 130,575. *bf

Filed Jan 7, 2019 · Engine · 104,000 miles · GA

My 2011 ford explorer only has 104k miles. In october of 2018 the car repeatedly shut off while driving home from work with no indication that anything was wrong. The next day it happened again, when I got it to finally turn back on the check engine light came on. I took it in to be checked and was told the antifreeze has spilled into the engine and we would need to replace the entire engine! I bought this car brand new and have had numerous problems including the steering lock recall as well as needing the radiator replacement in the first 3 months of my purchase. Also, no indication prior to those incidents either! I currently have this car sitting in my driveway and no answers from ford. The cost to fix is over 6k! I noticed a recall being issued for this problem, however my model car is not included! This should include all ford vehicles.

Filed Oct 19, 2017 · Engine · 110,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 ford explorer. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the engine stalled without warning. A few minutes later, the low oil pressure indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed to perry ford of poway (12740 poway rd, poway, ca 92064) where it was diagnosed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced, and also the water pump failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.