Component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:PUMP
63 NHTSA complaints about engine and engine cooling:cooling system:pump issues across 8 makes and 20 models.
The engine and engine cooling:cooling system:pump is one of the standardized component categories NHTSA uses to classify consumer safety complaints. Across the public complaint database, it accounts for 63 filings from 8 manufacturers and 20 distinct vehicle models, a footprint large enough that defect engineers can isolate part-family patterns across different platforms that share the same supplier or the same federal motor vehicle safety standard.
Among filings citing this component, owners have reported 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. The most complained-about vehicle in this category is the FORD EXPLORER with 33 filings, followed by FORD EDGE and FORD BRONCO SPORT. These severity counters are what separates a nuisance complaint trend from a pattern NHTSA is likely to escalate into a Preliminary Evaluation.
Component-level analysis is how the Office of Defects Investigation spots cross-manufacturer supplier issues — the same airbag inflator, the same takata-style ignition switch, the same brake hose material — before they become industry-wide recalls. When you see a single component accumulating large complaint volume across several unrelated nameplates, that is usually a signature of a shared supplier or a shared federal standard being stressed by real-world conditions. Use the affected-vehicles table below to see whether the pattern is concentrated on a handful of models or distributed evenly, and cross-reference each model's full recall and investigation history before drawing conclusions about any one nameplate.
Most Affected Vehicles
| # | Vehicle | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | FORD EXPLORER | 33 |
| 2 | FORD EDGE | 6 |
| 3 | FORD BRONCO SPORT | 3 |
| 4 | TOYOTA PRIUS | 2 |
| 5 | FORD ESCAPE | 2 |
| 6 | FORD ECOSPORT | 2 |
| 7 | CHEVROLET CRUZE | 2 |
| 8 | TOYOTA HIGHLANDER | 1 |
| 9 | MAZDA CX-9 | 1 |
| 10 | JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 4XE | 1 |
| 11 | HONDA CR-V | 1 |
| 12 | FORD FLEX | 1 |
| 13 | FORD F-250 | 1 |
| 14 | FORD F-150 | 1 |
| 15 | CHEVROLET TRAX | 1 |
| 16 | CHEVROLET MALIBU | 1 |
| 17 | BMW X5 | 1 |
| 18 | BMW 430I | 1 |
| 19 | BMW 328I | 1 |
| 20 | AUDI A6 | 1 |
Recent Complaints
The contact owns a 2015 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing battery drainage. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the battery was replaced twice; however, the failure p
The contact owns a 2010 Ford Edge. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the engine started to overheat. The contact added coolant to the reservoir however, the contact became aware that coolant wa
Water pump, that was just replaced in June at Ford dealership, is leaking. This is ridiculous that Ford cannot put quality products in there vehicles.
The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, upon further inspection, the contact became aware of a water leak. No warning lights were illuminated. The
See attached document for complaint.
See attached document for complaint
See attached document for complaint
Water is leaking from front of engine and into oil from water pump being told it will cost 1600 to over 2000 dollars to fix
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Three times this vehicle has had the water pump replaced. 2/20/2023 at 20285 miles , it was replaced
The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the engine temperature warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnose
Water pump leaking and needs to be replaced. Can cause engine failure and lead to being stranded on highway. Multiple forums have people with the same issue. No warning lights have come on. I took
Water Pump is leaking which could cause a fire in the engine bay. This vehicle has a known history of this and my VIN search shows 0 unrepaired recall issues, but it still exists. Problem was inspec
I experienced the expulsion of coolant underneath the hood of my vehicle in the parking lot / driveways the past month or so. I took this into my mechanic and they diagnosed with water pump failure,
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, he became aware that there was water leaking from the vehicle onto the ground. The contact stated the vehic
I own a 2014 Ford Explorer. When driving home on November 4th the engine coolant light came on and there was white smoke coming from under the hood and the coolant was leaking under the vehicle. I had
Mechanic confirmed water pump failure. Explorer was brought to mechanic for issue with heater. Upon inspection by mechanic, the coolant was low. Mechanic filled the coolant and left the vehicle idling
Water pump failure, engine coolant leakage from water pump
I came on the on ramp of the interstate, gained speed up to 65 and began passing a slower vehicle, with another vehicle behind me passing them also. Suddenly my speed slowed, my oil light illuminated
Faulty water pump leak which is extremely expensive to repair due to manufacturer encasing it inside the timing belt chain. I cannot afford a $5K repair for something that should be extremely more aff
The contact owns a 2016 Audi A6. The contact stated while having routine maintenance on the vehicle, the independent mechanic became aware that the water pump was leaking. The contact was informed tha
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Data Sources
Vehicle complaint data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints database. Includes consumer-reported safety issues filed with NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Severity counts cross-reference NHTSA FARS (Fatality Analysis Reporting System) for fatal incidents where a corresponding FARS record exists.
Component categories are standardized by NHTSA. Crash-test ratings where shown are drawn from the NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Complaint counts, crash reports, fire reports, and fatality data reflect consumer-submitted reports and may not represent all incidents.
Disclaimer: This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for vehicle purchase decisions. NHTSA complaint data is self-reported by consumers and has not been verified or investigated. A high complaint count does not necessarily indicate a defect. Always consult a qualified mechanic and check official NHTSA recall notices before making safety-related decisions.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.