Hey everyone, I need some advice on picking up a 5th gen Explorer. I need a bigger vehicle that can fit the whole family and carry kayaks on top, and the Explorer seems like a good option.
I’ve been reading different forums and keep seeing people mention the water pump issue. I’m still in the research phase, but I found a few 2016-2018 models in my area and want to know what I should avoid. My goal is to keep this vehicle for the next 5-8 years if possible.
How common is the water pump failure and how much does it cost to replace?
How many miles is too many? I see some with 90k-140k miles for sale, but I only drive about 10k miles a year.
Are these prices reasonable? I’m seeing prices from $10k for a 2014 with 140k miles to $19k for a 2017 with 90k miles.
Is 2WD more reliable than 4WD? I don’t really need 4WD, so I assume fewer parts mean fewer things to break?
Water pump issue: They tend to fail around 110k miles. Replacement cost is about $1,500 last time I checked.
Mileage concerns: I bought my 2011 with 80k miles and it’s been fine. Drove another one at 100k miles that felt like the transmission was slipping. It really depends on maintenance history. Mine is at 110k now, and the suspension is shot—but that happens with most cars at that point.
Other tips: 2WD is generally more reliable. Also, change the spark plugs early. The manual says 100k miles, but I did mine at that point and it felt like a brand-new engine. More power, better gas mileage—should’ve done it sooner.
Amari said: @Briley
Good to know, thanks! I’ve seen people mention $3k-$5k for a water pump replacement—was that at a dealer, or are independent shops cheaper?
I had mine done at an independent shop a couple of years ago for $1,500. Prices can vary, so it’s worth calling around before buying one.
Water pumps eventually fail in any car, but on the 5th gen Explorer, it’s a shitty design. The pump is inside the engine, so if it fails, it can dump coolant into the oil and ruin the whole engine.
Best bet: Ask if the water pump has been replaced before buying. If not, assume you’ll need to do it eventually.
@Hollis
Exactly! Most cars have an external water pump, so if it leaks, it’s an easy fix.
On the Explorer, it’s buried inside the engine and can destroy it if it fails. I’ve seen some people quoted $3,000-$5,000 for a replacement. Meanwhile, I had a water pump replaced on my Corolla for $180. Big difference.
@Amari
Yep, that’s why a lot of people recommend replacing the water pump before it fails. There’s a weep hole that can give an early warning, so watch for low coolant levels and puddles under the car.
Also, you can get a Ford ESP warranty online for $1,200-$2,000. If you’re worried about big repairs, it might be worth looking into. Check out Lombard Ford—they sell official Ford warranties cheaper than most dealers.
@Hollis
Hey, I know this thread is a little old, but I just bought a 2016 Explorer and passed on the dealer’s extended warranty (was through Assurant, and I’ve had bad experiences with them).
Is Lombard Ford legit? I tried getting a warranty directly from Ford, but they said my mileage was too high (73k miles). Lombard seems to accept it though. I just want coverage for big-ticket stuff like the water pump and PTU.
@Eden
I didn’t end up buying it, but they were helpful when I talked to them. I might get one later, but for now, I’m just saving up for repairs instead.
Hollis said: @Eden
I didn’t end up buying it, but they were helpful when I talked to them. I might get one later, but for now, I’m just saving up for repairs instead.
Gotcha. I’ll reach out to them and see if I can get at least a couple of years of coverage. The $140 inspection fee isn’t too bad if it gives me peace of mind.