Did Ford fix the water pump issue?

In short, there isn’t a single, brand-wide fix for Ford’s water-pump problem. Some affected vehicles have been addressed through recalls, warranty extensions, or service campaigns, while others have not required action. The current status depends on the model, year, and VIN. If you’re a Ford owner concerned about a potential water-pump issue, start by checking official recall data for your vehicle.

How Ford has approached the problem in recent years

Ford and regulators have used recalls, extensions, and service bulletins to address water-pump–related failures. The remedies vary by vehicle and production window and may include water-pump replacement, cooling-system component updates, or redesigned housings. Availability is tied to the specific model and its production date.

Key points about the current landscape:

• Recalls obligate dealers to perform repairs at no cost to the owner when a safety defect or credible risk is identified.


• Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) outline common failure modes and recommended fixes, but they do not automatically apply to every owner.


• Some vehicles may benefit from extended warranties or customer-satisfaction campaigns that cover water-pump–related failures.

In summary, the remedy is not universal; it is contingent on model-year-engine type and VIN.

What has been affected and when (high-level overview)

Because Ford’s water-pump issues have appeared across multiple models and generations, there isn’t a single definitive model list. The following points illustrate the landscape:

• Over the past decade, various Ford models and engine configurations have been cited in recalls or service campaigns related to water-pump components, leaks, or related cooling-system faults.


• Remedial actions have included pump replacements and related cooling-system repairs, often under recall or warranty terms.


• Some campaigns were model- or year-specific, while others covered broader production ranges; newer pump designs may have been adopted in later builds to reduce recurrence.

For precise information, verify against your VIN via official sources to confirm if any active recall or service action applies to your vehicle.

Recall vs. service bulletin: understanding the difference

Not every water-pump concern results in a recall. Some cases are addressed through dealer service bulletins, which guide technicians on common failure modes and recommended repairs but do not guarantee a free fix for all owners. If your vehicle is not part of an active recall, a dealership may still propose repairs under warranty or as paid service depending on your coverage and the defect description.

How to check if your Ford is affected today

To determine if a recall or service bulletin applies to your vehicle, use official channels and your VIN. The following steps help ensure you have the latest information:

1. Find your VIN (usually on the driver’s side dash and in your vehicle documents).


2. Search the NHTSA recall database with your VIN to uncover any active or past water-pump–related recalls.


3. Log in to the Ford Owner portal or contact your local Ford dealer to see campaigns or warranty coverage specific to your VIN.


4. If a recall or campaign applies, schedule the repair at an authorized service center; the exact fix will depend on the defect description.

Remember that not every Ford owner will be affected, and some cases may require only routine maintenance rather than a replacement.

Costs, timing and what to expect

Recalls are performed at no cost to the owner; warranty coverage can also apply to related issues. If you are outside a recall window or the issue falls outside warranty, costs can vary. Always confirm with your dealer before making an appointment.

Ford updates recall and warranty statuses periodically, so staying informed is important. Your VIN determines eligibility and the specific remedy.

Summary

Overall, Ford has addressed water-pump problems through recalls, service campaigns, and warranty actions for select models and production periods. There is no blanket fix for every Ford vehicle, so owners should verify their VIN against official recall data and follow dealer guidance to determine eligibility for any required repair.

Resources and next steps

Useful sources for verification include the NHTSA recall search, Ford's official Owner site, and your local Ford dealership. If you’re uncertain, contact a dealer for a VIN-specific assessment and a clear explanation of any required or recommended service.

Which Ford engines have internal water pump replacement?

Ford's EcoBoost engine series prominently features internal water pumps. These advanced engines, available in various models like the 3.5L V6, 3.5L EcoBoost V6, and 3.7L V6, incorporate this sophisticated cooling system design.

Is there a recall on Ford water pumps?

There is no widespread, official Ford water pump recall in the U.S., but there is a class-action lawsuit alleging a defect in certain vehicles, and a Canadian recall for some Transit vans due to a fire risk from a separate, electronic water pump. Numerous owner complaints and Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) exist for internal water pump failures on certain models, particularly those with 3.5L and 3.7L engines.
 
This video discusses a potential issue with water pumps in Ford vehicles, including the cost of repair: 46sC.L.S. ALL-IN-ONE YouTube · Aug 13, 2022
Class-action lawsuit

• A class-action lawsuit in the U.S. alleges a defect in the internal water pumps of certain Ford vehicles, including the 2009-2019 Flex, 2008-2019 Taurus, 2013-2019 Police Interceptor (Taurus), 2013-2019 Police Interceptor Utility (Explorer), 2010-2012 Fusion Sport, and 2011-2012 Fusion.
• The lawsuit claims this can lead to catastrophic engine failure. 

Canadian recall

• Ford Canada issued a recall for certain 2016-2019 Ford Transit and Transit Custom vans.
• The recall addresses a potential fire risk from a faulty electronic run-on water pump that could overheat and cause components and wiring to melt. 

Other issues and owner complaints

• Many Ford owners have reported issues with internal water pumps on models with the 3.5L and 3.7L V6 engines, notes Sage Law Group LLP and this Facebook post. 
• These water pumps are located inside the engine and are expensive to replace, with costs ranging from $2,000 to over $5,000, according to this YouTube video and a Facebook video. 
• A common failure symptom is a coolant leak from a weep hole, which is not always visible because the leak is contained within the engine compartment. 

What to do

• Check for recalls: While there is no U.S. recall for this specific issue, you can check if your vehicle is affected by other recalls on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website. 
• Check for class-action eligibility: If your vehicle is on the list for the class-action lawsuit, contact the law firms involved for more information. 
• Consult a mechanic: If you suspect a water pump issue, have a qualified mechanic inspect your vehicle to diagnose the problem and recommend a repair. 

Has Ford fixed the EcoBoost problems?

Ford has made updates to newer EcoBoost engines, particularly those from 2019 onward, to address common problems by redesigning components like cylinder heads, hoses, and seals and updating service intervals. However, older models with specific engine configurations still face issues, and there are ongoing legal challenges and recalls related to these older engines. Therefore, while newer models are improved, problems with certain older engines persist.
 
This video explains Ford's efforts to fix EcoBoost engine problems: 50sCar UK YouTube · Jun 5, 2024
Improvements in newer EcoBoost engines

• Redesigned parts: Newer models (2019 and later) often have updated internal components, improved cooling systems, and a more robust design that is less prone to earlier issues. 
• Updated service intervals: For some models, Ford has reduced the timing belt replacement interval to an earlier point to help prevent premature wear. 
• Improved reliability: Ford claims that the updated engines are more reliable, and some owners who have received engine replacements report good performance from the new engines. 

Ongoing issues and recalls

• Older models: Older EcoBoost engines, particularly certain 1.5L, 1.6L, and 2.0L versions found in models from 2013–2019, may still have defects that can lead to coolant leaks, engine damage, and other failures. 
• Legal action: Lawsuits have been filed against Ford regarding defects in these older engines. 
• Recalls: Ford has issued recalls for certain EcoBoost models to address specific potential failures, such as problems with the wet belt in some models. 

What owners should do

• For owners of affected older models: Check for recalls and warranty extensions. It is crucial to follow the recommended maintenance schedule, and if you suspect an issue, get it diagnosed immediately. 
• For potential buyers: Be aware of the specific model and engine year you are considering. Research known issues for that particular engine and prioritize maintenance records if buying a used vehicle. 

This video discusses potential issues in newer Bronco Sport and Escape models: 51sI Do CarsYouTube · Sep 5, 2025

Is there a Ford class action lawsuit for water pump failure?

This is a certified class action alleging that various models of Ford vehicles contain a dangerous water pump defect that can cause catastrophic engine failure.