Is there a recall on Ford water pumps?
There is no universal Ford water-pump recall; any action is specific to certain models, engines and VINs. This article is current as of November 2025 and directs you to official sources to verify your vehicle's status.
How recalls related to water pumps are determined
Water-pump issues can impact cooling system integrity and engine temperatures. When NHTSA identifies a safety defect linked to a water pump or a related component, Ford may issue a recall or service campaign. Recalls typically involve free parts and labor and are based on vehicle-specific data rather than the brand alone.
Current recall landscape for Ford water pumps
There is no single recall that covers all Ford water pumps. The status depends on the affected models, production year, and VIN. Official databases provide the exact campaigns and eligibility.
Where to check official information
Reliable sources include the federal recall database and Ford's own recall tools. Check these sources for the latest status on your vehicle.
- NHTSA Recall Look-Up by VIN: search to see active recalls for your vehicle.
- Ford Owner Site: sign in to view vehicle-specific recall campaigns and service notices.
- Local Ford dealer: provide your VIN to confirm status and schedule service.
These sources deliver accurate, up-to-date information on water-pump recalls or other safety campaigns tied to your Ford vehicle.
How to check if your Ford is affected
To verify recall status for your specific vehicle, follow these steps.
Before you begin the check, keep in mind that a VIN-based lookup is the most reliable method to confirm eligibility.
- Locate your VIN: 17-character VIN on the driver's side dashboard or door jamb.
- Search the NHTSA recall database using the VIN or model/year to view active campaigns.
- Log in to Ford's Owner portal or contact a Ford dealer to confirm the exact recall status for your VIN.
- If a recall is active, arrange the free repair with an authorized Ford dealer as soon as possible.
These steps help you determine if your vehicle has a water-pump recall or any other safety notice, and how to proceed if it does.
What to do if your vehicle is affected
If a recall covers your Ford, the repair is typically free and performed at an authorized dealer. You may be offered a loaner vehicle during repairs, though availability varies by dealership and location. The duration varies by the campaign and the specific repair.
- Schedule the service promptly with an authorized Ford dealer.
- Verify that the recall repair is fully covered (no out-of-pocket costs for parts or labor).
- Ask about loaner or rental-car options if you need transportation during the repair.
- Keep all recall-related service records and receipts for future reference or resale.
Dealers will perform the required water-pump replacement and any related cooling-system work if specified by the recall campaign.
Common symptoms to watch for (water-pump related issues)
Even outside of a recall, a faulty water pump can cause overheating or coolant leaks. Watch for the following signs and seek immediate help if they occur:
- Overheating engine or rising coolant temperature
- Visible coolant leaks or low coolant levels
- Whining, grinding, or belt noises near the front of the engine
- Steam from the engine bay or warning lights related to temperature or coolant
Prompt diagnosis can prevent engine damage and help identify whether a recall is relevant.
Summary
Ford water-pump recalls are not a blanket issue affecting all models. They are issued on a model-, year-, and VIN-specific basis. To confirm whether your vehicle is impacted, consult the NHTSA recall database and Ford’s official tools, and contact your dealer for precise guidance and scheduling. Always stay informed about recalls and perform regular cooling-system maintenance to protect your engine.
How much does Ford charge to replace a water pump?
A Ford water pump replacement can cost anywhere from $400 to $787 for standard models, but can range from $3,000 to over $5,000 for models with an internal pump, like some 3.5L/3.7L V6 engines. The cost is higher for internal pumps due to extensive labor, which can involve dismantling the front of the engine and replacing timing components, while standard external pumps are generally less complex to replace.
Cost factors
- Vehicle Make and Model: The specific Ford model and engine significantly impact the price. Some models, like the Ford Edge or Explorer with certain V6 engines, have internal water pumps that require much more labor.
- Pump Location:
- External pumps: On most cars, the water pump is on the outside, and the job is less labor-intensive.
- Internal pumps: Some Fords have internal water pumps, often driven by the timing chain. This requires removing the timing cover and other components to access the pump.
- Labor Rates: Costs vary depending on the mechanic's hourly rate, which can differ between dealerships, independent shops, and geographic locations.
- Additional Parts: It is often recommended to replace related components at the same time, such as the timing chain, belts, and thermostat, which will increase the overall cost.
- Shop Materials: The estimate may not include taxes, disposal fees, or other shop materials.
Getting the most accurate quote
- Always get multiple quotes from different shops (dealerships, independent mechanics).
- Provide your specific vehicle information (year, make, model, and engine) when requesting a quote.
- Ask for a detailed breakdown of parts and labor costs.
What Ford cars are being recalled?
Recent Ford recalls affect a variety of vehicles, including models like the Bronco Sport, Escape, and certain F-Series trucks, due to issues such as potential underhood fires from fuel leaks, detached moonroof deflectors, and faulty rearview camera systems. Ford is also addressing problems with the instrument panel cluster and driver's seats in some models. Owners can check for recalls on their specific vehicle on the Ford recall page or via the Ford app.
Recent recalls by issue:
- Fire risk (25S76): 2021–2024 Ford Bronco Sport and 2020–2022 Escape vehicles with 1.5-liter engines have a risk of fire due to fuel leaks from cracked fuel injectors.
- Moonroof defects (24S44, 12): 2021–2022 Expedition and Navigator, 2021–2023 F-150, and 2022 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, and F-450 SD vehicles have moonroof wind deflectors that may detach.
- Rearview camera issues (8, 7): Several models, including 2015–2020 Ford Explorer, Escape, Mustang, and certain F-250 SD, F-350 SD, and F-450 SD trucks, are recalled because the rearview camera may not display properly.
- Instrument panel cluster failure (9): 2025-2026 F-550 SD, F-450 SD, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, and 2025 F-150 vehicles may have an instrument panel that fails at startup.
- Driver's seat issues (13): 2021–2023 Ford Bronco SUVs are being recalled because of loose bolts in the driver's seat.
How to check for recalls
- Visit the Ford website: Go to the Ford Recall page.
- Use the Ford app: The Ford app provides recall information for your vehicle.
- Check mail: Ford sends recall letters to the last known registered owner within 60 days of a recall being issued.
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.
What is the class action lawsuit for the Ford water pump?
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. The Ontario Superior Court of Justice recently expanded the class definition to include persons whose vehicle's water pump failed up until May 30, 2024.
