Ford's Police Explorer Engines Are Exploding

Ford has issued a recall impacting 85,238 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with the Police Interceptor Utility package and 3.3L Hybrid and Gas engines.

The recall follows reports of under-hood fires resulting from engine failures, specifically incidents where engine oil and fuel vapor are released into the engine compartment due to an "engine block breach."

In simpler terms, an engine block breach typically refers to a catastrophic failure where a connecting rod punctures through the engine block, often leading to significant damage and potentially dangerous situations. Ford acknowledges that the root cause of these breaches is challenging to pin down, though connecting rod fractures, possibly linked to bearing seizures, are believed to be at fault. However, the exact reason for these bearing failures remains unclear, with possibilities ranging from debris in the bearings to issues with lubricant quality or crankshaft geometry. In short, Ford is still trying to figure out the precise cause of the problem.

Drivers of affected vehicles may notice loud, metal-on-metal clanking noises, reduced engine torque, or even smoke coming from the engine compartment—clear signs that engine failure could be imminent. Ford advises anyone experiencing these symptoms to park and turn off the vehicle immediately.

This issue appears to be particularly common in police vehicles, which are subjected to more frequent high-stress driving conditions that could be contributing to engine durability problems. So far, there have been no reports of similar fires in non-police Explorer models.

Ford's investigation into the issue began in July 2023, when its Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) responded to three reports of under-hood fires. By July 2024, 13 such incidents had been confirmed. Despite extensive part analysis and teardown efforts at the Lima Engine Plant, Ford has yet to identify a single definitive cause for the failures.

On August 2, 2024, Ford’s Field Review Committee approved the recall. Although no accidents or injuries have been reported in connection with this issue, Ford is urging vehicle owners to contact their local Ford or Lincoln dealer or call the company’s toll-free line for more information.

This article was co-written using AI and was then heavily edited and optimized by our editorial team.

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