2018 Ford Explorer
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Structure is the leading concern among 730 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 13th highest complaint count among 26 Explorer model years with reports.
Of the 2018 reports, 15 involved a crash and 7 involved a fire. 12 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Structure, bodyJul 14, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect the roof rail covers and as necessary, repair or replace the push-pins, rail clips, or roof rail covers, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 28, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S54. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 21V316. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.
Campaign 26V448000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearFeb 20, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the toe links, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2026. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S08. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 21V537. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning February 25, 2026.
Campaign 26V101000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, electrical, engine block heaterOct 10, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
Campaign 25V685000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, roof and pillarsJan 19, 2024
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024 and December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
Campaign 24V031000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, bodyMay 5, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.
A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will install push-pins and replace any damaged rail clips and roof rail covers, as necessary, free of charge. The interim owner notification letter was mailed on June 22, 2021. Owner notification letters (remedy available) were mailed on October 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S22.
Campaign 21V316000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, reclinerAug 28, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.
Campaign 19V633000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasolineNov 14, 2018
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L or 3.5L GTDI engine. Due to an assembly error, the fuel pressure sensor may leak fuel.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel line assembly, free of charge. The recall began December 7, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S35.
Campaign 18V807000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
57 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Aug 19, 2024
The APIM module that controls the display and functioning has stopped working. The following are a couple of safety concerns with this: 1. The backup camera does not work. I almost hit a pedestrian while backing up because of this. 2. Hands free features with communication and gps is not available. Not having this feature takes away a hand from the steering wheel and focus on the road. 3. Some of the climate controls are not accessible. I took the car to a Ford dealer who confirmed that the APIM module is not working. No one else has checked the car. There was a gradual decline in functionality before it completely stopped working. Some trips it would work and others it did not. The frequency of it not working increased until it completely stopped working.
Electrical system, Lane departure, Aug 5, 2024
Our radio and back up assistance screen just stop working
Electrical system, Jul 26, 2024
The horn went out for a second time since I’ve owned this vehicle. The horns are in a bad location and in rainy weather they get wet and short out. The dealer will replace the horn again.
Electrical system, Back over prevention, May 26, 2024
I own a 2018 Ford Explorer there has been an issue when it’s cold out the APIM is not responding and turning on the reverse camera when vehicle is put into reverse. When it is above 70 degrees Fahrenheit the APIM works intermittently. The problem with this is out of the blue when it decides to work at times it turns the radio on with volume at max level This has startled me not knowing it’s going to come on and it won’t let you turn the radio down or power it off. Ford says there is no recall on the issue.
Electrical system, Structure, May 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that on several occasions the vehicle failed to start. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shut off unintendedly. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the alternator was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the A-pillar trim had detached from the vehicle causing excessive wind noise and water to leak into the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 75,000.
Electrical system, Jan 11, 2024
My screen went black for my Ford Explorer. I have no access to climate controls, backup Camera, radio, GPS, etc. My local Ford dealership said there was a recall pending but that’s been a few months now. It’s very dangerous driving like that with my 4 and 2 year old in the car.
Electrical system, Dec 7, 2023
Driver door keypad detacted from pillar. Rear lift gate will not open with button on lift gate, key fob or switch in dash board.
Power train, Electrical system, Air bags, Oct 19, 2023
I have owned this vehicle for a year and have gone through three batteries. It shows multiple coded for circuit shorts - Passenger mirror motor, tailgate/liftgate/trunk motor as well as the cinch striker motor, instrument panel which has lost communication with cruise control module, power steering module, battery voltage circuit below threshold, driver side curtain deployment control 1 circuit short to ground, switch illumination. When the vehicle is stopped or parked it constanly idles up to 1000 to 1500 rpms. These are all the codes that are showing on my vehicle. There has to be some sort of issue causing these problems. What happens if my airbag deploys without warning causing me to cause a major accident which can harm myself, my spouse, children and the people around me.
Fuel/propulsion system, Electrical system, Sep 3, 2023
The gas gauge isn’t reading correctly. I’m a mother of a one year old son and I didn’t noticed that my car was reading wrong until I put in gas and it didn’t give me the correct reading. I have spoken to many people who owns a Ford Explorer and they have said the same thing. I don’t even know where to start on why it wouldn’t work. The problem has been reported and I didn’t get a warning. It just stopped reading correctly. There’s nothing on my dashboard, no sign or anything. I am confused.
Electrical system, Aug 26, 2023
When the radio is on, a loud buzzing sound from the radio, do not believe it’s in the speakers
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 12, 2023
I Drove Explorer directly to Mayo Clinic in MN shorty after the purchase. It would smell like sulpher at times, gasoline, exhaust and I was getting very poor fuel economy. Averaging 17-2. I got extremely sick and confused and had severe headaches and nausea, vertigo, congnitive impairments, burning eyes and all I wanted to do was sleep. I felt fluish and I got confused while going to Mayo for testing. Well, I didn’t make it to my appointment, I couldn’t even figure out how to book a hotel or get cash. I ended up lifeless and chose to stay in the Explorer overnight due to the severe fatigue and confusion. I slept in an open air parking garage and had an electric throw and would start the vehicle occasionally to get warm. Well I ended up so sick and mentally confused and cognitively exhausted my sister called the police to let them know something was wrong with me. I ended up in the hospital for a week. I felt like normal during my days in the hospital, I actually thought that I had been sick from the off gassing of the Explorer, but I couldn’t get away from the smells. I have MCS. After I was released I continued to drive down to Jacksonville Florida for my 3 week outpatient appointment. I was getting terrible fuel economy but I didn’t realize it until I was getting 12 miles a gallon and eventually it went as low as 5 miles per gallon. I was so sick from the odors I didn’t realize how much gas I was going through since I left CO. The Ford at that time in April 2019 had 5,000 miles on it and I was told the reason my fuel economy was so poor along with only getting 5-10 miles per gallon and the frightening smells and sickness were caused by the new emission set up and they refused to listen to my story and symptoms and charged me 500.00 to fix what looked to have been poorly installed. I now have a TBI and severe cognitive and an MRI that shows evidence of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and things only got worse from there. Thank you.
Electrical system, Structure, Jul 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the liftgate failed to open. A message indicating a liftgate failure was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a used car dealer, where the liftgate fuse was replaced twice in one year; however, the failure persisted. The Ford dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 28, 2023
Dealer refuses to repair vehicle without issues being present. States They will only fix it once the problem has arisen.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Apr 5, 2023
The Sync infotainment screen is inoperable and black. My backup camera is no longer operational. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the application programming interface module (APIM) needed to be replaced; however, the part for the repair was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 14, 2023, crash
Around 4:45 , was unable to access cruise control the message rapidly flashed., loss of headlights and all lighting for a few seconds. Was going 70 mph. I exited the interstate to turn around and go to my work on southbound the wrench light came on and I lost power steering, power, acceleration in my turn on the on ramp and proceeded off the road onto the incline somehow avoiding a rollover and teetering sideways. Meanwhile no power to open my window etc. at an angle where I couldn’t open the door, took a minute to get out of the seatbelt. Suddenly got my window able to open and crawled out. The cops, and tow truck couldn’t believe I didn’t roll. The car was at a dealership the previous week for loss of power and terai. System problems/ no power steering and they replaced the throttle body 3 days before this happened. I’ve had multiple electrical/exhaust/power failures. I am terrified to drive this vehicle. It’s been to different dealerships and the ford ones and ford don’t care (only the dealership I purchased it at tries) it is at a fifth one now. We have forscan reports of the failures also. Multiple images at scene also. Car wouldn’t drive correctly and terrain management fault, unloaded itself from trailer too.
Electrical system, Back over prevention, Mar 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the infotainment screen was inoperable. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the application programming interface module (APIM) needed to be replaced; however, the part for the repair was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000.
Electrical system, Back over prevention, Feb 6, 2023
I’ve recently heard from a-couple ford owners and ford technicians them selves that our vehicles come with faulty APIM modules and I just recently found out there was a recall on the 2017 model . I do not understand why there is not a recall on the 2018 model also as mine and several other peoples screen went completely black out of nowhere which is a part called the APIM module has failed which is a safety hazard that I cannot call 911 in an event or even use the back up camera for the safety of my vehicle . APIM modules are not cheap and they are not covered by a lot of warranty companies but it includes so many vital parts or pieces that’s supposed to be included . Please seek to look into this APIM module recall for 2018 models also as it’s been a headache for many people .
Electrical system, Back over prevention, Jan 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing, the back-up camera image was distorted and unviewable. The vehicle had also experienced various electrical failures which included the headlights independently turning on while the vehicle was off. Additionally, while driving at undisclosed speeds, the message "Key Not Detected" was displayed. The vehicle also experienced the liftgate opening independently while driving. The contact also had difficulties starting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the rear camera wire connector had failed due to water damage. The connector was replaced but later the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 20,000.
Electrical system, Back over prevention, Sep 30, 2022
The entire main console screen/information center went black one day. It was unable to be manually reset. Occasionally, on very hot days, the screen would work for the first start up. There are major safety issues associated with this: 1- inability to enable calling for help/911. There is a remote on the steering wheel to make phone calls, however, when the carplay is active and the phone is connected, you must only use the screen, the steering wheel feature is automatically disabled 2- The backup camera system is inoperable when the screen is black. This is dangerous as you cannot see hazards behind you including children, other vehicles, etc. When I contacted Ford's IT department to first report it, they said this has been an ongoing issue with updates that they were aware of, but unable to fix. Skalnek Ford in Lake Orion attempted to diagnose the safety issue for weeks and ultimately the APIM needed replacement.
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was parked on an incline, the vehicle failed to restart without warning. Once the contact arrived at the scene, the vehicle restarted and resumed normal operation. The failure recurred four additional times after the initial failure. After the most recent failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer where the mechanic failed to duplicate the failure. The dealer replaced the battery; however, the failure returned soon after the replacement. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was referred to the NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Electrical system, Apr 6, 2022
Horn failed to sound after pressing center of steering wheel. The horn started changing tones over a period of time then got quieter and then stopped working all together. Fuses and relays are in good condition. Will take it to a Ford dealer to have it looked at for further diagnosis.
Electrical system, Dec 8, 2021
The battery continues to drain even when parked next to my house. After a few days some systems shut down beginning with the passenger door handle sensor not unlocking the doors when touched. A few days later the car would not start. It has been to several dealers in the nearly three years I have owned it and had numerous batteries replaced. Dealer always states everything checks out fine I have been stranded with a no start several times. The 12 volt accessories socket also stops working.
Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Sep 16, 2020
I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING ACCELERATION/TRANSMISSION CONCERNS, WHERE THE VEHICLE ESSENTIAL STALLS AND WILL NOT ACCELERATE. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 5 SECONDS, THE COMPUTER AND TRANSMISSION APPEAR TO 'SYNC' AND THE VEHICLE WILL ACCELERATE, BUT THE ISSUE WILL CONTINUE TO HAPPEN UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF AND BACK ON AGAIN. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPEN, I WAS IN A COSTCO PARKING LOT, SO I DID NOT THINK MUCH OF IT. THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPEN, JULY 12TH, 2020, I WAS CROSSING A BUSY ROAD OF TRAFFIC NEAR MY HOME AND WAS ALMOST INVOLVED IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT AS A RESULT OF THIS FAILURE. AS I WAS CROSSING THE 2 LANES OF TRAFFIC TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN, MY VEHICLE STALLED AND I WAS ALMOST SIDE SWIPED BY AN ONCOMING VEHICLE. AFTER THIS INCIDENT, I HAD MY VEHICLE TOWED TO A FORD DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. UPON EXTENSIVE ANALYSIS OF THE VEHICLE, THE TECHNICIANS COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE INCLUDING NO FAILED SENSORS IN THE COMPUTER AND THE TECHNICIANS WERE NOT ABLE TO REPLICATE THE CONCERN. ON AUGUST 19TH, 2020, MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I IMMEDIATELY RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO FORD DEALERSHIP HOPING THIS WAS A RESULT OF THE ISSUES I HAD BEEN HAVING. UPON ANOTHER DIAGNOSIS, THE ERROR WAS CLEARED FOR AN ENGINE KNOCK SENSOR, BUT THIS WAS NOT RELATED TO MY CONCERNS WITH THE ACCELERATION OR TRANSMISSION.
Electrical system, Aug 25, 2020
IN MARCH 2018 I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2018 EXPLORER. IN NOVEMBER 2019 MY SECURITY SYSTEM STARTED GOING OFF ON IT'S OWN WITHOUT ANY DISTURBANCE TO THE VEHICLE OR ME TOUCHING MY KEYS. THE NEXT DAY THE BATTERY WAS DEAD AND THE FORD SERVICE CENTER TOLD ME MY BATTERY WAS DEAD DUE TO A COLD SNAP (WE ARE IN SC...IT DOES NOT GET THAT COLD). I HAD TO GET A BRAND NEW BATTERY. NOW LESS THAN A YEAR LATER, IT'S AUGUST 2020 AND THE KEY PAD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE EXTERIOR DOOR IS MALFUNCTIONING AND BLINKING UNCONTROLLABLY UNTIL IT FINALLY DIED AND DOES NOT WORK. THE CAR IS STILL FUNCTIONING FINE UP UNTIL THIS POINT. NOW 3 WEEKS LATER, MY CAR DID NOT START THIS MORNING AND I HAD TO BE JUMPED OFF. I TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID SOMETHING IS DRAINING MY BATTERY AND IT IS NOT HOLDING A CHARGE. THERE'S NO REASON WHY A 2018 EXPLORER SHOULD NEED TWO NEW BATTERIES IN 2 YEARS. SOMETHING IS DRAINING MY BATTERY AND NO ONE CAN TELL ME WHAT THAT ISSUE IS.
Electrical system, Jul 24, 2020
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