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: engine
119 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Apr 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was black smoke coming from under the hood. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the battery was faulty. The battery was replaced. The contact stated that while driving, there was black smoke coming from under the hood, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The transmission was replaced. Later, while driving again, the black smoke was again present coming from the hood of the vehicle, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine and turbo were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, there was an abnormal odor outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 131,504.
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 5, 2025, fire
The High-Speed Cooling Fan Motor Relay (Recall 21N01) and the Exterior A-Pillar Apical Molding (Recall 24V031) failed on my vehicle. The cooling fan caused the engine to overheat repeatedly, and the vehicle became undrivable. Unfortunately, I no longer have the vehicle, as it was surrendered to my bank and later sold at auction. However, service records, diagnostic reports, and recall information are available upon request. The overheating engine presented a significant safety risk while driving, as it could have caused the vehicle to stall or catch fire. A AAA roadside technician confirmed that the vehicle was unsafe to drive due to the overheating issue. This defect left me stranded, requiring alternative transportation and creating a hazard for others on the road had I continued driving the vehicle. Yes, the problem was confirmed by a AAA roadside technician, who performed a diagnostic scan and identified that the engine overheating was due to a defective cooling fan relay. The issue aligns with Recall 21N01. The molding defect (Recall 24V031) was not specifically inspected, but it was noted as part of the recall documentation. No, the vehicle was not inspected by Ford or any other representatives after the issues arose. I checked Ford’s website in February 2024 and learned about the recalls, but I was never notified by Ford about these safety defects while I owned the vehicle. AAA provided the only diagnostic assessment before I surrendered the vehicle to my bank. Yes, there were symptoms prior to the failure. The vehicle’s engine temperature warning light came on repeatedly, and the battery required constant recharging. The overheating symptoms first appeared in February 2024, and the vehicle became completely undrivable the next day.
Engine, Feb 3, 2025, crash
My 2018 Ford Explorer rolled backwards down a hill while in park and engine off.
Engine, Jan 29, 2025
We took the car in for the recall 24V031 which is not able to be fixed at this time due to lack of parts. The Ford dealership explained to us that there were 2 other recalls on this vehicle that had not been addressed. They asked us if we wanted them fixed. We agreed to have them fixed. One being the luggage rack clips the other being high speed fan motor relay switch. The luggage rack was completed. The dealership replaced the fan not the relay switch as the recall indicated. When we brought the vehile home, the fan was super loud and would come on when ever it wanted too, whether the vehicle was running or shut off. It would also runn continuously even though it was not hot out nor had the car been running. We took the car back to the dealership. They looked into it. Ordered apart that never came. They had our car for 3 weeks and finally after arguing amongst themselves determined the relay switch should be replaced. Once we brought the car home, again the fan is super loud and runs randomly. The dealership has washed their hands of this situation. Telling us we are welcome to take it to another dealership as they believe the fan is running properly. We never had any indication that the fan was running improperly to begin with. My car was quiet and ran wonderfully. Now it is loud and actually embarrassing. Our friend was walking by and heard a loud noise like an airplane. He turned the corner and said wow that's your fan in the explorer, that isn't right. This sucks. I love my explorer but because of this I really don't. I believe it is not fixed and maybe never needed to be fixed. We followed all of the channels thru Ford to have this remedied. Now I am putting it in your hands.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon his mother attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the high-speed cooling fan motor relay. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program: 21N01. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing coolant, but there was no indication of a coolant leak. There were no warning lights illuminated. There was cool air coming from the heater vents. The contact called an independent mechanic for orange coolant, who informed the contact that the coolant was on backorder. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for a routine oil change and diagnosed that the water pump was leaking and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
Electrical system, Structure, Engine, Jan 15, 2025
The vehicle experienced multiple defects, including: Overheating due to a malfunctioning cooling fan motor relay. Exterior A-pillar trim detachment. Persistent starting issues, even after replacing the battery. The vehicle is no longer in my possession due to repossession, so inspection may not be possible. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The overheating issue posed a risk of engine failure while driving. The detached A-pillar trim could have caused a road hazard for other drivers if it fell off while in motion. The starting issues left me stranded on multiple occasions, which could have been dangerous in certain environments. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the dealership confirmed the issues but stated the vehicle needed to meet specific conditions (e.g., 100 miles for certain repairs) and required costly repairs that I couldn’t afford. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle was inspected by the dealership, but Ford Motor Company has not performed any direct inspections to my knowledge. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? For the overheating issue, the engine temperature warning light appeared intermittently. For the starting issue, there were no warning lights; the vehicle simply failed to start on multiple occasions. The A-pillar trim issue was visibly apparent, but no specific warning messages were displayed.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jan 8, 2025
This will be another submission as I am getting frustrated. My Explorer has had constant issues like clock work every 6/7 months. I have gone through 6 batteries in a two year time span. I have had the battery control module replaced because I thought that would be the fix. However it is not. While operating my vehicle yesterday on [XXX] after barely even starting the battery died and my car said multiple systems were failing almost causing someone to rear ended me. This is a safety issue like no other. When will I receive feedback for these matters I keep submitting? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Dec 27, 2024
Failed water pump and coolant leak. Numerous vehicles are failed for the same reason at each local shop and Ford dealer we’ve contacted for a quote. Repair costs are expected between $5,000 and $6,000.
Engine, Dec 18, 2024
Unknown Multiple owners of 2018 Ford Explorers are reporting oil leaks from bad seals. The oil leaks can cause fires, so we are in the process of having our Ford repaired at a mechanic and will know more at a later date.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Nov 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to shift to revere, the vehicle jerked and hesitated before shifting into reverse. The contact stated that after shifting to drive, the RPM revved; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The contact released the accelerator pedal, shifted to neutral and back to drive while slowly depressing the accelerator pedal for the vehicle to operate as needed. The contact stated that afterwards while driving 20 MPH or more, the vehicle sputtered and was making an abnormal grinding sound. While idling, the vehicle started shaking violently. The contact stated that the “WRENCH” and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to identify the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission had failed due to failed spark plugs and filters. The mechanic also stated that there was a significant amount of rust on the engine. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact became aware of a Customer Satisfaction Program: 10181988 (Power Train) and Technical Service Bulletin 10184634 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Power Train) and linked the TSB and CSP to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall, Customer Satisfaction Program 10181988 (Power Train), and Technical Service Bulletin 10184634 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Power Train). The manufacturer opened a case for the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000.
Engine, Nov 20, 2024
My car has 105k miles on it. And the check engine light came on. Code was 3rd cyl. Misfire. Changed spark plug and coil pack. Light cane back on the next day. Then the overheat warning comes on. Shut vehicle off to cool. The coolant is now completely empty. Vehicle will not start. Have towed and the dealership gets it yo start but smoking. Dealership basically doesn't even notice that the fluid is low after we had filled it again. They say there's nothing wrong even though it wouldn't start and then was smoking when it did. Take to another mechanic to discover coolant in the 3rd Cylinder and need a whole new motor. This issue has been common in these ecoboosts! But Ford has still failed to recall or do anything about it. Can cause overheating and fire from what I've read. And also cracked head and or block! $8000 repair on a vehicle just out of the extended warranty for an issue they know they had!
Engine, Nov 11, 2024
Took the vehicle to a Ford Dealership to fix the roof railings (recalled). While doing their inspection they said the vehicle was out of coolant and that the water pump needed to be replaced and it would cost $4400.82. There were no warning lights or anything indicating that anything was wrong with the vehicle. This is a safety issue because the vehicle could overheat and shut down in the middle of the interstate without any warnings. This is a problem with the Explorer and should be remedied. Ford said there is a possibility that the coolant leaked into the engine and if so, a new engine would be required.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 27, 2024
Doesn’t want to run right
Engine, Oct 26, 2024
Driving home from work when all of a sudden my car started jerking, not shifting correctly and could hear a noticeable noise coming from the engine. Low oil pressure light came on and pulled over. Car would not restart. Had it towed to mechanic and was determined that the engine was hydrolocked due to coolant getting into the pistons and oil. New engine needed on a 6 year old car with 91,000 miles. Upon researching it seems this is a common problem with eco boost engines and I don’t believe I should be responsible for this apparent COMMON issue.
Engine, Oct 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine and coolant warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the water pump had leaked into the engine and advised the contact to maintain the anti-freeze level at full. The vehicle was taken to another local independent mechanic for a second opinion where it was diagnosed with the same failures and advised the contact to reach out to the local dealer for assistance. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Engine, Oct 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact's wife stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the low oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 125,787.
Engine, Sep 27, 2024
My check engine light came on took the SUV to Ford Dealership for service. They informed me that my engine had coolant intrusion and that I would need a new engine. In reviewing this information online I noticed that there have been multiple recalls on the EcoBoost engine with the same problem.
Engine, Sep 9, 2024
My 2.7L eco boost ford explorer had a crack in the intake manifold allowing water to leak into the piston heads. This resulted in engine misfire and ultimately led to a full engine replacement. The service technicians at the dealership noted that the 2.7 L eco boost are notorious for cracked engine components due to a mismatch in metal alloy. In reference to NHTSA# EA23002.
Engine, Sep 6, 2024
I purchased this vehicle Nov. 2021 with 46,000 miles and still having warranty on it. After driving less than 3000 miles began to see large/heavy amounts of blue smoke coming from the exhaust when starting the vehicle along with random loud noise at certain times when starting. Checked the oil and it was almost 2 quarts low and oil life said only 33% left. Complained that I thought it was burning oil at the dealership and their fix was to give me a free oil change and a new air filter saying there was no problem. I continued to have these same issues over the next 2 years with no documentation by the dealership of my complaints and no solution to the continued problems. At 1 point it was over 3 qrt. low on oil with none on the ground. Then on 3- 31-24 while headed for vacation and over 3 hrs from home driving 70+ MPH lost all power to the vehicle and thankfully close to an exit on highway. Had expense of a rental to continue on vacation. Had to reach out to a friend to tow the vehicle back 3+ hrs to home. Had an independent mechanic diagnose the car finding out it was a catastrophic misfire and loss of compression in 2 cylinders. Complained to dealership who then did their own diagnostics getting same answer. The vehicle by this time out of warranty and dealership doesn't want to help with paying for a new motor. Made 2 complaints to Ford directly with zero help. All of this should've been documented at the time of complaints so when the misfire actually occurred I might've gotten some help. I can't afford a new motor so had to borrow a car from a neighbor while figuring out what to do. The dealership solution was to trade me out of it into a newer vehicle which I'm not fond of and have a significantly higher payment which I didn't want either do to having now negative equity in the trade. Now finding out there is a recall on the same issue but for different year. I would hope that they would recall all Ecoboost and there would be some compensation
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 4, 2024
Check engine light showing. Diagnostic testing shows misfire in cylinder #3. Ford dealership ran diagnostic testing ($169.95) and verified concern and found coolant intrusion cylinder #3. Advised, due to mileage (75,976 miles), replacement of long block. Replacement cost estimated at $11k. No repairs have been performed at this point due to excessive cost. Second Diagnostic test ($89.95) with independent mechanic - confirmed original verification and found evidence of wear on long block. Mechanic stated that he currently had a Ford Edge in the shop with the same issues. There is currently a class action law suit against Ford for same the issue..
Engine, Aug 31, 2024
Our 2018 Ecoboost Ford Explorer started releasing smoke from the tailpipe when starting in April 2023. I took it in to the Ford of Kirkland dealership in early May 2023. They kept my car for 9 weeks, and then said there is nothing wrong with it and gave it back in July 2023. The car kept having the same issue. This was while it was still under warranty about 96,000 miles. Fast forward to February 2024, the car has continued to smoke this entire time since the dealership gave it back in July. In February, I was driving home on the freeway going up hill when the car suddenly decelerated rapidly. I was able to get off the freeway and have my husband come and he got it home. We contacted the dealership (Ford of Kirkland) the same one that did nothing in 2023. They trailered it in for a look. The response we got from the service manager was that "The engine needs replaced due to scoring in the cylinder and low compression". We could not afford to pay for an engine replacement, so we wrote a letter to Ford, who responded "thank you for letting us know, but there are no recalls and it is out of warranty, so save your receipts and if a recall comes up you could potentially be reimbursed". I received this response from Ford in June 2024, so basically they were unwilling to help. Imagine my surprise that a recall was just announced today for the exact issue we have with our car in other model years, but not our model year. I would like to know my rights. I am still paying on a car that has a failed engine, with Ford basically having told me they will do nothing. As noted, this issue is confirmed by the Ford of Kirkland dealership, which I have in writing from the service manager. The car has not been inspected by the manufacturer directly, but IS available for inspection if you would like. The car has been sitting for several months now, while we try to figure out what to do. We don't have $10,000 to replace a motor that we should not need to replace.
Engine, Aug 6, 2024
Failed water pump/coolant leak. Vehicle will suddenly overheat and engine can seize. Vehicle will stop unexpectedly and endanger the lives of the driver, passenger and other motorists. Temperature warning and check engine light comes on only when vehicle is overheated at which point there is no coolant left. Issue has been confirmed by an independent service center. I was told that they would not touch this repair and to take it to a dealership due to the location of the water pump, it's relationship to the timing chains and the labor intensive job. The part is inexpensive. A simple Google search indicates that this is a known design problem since approximately 2011 and affects many makes and models. There are several class action law suits and a recall was issued in Canada for the same issue. Ford will acknowledge "off the books" that it is a problem but offer no financial assistance or support for their design flaw. It is an extremely costly repair for a very pricey vehicle.
Engine, Jul 10, 2024
Ford EcoBoost 2.0 engine failure at 66,000 miles as coolant has leaked into the engine compartment and oil pan. Known issue by Ford as design defect on the EcoBoost engines. Current class action lawsuit over this [XXX] et al., v. Ford Motor Company, Case No. [XXX], filed in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. Plaintiffs have experienced the exact same failures on the EcoBoost engines. Ford issued multiple technical service bulletins (TSBs) and other service messages for vehicles equipped with EcoBoost engines. Luckily, the failure occurred at home and not while driving at highway speeds as there have been reports of fires occurring if vehicle is moving during failure. Vehicle began rough idling 7-10 days ago and check engine light showed a code for misfire of cylinder. Had plugs changed but check engine light returned and then as of today, after overheating light came on dash upon startup with clouds of white smoke coming from exhaust, checked coolant levels and it was empty and drained down into the oil pan showing milky colored oil. Again... Ford knows about this issue with EcoBoost and has since 2017 and has failed to issue recall for customer safety due to cost factors and continues to address on case by case basis with most common offer to cover partial cost of engine replacement. Most consumers don't have the financial resources to sue Ford, so they continue to take advantage of their size and financial power to abuse customers. Please take action about this known issue and review the above class action case before Ford's negligence results in consumer death or serious injury. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)