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: other or unspecified
167 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Oct 22, 2025
Backup Camera does not work. This has been going on for two years. We have been to the dealer about this situation. There were intermittent messages saying that the camera didn't work, then it completely stopped. This started in 2023. We went to the dealer to find out about what it would cost to have it fixed and found out that all the years around the 2018 had been recalled for this problem. We wanted you to know that the 2018 has the same problem as these other vehicles with the backup camera.
Other or unspecified, Oct 16, 2025
Nothing has happened yet, but I want to make dure nothing does happen as a result of not taking care of this potential problem.
Other or unspecified, Oct 10, 2025
The plastic covers on the roof rails are both loose and constantly pop out. I'm nervous that they are going to fly off when driving, causing an issue for other drivers.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Oct 6, 2025
The dash on my 2018 Ford Explorer platinum is rolling up from the front of the dash. It is made out of some sort of leather or vinyl. But with it rolling up towards the driver, it causes a glare onto the windshield which causes visibility issues. I know I'm not the only one experiencing these problems with the platinum trim on the 2018 ford explorer. But this really needs to be looked into and recalled. You can also look up the explorer platinum on a vehicle search website and visibly see that every platinum edition explorer has this issue. It's unsafe and should be addressed immediately.
Other or unspecified, Sep 15, 2025
Rear view camera not functioning since March 2025
Other or unspecified, Sep 12, 2025
My 2018 Ford Explorer Limited has been having issues with the back up camera for longer than 18 months. My local Ford in Margate Florida is aware of the problem. My camera goes blank when I’m backing up it stops working my mirrors on the driver side will not fold out my passenger side door if I touch it when it’s locked will alarm I believe all of this is related to an electrical problem in the camera. This is dangerous and I’m very frustrated. I want my car looked at free of charge by Ford because something‘s going on with the camera and it’s extremely dangerous while I’m backing up to have the camera stop and then for me to reset it I can’t do it while backing up. I have a neck injury that prevents me from looking over my shoulder currently Can somebody please call me my name is [XXX] my phone number is [XXX] or you may email me at [XXX] thank you very much. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Sep 5, 2025
Ford sent me a recall notice for my 2018 Explorer A-Pillar replacement February 2024. I made an appointment and they attempted to install the new A-Pillars. However they broke the new replacement part (drivers side) during the install. They gave me my Explorer back without an A-Pillar and said they would expedite getting an new one. It's now been over a year, the dealership is not responsive, only saying it's a manufacture problem. I called Ford and get the same message. Meanwhile I have a very unsightly SUV, it is also very noisy to drive. Additionally, I would like to replace this vehicle, but its now worth much less. Is their anything that the NHTSB can do to hold Ford accountable for this repair? Thank you in advance, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Aug 18, 2025
The dash cover came unglued and is rolling up exposing a white cloth that reflects on the windshield makingit hard to see
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 8, 2025
I previously reported a battery 'explosion' in this 2018 Ford Explorer with ODI 11678705 due to my concern for a potentially highly dangerous situation for my grandchildren who were riding with me. And myself. An unpleasant smell intermittently followed this car that morning July 10 Upon opening the hood it was evident that battery acid had leaked out of the battery and 'exploded' covering most visible engine parts. Entire time of drive there was no 'alert' showing up on my dashboard July 11 car would not start to take to Ford dealership. AAA towed car with AAA driver remarking 'looks like your battery exploded!' Engine compartment cleaned by service, battery replaced July 12 July 18 engine light came on. Ford dealership contacted, no service appointment available until Aug 20. Advised by Ford service to take short trips only, and stop driving if engine light started flashing. I restricted my driving. July 27 started car for trip to church. Loud banging coming from under hood. Stopped driving. Car towed July 28 to Ford dealership repair. Car was not into service dept until Aug. 5. Aug 6, Ford service decided to get input from a more experienced technician to diagnose the problem with 2018 Ford explorer Aug 7, Ford service escalated case to Ford corporate for engineering help with identifying 'electrical' problem with my car. Ford service rep stated 'you car is throwing a code not typically seen with explorers) How can be safe if these my car had a battery issues mechanics freely admit they have not seen before. And now trained Ford mechanics cannot even find or fix the broken link that truly may be responsible for back to back engine failures? Dealer has finally been able to provide a rental. This car has been maintained according to factory recommendations at Sunset Ford and Bommarito Ford St. Loui
Other or unspecified, Aug 6, 2025
The dashboard is string to come up the glue is no longer holding and it cause the leather to shrink and come up cause a white glare on the windshield and making it hard to see
Other or unspecified, Aug 3, 2025
This recall was opened in Jan 2024. It’s been almost two years and parts still not available. I use my vehicle for business as part of Turo and they deactivated this vehicle in 2024 and won’t let me add it back until repaired. I have loss of income around 25,000 due to this. Easy remedy still no fix.
Other or unspecified, Jul 8, 2025
As you drive you can hear air coming from around the windshield on the drivers side.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jun 19, 2025
About two years ago, I had the windshield replaced because I had a crack in it. A certified tech approved by my insurance replaced it. Once that happened, I noticed the right A-pillar was loose. Thinking it was something they did incorrectly, I called and they came to fix it; however, a day later, it did the same thing. The clips would not fit correctly. While going down the road, it flew off and scraped the side of my car. Now there isn't an A-pillar and I'm afraid water is getting into my car. Since that happened, my electrical system has been acting strange. I called the AutoNation and I was told the saw the recall, but they didn't have any fixes for it yet. That was in 2024.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 18, 2025
The radio flickers on & off when started for about 10 minutes. It’s very distracting. The windshield makes a whistling noise when going above 50mph
Other or unspecified, Jun 11, 2025
I can hear air coming from the windshield on the drivers side at the top
Other or unspecified, May 29, 2025
I took this vehicle for a recall on September 2024 mire than 9 months ago & as of today, there has been no solucion from customer service. I have send text messages to get an update & on January 2025 I was told that 3 of the 4 parts missing have arrived & they were just waiting for the last one. This recall have affected my business because I can't sell this vehicle due to the recall on it. I am really desperate to get the recall done so I can sell it. Carrillo's Auto Sales
Other or unspecified, Apr 22, 2025
The Ford dealer inspected the trunk lip's rust but refused to submit it to Ford Consumer Support for a corrosion warranty extension claim. The rust must have existed long before the corrosion warranty expired and was not detected for a month after. In 2023, the hood had rust bubbles around the edge and was repaired. I would like to have the rust of the Ford Explorer reviewed for a manufacturer recall.
Other or unspecified, Apr 3, 2025
I use this car for business as part of my income. Ford has issued an Advance Recall Notice. In January 2024. I have not been able earn money because of the recall notice. Manufacturer recall number: 24S02 NHTSA Recall number: 24V031 From legal advice, the Advance Recall Notice is for the dealers and is not an Official Recall Notice. Since the notice, I have been unable to rent out my vehicle. That's 15 months ago with no income. Now I have another Advance Recall Notice on my other vehicle a 2020 Expedition Max Limited. I need to make a living. What actions can be taken.? I've called numerous times first to times, no answer phone just rang after initial message. The following times, a human answered after message but i was disconnected or inadvertently put on hold. Then steered to this page. Looking for some assistance.
Other or unspecified, Feb 27, 2025
Horn Failure. Does not work at all. This in now the third time my horn has failed and requires replacement (again). In addition, FORD still does not have replacement parts for the A-FRAME recall. It is unsafe to be driving this vehicle.
Other or unspecified, Feb 15, 2025
I purchased the 2018 Ford Explorer and it worked fine there were no issues when I bought it on 7/8/2024 as of 2/14/25 the coolant leaks and I have been adding coolant like crazy. Are there any defective parts on the 2018 Ford Explorer? I had only a 90 day warranty through CARMAX.
Other or unspecified, Feb 5, 2025
Description In some of the affected vehicles it may be possible that some of the exterior a-pillar applique trim clip attachments are not properly engaged due to improper assembly or repair. If this occurs, the a-pillar applique trim, which borders the right and left side of the windshield, may be loose, missing or become detached. Safety Risk An exterior a-pillar trim part that detaches while driving can create a road hazard for other road users, increasing the risk of a crash. I bought the car Jauary 19, 2024. The parts to fix this was supposed to be here by fall of 2024. This is affecting my job and will not be able to work soon. I do uber and they want this fixed or they will cancel me.
Other or unspecified, Jan 15, 2025
While driving down the interstate, parts on both sides of my windsheild came flying off, leaving the sides of my windshield exposed and debris flying behind me into oncoming traffic. I got notice of the recall, called FORD, they indicated it would be fine, its not dangerous, and parts were on back order until February. This happened, I called FORD again, and now the parts are not available until MARCH. Meanwhile I'm drivng around with missing pieces on either side of my windwhield, a whistling wind noise in the interior of my car and possibly damaged someone behind me on the interstate. this is unacceptable on behalf of ford. please advise.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Dec 10, 2024
Body control module has went out in the vehicle multiple times. Which causes the battery to die and the vehicle not to start. Part has been replaced multiple times.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Lane departure, Dec 8, 2024
Radio and back up screen stop working 1 month after purchase.
Other or unspecified, Dec 6, 2024
The A-pillar appliques on my vehicle are detaching and my windshield vibrates while i drive, putting my family at risk, and others as well. The rubber seal around windshield is coming off on the outside of car. I have reached out to Ford on multiple occasions with no course of action. I have done my research and have let them know since they can not fix the problem, I have contacted a lawyer. Still nothing. When driving my car any speed the windshield vibrates, idling and the windshield vibrates. this is a safety concern for my family. Please help us