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, Back over prevention, Jul 24, 2023
Recently my screen has not been working in the car. When I took it to the car dealership they said it was the APIM and it is 1400. They said they have had to order about 35 of them in the past month with cars having the same issue. If this is the case then a recall should be considered due to the price that is associated with this part
Other or unspecified, Jul 22, 2023
Both side pieces on the windshield have flow off while traveling down the high way. The first time it happened was about 2 months ago on the passengers side and last night 7/21 on the drivers side
Other or unspecified, Jul 15, 2023
A-pillar passenger side window trim came loose, would not pop back in, and broke off while driving down the highway.
Other or unspecified, Jul 14, 2023
The windshield trim molding on both sides of my vehicle, at different times, became unattached, broke and flew off while traveling at 70 mph, causing damage to my vehicle, while jeopardizing the safety and well-being of other vehicles behind or around me on the road. The safety of others are at risk if this piece hit them, especially on a Motocycle. The Ford Motor Company does not offer a recall and the cost for the dealership to replace and reattach is $800-900. I have tried using cement glue to reattach, and it has also broken loose and flew off from that. These pieces are projectiles and could fatally harm someone and do damage to another vehicle. These pieces need to be recalled and replaced at no charge to the consumer.
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.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jul 4, 2023
The passenger side windshield panel flew off while driving 70 mph on the highway. There is now a rattling sound when I drive over 30 mph. There were no warning signs, only a loud crack. This could have been very dangerous if someone had been next to or behind the vehicle.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 29, 2023
Leaking exhuast fumes into the cab.
Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 28, 2023
Have had the vehicle for less than a year have had nothing but lil problems but recently have gotten a cranking noise, transmission / coolant leaking under the vehicle. Also have water leaking from the exhaust line when car is in park. Driving back from work early in the morning a sounded like a big pop not sure what it have may been took it to the mechanic ass well twice an got it diagnosed an they’re response was they couldn’t find the problem. The area I’ve seen an heard the clunking the most would be under the vehicle at the center by the catalyst converter. Transmission jerks as well I’ve had this vehicle for 8 months a don’t seem to be what a vehicle should be doing.
Other or unspecified, May 25, 2023
The driver side trim piece near the windshield blew off while driving down the highway.
Other or unspecified, May 18, 2023
WINDSHIELD TRIM CAME OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS DIRECTLY BEHIND ME , BUT ANOTHER DRIVER ON THE RIGHT OF ME SAW THE PIECE FLAGGED ME DOWN TO LET ME KNOW. AND INFORMED THAT THERE IS AN INVESTIGATION ABOUT THIS PIECE
Other or unspecified, May 13, 2023
On 2018 ford explorer, the windshield trim on passenger side came off during a road trip. Vehicle was going 70mph and the trim piece flew off.
Other or unspecified, May 6, 2023
Both of the front window panels/trim on the outside flew off on the highway. Two different incidents. As if they are not properly installed because why are they so loose and flying off. Ford needs to fix this with a recall this is ridiculous
Other or unspecified, May 4, 2023
I was driving on Interstate 75 Sunday April 30 , when the Windshield A-Pillar molding trim ,passenger side blew off and flew into the traffic behind me.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Apr 11, 2023
The trim around my windshield on my driver's side blew off of the car. It is totally missing. Upon research, this appears to be a pretty common problem and it is very dangerous. Parts coming loose while driving could injure other drivers. No warning that the piece was loose. I am not sure who to report the problem to, I am going to call the dealership tomorrow and my warranty company. My concern is that the replacement piece may not stay on the car.
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.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Apr 4, 2023
While traveling at highway speed, the driver's side windshield pillar trim detached itself from the vehicle and flew into the roadway resulting in the following vehicle needing to take evasive maneuvers to avoid collision. In June of 2021 the passenger side piece also detached at highway speed and collided with the following vehicle. Ford does not offer a more robust replacement part, so there is no way for drivers to remedy this hazard.
Other or unspecified, Apr 2, 2023
While driving down the interstate a trim piece fllew off of my vehicle.. It was on the driver's side windshield support.
Other or unspecified, Mar 17, 2023
The windshield trim will not stay on-I will have to take in for replacement. I have already read this was an ongoing issue and was being investigated so I wanted to get my report in as well. This should be a recall issue.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 10, 2023
Water pump leaking
Other or unspecified, Jan 31, 2023
No incident has occurred yet but I heard about the issue with the windshield parts coming loose. I have experienced the sound of air coming through the edges of the windshield when traveling on the highway. The sounds has gotten louder over time and I am always concerned that damage could occur during these travels.
Other or unspecified, Sep 2, 2022
Roof rack rails have detached from my vehicle several times since purchasing my vehicle. The Ford dealership knows of the problem, attempted a brandade approach to solve the problem but has not fixed the problem. They used glue to try an fix a potential but that could result in the rail becoming detached on the freeway, flying off and striking another car and causing an accident. The right rail on my explorer came off on the freeway and luckily did not strike another vehicle. Despite knowing the problem and not accepting blame, my dealership asked me to pay for replacement rails. Ford should be instructed to recall all Ford Explorers with these rails and come up with a permanent fix before a major accident result in the death of someone.
Other or unspecified, Aug 20, 2022
I bought a new Fire explorer in 2018 from Napleton Ford in Libertyville, IL. It has almost 22k miles in 2011. Early July, 2022, while driving, the Sync system of my car started failing. While reversing the car a few times, the screen went black, leaving me with a few seconds very distracted that could have led to a bad accident. It was an intermittent issue for a few days until the system completely stopped working when I was driving on a highway and suddenly lost all connectivity to my car Bluetooth and left with no USB power in the car or a way to start the back AC because it was Sync locked, eventually leading to a very unsafe drive on the highway. I took it to the dealership and they investigated to find the APIM module of the car had failed and it is a very common issue with Ford. It fails almost as soon as the warranty on the car expires. I feel cheated by Ford.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 10, 2022
on May 25th I started my car and the dashboard indicated my engine is at critical stating its overheating. I immediately turned the car off and waited 10 minutes to restart the vechle assuming it was a malfunction because the vechle hasn't been driven since the day before. As I restarted the car no warning indicators lit and the vechle was normal as usual. I drove around the corner and noticed the vechle stalling with a slight jurk. I immediately drove into an auto shop to check what's going on. I told the rep what's happening with the car. they checked the oil and stated the coolant is mixing with the oil and that I need service right away. I asked if I get an oil change will it get me home around the corner. the rep stated it shouldn't be a problem. As I left it was fine, until I reached my driveway and the vechle just shut off. I then asked for help to push the vechle into the driveway by my neighbor and was able to put the car in neutral and moved into my driveway. I searched around to see recalls on fordpass app, it only stated that it was a new CSP on my vin to upgrade the high speed cooling fan relay and it's components stating it is known to either cause overheating or fire and that the relay will be replaced for vechles with millage at or below 150000 miles. I was in the clear and covered because I was at 126,600 miles. I remembered as I turned my vechle on it stated a critical indication of my engine overheating following me turning off the vechle and waiting 10 minutes and restarting with no warning indicators on. I contacted ford for service by requesting a tow to Brandon ford. The vechle was towed and the following day a service rep named Scott called stating he received the vechle and that it's gonna take a couple of days to get to, I said no problem. the next day I was contacted by Scott and was told my engine is seized and that no service is gonna be performed and to come pick my vechle up. I found recalls for 2019 and 2020 ford vechles but not 2018
Other or unspecified, Jul 3, 2022
Driving on freeway the driver side windshield A-Pillar trim came almost all of the way off and was flapping. We pulled it off by the one remaining attachment and drove home. Also noticed the passenger side A-Pillar trim was loose. Took to dealer. There was not a recall so we payed to have them replaced. The total cost was $655.96. These could have flown off of the vehicle and caused an accident.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Apr 6, 2022
i SEEN WHERE THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE ROOF RACK COVERS ON EXPLORERS. MINE ON MY PASSENGER SIDE BLEW OFF IN THE WIND. SHOULD MY VEHICLE HAVE BEEN IN THIS RECALL. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).