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, Mar 29, 2022
I was informed via mail several months ago there was a safety recall related to my 2018 Ford Explorer regarding the roof rail cover. My wife contacted our original dealership (Fairway Ford in Placentia) who stated that the repairs were unnecessary and refused to service the vehicle. In the past week I then received a safety recall reminder from Ford via mail and when I contacted their service representative (Bell; Today around 8:40 AM) she confirmed that the repairs were indeed necessary and she directed me to another dealership (Villa Ford in Orange) due to being informed of the refusal of Fairway Ford to perform the repairs.
Other or unspecified, Structure, Mar 28, 2022
Roof rack cover blew off while driving and snapped 3/4 of the cover off. Part was not recovered. Research shows this was an issue on the vehicle and there was a recall. When entering the vin # it shows no recalls?
Other or unspecified, Mar 5, 2022
All of the components actually failed that were connected to in said computers Dean or data I am noticing that since we have connected our phones to this system and system and the Ford app we have seen constant problems with vehicle with vehicle has actually shut off while driving driving and lights are acting really weird would like to make sure that our identity theft data breach and hacking That has been done to us has not breached our vehicle's security systems within all said computer component Which can cause death dismemberment tdismemberment disharm or more please contact.
Other or unspecified, Feb 19, 2022
2018 Ford Explorer Limited with rotten egg like smell/fumes emitted into the cab when increasing in speed. The smell became extremely strong to the point of having to roll down the windows. This has happened on multiple occasions.
Other or unspecified, Nov 22, 2021
Currently on 3rd day of owning vehicle. On second day, the presence of strong exhaust odor persisted throughout the day driving close to 90 miles. Heat was on around 72 with both head & floor pulling in fresh air. Had to open sunroof because of how strong odor became when sitting idle while stopping. There are no warning lights or anything that would be causing exhaust to enter car abnormally.
Other or unspecified, Oct 29, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH in the rain, the vehicle stalled, and the windshield wipers seized. The contact stated that the message “transmission not in the park” was displayed. The contact restarted the vehicle and drove to his residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.
Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Oct 27, 2021
Sync screen completely blacked out. Started after Ford replaces my battery. Back up camera does not work; front and rear sensors do not work; along with all sync related activities (climate control, hands free) It has now progressed to instrument panel starting with the compass. Based on other complaints fear it will move on to other instrument panel devices.
Other or unspecified, Oct 15, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the trim detached from the windshield. The contact was able to drive to her destination. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.
Other or unspecified, Oct 15, 2021
On at least three separate occasions over last six months vehicle has exhibited significant loss of power while accelerating passing vehicles. In addition to these occasions the vehicle has had significant smoking issues after idling or stopping for extended times. White smoke and odor exit the tailpipes which can be smelled inside of vehicle and observed outside the vehicle. Subsequent dealer inspections located nothing to cause the issues until the third time they inspected it and located the waste gate from the turbo chargers not function due to missing clips/rod. The repair has corrected the issue however i was charged for the repair stating the parts of the turbor charger where not covered under the powertrain warranty even though if gone uncorrected would have caused the turbos to fail under operation causing potential entire engine failure which if occured underway or during acceleration would create a significant safety hazard to the operator, passengers and potential other vehicles on the road. Note: there is a TSB issued for the same problems occuring with the turbo chargers of Ford involving the smaller engines manufactured at the same facility as the ecoboost motors.
Other or unspecified, Sep 21, 2021, fire
Noticed smoke coming from vehicle as started driving vehicle, a short distance from WTS. A short time later flames were coming from behind the glove box. Driver was driving. The vehicle has not been inspected. It is unknown at this time if their were warning lamps.
Other or unspecified, Sep 17, 2021
Vehicle emits a mold smell through the cooling system. Entire system was replaced under warranty and problem returned within a year. The presence of mold can cause serious health issues.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Sep 3, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, she became aware that the front passenger’s side windshield rubber trim and the weather protector plastic piece were flapping back and forth on the windshield and then flew off the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and placed the rubber trim piece back in the molding of the windshield and drove back to her residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Other or unspecified, Aug 10, 2021
When accelerating there is an exhaust smell that seeps into the cabin of the car.
Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Aug 9, 2021
According to Ford The APIM failed and needs to be replaced. The entire counsel is black and will not come on I can not control the heat in air in the back of my vehicle as well as the rear cameras, radio, navigation, car chargers, car play and other features. Before it went completely black and didn’t work it would disconnect the phone and turn off and on for about a week. This car is less than 3 years old.
Other or unspecified, Jul 16, 2021
2018 eXPLOERE AND EVERYTIME WE BACK UP THERE IS A LOUD CLUNK NOISE, i SEE THER IS A RECALL ON 2013-2017 BUT 2018 ALS O NEEDS TO BE INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL THIS PROBELM NEEDS TO BE FIXED IMMEDIATELY
Other or unspecified, Jun 29, 2021
air conditioning failed. dealer says its compressor, but they have had it for a month and cannot fix it. last excuse was a bolt fracture. bolt fracture? my previous 2013 explorer had a fire in the ac unit at 9 thousand miles.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 24, 2021
On June 18, 2021 while driving we noticed a particular smell inside the vehicle while driving and stationary. When we exited the vehicle the smell was exact same smell as the exhaust coming from the car. All doors were closed to include rear hatch as it was 110 plus outside. We had the A/C on recirculating mode and wife complained of a headache and mentioned she had been getting headaches several times while in the vehicle and I too had a headache. I searched the web and came across the same in issue with this generation Explorer and people had stated the 2018 models had the same complaint but were not recalled. For the remainder of the trip we rolled windows down and used fresh air to clear to vehicle of the exhaust smell. The vehicle has not been inspected by the dealer as we have been driving another vehicle due to the safety risk of CO2 poisoning.
Other or unspecified, May 10, 2021
WINDSHIELD TRIM PIECE CAME OFF WHILE TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY.
Other or unspecified, Mar 25, 2021
TODAY I NOTICED THAT THE TRIM ON MY WINDSHIELD WAS CRACKED, BROKEN AND FALLING OFF. MY CAR HAS ABOUT 40K MILES ON IT AND WOULD NOT HAVE EXPECTED THIS TO FALL APART ALREADY. THIS PAST YEAR I MAY HAVE DRIVEN MY CAR 5000 MILES. IT HAS NOT BEEN IN ANY STORMS OR EIGHT WIND SITUATIONS. I HAVE BEEN HEARING A STRANGE NOISE IN THE FRONT BUT DID NOT CONNECT THIS TO A TRIM MOLDING ISSUE. IT IS DANGEROUS BECAUSE IT COULD FLY OFF AND HIT A PEDESTRIAN,MOTORCYCLE RIDER OR BICYCLE RIDER OR EVEN ANOTHER VEHICLE.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 22, 2021
UNDER ACCELERATION WITH THE AIR CONDITIONING SET TO RECIRCULATE THE CABIN FILLS WITH EXHAUST FUMES.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Feb 2, 2021
THIS CAR HAS A LEAK ISSUE. MULTIPLE POINTS OF ENTRY FOR WATER LEAVE THE CAR SOAKING WET AFTER RAIN. THIS ISSUE WAS UNKNOWN AS ALL-WEATHER LINERS WERE PLACED INTO THE CAR BLOCKING OCCUPANTS FROM BEING ABLE TO FEEL LARGE AMOUNT OF WATER ACCUMULATED ON THE FLOOR. MOLD GREW IN CAR AS OCCUPANTS DID NOT KNOW THAT THEIR WAS AN ISSUE POSING AN EXTREME HEALTH HAZARD TO ADULTS AND CHILDREN. THIS IS NOT SAFE. FORD KNOWS THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND HAS NOT TAKEN ANY ACTION TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE CAR LEAKS WHILE IN MOTION AND STATIONARY. CARS ARE LEAKING FROM SUNROOFS, BOLTS, AND FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THIS IS MAKING PEOPLE SICK AND THEY DO NOT CARE. A CLASS ACTION SUIT NEEDS TO BE FILED AGAINST FORD. MY CAR HAD TO BE REPAIRED TWICE AT HAWKS PRAIRIE AUTOMOTIVE IN LACEY, WA IN DECEMBER 2020 AND JANUARY 2021. RECEIPTS CAN BE PROVIDED. I AM UNSURE IF THIS ACTUALLY REPAIRED THE ISSUE COMPLETELY.
Other or unspecified, Jan 8, 2021
ROOF RACK CONTINUALLY POPS LOOSE WHILE DRIVING.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 31, 2020, crash
WE TOOK OUR 2018 FORD EXPLORER INTO THE SHOP LAST WINTER COMPLAINING OF A BAD SMELL. THE SHOP KEPT OUR CAR FOR ABOUT 5 DAYS AND SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. 2 WEEKS AGO MY WIFE WENT TO THE ER AND WAS DIAGNOSED WITH CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING. WE BEGAN WORKING WITH FOR TO HELP GET THIS FIXED, 5 DAYS LATER SHE PASSED OUT AT THE WHEEL AND WRECKED INTO A TELEPHONE POLL. WHILE AT THE ER THERE WAS CARBON MONOXIDE IN HER BLOOD AGAIN. THANK GOODNESS SHE DIDN'T HIT A FAMILY OR SOMETHING WORSE. SINCE THEN FORD HAS REFUSED TO WORK WITH US SINCE THE CAR IS WRECKED. THIS IS A PROBLEM AND NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO!*DT*JB*DT *TR
Other or unspecified, Oct 27, 2020
WHEN ACCELERATING ABOVE 2500 RPM, SUCH AS WHEN MERGING ONTO THE HIGHWAY / WITH THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC, OR ACCELERATING UP HILL, THE CABIN FILLS WITH A FOUL ODOR WHICH SMELLS LIKE BURNT OIL OR BAD EXHAUST. THIS HAPPENS WITH RE-CIRCULATION TURNED ON OR OFF, AND ALSO WITH THE A/C / FAN UNITS POWERED OFF ENTIRELY AND USUALLY WINDOWS MUST BE ROLLED DOWN TO GET THE ODOR/FUMES TO LEAVE THE CABIN. MY CONCERN IS IF THE SMELL IS COMING IN, ALL THE TOXIC GASSES AND FUMES THAT COME WITH IT ARE ALSO ENTERING THE CABIN.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Sep 14, 2020
I PURCHASED THE FORD EXPLORER SPORT LAST NOVEMBER 2018, AND THERE'S NO SQUEAKING NOISE UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL. I NOTICED IT LAST MONTH AND I GO STRAIGHT AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME IT'S THE CHARACTERISTIC OF THE CAR. IM SO DISAPPOINTED WITH THE DIAGNOSIS, THE DISTURBING NOISE IS UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL, AND THE CONFUSING PART IS THE SQUEAKING NOISE YOU CAN ONLY HEAR THAT WHEN YOU TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT. HOPEFULLY YOU CAN PIN POINT THE PROBLEM. IF IT'S THE STEERING WHEEL OR THE AIR BAG INSIDE IS THE PROBLEM.