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
730 reports, newest first.
Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Jul 24, 2023
APIM Module is bad
Structure, Jul 24, 2023
The cover to the hitch flew off (never taken off) while going up the interstate
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
Structure, Jul 18, 2023
Windshield panel pillar and moldings are missing and flying off vehicle.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while accelerating there was an abnormal exhaust odor inside the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact then had a headache, but medical attention was not provided. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000.
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.
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.
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.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jul 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that coolant was leaking from the engine and the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was hot. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the water pump was replaced; however, the contact stated that the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that the water pump had failed again. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The failure mileage was 81,135.
Power train, Jun 29, 2023
The vehicle had a premature water pump failure that leaked antifreeze into the engine compartment and caused the engine to seize up while traveling at a higher rate of speed.
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.
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.
Structure, Jun 28, 2023
Windshield allows wind noise to come through. components loose scare it might fly off
Power train, Engine, Jun 27, 2023
I’ve taken my vehicle multiple times to the Ford dealership due to continuing issues. Every time I’m told nothing is wrong and now I can’t even drive my car 5 feet.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Jun 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while her husband was driving approximately 45 MPH, the check engine warning light started flashing. The contact stated that after blinking twice, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The driver coasted to the side of the roadway and had the vehicle towed to a certified mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the water pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The certified mechanic explained that coolant had leaked into the engine oil causing the engine to fail. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who confirmed the diagnostic result and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000.
Structure, Jun 17, 2023
A Piller trim came flying off on the highway.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while pulling into a parking lot, the high engine temperature message was displayed. Additionally, the “Low Coolant – Pull Over and Check Coolant” message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the water pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 67,707.
Structure, Jun 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger’s side windshield trim detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the windshield trim needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but did not provide any assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 72,000. The VIN was not available.
Structure, Jun 7, 2023
Paint bubbling on hood near grill
Structure, Jun 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the passenger’s side dashboard. Over time, the sound spread to the middle and driver’s side of the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the weather stripping on the dashboard had started to detach from the panel, and that the cowl panel needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Structure, May 30, 2023
While driving on the highway the right windshield trim piece on the pillar completely ripped off.