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.
Structure, Dec 16, 2021
Roof rack rail cover came off on highway, almost caused an accident. The other roof rack rail cover is lose but I have yet to receive the recall for the roof rack rail cover.
Electrical system, Dec 8, 2021
The battery continues to drain even when parked next to my house. After a few days some systems shut down beginning with the passenger door handle sensor not unlocking the doors when touched. A few days later the car would not start. It has been to several dealers in the nearly three years I have owned it and had numerous batteries replaced. Dealer always states everything checks out fine I have been stranded with a no start several times. The 12 volt accessories socket also stops working.
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.
Engine, Nov 12, 2021
Ford has issued a recall for the cooling mechanism when the car is in idle. Unfortunately I have been told they will not correct it unless there is a problem? Like they know it is faulty and are waiting on a fire. This is a safety issue and I believe they have made the courtesy recall in hopes that it won't be a mandated one, which is pretty scary. We do what we can to prevent these issues and they know there is a problem. This is a safety issue. Please force them to correct this defect. I have attempted to schedule this repair, but while the notice says they will correct it. They have refused. I have spoken with Daniel at Ford and they have closed my case. The letter acknowledges safety feature issues are possible. I will try to attach screenshots of my case no. And the letter. Thank you so much. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
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.
Back over prevention, Oct 21, 2021
Unable to utilize the technology screen that the backup camera utilizes. Black screen with no power and unable to get visual or audio object warnings. Being informed the APIM is faulty.
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.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 13, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, a strong, gas odor would emit through the vehicle without warning. Due to the fuel odor, he began to suffer from blurred vision, nausea, and headaches. The contact had sought medical attention for his symptoms. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer on two occasions and each time the dealer could not detect a failure. The contact also mentioned that once he began to drive a rental vehicle, his symptoms began to go away. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
Wheels, Oct 6, 2021
Right rear tire outside shoulder wear. alignment has been checked twice. Always within factory specs. Factory specs for camber on that wheel are not right. Vehicle handles poorly in slushy conditions. In many instances that is a sign of wheels out of alignment.
Steering, Oct 4, 2021
The steering stopped working. This happened a couple times and I stopped the suv and turned it off and when I turned it on it worked. This last time it completely stopped steering. The repair shop said it was a steering rack or something and the part had to come from Ford. This part was $1500.00. Now they say my rear suspension bushing need replacing along with a toe part causing excessive wear on my rear left tire. This part will cost me $600.00 plus.
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.
Structure, Aug 17, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the passenger’s side window frame detached without warning. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was 35,872
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.
Structure, Aug 6, 2021
The failed component is the Roof Rail Caps. One of mine came off on the car wash. The other Roof Rail Cap keeps coming loose just driving around, I have to check the second Roof Rail Cap so it too does not fly off on the highway or come off in the car wash. I now have just the one Roof Rail Cap and it looks terrible.
Structure, Jul 29, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that moisture had been entering the vehicle from an unknown place. The moisture had acuminated on the front driver’s side floor and later spread throughout the entire floor of the vehicle. The contact also stated that a strong mold odor was inside the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where they informed her that the failure was not related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V316000 (Structure) for which the Vin was included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
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
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 13, 2021
Strong exhaust smell in the front cabin while driving 40+ mph. Resulting dizziness and nausea symptoms. Vehicle taken to dealer for diagnosis. Odometer reading 10560
Structure, Jul 7, 2021
Roof Rail cap flew off on Highway. Complained of issue was told its under investigation but no fix is available
Structure, Jul 4, 2021
Roofrack became detached while driving on freeway. Almost flew off in traffic and had to hold onto it while driving until I was able to pull over and tape it down. Almost flew off road while holding it down.
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.