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.
Service brakes, Jun 24, 2019
DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT ABOUT 40MPH COMING OFF A BRIDGE, I HEAR A RATTLE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AS I BRAKE. THE BRAKE FULLY DEPRESSED APPLIES VIRTUALLY NO BRAKING POWER. I WAS ABLE TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A STOP BY PUMPING THE BRAKES AS WELL AS USING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. I WALKED AROUND THE VEHICLE TO SEE WHAT WAS GOING ON, I NOTICED FLUID NEAR REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. THE RIM AND STREET HAD BRAKE FLUID ALL OVER IT. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION PART OF THE BRAKE CALIPER ASSEMBLY WAS HANGING BEHIND THE ROTOR. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A FORD DEALERSHIP THAT DAY. WAS NOT INSPECTED SAME DAY AS SERVICE WAS CLOSED FOR THE DAY ON SATURDAY. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY DEALERSHIP ON FOLLOWING MONDAY. I WAS TOLD THE BOTS THAT KEEP THE BRAKES IN PLACE WERE MISSING. THE BRAKE IN QUESTION WAS INSPECTED BY A FORD DEALERSHIP PREVIOUSLY AS THERE WERE ODD MARKS ON BRAKE ROTOR, THE DEALERSHIP THAT THERE WERE NO ISSUES AND NO SERVICE ON BRAKE
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 17, 2019
EXHAUST IS LEAKING INTO THE CABIN WHILE DRIVING. USUALLY WHILE ACCELERATING
Other or unspecified, Jun 4, 2019
REAR CAMERA INTERMITTENTLY DOES NOT WORK. WHEN CAR IN REVERSE, IT WILL EITHER GIVE A PICTURE, GIVE A BLURRY PICTURE, OR BLACK SCREEN THAT SAYS "NO CAMERA".
Engine, May 9, 2019
LEAK ON TIMING COVER. IT HAS A MINOR OIL LEAK IN THE TIMING COVER
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 23, 2019
FORD EXPLORER 2018 GOING FROM 50 MPH. AND TO DO FORCE, ENTERS A STRONG SMELL OF GAS CABIN IT SHOULD SLOW DOWN AND OPEN THE CRYSTALS TO LEAVE THE STRONG ODOR.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 6, 2019
THE EXPLORER WILL RANDOMLY NOT START LIKE A DEAD BATTERY, BUT THEN STARTS OTHER TIMES. BATTERY HAD BEEN REPLACED BY THE DEALER. SIDE MIRRORS WILL FOLD IN WHILE DRIVING AND WILL NOT FOLD BACK OUT UNTIL THE CAR IS STOPPED, TURNED OFF AND THEN RESTARTED. WHEN THESE ISSUES ARE PRESENT THE SYNC 3 SYSTEM WILL COMPLETELY TURN OFF. THIS IS RANDOM AT THE TIMES IT HAPPENS AND THE DEALER HAS NOT EXPERIENCED IT WHILE ITS BEEN IN THE SHOP. WE PURCHASED THE EXPLORER WITH 500 MILES IT AS A NEW CAR JANUARY 13TH 2019. IT HAS 4200 MILES ON IT AND HAS BEEN IN THE DEALERS SHOP A TOTAL OF 23 DAYS. THE LARGEST PROBLEM WE HAVE AND WHY THE VEHICLE IS PARKED IN OUR GARAGE AND DOES NOT GET DRIVEN IS THE EXHAUST FUMES IN THE CABIN. ITS SO STRONG THAT IF YOU DRIVE IT ANY LENGTH OF TIME YOU GET A SEVERE HEADACHE. MY ENTIRE FAMILY GOT SICK ALL AT ONCE ON THE ONE AND ONLY TRIP WE TOOK IN THIS VEHICLE. THE DEALER ALSO EXPERIENCED THIS WHEN THE TECHNICIAN GOT SICK DRIVING THE CAR. THEY PREFORMED THE RECALL PROTOCOL FOR PREVIOUS YEAR EXPLORERS AND MADE US TAKE IT BUT THE PROBLEM IS MORE PREVALENT THAN EVER NOW. IVE HIRED AN ATTORNEY AND THE DEALERSHIP WILL BE GETTING A FORMAL DEMAND LETTER TO PURCHASE THE VEHICLE BACK FOR WHAT WE PAID. IVE TRIED TO TALK TO THE GM OF THE DEALERSHIP AND WHILE HE AGREES THERE IS A HUGE PROBLEM WITH THE CAR THEY WILL NOT BUY IT BACK UNLESS WE AGREE TO LOOSE MONEY. FORD DENIED A CLAIM WE MADE FOR THEM TO REACQUIRE THE VEHICLE, AND THEY DENIED IT BEFORE THE THE DEALERSHIP WAS EVEN DONE WITH THEIR EVALUATION. IT'S BEEN A VERY DIFFICULT EXPERIENCE AND SEEMS UNLESS MY ATTORNEY GETS INVOLVED THERE WILL NOT BE A RESOLUTION.
Exterior lighting, Mar 30, 2019
I BELIEVE THE HEADLIGHTS ON FORD EXPLORERS ARE DEFECTIVE. WHEN ENCOUNTERING ONE IN THE ONCOMING LANE OF A 2 LANE ROAD, THE HEADLIGHT ARE OVERLY BRIGHT AND ANNOYING IN THE DAYLIGHT. AT NIGHT THEY ARE BLINDING PAINFUL AND DANGEROUS. IT DOESN'T HELP THAT THE MANUFACTURERS OF TRUCKS, INCLUDING SUVS, POSITION THE HEADLIGHTS AT THE SAME DISTANCE ABOVE THE ROAD AS THE WINDSHIELD OF A SEDAN.
Power train, Mar 25, 2019
TOTAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE FOR NO KNOWN REASON WITH LESS THAN 3000 MILES AND 4 MONTHS OLD. CANNOT BE FIXED, MUST BE REPLACED.
Steering, Mar 8, 2019
ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING FAILURE TWICE. THE CAR WAS STATIONARY AND IT WAS COLD OUTSIDE.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 20, 2019
I HAVE BEEN SMELLING EXHAUST FUMES/ROTTEN EGG SMELL IN MY CAR WHEN ACCELERATING UP TO 60MPH. 1ST TIME IN SHOP THEY SAID BOLTS WERE MISSING ON ENGINE AND SOME WERE LOOSE.; THEY 'FIXED' IT. STILL SMELLED EXHAUST FUMES/ROTTEN EGGS, SO TOOK CAR BACK. THEY SAID FUEL GOT IN THE FUEL FILTER BUT THEY 'FIXED' THE PROBLEM. NO STILL SMELL EXHAUST/ROTTEN EGGS. TOOK BACK FOR 3RD TIME THEY HAD MY CAR FOR A MONTH AND THEY REPLACED THE WHOLE EXHAUST. NOW HAVE HAD CAR A WEEK AND A HALF AND I SMELL THE EXHAUST. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO, I HAVE THIS BRAND NEW CAR COSTING ME $37000.
Other or unspecified, Feb 17, 2019
I SMELL SULFUR OR ROTTEN EGG SMELL IN THE CABIN AFTER HARD ACCELERATION WITH A/C ON AND VENTILATION CLOSED ON THE DASH BOARD. I BOUGHT THE SUV WITH 39,000 MILES 2018 FROM RUSSEL WESTBROOK HYUNDAI DEALER IN GARDEN GROVE CA. I TOOK IT 2X AT FORD CARUSO LONG BEACH CA. 1ST TIME THEY GAVE THE EXPLORER BACK TO ME THE SAME DAY, STATING THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE SMELL OR ISSUE THAT I WAS COMPLAINING ABOUT. AFTER FEW DAYS, I BROUGHT IT BACK TO FORD CARUSO AND LEFT IT THERE FOR 4 DAYS WHILE I WAS MONITORING THE MILEAGE USING FORD PASS TO FIND OUT IF THEY TEST AND TEST DRIVE THE SUV. THEY KEPT THE SUV FOR 4 DAYS AND EVERY DAY THE MECHANIC DOES NOT HAVE ANY REPORT TO SAY ABOUT THE EXPLORER. I TALKED TO THE SUPERVISOR OF SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND TOLD HER THAT I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE SUV DID NOT MOVE FROM THE DELAERSHIP FOR TESTING, THEN I NOTICED THEY'VE FINALLY DROVE IT FOR 6 MILES ON THE 4TH DAY. ON THE 4TH DAY I ENDED UP TAKING THE SUV HOME BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE SMELL COMING INSIDE THE CABIN. SUPERVISOR ASKED ME TO TAKE THE SUV BACK WHEN IT SMELLS TOXIC AGAIN INSIDE THE CABIN. I AM PLANNING TO BRING IT ON MONDAY AND LEAVE IT THERE UNTIL THEY FIX THE ISSUE. MY WHOLE FAMILY HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH COUGH AND COLD FOR MORE THAN 1 MONTH NOW, I HAD A FEELING IT WAS RELATED TO THE FUME COMING FROM THE EXHAUST. FORD CALLED ME AND SAID THE VEHICLE IS NOT QUALIFIED FOR BUYBACK PROG FROM FORD. I WILL STOP USING THIS SUV STARTING TOMORROW SUNDAY 2/17/19 TO SAVE OUR HEALTH. I WAS TOLD BY FORD SERVICE AGENT THAT THE RECALL HAVE BEEN RESOLVED AND THAT 2018 MODELS WERE ALREADY CORRECTED. PLEASE HELP ME RESOLVE THIS ISSUE BEFORE MY FAMILY DEVELOP SERIOUS ILLNESS.
Other or unspecified, Jan 31, 2019
WHEN TEST DRIVING THIS NEW 2018 EXPLORER XLT AT HAWK FORD IN OAK LAWN, IL, THERE WAS A TERRIBLE SULFUR SMELL IN THE CABIN. IT WAS SO BAD THAT THE SALESPERSON OPENED THE WINDOWS, EVEN THOUGH IT WAS ONLY ABOUT 5 DEGREES OUTSIDE. THIS IS CONSISTENT WITH THE WIDELY REPORTED AND KNOWN MANUFACTURER DEFECT OF EXHAUST GAS LEAKING INTO THE CABIN THAT HAS BEEN REPORTED ON PREVIOUS MODEL YEAR EXPLORERS AND IS THE SUBJECT OF A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT.
Wheels, Jan 23, 2019
HANKOOK PRODUCED & ALLOWS THE SALE OF FAULTY VENTUS S1 NOBLE 2 TIRES TO BE SOLD ONLINE AND AS OEM ON NEW VEHICLES. THEY FAIL WITHIN 16,000 MILES. I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2018 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED WITH 20" HANKOOK VENTUS S1 NOBLE TIRES AS OEM EQUIPMENT ON 2/16/18. SATURDAY 1/19/19, I DID MY DUE DILIGENCE AND HEADED TO DISCOUNT TIRE IN TERRELL, TX TO HAVE OUR OEM HANKOOK TIRES ROTATED, THEY HAD 16,300 MILES. I WAS BESIDE MYSELF WHEN HE RETURNED AND TOLD ME THE TIRES WERE DOWN TO A DANGEROUSLY LOW 4/32 TREAD DEPTH AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I HAD TO PAY THE DIFFERENCE OF OVER $400 TO REPLACE THE TIRES ON A VEHICLE WITH ONLY 16,300 MILES! HOW WAS I, THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE, SUPPOSED TO KNOW THESE WOULD WEAR SO QUICKLY? THEY BASICALLY ENDANGERED MY FAMILY BY ALLOWING THIS TO GO WITHOUT NOTIFYING US! AS AN OWNER OF A NEW VEHICLE IT DOESN'T CROSS YOUR MIND TO CHECK TREAD DEPTH OF NEW TIRES ON A NEW VEHICLE WITH 16,300 MILES! HANKOOK KNOWS ABOUT THEM, BUT HOW ARE OWNERS SUPPOSED TO KNOW, IN THEIR WORDS, "SPECIAL SERVICE MESSAGE SSM 47195 TO ADDRESS 2015-2018 EXPLORER - HANKOOK BRAND 20 INCH TIRE - TREAD WEAR TIRE REPLACEMENT." AND THE FORD REP SHARED THIS WITH ME "...2015-2018 EXPLORER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK BRAND TIRES MAY EXHIBIT TREAD WEAR THAT IS NOT THE RESULT OF VEHICLE ALIGNMENT CONCERNS. FOR CUSTOMER SATISFACTION, HANKOOK IS OFFERING PRO-RATED TIRE REPLACEMENT FOR VEHICLES WITH LESS THAN 36,000 MILES. THIS PROGRAM IS MANAGED BY HANKOOK TIRE AMERICA CORP. AND NOT CLAIMED UNDER FORD NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY. IF THE TIRE SIDE WALL IS MARKED AS: 255/50R20 105H VENTUS S1 NOBLE 2, CONTACT HANKOOK TECHNICAL SERVICE FOR POSSIBLE PRO-RATED TIRE REPLACEMENT."
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 11, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT LEASED A 2018 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT DETECTED AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE THAT WAS SO STRONG, SHE COULD TASTE FUEL. TOWNE AUTO GROUP (3535 SOUTHWESTERN BLVD, ORCHARD PARK, NY 14127, (716) 662-6500) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO REPLICATE, DIAGNOSE, AND PROVIDE A REMEDY AFTER SEVERAL VISITS. THE DEALER LATER REPLACED THE DOOR SEALS, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V807000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A PASSENGER INSIDE THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED NAUSEA AND HEADACHES WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT RECEIVED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: EA17002 (STRUCTURE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO USE THE AIR CONDITIONER AND HEATING, AND HAD TO CLOSE THE VENTS DUE TO AN ASTHMA CONDITION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,278.
Other or unspecified, Jan 1, 2019
WATER LEAKING INTO REAR OF VEHICLE AND SITTING IN THE SPARE TIRE WELL WHILE STATIONARY AND MOVING. WATER IS COMING FROM BEHIND PLASTIC PILLAR COVERINGS AND DRIPPING THROUGH BOTTOM ONTO THE CARPET AND INTO THE WELL. ELECTRONICS BEHIND PLASTIC ARE ALSO WET INCLUDING WATER LEAKING THROUGH CIGARRETTE LIGHTER. WATER SITTING HAS CAUSED MOLD ON CARPETED AREAS AND RUST ON SPARE TIRE/JACK. VEHICLE IS LESS THAN A WEEK OLD WITH THE PROBLEM OCCURING WITH LESS THAN 200 MILES ON ODOMETER.
Seats, Dec 27, 2018
WHILE TRAVELING THROUGH BALTIMORE FOR APPROXIMATELY 45 MINUTES DURING THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY. I WAS SITTING IN THE BACK SEAT OF MY FRIENDS 2018 FORD EXPLORER SPORT. I HAD THE HEATED SEAT SET TO 2. I HAD FALLEN ASLEEP DURING THE TRIP. WHEN I WOKE UP I HAD A SEVERE DISCOMFORT. UPON ARRIVING AT OUR DESTINATION MY FRIEND LOOKED TO SEE WHY I WAS IN SUCH PAIN. ON MY LEFT BUTTOCK WAS A LARGE BURN. I HAVE ENCLOSED A PICTURE OF THE BURN I RECEIVED. THE BURN HAS BLISTERED AND IS NOW AN OPEN WOUND. THIS OCCURRED ON CHRISTMAS EVE. I HAVE BEEN TREATING THE AREA WITH BURN OINTMENT.
Suspension, Nov 9, 2018
WHEN TURNING LEAVING A SHOPPING CENTER ON A MAIN ROAD AT ~30 MPH, HEARD LOUD POP SOUND AND CAR IMMEDIATELY STOPPED MOVING. CAR WOULD NOT MOVE AND NEEDED TO BE TOWED. UPON INSPECTION THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE NEXT TO BALL JOINT. CAR CURRENTLY HAS LITTLE OVER 2000 MILES.THE POLICE DID RESPOND TO THE INCIDENT TO ASSIST IN GUIDING TRAFFIC AND SECURING A TOW TRUCK. CURRENTLY THE VEHICLE IS AT THE DEALER WAITING FURTHER ASSESSMENT. IT APPEARS THE CONTROL ARM HAS A WEAK POINT IN THE STRUCTURE. IN REVIEWING INTERNET POST THE ARM APPEARS TO BREAK IN THE SAME PLACE FROM EARLY AND LATE MODEL YEARS OF THE NEW BODY STYLE EXPLORER. THE CAR WAS NEVER TAKEN OFF MAIN ROADS, AND THERE IS NO OTHER DAMAGE TO WHEEL (SHOWN IN PHOTO). I HAVE MAJOR CONCERNS THIS APPEARS TO BE A ISSUE WITH EXPLORER MODELS AND IF ON A HIGHWAY WOULD CAUSE POSSIBLE LOSS OF LIFE. WE ARE LUCKY THAT THE CAR WAS NOT GOING FASTER AND IN TRAFFIC WHEN THIS EVENT HAPPED.
Other or unspecified, Nov 2, 2018
INQUIRING ABOUT NHTSA ID 10144949. FORD HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS SINCE AUG 2018 (SSM 47499) AND NO ONE AT MY DEALERSHIP, OR FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE, IS INTERESTED IN MAKING ANY CALLS ON MY BEHALF TO SEE WHEN FORD EXPECTS THIS TO BE FIXED.
Engine, Oct 25, 2018
EXHAUST FUMES ENTERING THE VEHICLE. FORD ENGINEER INSPECTED AND FOUND 3PPM ENTERING CABIN IN LESS THAN AN HOUR. FORD STATES THIS IS NORMAL. OVER 3 HOURS IN THE CAR CAUSES PHYSICAL ILLNESS, FORD DENYING ANY RESPONSIBILITY. VEHICLE IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY OVER 40MPH. FORD ENGINEERING REPORT WILL BE AVAILABLE TO ME WITHIN THE NEXT 48 HOURS. CAUSED PHYSICAL ILLNESS, DIZZINESS AND VOMITING.
Air bags, Seat belts, Seats, Oct 11, 2018
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2018 FORD EXPLORER ON AUGUST 30 FROM HAMMONASSET FORD IN MADISON, CT. I PAID SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS EXTRA FOR A SAFETY PACKAGE WHICH INCLUDES REAR SEAT BELT AIRBAGS. WE WERE DISAPPOINTED TO DISCOVER AN ISSUE IN THE SECOND ROW OF SEATS THAT HINDERS US FROM USING ONE OF THE SEATS BECAUSE OF THE AIRBAG CONFIGURATION. THE MIDDLE SEAT WHERE THERE ARE SEAT BELTS FOR THREE ONLY FITS TWO PEOPLE. THE DESIGN OF THE SEAT BELT LATCHES IS A FLAWED ONE. THE SEAT BELTS OVERLAP WHICH IS A SAFETY CONCERN NOT TO MENTION A HUMAN BODY CANNOT FIT IN THE SPACE THEY ALLOTTED. THIS CAR IS ADVERTISED FOR SEVEN PEOPLE BUT ONLY CAN SEAT SIX. I HAVE SEVEN PEOPLE IN MY FAMILY INCLUDING A BABY IN A CAR SEAT AND WE ALL CAN'T GO IN THE CAR TOGETHER AT THE SAME TIME BECAUSE OF IT. I REACHED OUT TO THE DEALERSHIP AS SOON AS WE GOT THE CAR HOME AND THEY TOLD ME TO GO TO FORD. THE PERSON I TALKLED TO TOLD ME NO NEED TO TALK TO THE OWNER OR BOTHER HER. THEY WOULD NOT HELP ME BECAUSE THEY SAID IT IS A DESIGN ISSUE NOT ANYTHING THEY CAN REPAIR. I REACHED OUT TO FORD WHO SAID THE SAME THING. I CONTINUED TO REACH OUT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO HAD SERVICE REACH OUT TO FORD TO SEE IF THEY CAN CHANGE THE SEAT BELTS IN THE CAR BUT DUE TO SAFETY ISSUES THEY WERE TOLD THEY CANNOT AND AGAIN THEY SAID IT IS A DESIGN ISSUE NOT A MANUFACTURING ISSUE THEREFORE I SHOULD GO TO THE BBB.IN ADDITION TO HAMMONASSET FORD, I ALSO WENT TO HOFFMAN FORD IN EAST HARTFORD TO SHOW THE SALES MANAGER THE CAR. HE WAS SHOCKED ABOUT THE DESIGN OF THIS CAR. WE LOOKED AT THE SAME EXACT CAR WITHOUT THE SAFETY PACKAGE AND THE SEAT BELTS WERE NOT FLAWED. THE SALES MANAGER AT HOFFMAN FORD SAID HE CANT HELP ME BECAUSE I DIDN'T BUY THE CAR THERE BUT IF FORD REACHED OUT TO HIM HE COULD HELP. I CONTACTED THE BBB BUT THEY DECLINED MY APPLICATION DUE FOR THE SAME REASON SAYING IT IS NOT AN MANUFACTURING ISSUE.
Engine, Oct 10, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND AN EXHAUST ODOR IMMEDIATELY ENTERED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BILL FICK FORD (737 N FWY SERVICE ROAD, HUNTSVILLE, TX 77340) WHERE THE FAILURE WAS DUPLICATED, BUT THERE WAS NO REMEDY AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED EVERY TIME THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED EVER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED APPROXIMATELY SIX MONTHS AGO. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND CASE NUMBER: CAS-16021870 WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,100.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 3, 2018, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE AND NOTICED AN ABNORMAL ODOR COMING FROM THE AIR CONDITIONING VENTS. THE ODOR SMELLED SIMILAR TO BURNING FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO COURTESY FORD (LOCATED AT 1107 BRASHEAR AVE, MORGAN CITY, LA 70380, (985) 492-7260) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ODOR EMITTED FROM THE COATING ON THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A SMOKE TEST WAS ALSO PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. A REPAIR WAS MADE INSIDE THE DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL WELL. THE CONTACT TEST DROVE TWO SEPARATE 2018 FORD EXPLORERS AND EXPERIENCED THE SAME ODOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Other or unspecified, Sep 9, 2018
VERY STRONG EXHAUST ODOR FILLS CABIN WHEN AC SYSTEM IS ON AND ON RE CIRCULATE. I HAVE HAD 4 EXPLORES OF THIS GENERATION. THE XLT 3.5 LTR V6 ENGINE IS REALLY BAD. THE ECO BOOST 3.5 V6 DOES NOT SEEM TO HAVE IT AS BAD BUT YOU CAN STILL NOTICE IT FROM TIME TO TIME. THIS NEW 2018 I HAVE IS AWFUL. IT'S ALWAS PRESENT ANYTIME YOU ACCELERATE ABOVE 2500 RPM FOR A FEW SECONDS, SUCH AS ENTERING A HIGHWAY OR DRIVING UP HILL. IT'S NAUSEATING. FORD DEALERSHIP SAYS IT COMPLETED A RECALL FOR A SIMILAR ISSUE WHICH DID NOT FIX THIS PROBLEM. I THINK THIS NEEDS TO BE ELEVATED. IT WAS SO BAD TODAY WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM MY DRILL WEEKEND THAT I HAD TO PERIODICALLY ROLL MY WINDOW DOWN TO AIR OUT THE CABIN. IT IS ALSO NOTICEABLE AT CRUZING SPEEDS ON THE HIGHWAY AT 60MPH. AFTER MY 70 MINUTE DRIVE HOME, I COULD LITERALLY TASE IT AND FEEL IT IN MY LUNGS. I'M GOING TO CALL THE DEALERSHIP AND BRING IT TO THEIR ATTENTION... AGAIN.
Power train, Sep 6, 2018
MY 2016 EXPLORER HAS 74,000 MILES AND THE RPM NEEDLE IS STICKING. HAD IT EVALUATED AND FOUND TRANSMISSION NEUTRAL OUT ON A 2/3 SHIFT AND A 4/5 SHIFT. FLUID LEVEL IS CORRECT, THIS IS DUE TO EXCESSIVE CLEARANCE IN THE DIRECT CLUTCH. THE FORD DEALERSHIP RECOMMEND OVERHAUL OR REPLACEMENT. REPLACEMENT IS ON BACK ORDER AND WOULD TAKE SEVERAL MONTHS TO GET. I CALLED THE FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND GOT A CASE #CAS15675568. HAVE REACHED OUT TO THE DEALER SHIP AND THEY ARE DISCUSSING AND IT HAS NOW BEEN 48 HRS. WHAT IS DIFFICULT ABOUT MAKING A DECISION AND CONTACTING ME. I'M INCLINED TO BELIEVE THAT THERE ARE A LOT OF 2016 WITH THIS SAME ISSUE BECAUSE OF THE BACK ORDER. IT SHOULD PROBABLY BE A RECALL ISSUE?
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 30, 2018, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2018 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, SHE WAS INFORMED BY A PASSING MOTORIST THAT HER VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE SAFELY BEFORE IT BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. STATE FARM AUTO INSURANCE COMPLETED A FIRE ASSESSMENT AND STATED THAT THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY A FAILURE WITH THE BRAKE LINES. HINES PARK FORD INC (LOCATED AT 56558 PONTIAC TRAIL, NEW HUDSON, MI 48165, (888) 482-7660) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 982.