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.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 20, 2026
Fuel system evap leak just like the Safety Recall 18S35
Structure, Feb 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the A-pillar trim was ejected from the vehicle on both the passenger’s and driver’s side of the vehicle. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. Prior to the failure, when the vehicle was started, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. After several minutes, the sound ceased. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with a misfire in cylinder #3. The contact was informed that the spark plug was stuck, and the independent mechanic was unable to remove the spark plug. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #3, and the spark plug and ignition coil were replaced. The contact was unsure if the stuck spark plug was removed the second time the vehicle was repaired. Most recently, the contact noticed that while the vehicle was in park(P) and left running, the vehicle was idling roughly. The message "Engine Coolant Over Temperature" was intermittently displayed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, left the vehicle running, exited the vehicle, opened the hood, and there was no smoke or steam present. The contact returned to the vehicle and noticed that the temperature gauge was indicating that the engine was HOT. The contact drove back to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in cylinders #1, #2, and #4. The contact was informed that the coolant reservoir was empty, that the spark plug in cylinder #3 was stuck, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic for a second opinion, who diagnosed coolant intrusion in cylinders #1, #2, and #4, and that the spark plug was stuck in cylinder #3. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The dealer notified the manufacturer of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
Structure, Feb 18, 2026
See attached document for complaint. I am in receipt of your multiple Important Safety Recall notices/letter and am very upset with your company. I keep receiving these recall notices/letters and I call the Ford Dealer to set up an appointment and they tell me the part is not available. This has been going on for over a year!!!! If this is a safety recall then why is it not important enough to service my vehicle?!!!
Structure, Jan 28, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was air entering the vehicle through the front driver’s side A-pillar trim. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted on several occasions; however, parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.
Engine, Jan 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after the vehicle was idling at a traffic stop, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted; however, the vehicle stalled after driving several minutes. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The vehicle remained with the independent mechanic unrepaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 162,000.
Structure, Jan 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a whistling sound coming from the front windshield. The contact stated that the trim had detached and flown off the vehicle, and there was a constant rattling sound coming from the windshield. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed about an open recall on the VIN. The contact was informed that parts were not yet available. An alternate dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the parts were not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
Structure, Jan 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Service brakes, Jan 19, 2026
Right front caliber went out at 47,186 miles in 11/14/2025. No abs sensor went on alerting me to the problem. Had it fixed. Two months later, 1/05/2026, at 47,620 miles later, the control HCU and module ABS went out. Again, no sensor alerting me to a problem. I could hardly drive it. Had Ford look at it, assess the problem, and had to drive home due to another cost. Could have been on the highway when this occurred. Was in town, but was an awful experience! Brakes locked up on me!
Other or unspecified, Jan 15, 2026
The manufacturer has not remedied the repair of a recall within a timely manner. I am scheduled to ship my vehicle overseas, which requires all recalls to be addressed. Manufacturer Recall Number24S02 (NHTSA Recall Number24V031)
Structure, Jan 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Electrical system, Structure, Visibility/wiper, Dec 30, 2025
I am filing a safety complaint regarding unresolved recalls on my 2018 Ford Explorer (VIN: [XXX] ). FIRST RECALL: Over two years ago, I was notified to repair the exterior A-pillar trim/window shields. The dealer in Yakima, WA, placed me on a waiting list and said the part was unavailable. I have been waiting over two years with no resolution. Recently, while driving on the highway, this part fell off and struck the windshield of another vehicle behind me, creating a dangerous situation and potential for serious injury. The dealer refused to repair it for free, stating I must either wait longer or purchase the part myself, despite this being a manufacturer safety recall. This long delay and refusal put my safety and the safety of others at risk. It also caused stress, confrontation, and concern for my financial obligations, as I continue paying for a vehicle with unresolved safety defects. SECOND RECALL: The high-speed cooling fan motor relay recall was not properly addressed. The dealer only started the vehicle, stated the fan worked, and performed no inspection or repair, leaving a potential hazard unresolved. FORD RESPONSE: I reported these incidents to Ford Customer Service, but they said the situation did not qualify for opening a case. I strongly disagree, as these are confirmed safety recalls and one part already failed during driving. ADDITIONAL CONCERNS: I am still making monthly payments for this vehicle while unresolved recalls continue to appear. The ongoing failure to repair these defects, despite multiple reports, creates financial and safety burdens. I request NHTSA to investigate these matters, require Ford to complete all recall repairs properly, and hold the dealer accountable for their refusal to provide free safety repairs in a timely manner. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Structure, Visibility/wiper, Dec 30, 2025
During a storm, our SUV had water leaking in through the top, middle of the windshield. The water soaked the dashboard controls and our heating/air system was stuck on high heat and would not turn off. It was 70° and it was extremely hot in the SUV and the windows kept fogging up making it hard to see. Our temperature controls no longer work properly.
Structure, Dec 29, 2025
[XXX] ur complaint I can't figure out where one files a complaint on an outstanding recall. Ford keeps sending notices, but is obviously not serious about fixing the issue, as its been going on approaching 3 years. If you call their hotline, it cuts you off after entering the recall number, saying there's no available fix at the moment. However, by searching some dealers around the nation, the parts are out there to purchase, but our two local dealers say they've seen nothing and advise using two sided tape in the meantime. How can such a basic part be so difficult to have available in under 2 - 3 years time? Our pillar piece has been barely hanging on for almost 2 years. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Structure, Dec 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the remedy was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the remedy was not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Other or unspecified, Dec 27, 2025
The displayed view by the back up camera flickers, or shows a blue screen when the car is placed in reverse. This places the safety of pedestrians at risk of being hit by the vehicle when backing up. This places the safety of other drivers and myself at risk of collision when backing up. The component (back up camera) was inspected by a Ford dealer (Sunrise Ford in Fort Pierce Fl.). I was charged $199 to run diagnostics on the camera. They found that the camera had an internal fault, vision blurry and suggest replacing camera at a charge of $1145. I was told that the existing recalls do not cover my VIN. I contacted Ford customer care to see if my VIN was covered under the announced 15 year warranty for backup camera replacement. Although 2016 - 2025 Ford explorers was listed as being eligible for replacement, I was told my VIN was not included. Ford customer care opened up case number CXH-06550938-R6D9Q3 to investigate the problem. The problem started about 6 months ago and only happened once in a while then the camera would work as intended. Now the problem occurs 90% of the time the car is placed in reverse.
Other or unspecified, Dec 26, 2025
My 2018 Ford Explorer sport had a recall on the luggage rack. The railing on top it was repaired. In twenty one, but the repairer didn't hold the relling, flew off on the passenger side and driver's side is about to fly off.And my local four dealer has changed hands.So they're refusing to repair it again.So recall clips felled, so what do I do
Other or unspecified, Dec 23, 2025
2018 Leather on dashboard shrinks pulled away from the glue. Causes a safety hazard while driving.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Dec 23, 2025
- I have experienced a sudden loss of engine power and speed on 5 occasions. Very scary and dangerous to completely lose power on the highway with cars behind you. Had to pull off onto the shoulder(s) in dangerous conditions, with two young kids in the backseat. Hazards, turn off the car, restart the car, etc. - When the power loss happens, the vehicle's dashboard lights turn on, including the engine and wrench icons along with the words "See Manual." - Based on my research, I believe it may be due to a defective throttle body and/or software, related to the "terrain management system." - Problem was not reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center - No inspections by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others - No warning message is provided prior to the failure, which is another issue
Structure, Dec 23, 2025
My VIN was removed for the A Pillar recall. I received no notice as to why and my car was inspected a year ago. At that time the problem was not present. It is present now, but for some reason, my VIN has been removed. I would like to know under what conditions it was removed and by whom.
Structure, Dec 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Structure, Dec 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V301000 (Structure). The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH in high winds, the passenger’s side exterior A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer on two occasions, where it was diagnosed and determined that the exterior A-pillar trim needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the parts not being available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Structure, Dec 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the passenger's side A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the passenger's side A-pillar trim was loose. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired for the most recent failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Structure, Dec 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available, and there was a waiting list in place for the repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Engine, Dec 22, 2025
Leaking water pump that if isn’t repaired will cause catastrophic engine failure. Very expensive repair, $2800 because of internal placement of the pump. Since the water pump is in line with the crankshaft and located over the main body of the engine, it allows coolant to leak from the water pump into the oil pan. Mixed coolant and oil will lead to engine failure.