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 system, Gasoline, Jul 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. While the contact's son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact stated another driver with a tow truck assisted and towed the vehicle off the highway to a safe location. The contact stated after the vehicle sat for three hours, the vehicle was restarted, and driven to the contact's residence. The contact stated that the failure had occurred twice within one week. The contact stated that after the vehicle sat for a while, the vehicle independently reset and the vehicle could be driven for a while; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Structure, Jul 10, 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 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jul 9, 2025
On September 27th 2023 I brought my vehicle in because it was having shifting and vibration issues. To shop notice that the information I gave them was related to the transmission and with further review there was a recall on the transmission part of me coming into the shop. Which I wasn't aware of even when I brought my vehicle in months before that for recall maintenance. I had to pay for my transmission to be repaired we should have been done by Ford. The car was driving fine until early this year when it starts to do the vibration that was the issue previous when my transmission was going out. So I set up appointment at Ford dealership while I was in route to the dealership my car started to sputter and shake and fall out of gear. So I turned around tried to make it home in the car just stopped moving. I wasn't able to move forward or reverse there is no connection within the transmission for my car to move. I got my car towed to the dealership who diagnosed my car and my transmission and they stated that there was metal fragments found in the fluid level and I also said that the torque converter clutch performance never engage when it was testing it. I told him about my previous transmission issue with Ford and I also States them that four has have many federal recalls dealing with their transmissions in their vehicle.
Structure, Jul 9, 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. 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 stated that the driver’s and passenger’s side A-pillar trims had detached. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Other or unspecified, Jul 8, 2025
As you drive you can hear air coming from around the windshield on the drivers side.
Structure, Jul 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on the passenger’s side windshield started to detach. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer sent a technician to the contact's residence and the vehicle was diagnosed and it was determined that the A-pillar trim retention clips had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts for the recall repair were not yet 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 failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Back over prevention, Jul 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that occasionally while shifted into reverse(R), the rearview camera failed to properly display the image behind the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure had progressed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,265.
Structure, Jul 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH on the interstate, the exterior A-pillar trim detached from around the front windshield. There were no warning lights illuminated. 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 made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine, Jul 2, 2025
I am writing to formally report a significant mechanical issue involving the water pump in my 2018 Ford Explorer with the 3.5L V6 engine. This vehicle recently experienced a sudden failure of the internal water pump, a problem I have since learned is common across this model and others using the same engine design. In my case, the water pump failure occurred just outside of the vehicle’s extended warranty coverage, leading to engine overheating and a substantial repair cost. What makes this issue particularly concerning is the design flaw in which the water pump is located internally, driven by the timing chain. When the pump fails, it can leak coolant internally, potentially leading to catastrophic engine failure without warning. This design not only makes the part extremely costly to repair (often $2,000–$4,000 or more), but it also introduces a serious safety risk—drivers may experience engine overheating or seizure while on the road, with minimal to no warning. This poses a clear hazard, especially at highway speeds or in high-traffic situations. I understand that many other Ford owners have reported similar failures, yet no recall or Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP) has been issued to address the problem. Given the frequency of these incidents and the potential danger involved, I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate whether this condition qualifies as a safety-related defect. I have included my vehicle details below for your reference: Make/Model/Year: 2018 Ford Explorer Engine: 3.5L V6 (non-EcoBoost) Mileage at Failure: 101345 Failure Description: Internal water pump failure leading to coolant leak and overheating Repair Estimate: $4511.19
Structure, Jun 26, 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine, Jun 25, 2025
On Thursday, June 14, 2025, the check engine light illuminated on my 2018 Ford Explorer, which has fewer than 75,000 miles. I promptly contacted my trusted local mechanic, Bananno Automotive, to schedule an oil change and requested that they also inspect and diagnose the cause of the warning light. During their inspection, they performed a diagnostic scan and identified stored engine code P0430 – Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 2), which corresponds to the catalytic converter on the left side of the radiator. Concerned that delaying the repair could lead to increased emissions and potential damage to the engine, I authorized the necessary repairs. All work was completed by June 23, 2025. It was only after the repairs were finalized that I reviewed the Ford Warranty Guide and discovered that this issue is, in fact, covered under warranty. Unfortunately, Ford has denied reimbursement solely because the repairs were not performed at a Ford dealership. This is deeply disappointing, especially considering the repair cost exceeded $1,800, and no alternative solution or support has been offered. My intention in sharing this is to ensure that other Ford owners are not similarly affected by this type of parts failure and warranty denial.
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated, with the warning light illuminated. The contact parked the vehicle and refilled the coolant reservoir. In addition, the contact stated that the coolant reservoir was repeatedly refilled weekly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a coolant pump failure and a slow coolant leak. The contact was informed that the coolant pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with coolant pump failure. The contact was informed that the coolant pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Structure, Jun 20, 2025
B pillar trim behind passenger door (vertical pillar) is peeling from the top. May fly off and cause a safety issue on roadway if unaddressed. Similar to existing recall of A pillar trim for same year and model as well as an existing recall for 2011-2017 B pillar trim (same issue as mine, but adjacent model years).
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jun 19, 2025
About two years ago, I had the windshield replaced because I had a crack in it. A certified tech approved by my insurance replaced it. Once that happened, I noticed the right A-pillar was loose. Thinking it was something they did incorrectly, I called and they came to fix it; however, a day later, it did the same thing. The clips would not fit correctly. While going down the road, it flew off and scraped the side of my car. Now there isn't an A-pillar and I'm afraid water is getting into my car. Since that happened, my electrical system has been acting strange. I called the AutoNation and I was told the saw the recall, but they didn't have any fixes for it yet. That was in 2024.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 18, 2025
The radio flickers on & off when started for about 10 minutes. It’s very distracting. The windshield makes a whistling noise when going above 50mph
Structure, Jun 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side A-Pillar trim detached and flew off the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure almost caused a crash. Additionally, the contact later discovered that the passenger’s side A-Pillar trim had also detached and flew off the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. 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 not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Back over prevention, Jun 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while reversing, the back-over prevention camera system failed to function as intended. The contact stated the back-over prevention camera seized and displayed a black screen. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed back over prevention camera system. The contact was informed that the back over prevention camera system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer twice due to the persistent failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 200. The VIN was unavailable.
Structure, Jun 16, 2025
On July 5, 2024, I was driving on Hwy. 12 in Napa, California. The front pillar on my window flew off on the highway. Luckily, no other cars were around and no one was hurt. When I took my car in for service, I told them I needed it fixed and the other pillar looked at. Ford in Walnut Creek told me that they were on backorder and had no idea when I would get a replacement part. I called again a couple of weeks ago to see what the status was and again, no idea when the part would come in. This is the fault of Ford. They should be mfg. these parts. In the meantime, I have been driving around for close to a year with no A-pillar and at risk of losing the other one. Please help. They need to be accountable.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Jun 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and retrieved DTC: P0303 (Misfire in cylinder #3). The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer, who confirmed the failure. The dealer replaced the spark plugs and ignition coils. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, after the contact had the tires serviced, and the engine overheated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the cylinders, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the torque converter and engine needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired for the most recent failure due to the cost. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 119,000.
Structure, Jun 16, 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. 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Jun 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000(Structure); however, the part to do the repair was not yet available. No further information was available. 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Other or unspecified, Jun 11, 2025
I can hear air coming from the windshield on the drivers side at the top
Structure, Jun 9, 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. 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Electrical system, Jun 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle and the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the clicking sound was the doors locking and unlocking continuously. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the keyless entry keypad on the driver's side door, resulting in battery drainage. The contact was informed that the keypad needed to be reprogrammed. 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 unknown.
Structure, Jun 5, 2025
I saw that Ford has issued a recall that affects 2016 and 2017 Ford Explorers due to a B-pillar trim piece that is not properly attached and may separate from the vehicle. My 2018 Ford Explorer also has this issue. Will 2018 Explorers be included in this recall?