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, Jun 3, 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 contact stated that the trim on the driver's and the passenger's side of the windshield was deteriorating and detaching from the vehicle. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the manufacturer was advising vehicle owners experiencing the failure to tape the trim pieces until the remedy was available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, May 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 80 MPH, the front windshield trim on the passenger's side detached and flew off the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a fractured exterior front windshield trim. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall. The contact was informed that the front exterior windshield trim needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall repair. In addition, the contact was informed that because the entire windshield exterior trim did not detach, the repair was not covered under the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact received NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure), however the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,500. The VIN was not available.
Other or unspecified, May 29, 2025
I took this vehicle for a recall on September 2024 mire than 9 months ago & as of today, there has been no solucion from customer service. I have send text messages to get an update & on January 2025 I was told that 3 of the 4 parts missing have arrived & they were just waiting for the last one. This recall have affected my business because I can't sell this vehicle due to the recall on it. I am really desperate to get the recall done so I can sell it. Carrillo's Auto Sales
Structure, May 28, 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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine, May 12, 2025
The water pump failed. It is internal in the engine. Not sure yet if coolant got into the motor. It is not safe to drive the vehicle and have to get it towed for this expensive repair. Water pumps should not fail at the rate they do on the ford 3.5 motors. They need to have a recall on them.
Power train, May 7, 2025
Vehicle has lack of acceleration during launch, sluggish vehicle operation, and shudder/vibration while driving. Vehicle acceleration falters while attempting to merge onto a freeway creating dangerous driving conditions for myself and others on the freeway. Ford has issued a TSB and Customer Satisfaction Program (number 20N07) to cover the costs of essential repairs to the torque converter for this problem but Ford claims my vehicle is not covered by this TSB/CSP. This is despite the fact Ford confirms my vehicle was assembled at the same plant during the same time period as the rest of the vehicles covered by the TSB/CSP. Vehicle is available for inspection. Ford should be compelled to include my vehicle in this important safety program.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, May 6, 2025, fire
I was pulling into my apartment division I heard a loud pop and the vehicle then died. I tried starting it back up and it then caught on fire. My door locks were stuck in the locked position and I could not get them to unlock. Within a few seconds (which felt like several minutes) the doors did unlock and I was able to get out. There were no warning lights or messages prior to this. Fire department did arrive and put out the fire. The car was a total loss. Report has been filed with insurance company. I purchased this car from BX Fort Myers LLC. I just purchased this vehicle from them and had for a total of 32 days. I did purchase the 12 month/12,000 mile extended warranty. I also purchased Gap insurance and informed them of what had happened. The one GM gave me a loaner for a week, got in trouble for giving me one and got demoted. the new GM said "definitely not" will not give me a loaner. I drive over an hour daily for my job and do need a vehicle.
Structure, Apr 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the passenger's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim detached and struck other vehicles on several occasions. The contact stated that the other vehicles were able to continue driving on each occasion. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the recall repair was performed; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the passenger's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim was replaced for a second time; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that a repair fee might be charged because recall repair was a one-time free repair. The contact stated that the recall repair failed to correct the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
Structure, Apr 28, 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.
Structure, Apr 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim on both sides of the windshield started to detach. 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 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 approximate failure mileage was 78,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Other or unspecified, Apr 22, 2025
The Ford dealer inspected the trunk lip's rust but refused to submit it to Ford Consumer Support for a corrosion warranty extension claim. The rust must have existed long before the corrosion warranty expired and was not detected for a month after. In 2023, the hood had rust bubbles around the edge and was repaired. I would like to have the rust of the Ford Explorer reviewed for a manufacturer recall.
Power train, Engine, Apr 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle started vibrating excessively and the vehicle hesitated with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that while driving uphill the message "Hill Start Assist Not Available" was displayed. The contact was able to drive uphill; however, the failure recurred after driving a short distance. The transmission unexpectedly downshifted and the vehicle was not able to pull into the driveway. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that there were metal shards found in the engine and that the transmission had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
Structure, Apr 21, 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 dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the A-pillar trim detached and separated from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated the A-pillar trim struck the vehicle that was behind the contact’s vehicle. On a separate occasion while driving approximately 60 MPH, the other side of the A-pillar trim detached and separated from the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Apr 15, 2025
2018 Ford Explorer in SEP 24 loss of driving power, complete, would not shift into any gear approximately 10k miles after a new transmission. Limped to dealer and they confirmed a replacement for the transmission, torque converter in particular. April 2025, engine warning light comes on, transmission torque converter failed again.
Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Electrical system, Apr 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was black smoke coming from under the hood. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the battery was faulty. The battery was replaced. The contact stated that while driving, there was black smoke coming from under the hood, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The transmission was replaced. Later, while driving again, the black smoke was again present coming from the hood of the vehicle, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine and turbo were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000.
Power train, Apr 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle began to vibrate excessively. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
Structure, Apr 11, 2025
I am writing to express my frustration and concern regarding a recall for my vehicle that ha remained unresolved for over a year. Despite numerous attempts to have the necessary repairs completed, I have been informed multiple times by my vehicle's manufacturer that the required parts are unavailable. This delay is a serious safety concern, as my vehicle remains subject to a recall that has not been addressed due to the lack of parts. I have contacted the dealership on several occasions over the past year to inquire about the availability of the necessary parts and have been informed each time that they are on backorder with no clear resolution in sight. This prolonged delay is causing me significant concern, as I have no way of knowing when or if the necessary repairs will be made. As this issue continues to affect my safety and the safety of others, I am seeking your guidance on the steps I can take to ensure that my vehicle is repaired promptly, in accordance with the recall notice. Additionally, J would appreciate any advice on whether there are any regulatory actions that the NHTSA can take to expedite this process and ensure that the manufacturer fulfills its obligation to address the recall in a timely manner. I look forward to your assistance in resolving this matter as quickly as possible. Thank you for your attention to this important safety issue.
Structure, Apr 11, 2025
In February 2024, I received the enclosed safety recall notice from Ford Motor Company regarding my 2018 Ford Explorer. The notice described a problem with A-pillar applique trim clip attachments that could cause the pillar trim become detached. In March 2024 while driving home from Pittsburgh PA, my left side pillar trim did blow off while I was traveling south on [XXX], and its final resting place is unknown to me. I notified my local Ford dealer (Mike Castrucci Ford, 1020 SR 28, Milford, OH) where I bought the car new about what happened. They said they were aware of the recall, but that as per the recall notice, replacement parts would not be available until the latter half of 2024. Well, it is almost end of the first quarter of 2025, and I have not received any positive responses to my follow up requests to the car dealer as to when I can expect have this issue resolved. Castrucci Ford's responses have been that the parts are on back order. My attempts to contact Ford Motor Company have also been pointless. Therefore, I am contacting the NHTSA, as per the recall letter, to see if Ford can be motivated to expedite getting my vehicle fixed. Thirteen months from the date of the initial recall notice to today should have been ample time to replace these pillars. As a member of the public, I'm wondering if Ford thinks that if they delay fixing the problem long enough, people will finally give up. FYI, I won't. Thank you for investigating my complaint. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Structure, Apr 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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was wind entering the cabin of the vehicle from the windshield. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Other or unspecified, Apr 3, 2025
I use this car for business as part of my income. Ford has issued an Advance Recall Notice. In January 2024. I have not been able earn money because of the recall notice. Manufacturer recall number: 24S02 NHTSA Recall number: 24V031 From legal advice, the Advance Recall Notice is for the dealers and is not an Official Recall Notice. Since the notice, I have been unable to rent out my vehicle. That's 15 months ago with no income. Now I have another Advance Recall Notice on my other vehicle a 2020 Expedition Max Limited. I need to make a living. What actions can be taken.? I've called numerous times first to times, no answer phone just rang after initial message. The following times, a human answered after message but i was disconnected or inadvertently put on hold. Then steered to this page. Looking for some assistance.
Structure, Apr 2, 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 stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the passenger’s side A-pillar trim was blown off the vehicle by the slipstream. The contact stated that the driver's side trim was loose. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Apr 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V0315000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the front passenger's side windshield exterior A-Pillar trim had detached. Additionally, the contact stated that the exterior trim at the base of the windshield had detached. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. 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 failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Apr 1, 2025
The A-piller trim molding flew off while I was driving down the road. I am aware that this part was previously recalled and potentially “fixed” before I purchased the vehicle, however it flew off and was a terrible safety hazard.
Structure, Mar 28, 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 contact stated that the trim was deteriorating and was detaching on the side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who referred the contact to a window specialist under warranty, previously, who stated it was only a cosmetic failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Mar 27, 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 contact stated that the gasket surrounding the A-pillar trim had completely deteriorated and detached from the vehicle. While driving at speeds of 60 MPH or higher, there was a whistling sound coming from the windshield from where the trim had detached. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that parts would be available in May 2025. The failure mileage was 27,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.