2018 Ford Explorer problems owners report most
2018 Ford Explorer problems are documented in public: owners have filed 736 complaints with NHTSA, the earliest in 2018 and the most recent in 2026. Sorting those by the component the filer named puts the body structure clearly first, at 290 of the 736 complaints, two of every five filed.
A complaint is not a repair bill and not a defect finding. It is one owner telling the regulator something went wrong. What makes the count useful is the concentration: when one component takes 39 per cent of everything filed on a car, the pattern is doing more than chance.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| STRUCTURE | 290 | 39% |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 169 | 23% |
| ENGINE | 95 | 13% |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 57 | 8% |
| POWER TRAIN | 50 | 7% |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 29 | 4% |
Against the 2017 car, this model year has drawn 57 per cent fewer complaints (736 against 1,713). Both years are led by the body structure, so this is a fault that carried over rather than one introduced with the 2018 car.
Of those complaints, 15 describe a crash and 7 describe a fire. Filers reported 12 injuries.
Recalls on the 2018 Ford Explorer
A recall means the manufacturer or the regulator found a safety defect, and the repair is free at a franchised dealer however old the car is. There are 7 recalls on this model year. Your own car may be covered by some, all or none of them, so check the VIN rather than the model.
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."
The risk. 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.
The fix. 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.
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.
The risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix. 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.
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.
The risk. A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix. 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.
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.
The risk. A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix. 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.
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.
The risk. An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix. 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 December 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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.
The risk. A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix. 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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
The risk. A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix. 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.
In owners own words
These are complaints filed about the body structure, quoted as written. They are one persons account rather than a diagnosis, and they are here because a symptom described by a driver is easier to recognise than a component name.
Subject: BBB Auto Line Claim – Water Intrusion and Sunroof/Moonroof Motor Damage Related to Recall To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this written statement as supporting explanation to claim # XXX) with regarding my 2018 Ford Explorer Sport (VIN: [XXX] ) and issues related to a known exterior trim defect that allows water intrusion into the vehicle. Ford has issued recalls and service campaigns related to exterior trim components on the 2018 Ford Explorer, including A-pillar and roof rail trim that may become loose or improperly sealed. These components can allow water to enter the vehi
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 long
PURCHASED 2018 FORD EXPLORER XLT W/ AUTO NATION FORD CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS MAY 29, 2018. JUNE 20, 2018 I NOTICED THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR BOARD WAS COMPLETELY DRENCHED W/ H2O. THIS WAS DURING THE TIME WE HAD HEAVY RAINFALL. MY VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT WORK, NO FLOODING IN THE AREA, NO WINDOWS LEFT DOWN.THE H2O WAS ONLY ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR BOARD & UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT. JUNE 21, 2018-DROPPED VEHICLE OFF AT SERVICE DEPARTMENT. SERVICE DEPARTMENT CLAIMS THEY CHECKED EVERYWHERE. CAN'T IDENTIFY WATER LEAK. IN 2015 THE FORD MOTOR CO. ORDERS: STOP SELLING SOME 2015 FORD EDGE CROSSOVERS
The vehicle experienced multiple defects, including: Overheating due to a malfunctioning cooling fan motor relay. Exterior A-pillar trim detachment. Persistent starting issues, even after replacing the battery. The vehicle is no longer in my possession due to repossession, so inspection may not be possible. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The overheating issue posed a risk of engine failure while driving. The detached A-pillar trim could have caused a road hazard for other drivers if it fell off while in motion. The starting issues left me stranded on multiple occas
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 a
See attached document for complaint. I am writing to express my concern with the February 2024 recall from Ford (Safety Recall Notice 24S02/NHTSA Recall 24V031. This has been a known safety issue from Ford since February 2024. The recall letter (attached) advised that parts were expected later half of 2024. To date, no parts or further communication has been sent from Ford. I was driving my daughter and a friend home. While traveling on 196, the passenger side A-pillar applique trim clip attachment became detached from vehicle, hitting my windshield and then flying backwards on the expressw
Every component, by complaint count
The full breakdown of what owners named when they filed. Components below the top ten are grouped out of this table.
| Component | Complaints | Share of all complaints |
|---|---|---|
| STRUCTURE | 290 | 39% |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 169 | 23% |
| ENGINE | 95 | 13% |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 57 | 8% |
| POWER TRAIN | 50 | 7% |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 29 | 4% |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 26 | 4% |
| SUSPENSION | 23 | 3% |
| STEERING | 21 | 3% |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 19 | 3% |
How other model years compare
The same nameplate across the years we hold. Complaint counts fall naturally for newer cars because fewer of them have been on the road for long, so read the column as a rough signal rather than a ranking. In this set the 2016 Ford Explorer has drawn the most complaints and the 2019 Ford Explorer the fewest.
How to use this before you buy or repair
The reports do not gather around one obvious symptom, so read a handful of the complaints above and see which descriptions match what your car is doing.
Buying a used 2018 Explorer
Bring the complaint list to the inspection and ask the mechanic to check the components named most, rather than running a general once over.
If you already own one
Check your VIN for open recalls first. A recall repair costs nothing whatever the age or mileage of the car.
- Check the VIN for open recalls, not the model year.
- Ask the inspecting mechanic about the components named above.
- Get the part number before comparing retailer prices.
- Keep parts and labour as separate lines in any quote.
Where the 2018 Ford Explorer problem data comes from
Every figure on this page is counted from complaints and recalls published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, read November 1, 2026. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by the agency before publication. We count each complaint once per component it names, so a complaint naming two components appears in both rows.
- NHTSA recalls and complaintsRead November 1, 2026
- NHTSA record for the 2018 Ford ExplorerRead November 1, 2026
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