Vehicle report

2018 Ford Explorer

Recalls, consumer complaints, safety ratings, fuel cost estimate, and next steps from official public data sources.

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2018 Ford Explorer
6 Total recalls
Feb 20, 2026 Latest recall date
693 Complaint reports
$2,760 Estimated fuel cost
Quick answer: The 2018 Ford Explorer has 6 official recalls and 693 consumer complaints in our database. The latest recall date is Feb 20, 2026. The most common complaint categories include structure, unknown or other, engine. Estimated annual fuel cost is $2,760 based on the current calculator assumptions.

Buyer interpretation

What this record means before you buy

The useful question is not just whether this page has records. It is what those records should make you verify before money changes hands.

Recall homework

There are 6 official recalls listed for this model year. Before buying, use the VIN to confirm which campaigns are still open and ask for dealer repair records on completed work.

Owner complaint pattern

Owner complaints most often mention structure, unknown or other, engine. Scan those categories before the test drive so you know what symptoms, warning lights, or service history to ask about.

Open investigation signal

1 federal defect investigation is still open. That is not a recall, but it is worth reading before assuming the issue is settled.

Ownership-cost check

The fuel-cost estimate is based on a representative EPA match, not every trim. Confirm the actual engine, drivetrain, and tire setup before comparing this listing with another year or model.

Questions to ask the seller

  • Can you show the current VIN recall status for this 2018 Ford Explorer?
  • Do you have dealer invoices or campaign paperwork for the listed recall repairs?
  • Have you noticed any issues related to structure, unknown or other, engine?
  • Can I review recent maintenance records before the test drive?
Used-car checklist

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2018 Ford Explorer Regular Gasoline
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Safety ratings

Official safety ratings were found for 2 tested variants of the 2018 Ford Explorer.

Overall 5/5 stars
Frontal crash 5/5 stars
Side crash 5/5 stars
Rollover 4/5 stars

Displayed variant: 2018 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV FWD ; rollover risk 16.4%

Safety ratings can vary by tested body style, trim, drivetrain, or variant. Do not assume every trim has the same rating unless the official record says so.
Variant Overall Front Side Rollover
2018 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV FWD Default 5/5 stars 5/5 stars 5/5 stars 4/5 stars
2018 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWD 5/5 stars 5/5 stars 5/5 stars 4/5 stars

How many recalls does the 2018 Ford Explorer have?

Verify with official VIN lookup

6 official recalls on record for the 2018 Ford Explorer. 28 matched quarterly completion reports are available.

Latest recall: February 20, 2026

Recall data is based on official records. This page is not an official VIN recall check. Always confirm open recalls with an official VIN lookup, the manufacturer, or an authorized dealer. Completion reports are campaign-level, delayed, and not VIN-specific.
Campaign Component Summary Consequence Remedy Date Completion
26V101000 SUSPENSION:REAR 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. Feb 2026 2026-1
47,310 remedied / 412,774 involved (11.5%)
25V685000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER 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. Oct 2025 Not matched
24V031000 STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS 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. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 18, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02. Jan 2024 2026-1
323,072 remedied / 1,889,110 involved (17.1%)
21V316000 STRUCTURE:BODY 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. May 2021 2023-3
365,242 remedied / 616,967 involved (59.2%)
19V633000 SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER 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. Aug 2019 2021-1
497,072 remedied / 639,137 involved (77.8%)
18V807000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 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. Nov 2018 2020-1
112 remedied / 144 involved (77.8%)

Are there federal defect investigations for the 2018 Ford Explorer?

Official records show 3 federal defect investigations matched to the 2018 Ford Explorer.

1 open 2 closed
Investigations are not recalls. They show official defect reviews and may close without a recall, or may reference a related campaign when one exists.
Action Status Component Subject Opened Related recall
AQ22003 Open LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH Hertz/Vehicles Rented with Open Recalls
NHTSA is opening this audit query to investigate whether The Hertz Corporation (Hertz) has complied with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Safety Act). The Safety Act requires, among other things, that a rental company shall not rent a vehicle subject to a safety recall unless the recall remedy has been performed. 49 U.S.C. § 30120(i).NHTSA is in receipt of information that indicates Hertz rented vehicles to customers without having performed required recall repairs. Accordingly, we are opening this audit query to seek additional information concerning this issue. 		Dec 2022 None
PE23001 Closed STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS Windshield trim molding Item detachment
On January 27, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-001 to investigate allegations of A-pillar trim panel detachment on model year (MY) 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles. At the time of opening, the office had received 164 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reporting this failure. ODI has received 671 VOQs regarding this failure, including 1 alleged crash and 2 alleged injuries. Some consumers have reported that the failure occurred while they were driving at highway speeds, with the detached trim panel entering the path of travel of the vehicle behind them, requiring the driver of the following vehicle to take evasive action. It is noteworthy that motorists who experience this type of road hazard are less likely to accurately identify the subject vehicle the item detached from and report the event to the NHTSA. In its April 17, 2023 response to ODI’s information request, Ford provided 175 consumer complaints (including field reports) and 14,162 warranty claims related to A-pillar trim panel detachment. Ford relayed that the subject vehicles utilize a plastic A-pillar bracket, which is bolted to the vehicle structure during assembly. The A-pillar trim panel is attached to the bracket utilizing 7 plastic clips. Contributory factors which have been identified by Ford as leading to the subject defect include incomplete installation at the assembly plant, inadequate part stack up, damage to fasteners during installation, and failure to follow proper repair procedure during windshield replacements or other services. On January 19, 2024, Ford filed safety recall 24V-031 for MY 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles to address the subject defect. In the Part 573 Safety Recall Report, Ford identified that a detached A-pillar trim panel can create a road hazard for other road users, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall remedy includes an inspection of the existing A-pillar trim panel and, if necessary, the replacement of the component. The remedy A-pillar trim panels will be installed with an additional adhesive for robustness and utilize an inspection procedure to ensure full engagement of all the retention clips during installation. In view of the recall action being taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov. 		Jan 2023
Closed Feb 2024 		24V031
PE23001 Closed STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS Windshield trim molding Item detachment
On January 27, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-001 to investigate allegations of A-pillar trim panel detachment on model year (MY) 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles. At the time of opening, the office had received 164 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reporting this failure. ODI has received 671 VOQs regarding this failure, including 1 alleged crash and 2 alleged injuries. Some consumers have reported that the failure occurred while they were driving at highway speeds, with the detached trim panel entering the path of travel of the vehicle behind them, requiring the driver of the following vehicle to take evasive action. It is noteworthy that motorists who experience this type of road hazard are less likely to accurately identify the subject vehicle the item detached from and report the event to the NHTSA. In its April 17, 2023 response to ODI’s information request, Ford provided 175 consumer complaints (including field reports) and 14,162 warranty claims related to A-pillar trim panel detachment. Ford relayed that the subject vehicles utilize a plastic A-pillar bracket, which is bolted to the vehicle structure during assembly. The A-pillar trim panel is attached to the bracket utilizing 7 plastic clips. Contributory factors which have been identified by Ford as leading to the subject defect include incomplete installation at the assembly plant, inadequate part stack up, damage to fasteners during installation, and failure to follow proper repair procedure during windshield replacements or other services. On January 19, 2024, Ford filed safety recall 24V-031 for MY 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles to address the subject defect. In the Part 573 Safety Recall Report, Ford identified that a detached A-pillar trim panel can create a road hazard for other road users, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall remedy includes an inspection of the existing A-pillar trim panel and, if necessary, the replacement of the component. The remedy A-pillar trim panels will be installed with an additional adhesive for robustness and utilize an inspection procedure to ensure full engagement of all the retention clips during installation. In view of the recall action being taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov. 		Jan 2023
Closed Feb 2024 		24V031

Are there manufacturer notices for the 2018 Ford Explorer?

Official records show 195 manufacturer communications on record for the 2018 Ford Explorer.

0 warranty 0 service campaigns 0 software/OTA

Common components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (69), EQUIPMENT (36), POWER TRAIN (21), ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (17), SEATS (13)

Manufacturer communications are not recalls. They can include service bulletins, repair instructions, warranty extensions, software updates, service campaigns, and other notices.
Date Type Component Summary ID / document
Mar 2026 Other BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS Advance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Rear View Camera Replacement If Required After Dealer Evaluation 11030282
25N17
Feb 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions STRUCTURE:BODY Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how to retrieve the master code. This guide is located under the Workshop Manual tab > Accessories > Installation > Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide > PPT C > Step C2.<br /><br /> Note: The only available keypad for some vehicles from the assembly plant is the accessory wireless keyless entry keypad. The integrated wired keypad cannot be installed on vehicles not equipped from the factory with a wired keyless entry k 11029052
SSM 54601
Nov 2025 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions ELECTRICAL SYSTEM This article supersedes TSB 24-2165 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit various SYNC performance related concerns including but not limited to:  Display operation concerns  Navigation inoperative  Voice recognition concerns  Phone connection issues  Dropped phone connections  Applink related performance  Travel Link not present or showing incorrect traffic  Slow system response NOTE: Ford has found some of the APIMs replaced and returned for inspection contained an outdated software level and the APIM did not require replacement. The customer concern may have been resolved by updating the APIM with latest level of software. The SYNC 3 universal thumb drive will be able to update the APIM software without the use of a scan tool and does not require the process to be monitored. Ford will be monitoring APIM replacements to confirm TSB directed software updates have been performed. 11025837
TSB 25-2570
Nov 2025 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern. 11025611
SSM 54366
Jan 2025 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions UNKNOWN OR OTHER "Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following conditions: • Customer concern of a vibration or rough idle in D or R • Shudder while driving • Lack of engine RPM • Low performance, lack of acceleration on take off" 11013144
TSB 25-2005
Oct 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions UNKNOWN OR OTHER While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. 11008948
SSM 53040
May 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions UNKNOWN OR OTHER This article supersedes TSB 21-2175 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some 2016 MKS, 2016-2017 Navigator, 2016-2018 F-150/Focus/C-MAX/Edge/Fiesta/MKX/Transit Connect/Mustang, 2017-2018 Continental/Fusion/MKZ, 2017-2019 Explorer, 2016-2019 Escape/MKC/Flex/MKT/Taurus/Transit/Expedition/F-Super Duty, and 2018-2019 EcoSport vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience various SYNC performance related concerns. related concerns including but not limited to: Display operation concerns Navigation inoperative Voice recognition concerns Phone connection issues Dropped phone connections Applink related performance Travel Link not present or showing incorrect traffic Slow system response This may be due to the SYNC software. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to update the accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software. NOTE: Ford has found some of the APIMs replaced and returned for inspection contained an outdated software level and the APIM did not require replacement. The customer concern may have been resolved by updating the APIM with latest level of software. 11001174
TSB 24-2165
Apr 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions UNKNOWN OR OTHER Some 2018-2019 Explorer and 2018-2024 Transit/F-150/Expedition/Navigator vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0627, P025A, P025B, P00C6, P008A and/or U0109 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). Diagnosis should include checking for an intermittent or partial disconnect of the harness to the fuel pump control module (FPCM) connector, connector pin push-outs, damaged pins/terminals, or loose/corroded grounds. Confirm FPCM connector (Explorer - C3239, Transit - C433, F-150 - C460/C4336, Expedition/Navigator - C433/C4033) is fully seated and inspect applicable grounds (Explorer  G302, Transit - G401, F-150 - G401, Expedition/Navigator - G403/G406) prior to performing guided diagnostics or replacing any components. 10254142
SSM 52483
Apr 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions EQUIPMENT All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer Key Code access is granted through the Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES); dealership management can authorize users. The authorized user must go to FMCDealer.com > Parts and Service > Parts Product Line Information > Keys/Entry Devices > Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Follow the instructions on the screen to obtain the master code for the accessory keypad. 10254138
SSM 52476
Mar 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING For 2015-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines and customer concern of an engine oil leak, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 for oil leak inspection and testing methods. Ford has evaluated turbochargers replaced for oil leak symptoms and although oil may collect on the external surface of a turbocharger, it is extremely rare for a turbocharger assembly to be the root cause of the oil leak. Careful inspection of the turbocharger oil feed and drain tubes should be performed along with the recommended WSM procedures as needed. Warranty claims for turbocharger replacement going forward will be assessed. 10251952
SSM 52335

What are the most common 2018 Ford Explorer complaints?

693 total complaints on record

How much does the 2018 Ford Explorer cost in fuel?

Estimated annual cost $2,760 $230/month at 12,000 miles/year
Effective efficiency 19.6 MPG
Energy used 613 gal/yr
Price assumption $4.50 $/gal

Assumptions: 17 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG · Regular Gasoline · efficiency ratings from official public data when available · fuel price default: official public data (U.S. average, Jun 3, 2026)

455 g/mi CO2Fuel score 4/10Smog 3/10

Model-year comparison

2026 2025 2024 2023 2022