Complaint volume
710 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2018 Ford Explorer Complaints
710 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2018 Ford Explorer, grouped by component category.
710 Total complaints
14 Crash reports
7 Fire reports
12 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are structure, unknown or other, engine. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 14 crash reports, 7 fire reports, 12 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 284 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 53,609 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to structure, unknown or other, engine?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2018 Ford Explorer?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2018 Ford Explorer
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2018 Ford Explorer complaints?
14 Crash
7 Fire
12 Injury
0 Fatality
30 Towed
5 Medical attention
What are the most common 2018 Ford Explorer complaint categories?
STRUCTURE 241
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 129
ENGINE 67
POWER TRAIN 32
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 31
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 25
SUSPENSION 18
STRUCTURE:BODY 14
STEERING 13
VISIBILITY/WIPER 13
710 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 2026 | ENGINE | This vehicle was inspected by a certified Ford dealership (Premier Ford, Service Advisor: Harry). Ford Motor Company’s Consumer Affairs Department subsequently reviewed the case under Complaint ID: XXX. In their official written response, Ford explicitly admitted the root cause, stating: "the vehicle experienced a failure to the harness for the alternator which melted due to heat from the exhaust." INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Dealership is not honoring active recalls due to body damage causing car to be deemed total loss by dealership and is in process of being rebuilt | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2026 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | The windshield wiper motor failed, causing the windshield wipers to stop operating properly. At the same time, the windshield washer system is unable to spray washer fluid onto the windshield. This significantly reduces visibility during rain and when the windshield becomes dirty, creating a safety hazard. No warning lights were displayed | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2026 | ENGINE | While driving at highway speed on a 2-lane highway with three children under the age of [XXX] in the vehicle, my 2018 Ford Explorer experienced sudden complete engine failure with no prior warning. No warning lights, no temperature gauge change, no unusual sounds. The vehicle went from operating normally to catastrophic failure instantaneously, forcing me to sharply cross active traffic to exit the roadway. The vehicle came to rest near a train track. The root cause was internal water pump failure. Ford's design places the water pump inside the engine, causing coolant to leak internally with no external indicators and no dashboard warning until catastrophic damage has already occurred. Ford did not install a coolant level sensor in the reservoir, and the only coolant warning available is an overheating alert, which never triggered. I had taken every reasonable precaution. Two thousand miles prior, an oil change showed no coolant contamination. One week prior, I physically checked the coolant level and it was within safe range. Ford's design gave me zero opportunity to detect or prevent this failure. This is a known recurring issue. Over 86 engine complaints have been filed with NHTSA for this model year alone and Ford has been aware of this defect since at least 2007. Despite class action litigation in both Canada and the United States, Ford has not issued a U.S. recall. Repair costs exceed $9,000. I am requesting NHTSA open a formal investigation and compel Ford to issue a U.S. recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: Yes Fire: No Towed | Unknown |
| Jul 2026 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence and then to an independent mechanic shop, where a full diagnostic inspection was not performed; however, the mechanic suspected that coolant bubbled internally and the contact was informed that the head gasket might need to be replaced. The mechanic was unable to disassemble the engine for further inspection. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, who diagnosed that the water pump needed to be replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 112,000 |
| Jul 2026 | SUSPENSION | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V101000 (Suspension), and the recall repair was completed. The contact stated that immediately after the recall repair, while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the rear end of the vehicle fishtailed, and the contact lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer on several occasions; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact was advised that the tires needed to be replaced. The contact purchased and replaced the tires and had a four-wheel alignment performed, but the failure persisted, although not as severe. While the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the tread on the rear tires was extremely worn. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 118,000 |
| Jul 2026 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NTHSA 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 dealer 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2026 | STEERING | While driving out of a turn or curve, the steering does not return to center. Which may cause veering into other lanes or off the road. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2026 | POWER TRAIN | Less that 100k miles and my transmission already needs replaced. Last year my engine was sputtering making my car jerk while driving went to shop they did a total transmission fluid changed but said my transmission is likely going bad it helped mostly and I had high hopes the problem was solved it was not fast forward to now my transmission went then caused the torque converter to go my car was shaking so bad while stopped and in drive in order to go i had to put my foot all the way to the floor and quickly move to the break sometimes my car would fly other times it would take so long to go that people would try to fly around me then my car would shoot forward and id have to slam on breaks and the rpm gage was all over the place while maintaining the same speed. My car should not need a new transmission at under 84000 miles. This was so dangerous. When I did a search so many reddit posts about 2018 explorers torque converters and Transmissions going bad. I'm livid. I don't have 8k to replace the transmission in a vehicle i still owe 10k on | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2026 | POWER TRAIN | Vehicle: 2018 Ford Explorer Mileage at Failure: 62,212 miles On [XXX] while driving my 2018 Ford Explorer, the wrench warning light suddenly illuminated on the dashboard. At the same time, the vehicle experienced a significant loss of power and became extremely sluggish in acceleration. When I pressed the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond normally and did not accelerate as expected. This condition created a serious safety hazard because the vehicle could not maintain or increase speed when needed in traffic. Had this occurred while entering a highway, crossing an intersection, or attempting to avoid another vehicle, it could have resulted in a crash. The vehicle has been inspected by McCarthy Ford. The dealership diagnosed transmission-related problems and provided a repair estimate of $6,384.94. Ford Motor Company previously issued Customer Satisfaction Programs 20B27 and 20N07 for certain Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with the 6F35 transmission. Ford's own documentation acknowledges that transmission torque converter overheating may result in low performance, lack of acceleration during launch, sluggish vehicle operation, vibration, shuddering, and related transmission concerns. These symptoms are consistent with the condition experienced in my vehicle. I reported the issue to Ford Motor Company and sent a certified letter to CEO James D. Farley, Jr. requesting assistance and a policy adjustment due to the known transmission and torque converter concerns. To date, I have not received a satisfactory response. I am submitting this complaint because the sudden loss of acceleration and reduced vehicle power created a significant safety risk while operating the vehicle on public roadways. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2026 | STRUCTURE | 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 65 MPH, the front Driver-side A-pillar trim detached and struck a nearby vehicle. The contact pulled over to check on the vehicle that was struck by the front driver’s side A-pillar trim and retrieved the trim piece. 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 failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 45,000 |
| Jun 2026 | ENGINE | My vehicles transmission has been replaced 2 times already (3 years apart)- now it is overheating. Absolutely no warning lights have came on at any time in regards to any of my situations - My vehicle is available for inspection at any time. When the transmission went in my vehicle, I was traveling on an interstate with my child. The dealer has confirmed replaced the transmission as it was still under the 5 year warranty - my vehicle is set to go back into the shop today to be inspected as to why it is overheating. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2026 | AIR BAGS | The airbag light shown in the attached photo came on at an unknown period of time. We did not know when this came on that it was not a normal light. This is a safety issue as there are many causes for this light to come on, and with this light being on the airbag may not deploy properly or at all during a collision. We did take the vehicle to the Ford dealership for warranty work and they did not say anything about the light on the dash. Which adds to the reason why we did not know that the light meant there was a problem. There are other airbag lights that come on in the sinners console for the passenger side airbags that are orange as well. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2026 | SUSPENSION | Attempted to make an appointment on XXX with [XXX], 2121 W Bell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85023 phone 602-375-7400 to have the two open safety recalls completed( 26V101 & 24v031). Could not make a service appointment because the service writer said that parts were not available and had no idea of when they would be available to fix the safety recalls. Service writer indicated they COULD NOT notify me when parts were available. I was to continuously call them for follow up as to when the car could be fixed. I continue to use the vehicle in spite of the safety defects as I can not afford another transportation method. Please help me get my Explorer fixed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2026 | POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE | The driver side Keyless door entry pillar has come off on the highway and hit something. The keyless door entry panel came off in 2023 and Koons Ford of Annapolis charged me $ 523.00 to fix the panel. The panel has a small clip and double stick tape. Sorry, double stick tape is not going to hold up to weather variations throughout the year, wind speed and age. Terrible and dangerous design. You gave 2017 a Recall 25S53 for ford but NOT 2018 | Crash: Yes Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2026 | STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The horn on my vehicle activates (blows) when I turn the steering wheel to certain positions. I believe this to be a road hazard. Especially since I had to remove the horn relay to prevent the horn from blowing in traffic until I can get it repaired. Several other Ford vehicles have been recalled for this exact problem. Just to diagnose this problem at the Ford dealer is $170.00. Help! | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2026 | STRUCTURE:BODY | The exterior A-pillar applique trim piece began detaching from the vehicle while driving. The part became loose and was hanging from the vehicle whilst in motion, at which point I safely pulled over and removed it to prevent it becoming a road hazard. The trim is now fully detached and available for inspection upon request. Upon checking Ford's official recall portal, the recall is confirmed as incomplete against this vehicle with the status "remedy not yet available." Ford's own recall notice stated parts were anticipated in the latter half of 2024 — it is now June 2026 and parts remain unavailable, representing an 18-month overrun on Ford's own published commitment. No warning was given prior to the trim becoming loose. No crash, fire or injury occurred. I am requesting this be logged as an active safety incident rather than a routine pending recall, and that NHTSA apply pressure on Ford to prioritize parts availability for owners whose trim has already physically detached while driving. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2026 | POWER TRAIN | The transmission completely failed without any warning lights or any other audible or visible signs of failure. This left my stranded on the side of the road. The local dealership has told me that I do have to replace the transmission. I have since called Ford Manufacturing's customer service department who told me there are no programs available to help assist with the cost of the transmission repair. There were no lamps, messages, sounds, smells, or visual cues. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2026 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | Total engine failure in the Ford Explorer XLT 2.3L ecoboost. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I had 2 recalls on my 2018 Ford Explorer and when I was finally notified parts were available for both I took to dealer to have them both fixed. Ford fixed the recall (rear suspension toe link - 26S08/26V101) but could not completely repair the other A Pillar Trim recall (24S08/26V101) because they said parts were not available. My letter clearly states they were. Ford ripped off my A pillar trim exposing both sticky and jagged plastic edges not only making an unsightly appearance but safety hazard. I have grabbed this area several times getting in and out, scraping my hands, staining my skin and clothes with the adhesive left on and get foreign objects stuck in this area. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2026 | STRUCTURE | The driver’s side B-pillar popped off while driving on the highway at appx. 65mph. It snapped in half. The top portion is gone but the wired portion with the keypad is remaining still. The passenger side looks like it may come off as well. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | On March 26, 2026, my vehicle received the rear suspension toe link replacement under Ford/NHTSA Recall 26S08 (26V101000). Within approximately 5 weeks, all four rear tires were completely destroyed by misalignment caused by Ford’s non-adjustable replacement parts. On approximately May 2, 2026 — during the first rain after the recall service — my vehicle hydroplaned and skidded uncontrollably, creating a serious risk of collision and injury. On May 4, 2026, Mavis Tire & Brake [XXX] ) confirmed the cause: Ford’s non-adjustable recall toe link replacement had left my rear wheels severely out of alignment (rear total toe measured 2.09° — over 4x outside the acceptable range of 0.10°–0.50°). The Mavis Service Manager documented in writing on Invoice #21381: “REPLACED REAR ARMS WITH ADJUSTABLE ARMS TO CORRECT ALIGNMENT.” The Mavis technician noted I was the second Ford Explorer customer within the same few weeks to present with this identical defect. I paid $1,507.93 out of pocket for four replacement tires, two new adjustable control arms to replace Ford’s defective recall parts, and alignment service. KEY EVIDENCE IN MY POSSESSION: • Mavis Invoice #XXX ($1,507.93) with Service Manager’s written admission • Pre- and post-repair alignment reports showing extreme misalignment and full correction • Photographs of destroyed Bridgestone Alenza 255/50R20 tires (severe inner-edge wear) • Ford dealership video from March 26, 2026 showing tires in good condition before recall service • VIN door sticker confirming vehicle specs • Complete case overview document prepared for submission INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2026 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | A-Pillar Trim flew off on the highway and almost caused a accident. The second one is also coming off. There was a recall for certain VINs but somehow mine wasn't included in the recall. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | STRUCTURE:BODY | 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 vehicle structure. As a result of this defect, my vehicle has experienced water intrusion that has affected the sunroof/moonroof system, including the motors and associated components. The presence of water in this area has caused malfunction of the sunroof/moonroof and track operation and has created the potential for further electrical damage. The condition appears to be directly related to the trim defect that Ford has acknowledged through safety recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Ford Explorer. Despite this known issue, the damage to the sunroof/moonroof components has not been fully addressed. I am requesting that Ford Motor Company: 1.Acknowledge that the trim defect allowing water intrusion contributed to the damage of the sunroof/moonroof and tracking system. 2.Cover the cost of diagnosing and repairing any damaged sunroof/moonroof motors and related components. 3.Ensure that all recall-related trim repairs are properly completed to prevent further water intrusion. This claim is being filed because the defect originates from a manufacturing issue that has been the subject of recalls affecting this model. As a consumer, I should not be responsible for repairs caused by a defect acknowledged by the manufacturer. Vehicle Information Year/Model: 2018 Ford Explorer Sport VIN: [XXX] Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company I respectfully request that INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 5 | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2026 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a popping sound coming from the roof. While at a car wash, the contact became aware that the roof rail had detached. The contact stated that the roof rail had detached several times after being reinstalled. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V316000 (STRUCTURE); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 110,000 |