Complaint volume
694 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
694 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2018 Ford Explorer, grouped by component category.
694 Total complaints
12 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 12 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 281 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 53,203 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?
12 Crash
7 Fire
12 Injury
0 Fatality
29 Towed
5 Medical attention
What are the most common 2018 Ford Explorer complaint categories?
STRUCTURE 248
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 113
ENGINE 55
POWER TRAIN 25
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 20
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 18
SUSPENSION 14
BACK OVER PREVENTION 12
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE 11
STEERING 10
694 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The A-pillar appliques on my vehicle are detaching and my windshield vibrates while i drive, putting my family at risk, and others as well. The rubber seal around windshield is coming off on the outside of car. I have reached out to Ford on multiple occasions with no course of action. I have done my research and have let them know since they can not fix the problem, I have contacted a lawyer. Still nothing. When driving my car any speed the windshield vibrates, idling and the windshield vibrates. this is a safety concern for my family. Please help us | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | 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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the sound of wind was heard while driving at speeds 40 MPH or higher coming from the sides of the front windshield. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 102,500. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 102,500 |
| Dec 2024 | STRUCTURE | Exterior A- Left pillar become detached on the interstate and was a hazard to the cars behind, almost caused a crash. Exterior A-Right pillar is loose. I have attempted to get the recall repair completed at a dealership, but have been unsuccessful. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while approaching a stop sign, the vehicle started shuddering while depressing the brake pedal. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 84,000 |
| Dec 2024 | STRUCTURE | The keyless entry panel on driver's side next to driver's window is poorly put on and is starting to come off and could tear off on freeway and cause a safety risk to others. We took the vehicle into a Ford dealership for repairs on some other trim that had a recall and when we received our vehicle back we heard a whistling noise on drivers side and saw the keyless entry panel trim piece was coming off and when we called back to have them fix they stated they didn't damage it during the other trim work they performed and it isn't part of the recall | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I first contacted the dealership on July 29, 2024 to set up an appointment and again on Oct. 8, 2024. I took my vehicle to the dealership on 11/22/24 to have the recalls on my vehicle corrected. On pickup I was informed that the pillars had not been fixed became there were no parts available. The following day while driving on the highway something hit the side of my vehicle. When I arrived at my destination I noticed on the passenger side windshield pillar was missing and the passenger doors were scratched. I’m concerned because the drivers side pillar may fall of and hurt someone. In addition I’m concerned about the windshield falling due to the cracking of the sealant. I need to use my vehicle to go to work. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to shift to revere, the vehicle jerked and hesitated before shifting into reverse. The contact stated that after shifting to drive, the RPM revved; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The contact released the accelerator pedal, shifted to neutral and back to drive while slowly depressing the accelerator pedal for the vehicle to operate as needed. The contact stated that afterwards while driving 20 MPH or more, the vehicle sputtered and was making an abnormal grinding sound. While idling, the vehicle started shaking violently. The contact stated that the “WRENCH” and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to identify the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission had failed due to failed spark plugs and filters. The mechanic also stated that there was a significant amount of rust on the engine. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact became aware of a Customer Satisfaction Program: 10181988 (Power Train) and Technical Service Bulletin 10184634 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Power Train) and linked the TSB and CSP to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall, Customer Satisfaction Program 10181988 (Power Train), and Technical Service Bulletin 10184634 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Power Train). The manufacturer opened a case for the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 65,000 |
| Nov 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that water was leaking in on both sides of the windshield. The contact stated that due to the failure, rainwater was leaking onto instrument panel, causing the instrument panel to become inoperable. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was also illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer confirmed the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 138,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 138,000 |
| Nov 2024 | ENGINE | My car has 105k miles on it. And the check engine light came on. Code was 3rd cyl. Misfire. Changed spark plug and coil pack. Light cane back on the next day. Then the overheat warning comes on. Shut vehicle off to cool. The coolant is now completely empty. Vehicle will not start. Have towed and the dealership gets it yo start but smoking. Dealership basically doesn't even notice that the fluid is low after we had filled it again. They say there's nothing wrong even though it wouldn't start and then was smoking when it did. Take to another mechanic to discover coolant in the 3rd Cylinder and need a whole new motor. This issue has been common in these ecoboosts! But Ford has still failed to recall or do anything about it. Can cause overheating and fire from what I've read. And also cracked head and or block! $8000 repair on a vehicle just out of the extended warranty for an issue they know they had! | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | THE FRONT SEAL OF WINDSHIELD SEEMS TO BE LETTING QUITE A BIT OF AIR FLOW THROUGH WINDOW INTO VEHILE WHEN DRIVING 35+ MILES/HR. THERE IS A RECALL ON THE PARTICUALAR PART THAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE VIHICLE HAS YET TO BE INSPECTED BY PROFESSIONAL. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The clips on my windshield are not holding windshield in properly and the black rubber on outside of windshield is deteriorating and my windshield vibrates while driving. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger's side roof rank top cover detached and flew off into traffic. The dealer provided a mobile service and the vehicle was diagnosed with failed roof rank push pins. The contact was informed that the rooftop push pins needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of an unknown recall that had a similar failure description, however, the contact's VIN was not associated with the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 105,000 |
| Nov 2024 | ENGINE | Took the vehicle to a Ford Dealership to fix the roof railings (recalled). While doing their inspection they said the vehicle was out of coolant and that the water pump needed to be replaced and it would cost $4400.82. There were no warning lights or anything indicating that anything was wrong with the vehicle. This is a safety issue because the vehicle could overheat and shut down in the middle of the interstate without any warnings. This is a problem with the Explorer and should be remedied. Ford said there is a possibility that the coolant leaked into the engine and if so, a new engine would be required. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The APIM (sync module) went blank. It controls backup camera, radio, heat and air, sensors on the bumper etc... Ford said the APIM failed testing and recommended to replace the APIM to gain access to the screen. It would only cost about $1100. This is a safety issue because the sensors will not work. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | 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 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 issue. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2024 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle jerked forward and backward. The contact stated that the vehicle was driven back onto the driveway. The contact turned off the vehicle and the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with throttle body failure that was seized closed. The contact was informed that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the purge valve had been replaced 26 days prior to the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,200. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 100,200 |
| Nov 2024 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Faulty throttle body after purge valve replacement. Car would not accelerate and had to be towed to the dealer. Throttle body is stuck in the closed position according to the dealer. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | STRUCTURE | 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 contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made not aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 83,276. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 83,276 |
| Oct 2024 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the contact became aware that the driver’s side keypad had detached from the door, causing the trunk to not release or open. The door ajar warning light illuminated; however, all the doors were properly closed. The contact stated that the failure was temporarily repaired with tape. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 102,000 |
| Oct 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | Doesn’t want to run right | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | ENGINE | Driving home from work when all of a sudden my car started jerking, not shifting correctly and could hear a noticeable noise coming from the engine. Low oil pressure light came on and pulled over. Car would not restart. Had it towed to mechanic and was determined that the engine was hydrolocked due to coolant getting into the pistons and oil. New engine needed on a 6 year old car with 91,000 miles. Upon researching it seems this is a common problem with eco boost engines and I don’t believe I should be responsible for this apparent COMMON issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | SUSPENSION | As I made a turn, the toe link broke and caused my car to be thrown to side of road. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | SUSPENSION | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while his daughter was driving approximately 35 MPH over a bump in the roadway, the steering wheel turned to the left while driving straight on the roadway. The contact stated that his daughter had not seen warning light illuminated. The contact drove to his daughter location and drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the driver’s side rear wheel rear suspension toe link had fractured and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the mechanic researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 137,000 |
| Oct 2024 | ENGINE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine and coolant warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the water pump had leaked into the engine and advised the contact to maintain the anti-freeze level at full. The vehicle was taken to another local independent mechanic for a second opinion where it was diagnosed with the same failures and advised the contact to reach out to the local dealer for assistance. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 160,000 |
| Oct 2024 | SEAT BELTS | For the 2nd row passenger seat the clip has broken. You can not safely have a passenger in the seat. I have been trying for over a year to get the part. I was told by the last person who looked at it that it is specific to the air bag seat belts in the second row. I also had a coworker who had the exact same part break. For the first 6 months I tried to get this resolved they were so far backordered that the dealership would not even take my name to get on the list for the back order. They finally took my name last month, but its still on back order. It has now been over a year with a seat unalbe to be used for a passenger. I am trying to figure out how if so many people are in line for this part that it is not a safety recall issue...Also why are they not just replacing the entire set up as they seem to have a very common issue going on here. What if that were to have broken during an accident. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |