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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 2024 | STRUCTURE | Cowl is rotting and pieces are coming off. Car has less than 50k miles. Also causing windshield to rattle. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2024 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the front driver's side window B-pillar trim, where the keypad entry was mounted was detaching. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that there was no recall related to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, 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 both the driver's side and the passenger's side windshield exterior A-Pillar trims were detaching. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that only the driver's side windshield exterior A-pillar trim would be replaced under the recall. The vehicle was not 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 and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 35,000 |
| Aug 2024 | STRUCTURE | See attached document for complaint | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2024 | ENGINE | Failed water pump/coolant leak. Vehicle will suddenly overheat and engine can seize. Vehicle will stop unexpectedly and endanger the lives of the driver, passenger and other motorists. Temperature warning and check engine light comes on only when vehicle is overheated at which point there is no coolant left. Issue has been confirmed by an independent service center. I was told that they would not touch this repair and to take it to a dealership due to the location of the water pump, it's relationship to the timing chains and the labor intensive job. The part is inexpensive. A simple Google search indicates that this is a known design problem since approximately 2011 and affects many makes and models. There are several class action law suits and a recall was issued in Canada for the same issue. Ford will acknowledge "off the books" that it is a problem but offer no financial assistance or support for their design flaw. It is an extremely costly repair for a very pricey vehicle. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2024 | STRUCTURE | See attached document for complaint | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE | Our radio and back up assistance screen just stop working | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after his wife had driven and parked the vehicle, he noticed that the front driver's side window pillar trim, where the digital keypad was mounted had detached. The contact stated that he applied tape to the trim, but the tape could not secure the trim. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the front driver's side window pillar trim needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 102,000 |
| Jul 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The horn went out for a second time since I’ve owned this vehicle. The horns are in a bad location and in rainy weather they get wet and short out. The dealer will replace the horn again. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The a-piller trim flew off my car while driving down the highway. I was not in a place where I could pull over, so I am unsure if it hit anyone. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission experienced rough downshifting. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the transmission had previously been replaced twice; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with torque converter failure, and it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced for the third time. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 104,000 |
| Jul 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 while driving approximately 65 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the passenger’s side A Pillar. The contact stated that the trim panel had blown off the vehicle by the vehicle slipstream. The contact had not taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic or dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the front A-pillar trim located at the bottom of the windshield had started to crack and was making an abnormal buzzing sound while driving. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the contact was informed that the part was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer who offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 60,698. | Crash: No Fire: No | 60,698 |
| Jul 2024 | STRUCTURE | The contact's parents own a 2018 Ford Explorer. The parents received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact stated while driving 80 MPH, the driver’s side A-pillar detached and flew off the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 50,000 |
| Jul 2024 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver’s side B-pillar trim detached from the vehicle and flew off. Additionally, the passenger's side B-trim pillar was dangling. The contact stated that because of the failure, several wires were exposed, and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact also stated that the tailgate ajar warning light was illuminated with the tailgate properly closed. The contact disconnected the battery because of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the local dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 70,000 |
| Jul 2024 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the driver's side key panel detached. The contact stated that after the failure the liftgate ajar warning light illuminated and the contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway. After a visual inspection, the contact observed that the liftgate could no longer be opened. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the panel adhesive, resulting in damages to the electrical wiring and preventing the liftgate from functioning properly. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 104,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 104,000 |
| Jul 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 contact stated that the driver's side and the passenger's side windshield exterior A-pillar trims 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 not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 73 MPH, the front driver's side window exterior trim where the keyless entry keypad was located, had detached, and was hanging by the electrical wiring. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, 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 not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,950. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | 60,950 |
| Jul 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | My cars B Pillar (security pad) became unattached from my car while simply driving down the road. This part detaching caused my liftgate to lock and make me unable to open my truck for anyone and also the part could have fallen into the road way and caused a disturbance or accident to cars behind me. There was no indication of my security pad going to detach from my car and with the current recall on the A Pillars it is safe to believe that manufacturing caused this issue as well with the B Pillars as other Explorer owners have had this similar experience with the vehicles. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | ENGINE | Ford EcoBoost 2.0 engine failure at 66,000 miles as coolant has leaked into the engine compartment and oil pan. Known issue by Ford as design defect on the EcoBoost engines. Current class action lawsuit over this [XXX] et al., v. Ford Motor Company, Case No. [XXX], filed in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. Plaintiffs have experienced the exact same failures on the EcoBoost engines. Ford issued multiple technical service bulletins (TSBs) and other service messages for vehicles equipped with EcoBoost engines. Luckily, the failure occurred at home and not while driving at highway speeds as there have been reports of fires occurring if vehicle is moving during failure. Vehicle began rough idling 7-10 days ago and check engine light showed a code for misfire of cylinder. Had plugs changed but check engine light returned and then as of today, after overheating light came on dash upon startup with clouds of white smoke coming from exhaust, checked coolant levels and it was empty and drained down into the oil pan showing milky colored oil. Again... Ford knows about this issue with EcoBoost and has since 2017 and has failed to issue recall for customer safety due to cost factors and continues to address on case by case basis with most common offer to cover partial cost of engine replacement. Most consumers don't have the financial resources to sue Ford, so they continue to take advantage of their size and financial power to abuse customers. Please take action about this known issue and review the above class action case before Ford's negligence results in consumer death or serious injury. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | Both right and left side exterior A-pillar trim parts detached while driving. 2018 Ford Explorer. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact's husband noticed that the passenger's side front windshield trim had detached. In addition, the contact stated that the passenger's side front windshield trim clips had fractured. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 80,000 |
| Jun 2024 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V316000 (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 made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2024 | STEERING | Power Steering Assist Fault warning flashed briefly on 6/1/2024, everything has been fine until 6/8/2024 I went out and started my car the Power Steering Assist Fault warning came on again so I turned the car off and turned it back on the warning was still there. My husband came out and did the same thing, still there. He noticed that the steering wheel was locked and would not turn easily. So we took it down to the Ford Dealership and it is the steering rack needs replaced. My car has 21,000 miles on it. Going to be in shop for 4 days to fix. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 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 contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. 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. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2024 | STEERING,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 at a complete stop and attempting to turn left, the steering wheel seized, and the vehicle veered to the right. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with a fractured steering column. The contact was informed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 20,261. | Crash: No Fire: No | 20,261 |