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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION | I own a 2018 Ford Explorer there has been an issue when it’s cold out the APIM is not responding and turning on the reverse camera when vehicle is put into reverse. When it is above 70 degrees Fahrenheit the APIM works intermittently. The problem with this is out of the blue when it decides to work at times it turns the radio on with volume at max level This has startled me not knowing it’s going to come on and it won’t let you turn the radio down or power it off. Ford says there is no recall on the issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2024 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at approximately 50 MPH, there was an abnormal sound as if there was something striking the windshield. The contact became aware several months later that the exterior A-Pillar trim was loose. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 140,000 |
| May 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 noticed that the passenger's side A-pillar trim had detached. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 90,000 |
| May 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that on several occasions the vehicle failed to start. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shut off unintendedly. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the alternator was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the A-pillar trim had detached from the vehicle causing excessive wind noise and water to leak into the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 75,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 75,000 |
| May 2024 | STRUCTURE,VISIBILITY | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the driver’s side windshield was cracked. The contact also stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, she became aware of a crack on the passenger’s side windshield. 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The windshield failure mileage was approximately 70,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 70,000 |
| May 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Back up camera went blue screen. I noticed they had recalls on the 2018's that were manufactured in October of 2018 however my car was manufactured before Oct 2018 | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2024 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was shaking while idling, initially without warning. Recently, while the vehicle was in reverse(R), the vehicle shut off while idling with the transmission warning light illuminated. The contact restarted the vehicle and drove to an independent mechanic. The mechanic performed a diagnostic test and diagnosed the vehicle with transmission failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the vehicle related to the transmission. The contact was provided a case number and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 120,000 |
| May 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 made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2024 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, he became aware that the driver’s and passenger’s side roof rails were partially detached near the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the roof rails needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 40,000 |
| May 2024 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the cowl detached, and the contact witnessed a vehicle swerve. It was unknown if the cowl crashed into the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure recurred, the A-pillar trim detached, and the contact heard a flapping sound. The contact stated that duct tape was placed on the trim to prevent the cowl from detaching. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. 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 manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2024 | STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 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 driving at an undisclosed speed, the cruise control failed to operate as needed. No warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | SEAT BELTS,SEATS | Air bag style seat belt has broken twice and won’t allow seat belt to latch after it breaks. Broke while seat belt was in use and driving down the highway. When replacing the buckle I found that the frame piece on the seat was broke and moved when trying to tighten the buckle. The buckle has been unavailable online through multiple vendors and finally found one in stock. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the passenger’s side front door A-pillar trim detached and flew off the vehicle and almost hit another vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and recommended that the contact sought assistance from the manufacturer. 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 was unable to confirm when the part would be available for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 100,000 |
| Apr 2024 | STRUCTURE | The contact's son owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The owner 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. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | STRUCTURE | Front hood paint bubbling, corrosion and peeling | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the driver's side trim on the A Pillar detached from the vehicle. The contact stated that the trim also damaged a part of the plastic at the base of the windshield and the driver’s side near the A Pillar while detaching from the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the trim on the A-Pillar on the driver's side and the entire plastic cowl under the windshield needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 64,000 |
| Apr 2024 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard an abnormal sound emanating from the exterior of the vehicle. After a visual inspection, the contact observed that the windshield cowl had become detached. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the windshield cowl. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 40,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 40,000 |
| Apr 2024 | STRUCTURE | No incident yet.Between front door and back door, trim not secure. Is this included in recall #24V031? | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | car developed leaks and a mold smell. brought car to dealer, apparently, sunroof drains were plugged up cause water to build up in the car. The mold is making my wife and I sick. This is a severe health hazard caused by a manufacturing or design defect. The service dept at the dealer tried 3 or 4 time to sanitize, all failed and now they recommend replacing ALL of the upholstery in the car, rugs, headliner and seats. Mold has permeated this vehicle and it is not driveable. Ford should issue a recall for this problem and cover any costs. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | POWER TRAIN | Ford explorer transmission is out and at 62000 miles just under 5 years old. While driving vehicle it will loose power, making it difficult to drive safely. vehicle is currently at a ford dealership that verified issued. Ford motor company states must submit complaint here. when vehicle looses power it states "check manual" with a wrench symbol. No check engine is displayed. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | ENGINE | Water pump failed. Coolant is leaking | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2024 | ENGINE | Three times within the last 4 years I have had a Map Sensor failure. I was told the first time, this is rare. I was told the second time, this never happens twice. This time I'm told that they just don't know what is causing it. Must be 3 bad sensors in a row somehow. The engine failure on [XXX] was nearly catastrophic and I nearly died. I was going 70mph on a [XXX] at [XXX]. [XXX] can be dangerous under the best conditions, this was during dangerous storms along with being at rush hour. The engine completely stalls and I lose all power to drive. The first time it happened in a parking lot in August of 2020. The second time was Sept of 2022 and I was in my neighborhood. Sunset Ford has no explanation and have repaired it and sent me on my way once again. There are no signs this will happen - it just suddenly happens and I have no ability to react due to the complete engine stall. I have also had 2 oil system failures with this vehicle. It has only 42k miles on it. I do not feel safe driving this vehicle. I don't understand how this is acceptable at all honestly. How can I feel safe driving my children in this vehicle? 5 major repairs in just over 4 years. Have the repairs been done correctly? I question why more has not been done to ensure that another catastrophic event doesn't happen that could result in death of myself or family. Even my numerous requests for information and service reports were met with resistance and what seems like attempts at hiding information from Sunset Ford. Not only could I have been seriously injured or killed, but this could have caused a large scale accident affecting many others on that hwy. This feels negligent by either Sunset Ford or by Ford Mo Co. This should not happen in a safe and reliable vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2024 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, a tractor trailer truck passed by in the opposite lane and the rear GPS fin and the radio antenna blew off the vehicle. The contact stated that the loss of the rear fin exposed the electrical circuits to the wind and water. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 98,000 |
| Mar 2024 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the driver's side of the front window. The contact's wife observed a piece of the molding flapping. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the exterior A-pillar trim needed to be replaced. 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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The failure mileage was approximately 42,100. | Crash: No Fire: No | 42,100 |
| Mar 2024 | BACK OVER PREVENTION | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the rear backup camera would display a blue image on the infotainment screen. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and was given the same information as the dealer. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 42,000 |