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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 2022 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at 70 MPH on a windy day, the driver's side windshield A-Pillar trim bracket fractured inadvertently and continually struck the windshield. The contact veered to the side of the road and the remove the broken windshield A-Pillar trim bracket. The contact then continued to drive to his residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who inspected the vehicle and diagnosed that the trim bracket needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the VIN was not included a recall associated to the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 50,000 |
| Apr 2022 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Horn failed to sound after pressing center of steering wheel. The horn started changing tones over a period of time then got quieter and then stopped working all together. Fuses and relays are in good condition. Will take it to a Ford dealer to have it looked at for further diagnosis. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2022 | STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | i SEEN WHERE THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE ROOF RACK COVERS ON EXPLORERS. MINE ON MY PASSENGER SIDE BLEW OFF IN THE WIND. SHOULD MY VEHICLE HAVE BEEN IN THIS RECALL. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2022 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I was informed via mail several months ago there was a safety recall related to my 2018 Ford Explorer regarding the roof rail cover. My wife contacted our original dealership (Fairway Ford in Placentia) who stated that the repairs were unnecessary and refused to service the vehicle. In the past week I then received a safety recall reminder from Ford via mail and when I contacted their service representative (Bell; Today around 8:40 AM) she confirmed that the repairs were indeed necessary and she directed me to another dealership (Villa Ford in Orange) due to being informed of the refusal of Fairway Ford to perform the repairs. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2022 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,STRUCTURE | Roof rack cover blew off while driving and snapped 3/4 of the cover off. Part was not recovered. Research shows this was an issue on the vehicle and there was a recall. When entering the vin # it shows no recalls? | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2022 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | All of the components actually failed that were connected to in said computers Dean or data I am noticing that since we have connected our phones to this system and system and the Ford app we have seen constant problems with vehicle with vehicle has actually shut off while driving driving and lights are acting really weird would like to make sure that our identity theft data breach and hacking That has been done to us has not breached our vehicle's security systems within all said computer component Which can cause death dismemberment tdismemberment disharm or more please contact. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2022 | VISIBILITY | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the rear hatch glass shattered without impact. The vehicle was taken to Safelite Auto Glass and repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the repair was not covered under the vehicle warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 50,000 |
| Feb 2022 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 2018 Ford Explorer Limited with rotten egg like smell/fumes emitted into the cab when increasing in speed. The smell became extremely strong to the point of having to roll down the windows. This has happened on multiple occasions. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2022 | BACK OVER PREVENTION,EQUIPMENT | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that initially, the infotainment screen would intermittently fail to operate upon the start of the vehicle without warning. Recently, the contact stated that the infotainment screen had completely failed and that the screen had remained blank while the vehicle was in operation. Due to the failure, the back over prevention camera was inoperable. The contact called the manufacturer who then referred him to the NHTSA for assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 33,000 |
| Feb 2022 | EQUIPMENT | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 70 mph on the highway, y a piece of Sop A-pillar trim came off on the passenger side. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the pillar trim to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 38,000 |
| Feb 2022 | ENGINE | I purchased this SUV October 30, 2021. When I utilize remote start, I notice a smell of exhaust fumes when I get in the car to begin my commute. The smell dissipates when I let the window down before starting the drive. During my two hour commute to and from work, I have feelings of nausea and headaches. Since the time that I purchased this SUV, I've continued to be plagued with head aches, nausea, vomiting, and extreme fatigue. During the commute on Monday, January 31, I became ill again on the commute and was unable to go to work. I decided to take the car to the Green Ford dealership in Greensboro, NC to be inspected. On Wednesday, February 2, I received the following text notification from Green Ford....I just got with the technician and it is definitely leaking exhaust fumes into the vehicle. We are currently working up a quote for the repairs and will then give a call to warranty company. *My SUV is still at the dealership so I do not have the repair invoice to attach. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2022 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormally strong odor of fumes throughout the vehicle. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had to roll down the wind to remove the odor from inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the odor caused her to constantly be nauseated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who performed an HVAC update on the vehicle however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that medical attention was not sought. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. | Crash: No Fire: No Injuries: 1 | Unknown |
| Jan 2022 | BACK OVER PREVENTION | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was reversing from the garage, the rearview camera was inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the failure might be due to a computer software issue. The dealer also advised the contact to bring the vehicle in for a diagnosis. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer for diagnosis. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 54,800. | Crash: No Fire: No | 54,800 |
| Dec 2021 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V316000 (Structure). The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the roof rail cover had detached from the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the issue but informed the contact that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | 28,000 |
| Dec 2021 | STRUCTURE | Roof rack rail cover came off on highway, almost caused an accident. The other roof rack rail cover is lose but I have yet to receive the recall for the roof rack rail cover. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2021 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The battery continues to drain even when parked next to my house. After a few days some systems shut down beginning with the passenger door handle sensor not unlocking the doors when touched. A few days later the car would not start. It has been to several dealers in the nearly three years I have owned it and had numerous batteries replaced. Dealer always states everything checks out fine I have been stranded with a no start several times. The 12 volt accessories socket also stops working. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2021 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Currently on 3rd day of owning vehicle. On second day, the presence of strong exhaust odor persisted throughout the day driving close to 90 miles. Heat was on around 72 with both head & floor pulling in fresh air. Had to open sunroof because of how strong odor became when sitting idle while stopping. There are no warning lights or anything that would be causing exhaust to enter car abnormally. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2021 | ENGINE | Ford has issued a recall for the cooling mechanism when the car is in idle. Unfortunately I have been told they will not correct it unless there is a problem? Like they know it is faulty and are waiting on a fire. This is a safety issue and I believe they have made the courtesy recall in hopes that it won't be a mandated one, which is pretty scary. We do what we can to prevent these issues and they know there is a problem. This is a safety issue. Please force them to correct this defect. I have attempted to schedule this repair, but while the notice says they will correct it. They have refused. I have spoken with Daniel at Ford and they have closed my case. The letter acknowledges safety feature issues are possible. I will try to attach screenshots of my case no. And the letter. Thank you so much. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2021 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH in the rain, the vehicle stalled, and the windshield wipers seized. The contact stated that the message “transmission not in the park” was displayed. The contact restarted the vehicle and drove to his residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 31,000 |
| Oct 2021 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION | Sync screen completely blacked out. Started after Ford replaces my battery. Back up camera does not work; front and rear sensors do not work; along with all sync related activities (climate control, hands free) It has now progressed to instrument panel starting with the compass. Based on other complaints fear it will move on to other instrument panel devices. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2021 | BACK OVER PREVENTION | Unable to utilize the technology screen that the backup camera utilizes. Black screen with no power and unable to get visual or audio object warnings. Being informed the APIM is faulty. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2021 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | On at least three separate occasions over last six months vehicle has exhibited significant loss of power while accelerating passing vehicles. In addition to these occasions the vehicle has had significant smoking issues after idling or stopping for extended times. White smoke and odor exit the tailpipes which can be smelled inside of vehicle and observed outside the vehicle. Subsequent dealer inspections located nothing to cause the issues until the third time they inspected it and located the waste gate from the turbo chargers not function due to missing clips/rod. The repair has corrected the issue however i was charged for the repair stating the parts of the turbor charger where not covered under the powertrain warranty even though if gone uncorrected would have caused the turbos to fail under operation causing potential entire engine failure which if occured underway or during acceleration would create a significant safety hazard to the operator, passengers and potential other vehicles on the road. Note: there is a TSB issued for the same problems occuring with the turbo chargers of Ford involving the smaller engines manufactured at the same facility as the ecoboost motors. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2021 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the trim detached from the windshield. The contact was able to drive to her destination. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 41,000 |
| Oct 2021 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, a strong, gas odor would emit through the vehicle without warning. Due to the fuel odor, he began to suffer from blurred vision, nausea, and headaches. The contact had sought medical attention for his symptoms. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer on two occasions and each time the dealer could not detect a failure. The contact also mentioned that once he began to drive a rental vehicle, his symptoms began to go away. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000. | Crash: No Fire: No Injuries: 1 Medical attention | 20,000 |
| Oct 2021 | WHEELS | Right rear tire outside shoulder wear. alignment has been checked twice. Always within factory specs. Factory specs for camber on that wheel are not right. Vehicle handles poorly in slushy conditions. In many instances that is a sign of wheels out of alignment. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |