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 250
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 114
ENGINE 57
POWER TRAIN 27
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 21
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 18
SUSPENSION 15
BACK OVER PREVENTION 12
STEERING 11
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE 11
710 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 2025 | 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the passenger’s side A-pillar trim was blown off the vehicle by the slipstream. The contact stated that the driver's side trim was loose. The failure mileage was approximately 18,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 18,000 |
| Apr 2025 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V0315000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the front passenger's side windshield exterior A-Pillar trim had detached. Additionally, the contact stated that the exterior trim at the base of the windshield 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 made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | STRUCTURE | The A-piller trim molding flew off while I was driving down the road. I am aware that this part was previously recalled and potentially “fixed” before I purchased the vehicle, however it flew off and was a terrible safety hazard. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | 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 trim was deteriorating and was detaching on the side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who referred the contact to a window specialist under warranty, previously, who stated it was only a cosmetic failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 70,000 |
| Mar 2025 | 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 gasket surrounding the A-pillar trim had completely deteriorated and detached from the vehicle. While driving at speeds of 60 MPH or higher, there was a whistling sound coming from the windshield from where the trim had detached. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and informed the contact that parts would be available in May 2025. The failure mileage was 27,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 27,000 |
| Mar 2025 | STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT | See attached document for complaint. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (STRUCTURE) and 21V316000 (STRUCTURE); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were 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. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available for 24V031000 (Structure). Parts distribution disconnect for 21V316000 (Structure). | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | STRUCTURE | The A Pillar trim has become loose and detached while I was driving, almost causing an accident. There has been a recall on this part. I have tried on numerous occasions to resolve the issue. It has been over a year and the parts are still not available. I have tried to remedy and made multiple appointments at the Service Center to get my vehicle inspected and they tell me the same thing that there is nothing they can do. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | 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 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 65,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 65,000 |
| Mar 2025 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon inspection, the front passenger’s side A-pillar trim was loose. 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 advised the contact that the parts for the recall repair were limited. 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 91,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 91,000 |
| Mar 2025 | 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 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 |
| Mar 2025 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, there was an abnormal odor outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 131,504. | Crash: No Fire: No | 131,504 |
| Mar 2025 | 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 dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle might be able to be repaired in September of 2025. 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 |
| Mar 2025 | 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. 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 |
| Feb 2025 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the contact stated that the passenger’s side A-pillar trim detached and flew off into traffic. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the A-pillar trim was replaced. On another occasion,n while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the driver’s side A-pillar trim detached and flew off into traffic. The vehicle was taken to a different dealer where it was diagnosed that the A-pillar trim needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 73,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 73,000 |
| Feb 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Horn Failure. Does not work at all. This in now the third time my horn has failed and requires replacement (again). In addition, FORD still does not have replacement parts for the A-FRAME recall. It is unsafe to be driving this vehicle. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | 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 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 |
| Feb 2025 | 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 dealer and Jarrett Scott Ford of Plant City (2000 E Baker St, Plant City, FL 33563); were 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated upon further inspection, the contact became aware that the front passenger’s side A-pillar trim was loose. 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. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 93,000 |
| Feb 2025 | 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 dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving 65 MHP on the highway, the pillar A-pillar trim detached and separated from the vehicle. On another occasion, while driving on the highway at 70 MPH, another trim piece detached and separated from the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 82,408. VIN tool confirms parts are not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 82,408 |
| Feb 2025 | 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 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 |
| Feb 2025 | STRUCTURE | Roof rails are coming detached in the rear of vehicle which was found at the dealership before purchasing and pointed out to the salesman. He said that the Ford dealership would take care of this problem at a later date after the purchase. I told him of the importance of needing the roof rails secured on the vehicle. He said no problem that the dealership would take care of this with either a pin kit or just replace them. Now that vehicle is in for service and the sales department is saying that they will not cover the price of the fix. I think that this should be part of the roof rail recall or the roof rail recall should be expanded to cover my vehicle. Car was purchased on 11/25/2024. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I purchased the 2018 Ford Explorer and it worked fine there were no issues when I bought it on 7/8/2024 as of 2/14/25 the coolant leaks and I have been adding coolant like crazy. Are there any defective parts on the 2018 Ford Explorer? I had only a 90 day warranty through CARMAX. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2025 | 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. 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 |
| Feb 2025 | 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 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 |