2018 Ford Explorer Problems
What owners have reported about the 2018 Ford Explorer, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2018 Ford Explorer a good year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 733 complaints with NHTSA, the 9th most of 18 Explorer model years. The most reported problems involve the body and structure, engine and electrical system.
733 complaints 7 recalls, 2 fire risk 9th worst of 18 Explorer years
Top 2018 Ford Explorer problems
Body problems
288 complaints (39%) name the body and structure, most often the body and roof and pillars.
Engine problems
121 complaints (17%) name the engine, most often the exhaust system and manifold / header / muffler / tail pipe.
Electrical problems
58 complaints (8%) name the electrical system, most often the fuel gauge and 12v / 24v / 48v battery.
Transmission problems
50 complaints (7%) name the transmission, most often the automatic transmission.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (278 of 733). The amber line is the middle value, about 50,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2018 Ford Explorer recalls
Body
The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle. A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the roof rail covers and as necessary, repair or replace the push-pins, rail clips, or roof rail covers, free of charge. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 21V316.
Recall 26V448000 · Jul 2026Rear
The rear suspension toe links may fracture. A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the toe links, free of charge. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 21V537.
Recall 26V101000 · Feb 2026Engine block heater can crack and short out
Fire riskThe engine block heater may crack and leak coolant. When it is plugged in, the leak can cause an electrical short circuit, which raises the risk of a fire.
Fix: Do not plug in the block heater until it is fixed; the dealer will replace the block heater free of charge.
Recall 25V685000 · Oct 2025Roof and pillars
The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach. A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years.
Recall 24V031000 · Jan 2024Loose roof rail covers can detach
Crash riskThe retention pins holding the roof rail covers can loosen, letting the covers come off the vehicle. A detached cover can become a road hazard and raise the risk of a crash.
Fix: The dealer will install new push-pins and replace any damaged rail clips or roof rail covers, free of charge.
Recall 21V316000 · May 2021Recliner, Mid / rear assembly
Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems." A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge.
Recall 19V633000 · Aug 2019Fuel pressure sensor can leak fuel
Fire riskDue to an assembly error, the fuel pressure sensor on certain 3.0L or 3.5L GTDI engines may leak fuel. Leaking fuel near an ignition source can cause a fire.
Fix: The dealer will replace the fuel line assembly free of charge.
Recall 18V807000 · Nov 2018Get an email when your 2018 Ford Explorer gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2018 Ford Explorer, you'll hear about it the same week.
One email per new recall. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Explorer years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2018 Ford Explorer problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2018 Ford Explorer a reliable year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 733 complaints with NHTSA, the 9th most of 18 Explorer model years. The most reported problems involve the body and structure, engine and electrical system.
What are the most common 2018 Ford Explorer problems?
Owners most often report problems with the body and structure, engine, electrical system and transmission. 288 complaints (39%) name the body and structure, most often the body and roof and pillars.
At what mileage do 2018 Ford Explorer body and structure problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 40,000–87,000 miles, with a middle value near 61,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2018 Ford Explorer have?
7. Body (26V448000); Rear (26V101000); Engine block heater can crack and short out (25V685000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2018 Ford Explorer?
Ask for service records covering the body and structure, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2009, 2026 and 2025 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.