CarRecallWatchThe 2018 Ford Explorer has 7 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 734 complaints with NHTSA, including 16 crashes, 7 fires, 13 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Structure (289 reports).
2018 Ford Explorer recalls
Roof Rail Covers May Detach, Creating Crash Risk
Certain 2016-2019 Ford Explorers may have roof rail covers that loosen and can come off the vehicle while driving.
Rear Toe Links May Break, Causing Loss of Steering
Certain 2017-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles have rear suspension toe links that may fracture.
Engine Block Heater May Crack and Cause Fire Risk
The engine block heater can crack and develop a coolant leak.
Trim on A-pillar may detach and fall off
The A-pillar trim retention clips on certain Explorers may not be properly engaged, which can allow the trim piece to come loose and detach from the vehicle.
Roof rail covers can detach, creating road debris hazard
Certain 2016 through 2019 Ford Explorer vehicles may have roof rail retention pins that can loosen over time.
Seatback May Not Hold in a Crash, Raising Injury Risk
Certain manual front and rear seats in these vehicles may be missing a third pawl in the recliner mechanism, which is needed to keep the seatback strong.
Fuel Leak Near Sensor Can Cause Fire Risk
Due to an assembly error, the fuel pressure sensor may leak fuel.
Most common 2018 Ford Explorer problems
Problem areas named in the 734 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Structure | 289 |
| Unknown Or Other | 168 |
| Engine | 96 |
| Electrical System | 60 |
| Power Train | 50 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 29 |
| Back Over Prevention | 26 |
| Suspension | 23 |
| Steering | 21 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 19 |
What owners report
My steering wheel is turning 360 degrees. My tires are not always turning with the steering wheel. This may become dangerous and would like to know if the 23S63/2023-678 recall is affected with my 2018 Ford Explorer? If it is not affected with the recall above could this be considered a recall? Thank you.
The water pump has failed
MY VEHHICLE HAS BEEN TESTED BY FORD SERVICE CENTER AND FOUND TO BE AFFECTED BY THE FACTORY DEFECT THAT ALLOWS COOLANT TO LEAK CAUSING A CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE WHERE THE ONLY REMEDY IS A NEW ENGINE BLOCK. MY VEHICLE HAS 69919 MILES. THE PROBLEM WAS RECOGNIZED WHEN THE VEHICLE BAGAN TO MISFIRE CAUSING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON RESULTING IN EXPENSIVE DIAGNOSTICS. FORD HAS PUT MY SAFETY AS WELL AS THE SAFETY OF MY PASSENGERS IN JEOPARDY BY KNOWING BUT NOT DISCLOSING THIS FACTORY DEFECT THAT CAN BECOME CATASTROPHIC AT ANY GIVEN TIME. SERVICE ADVISORIES WERE SENT OUT TO EMPLOYEES BUT NO NOTIFICATION TO CUSTOMERS.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the vehicle jerked. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed torque converter. The contact was informed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under Customer Satisfaction Program: 20N07. The failure mileage was approximately 107,300.
Exterior B-Pillar Applique / Door Trim Panel with keypad: The exterior B-pillar trim piece on the driver side front door frame has experienced catastrophic adhesive failure and clip breakage, detaching at the top portion while driving. This plastic trim is flapping at highway speeds and is at imminent risk of completely flying off the vehicle. I'm sure this will be issue with other 3 doors at some point soon. This creates an immediate road hazard for trailing vehicles, motorcyclists, and pedestrians who could be struck by flying debris. It also distracts the driver due to severe wind noise and vibration. This identical structural failure is currently under active safety recall for 20
2018 Ford Explorer questions
Does the 2018 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 7 safety recalls for the 2018 Ford Explorer: Roof Rail Covers May Detach, Creating Crash Risk; Rear Toe Links May Break, Causing Loss of Steering; Engine Block Heater May Crack and Cause Fire Risk; Trim on A-pillar may detach and fall off; Roof rail covers can detach, creating road debris hazard. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ford Explorer?
Based on 734 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Structure (289), Unknown Or Other (168), Engine (96).
How do I check if a recall on my 2018 Ford Explorer has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.