2018 Ford Explorer owner discussion

What NHTSA's records show for the 2018 Ford Explorer: 731 owner complaints and 7 recall campaigns. Owners report problems most often with the Structure (288), Engine (95), Electrical System (57). 15 complaints mention a crash and 7 a fire. Own one or shopping for one? Share what broke, what it cost to fix, and what you'd check before buying.

2018 Ford Explorer owner discussion: problems, repairs and buying advice

Posted by CleanVins Research on

What NHTSA's records show for the 2018 Ford Explorer: 731 owner complaints and 7 recall campaigns. Owners report problems most often with the Structure (288), Engine (95), Electrical System (57). 15 complaints mention a crash and 7 a fire. Own one or shopping for one? Share what broke, what it cost to fix, and what you'd check before buying.

2018 Ford Explorer recalls and complaints at a glance

NHTSA lists 7 safety recall campaigns and 731 owner complaints for the 2018 Ford Explorer. The most-reported problem areas are Structure (288), Engine (95), Electrical System (57). The most recent recall (NHTSA #26V448000, July 2026) covers the Structure. Recall repairs are free at a franchised Ford dealer. Recalls and complaints describe the model year, not a specific car — check the VIN for open recalls free, and for title, salvage and odometer history with a $9.99 report (Carfax charges $49.99).

Recall campaigns7
Owner complaints731
Complaints mentioning a crash15
Complaints mentioning a fire7

Most-reported problem areas

ComponentComplaints
Structure288
Engine95
Electrical System57
Power Train50
Engine and Engine Cooling29
Back Over Prevention26

Recall campaigns

  • NHTSA #26V448000 — Structure (July 2026): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
  • NHTSA #26V101000 — Suspension (February 2026): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.
  • NHTSA #25V685000 — Equipment (October 2025): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack…
  • NHTSA #24V031000 — Structure (January 2024): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
  • NHTSA #21V316000 — Structure (May 2021): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.
  • NHTSA #19V633000 — Seats (August 2019): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual…
  • NHTSA #18V807000 — Fuel System, Gasoline (November 2018): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L or 3.5L GTDI engine. Due to an assembly error, the fuel pressure sensor may leak fuel.

Source: NHTSA recalls and complaints databases, retrieved 2026-10-12.

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Pricing

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Data sources

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