I own a 2018 Ford Explorer XLT with a defective rear passenger seat belt that does not retract properly. The seat belt remains loose instead of retracting back into its housing, creating a serious safety concern. This seating position is used by my young child, and I am concerned that the seat belt cannot properly restrain or protect an occupant in the event of a collision. I have brought this issue to the attention of a Ford dealership multiple times and requested that it be repaired. However, the problem has not been resolved, and the seat belt remains defective. I am concerned about the potential for serious injury in an accident due to the seat belt failing to function as intended. I am requesting that this safety defect be documented and investigated.
The worst 2018 Ford Explorer problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Body288
- Engine121
- Electrical58
- Transmission50
- Driver assistance32
- Visibility27
- Fuel system23
- Suspension23
- Steering21
- Airbags11
- Brakes11
- Acceleration10
- Tires10
- Seat belts9
- Wheels8
- Seats7
- Lights4
- Locks2
Specific symptoms reported on the 2018 Ford Explorer
Engine failure 38Fuel smell 38Check engine light 34Overheating 32Backup camera 28Stalling 15Misfire 12Power steering loss 11Transmission failure 11Screen failure 10Jerking 10Fire or smoke 9Loss of power 9Headlights 8Water leak 7Adaptive cruise 6Hesitation 6Seat belt 6Shudder 6Wipers 6Airbag light 5Windshield crack 5Won't start 5
Trouble codes owners of the 2018 Ford Explorer mention
P0430 2
Recalls 7
Structure: body
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
- Risk
- A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- 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. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 28, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S54. This recall expands previous the federal safety agency recall number 21V316. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on July 16, 2026.
Recall number 26V448000 · Recall details
Suspension: rear
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.
- Risk
- A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the toe links, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2026. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S08. This recall is an expansion of previous the federal safety agency recall number 21V537. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on beginning February 25, 2026.
Recall number 26V101000 · Recall details
Equipment: electrical: engine block heater
- What is wrong
- 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 and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
- Risk
- An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated December 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on October 15, 2025.
Recall number 25V685000 · Recall details
Structure: body: roof and pillars
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- 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. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024 and December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
Recall number 24V031000 · Recall details
Structure: body
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install push-pins and replace any damaged rail clips and roof rail covers, as necessary, free of charge. The interim owner notification letter was mailed on June 22, 2021. Owner notification letters (remedy available) were mailed on October 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S22.
Recall number 21V316000 · Recall details
Seats: mid/rear assembly
- What is wrong
- 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 front seat back recliner mechanisms. 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."
- Risk
- 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.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.
Recall number 19V633000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel line assembly, free of charge. The recall began December 7, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S35.
Recall number 18V807000 · Recall details
See all 7 recalls for the 2018 Ford Explorer
Defect investigations
Windshield trim molding Item detachment
On January 27, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-001 to investigate allegations of A-pillar trim panel detachment on model year (MY) 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles. At the time of opening, the office had received 164 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reporting this failure. ODI has received 671 VOQs regarding this failure, including 1 alleged crash and 2 alleged injuries. Some consumers have reported that the failure occurred while they were driving at highway speeds, with the detached trim panel entering the path of travel of the vehicle behind them, requiring the driver of the following vehicle to take evasive action. It is noteworthy that motorists who experience this type of road hazard are less likely to accurately identify the subject vehicle the item detached from and report the event to the federal safety agency. In its April 17, 2023 response to ODI’s information request, Ford provided 175 consumer complaints (including field reports) and 14,162 warranty claims related to A-pillar trim panel detachment. Ford relayed that the subject vehicles utilize a plastic A-pillar bracket, which is bolted to the vehicle structure during assembly. The A-pillar trim panel is attached to the bracket utilizing 7 plastic clips. Contributory factors which have been identified by Ford as leading to the subject defect include incomplete installation at the assembly plant, inadequate part stack up, damage to fasteners during installation, and failure to follow proper repair procedure during windshield replacements or other services. On January 19, 2024, Ford filed safety recall 24V‑031 for MY 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles to address the subject defect. In the Part 573 Safety Recall Report, Ford identified that a detached A-pillar trim panel can create a road hazard for other road users, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall remedy includes an inspection of the existing A-pillar trim panel and, if necessary, the replacement of the component. The remedy A-pillar trim panels will be installed with an additional adhesive for robustness and utilize an inspection procedure to ensure full engagement of all the retention clips during installation. In view of the recall action being taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
PE23001
Hertz/Vehicles Rented with Open Recalls
the federal safety agency is opening this audit query to investigate whether The Hertz Corporation (Hertz) has complied with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Safety Act). The Safety Act requires, among other things, that a rental company shall not rent a vehicle subject to a safety recall unless the recall remedy has been performed. 49 U.S.C. § 30120(i).the federal safety agency is in receipt of information that indicates Hertz rented vehicles to customers without having performed required recall repairs. Accordingly, we are opening this audit query to seek additional information concerning this issue.
AQ22003
Technical service bulletins for the 2018 Ford Explorer 191
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- 25E10-S1
- New vehicle delivery hold
- Certain 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco, 2021-2024 Model Year Bronco Sport, 2020-2022 Model Year Corsair and...
- Advance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines...
- Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless...
- This article supersedes TSB 24-2165 to update the TSB Service Procedure
- Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes...
- "Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit at least one of the following...
- While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal...
- This article supersedes TSB 21-2175 to update the TSB Service Procedure
2018 Ford Explorer fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L 4‑cyl | FWD | 19 | 27 | 22 |
| 2.3L 4‑cyl | AWD | 18 | 25 | 21 |
| 3.5L 6‑cyl | FWD | 17 | 24 | 20 |
| 3.5L 6‑cyl | AWD | 16 | 22 | 18-19 |
What 2018 Ford Explorer owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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 2016–2017 Ford Explorers under the federal safety agency Campaign Number 25S53 / Ford Recall 25S53. My 2018 model utilizes the exact same door frame and exterior trim engineering design, and is suffering from the identical defect. The manufacturing window for this known defect needs to be expanded by Ford to encompass 2018 model years, as the original adhesive/retention clip specifications clearly fail under normal vehicle aging. Thank you in advance.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at higher speeds, the front driver’s side seat belt might not prevent him from hitting the steering wheel in the event of a crash or while depressing the brake pedal to come to a sudden stop. The local dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
A pillar has not been fixed by local Ford dealership. A pillars are cracked and loose
My 2018 Ford Explorer XLT 3.5L that we bought brand new from Bob Bell Ford/Glen Burnie Maryland had a water pump failure at only 72,344 miles, this was a safety concern when driving down the road that put us & others at risk. The only indication was dashboard warning that said (Engine coolant over temperature)This failure happened while taking daughter to college on 8/21/26 We had to get towed to independent service center 175 miles away & repaired at the cost of $2900.00.
At 30 to 40 mph, there is a shuttering or stutter in the transmission during acceleration. This is a problem when trying to enter traffic on the expressway (Interstate or other lanes of traffic). I have taken this to the dealer and they indicate that the transmission needs to be replaced. They indicate that there is metal shavings in the trans fluid. This is in line with similar Ford SUV and transmission problems. At this point in time there is no recall, but this matter should be address as it is in line with similar Ford transmission failures.
Compare the 2018 Ford Explorer
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Other model years
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Questions about the 2018 Ford Explorer
Is the 2018 Ford Explorer reliable?
Owners have filed 735 complaints about the 2018 Ford Explorer, close to a typical Explorer model year.
What is the 2018 Ford Explorer year score?
The 2018 Ford Explorer scores 70 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Ford Explorer: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2018 Ford Explorer?
Body and structure, with 288 complaints, typically around 60,950 miles. Next is engine (121).
How many recalls does the 2018 Ford Explorer have?
7 recalls, covering structure, suspension and equipment.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Ford Explorer get?
Official estimates for the 2018 Ford Explorer range from 18 to 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.3L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 19 city and 27 highway.
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