2018 FORD EXPLORER Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2018 Ford Explorer. This model year has 687 NHTSA complaints β top issue: Structural Problems.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car β accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2018 Ford Explorer Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Structural Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Engine Problems
Considering a 2018 Ford Explorer?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car β accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2018 Ford Explorer. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structural Problems | 278 | 3 | β | β | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 156 | 1 | 1 | β | |
| Engine Problems | 117 | 2 | 3 | β | |
| Electrical Faults | 53 | 1 | 2 | β | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 41 | β | β | β | |
| Back Over Prevention | 26 | β | β | β | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 19 | 1 | 2 | β | |
| Suspension Failures | 18 | 2 | β | β | |
| Steering Defects | 18 | 1 | β | β | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 15 | β | β | β | |
| Visibility | 11 | β | β | β | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 9 | 2 | β | β | |
| Brake System | 9 | 2 | 1 | β | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 9 | 1 | β | β | |
| Tire Issues | 9 | β | β | β | |
| Wheel Issues | 8 | β | β | β | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 7 | 1 | β | β | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 6 | 1 | β | β | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 5 | 2 | β | β | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 4 | β | β | β | |
| Fuel System | 4 | β | β | β | |
| Gasoline | 4 | β | β | β | |
| Equipment | 4 | β | β | β | |
| Door Lock Issues | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Lane Departure | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | β | 1 | β |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Ford Explorer. Type a keyword (e.g. βtransmissionβ, βstallingβ, βbrakesβ) to filter.
Showing 400 most recent complaints of 687 total. View all on NHTSA β
Subject: BBB Auto Line Claim β Water Intrusion and Sunroof/Moonroof Motor Damage Related to Recall To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this written statement as supporting explanation to claim # XXX) with regarding my 2018 Ford Explorer Sport (VIN: [XXX] ) and issues relatedβ¦
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a popping sound coming from the roof. While at a car wash, the contact became aware that the roof rail had detached. The contact stated that the roof rail had detached several tiβ¦
I PURCHASED A 2018 FORD EXPLORER WITH THE 2.3L 4 CYLINDER ENGINGE IN 2023. WITHIHN A YEAR OF MY ENGINE STARTED TO HAVE ISSUES HESITATING WHEN ACCELERATING. THEN IT OVERHEATED AND I REALIZED MY COOLANT WAS DISAPPEARING BUT WASNT POOLING ANYWHERE.. IT WAS EVAPORATING BECAUSE ITβ¦
At 89k miles, my engine has failed, due to coolant intrusion, according to Ken Garff Ford Dealership in St. George, UT. I started having issues with rough start and timing miss and engine light came on. I immediately took it to Dealership and they did two repairs (tune-up) and suβ¦
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 while the vehicle was at the car wash, the passenger's side windshielβ¦
I received a Recall for 2018 Ford Explorer for the rear suspension toe links NHTSA Recall 26V101. I've tried to schedule an appointment to have this fixed, however, the dealer cannot fix this recall as they have no parts and said they do not know when any parts will be availableβ¦
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the roof rail detached while the vehicle was being blow-dried at an automated car wash. The roof rail was manually pressed back into place, but was no longer secure and was easily detached. The contact referenced NHTSβ¦
I own a Ford Explorer 2018 bought as second hand in July 2020. For the last three years, the investment in it has been exponential. Finally working with a proper car mechanic, I understood that all the fixes I have made, have been known for a while. I have received several recallβ¦
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A-pillar trim detached and blew off the vehicle. The vehicle was previously repaired for a similar failure; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact received notificationβ¦
The windshield wipers do not work, the rear wiper do not work and the wiper fluid does not squirt out. It can be inspected. The safety of everyone is at risk because I can't clean my windshield to make the road visible. I have recently seen a recall involving Ford vehicles regardβ¦
One of my backseat seatbelt buckles is completely broken and the other side has a crack in the plastic casing in the same spot but not as big. And the insides of the buckle where it locks in there is nothing for it to lock onto. One still works as the other one has nothing for iβ¦
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 while driving at highway speeds, the front passengerβs side A-pillar β¦
Vehicle is equipped with operational red and blue lights that are prohibited under the color of law, and facilitates criminal activity upon a purchase agreement. Seller has actual knowledge and can be liable under the color of law. Vehicle has open recalls.
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 while his wife was driving at highway speeds, the front passengerβs sβ¦
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V101000 (Suspension); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts for the recall repair β¦
After replacing the newest recall for the rear toe link on my Explorer, Iβve noticed (along with a couple others on some forums) that the alignment does not stay set and will come undone. I finished driving 1000 miles after the swap and had sudden pressure loss in my rear tire. Wβ¦
In 2025 the dashboard leather on our 2018 Ford Explorer Platinum began to come unglued and rolled apart creating a very distracting white strip. This is very distracting and reflects into our line of sight. We have taken to the Ford dealership for repair. And the only answer fromβ¦
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 while driving approximately 65 MPH, the front passengerβs side A-pillβ¦
While driving at an undisclosed speed, I noticed an abnormal buzzing sound coming from the windshield. I have noticed that there have been several complaints regarding that issue. Also, there was a strange smell coming inside the vehicle.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V031000 (Structure) and 26V101000 (Suspension); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable β¦
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2018 Ford Explorer.
Recalls for 2018 Ford Explorer
6 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Ford Explorer. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2018 Ford Explorer β FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2018 Ford Explorer reliable?βΎ
Notable Issues. The 2018 Ford Explorer has 687 NHTSA owner complaints, 12 crash-related, and 6 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Structural Problems (278 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ford Explorer?βΎ
#1: Structural Problems (278 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (156 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (117 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2018 Ford Explorer?βΎ
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2018 Ford Explorer?βΎ
The 2018 Ford Explorer has 12 crash-related complaints and 7 fire reports out of 687 total NHTSA complaints. 12 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2018 Ford Explorer have any recalls?βΎ
Yes β 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2018 Ford Explorer. The largest issue: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2018 Ford Explorer?βΎ
The 2018 Ford Explorer has notable issues β review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Structural Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Ford Explorer reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Check Your Specific 2018 Ford Explorer
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car β accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.