2018 Ford Explorer: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2018 Ford Explorer? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 687 complaints, with Structural Problems as the top reported area.
2018 Ford Explorer Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 7 2018 Ford Explorer trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 7 trims analysed.
2018 Ford Explorer Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2018 Ford Explorer 4 DR SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
17.4% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
17.4% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2018 Ford Explorer has 687 owner complaints, 12 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Structural Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Ford
- Model
- Explorer
- Model year
- 2018
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 687
- Crash-related complaints
- 12
- Safety recall campaigns
- 6
- Top reported component
- Structural Problems
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 20
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 17 / 24
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2018 Ford Explorer Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Structural Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Structural Problems, Uncategorized Issues, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2018 Ford Explorer?
The 2018 Ford Explorer shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2018 Ford Explorer
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the vehicle for structural integrity, including body panels and frame.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the vehicle for structural integrity, including body panels and frame.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2018 Ford Explorer, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2018 Ford Explorer are heavily concentrated in structural problems, which account for a large portion of the total. Engine and electrical issues also appear frequently. The data is based on consumer reports and does not confirm defects.
- Structural problems dominate complaints for the 2018 model year.
- Engine problems are the third most reported component.
- There are 12 crash-related complaints among 687 total.
- Structural Problems
- Engine Problems
- Electrical Faults
All 2018 Ford Explorer Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Ford Explorer. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structural Problems | 278 | 3 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 156 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 117 | 2 | 3 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 53 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 41 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 26 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 19 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 18 | 2 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 18 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 15 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 9 | 2 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 9 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 5 | 2 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | 1 | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Ford Explorer. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Subject: BBB Auto Line Claim – 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 related…
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 ti…
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 IT…
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 su…
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 windshiel…
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 available…
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 NHTS…
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 recall…
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 notification…
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 regard…
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 i…
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 passenger’s side A-pillar …
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 passenger’s s…
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 …
After replacing the newest recall for the rear toe link on my Explorer, I’ve 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. W…
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 from…
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 passenger’s side A-pill…
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 …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2018 Ford Explorer.
2018 Ford Explorer Recalls
6 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Ford Explorer. 6 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2018 Ford Explorer Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2018 Ford Explorer reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 687 owner complaints, 12 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2018 Ford Explorer shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ford Explorer?▾
#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?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2018 Ford Explorer?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2018 Ford Explorer, NHTSA complaints include 12 crash-related reports and 7 fire reports out of 687 total complaints. 12 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2018 Ford Explorer have any recalls?▾
Yes. 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2018 Ford Explorer. A major recall area is SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER. 6 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2018 Ford Explorer?▾
The 2018 Ford Explorer shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Structural Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
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.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2018 Ford Explorer based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.