Notable Issues

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.

687
Complaints
12
Crashes
7
Fires
12
Injuries
β€”
Deaths
6
Recalls

Before you buy β€” check the actual VIN

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.

#1
278
complaints

Structural Problems

Crash-related:3
#2
156
complaints

Uncategorized Issues

Crash-related:1
Fires:1
Injuries:3
#3
117
complaints

Engine Problems

Crash-related:2
Fires:3
Injuries:5

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.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Structural Problems2783β€”β€”
Uncategorized Issues15611β€”
Engine Problems11723β€”
Electrical Faults5312β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain41β€”β€”β€”
Back Over Prevention26β€”β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System1912β€”
Suspension Failures182β€”β€”
Steering Defects181β€”β€”
Visibility/Wiper15β€”β€”β€”
Visibility11β€”β€”β€”
Airbag Malfunctions92β€”β€”
Brake System921β€”
Unintended Acceleration91β€”β€”
Tire Issues9β€”β€”β€”
Wheel Issues8β€”β€”β€”
Seat-Related Issues71β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues61β€”β€”
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB52β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures4β€”β€”β€”
Fuel System4β€”β€”β€”
Gasoline4β€”β€”β€”
Equipment4β€”β€”β€”
Door Lock Issues2β€”β€”β€”
Lane Departure2β€”β€”β€”
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)1β€”β€”β€”
Hydraulic1β€”1β€”

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. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

πŸ”

Showing 400 most recent complaints of 687 total. View all on NHTSA β†—

Structural ProblemsApr 27, 2026

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…

Structural ProblemsApr 23, 2026

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…

Engine ProblemsApr 17, 2026

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…

Engine ProblemsApr 17, 2026

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…

Structural ProblemsApr 15, 2026

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…

Uncategorized IssuesApr 14, 2026

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…

Structural ProblemsApr 13, 2026

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…

Fuel/Propulsion SystemπŸ”₯ FireApr 10, 2026

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…

Structural ProblemsApr 8, 2026

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…

Visibility/WiperApr 7, 2026

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…

Seat Belt IssuesApr 7, 2026

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…

Structural ProblemsApr 6, 2026

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 …

Headlight/Taillight FailuresApr 2, 2026

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.

Structural ProblemsMar 30, 2026

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…

Suspension FailuresMar 30, 2026

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 …

Steering DefectsMar 28, 2026

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…

Uncategorized IssuesMar 27, 2026

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…

Structural ProblemsMar 23, 2026

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…

Structural ProblemsMar 21, 2026

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.

Suspension FailuresMar 20, 2026

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 …

Page 1 of 20

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2018 Ford Explorer.

Recalls for 2018 Ford Explorer

6 campaigns

NHTSA 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.

19V633000Invalid Date
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

18V807000Invalid Date
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

21V316000May 5, 2021
STRUCTURE:BODY

24V031000Invalid Date
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS

25V685000Oct 10, 2025
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER

26V101000Invalid Date
SUSPENSION:REAR

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?β–Ύ

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?β–Ύ

#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?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2018 Ford Explorer?β–Ύ

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?β–Ύ

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?β–Ύ

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.