Wrench.Pro

2018 Ford Explorer: raw data

Every record we hold for this vehicle, as plain tables, with nothing added. The consumer page shows the same records with the maintenance schedule, price ranges and nearby shops around them.

vehicle2018 / ford / explorer
known issues7 clusters (reviewed 2026-08-10)
complaints727 on file (2018-02-12 → 2026-09-08)
recalls7
investigations2
fars50 occupant deaths, crash years 2010-2024 (legacy-code)
indexedyes
licenseCC BY 4.0 (derived)

Known Issues clusters all years →

Windshield A-pillar trim detachmentSTRUCTURE92 complaints2025-04 → 2026-07explorer-2018-a-pillar-trim-detachment
  • 11744994 The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the front Driver-side A-pillar trim detached and struck a nearby vehicle
  • 11741239 The exterior A-pillar applique trim piece began detaching from the vehicle while driving. The part became loose and was hanging from the vehicle whilst in motion, at which point I safely pulled over and removed it to prevent it becoming a road hazard
  • 11689527 While traveling on 196, the passenger side A-pillar applique trim clip attachment became detached from vehicle, hitting my windshield and then flying backwards on the expressway toward other vehicles
Internal water pump failure and coolant intrusionENGINE15 complaints2025-05 → 2026-07explorer-2018-water-pump-coolant-intrusion
  • 11749510 The root cause was internal water pump failure. Ford's design places the water pump inside the engine, causing coolant to leak internally with no external indicators and no dashboard warning until catastrophic damage has already occurred
  • 11706512 Since the water pump is in line with the crankshaft and located over the main body of the engine, it allows coolant to leak from the water pump into the oil pan. Mixed coolant and oil will lead to engine failure
  • 11670877 This vehicle recently experienced a sudden failure of the internal water pump, a problem I have since learned is common across this model and others using the same engine design
Rearview camera blank or blue screen in reverseBACK OVER PREVENTION13 complaints2025-06 → 2026-03explorer-2018-backup-camera-outage
  • 11707271 The displayed view by the back up camera flickers, or shows a blue screen when the car is placed in reverse. This places the safety of pedestrians at risk of being hit by the vehicle when backing up
  • 11688234 My rear view camera goes to a dark blue or gray s screen with the words “check surroundings for safety” & “Camera is unavailable” and it does not work
  • 11667357 The contact stated the back-over prevention camera seized and displayed a black screen. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed back over prevention camera system
Dashboard covering delamination and windshield glareVISIBILITY/WIPER8 complaints2025-07 → 2026-03explorer-2018-dashboard-delamination
  • 11675296 The cover on my dashboard has lifted/rolled up and revealed a white material underneath, and as such, this has caused a glare onto the windshield in my field of vision, making it harder for me to see while driving
  • 11691529 The dash on my 2018 Ford Explorer platinum is rolling up from the front of the dash. It is made out of some sort of leather or vinyl. But with it rolling up towards the driver, it causes a glare onto the windshield which causes visibility issues
  • 11696552 The contact stated that due to sunlight exposure, the outer layer of the dashboard peeled off and continued to expand near the location of the air bags
Roof rail molding detachmentSTRUCTURE6 complaints2025-07 → 2026-04explorer-2018-roof-rail-molding-detachment
  • 11698199 The contact stated that while looking in the rear-view mirror, the contact noticed that the plastic molding around the roof rack had detached from the vehicle and flew off into traffic
  • 11675889 The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the roof rail covers separated from the vehicle and flew off on several occasions
  • 11730779 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
Rear suspension toe link fracture and post-recall alignmentSUSPENSION11 complaints2025-10 → 2026-08explorer-2018-rear-toe-link-failure
  • 11694871 On Saturday 10/18/2025 the rear drivers side tow link of my 2018 Ford Explorer XLT snapped while driving 70 mph under normal driving conditions on a 4-lane section of i-75 in Detroit, MI
  • 11736518 On March 26, 2026, my vehicle received the rear suspension toe link replacement under Ford/NHTSA Recall 26S08 (26V101000). Within approximately 5 weeks, all four rear tires were completely destroyed by misalignment caused by Ford’s non-adjustable replacement parts
  • 11747980 The contact stated that immediately after the recall repair, while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the rear end of the vehicle fishtailed, and the contact lost control of the vehicle
Transmission and torque converter failurePOWER TRAIN10 complaints2025-04 → 2026-06explorer-2018-transmission-torque-converter
  • 11740183 The transmission completely failed without any warning lights or any other audible or visible signs of failure. This left my stranded on the side of the road. The local dealership has told me that I do have to replace the transmission
  • 11745317 At the same time, the vehicle experienced a significant loss of power and became extremely sluggish in acceleration. When I pressed the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond normally and did not accelerate as expected
  • 11659532 Vehicle has lack of acceleration during launch, sluggish vehicle operation, and shudder/vibration while driving. Vehicle acceleration falters while attempting to merge onto a freeway creating dangerous driving conditions for myself and others on the freeway

NHTSA complaints (summary) all years →

countearliest_datelatest_datecrash_flaggedfire_flaggedtop_components
7272018-02-122026-09-08157STRUCTURE:287; UNKNOWN OR OTHER:167; ENGINE:94; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:57; POWER TRAIN:49

Recalls all years →

campaign_numberreport_received_datecomponentsummaryconsequenceremedy
19V63300028/08/2019SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINERFord 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."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.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.
18V80700014/11/2018FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEFord 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.A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.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.
21V31600005/05/2021STRUCTURE:BODYFord 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.A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.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.
24V03100019/01/2024STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARSFord 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.A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.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.
25V68500010/10/2025EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATERFord 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.An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.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 September 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 NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
26V10100020/02/2026SUSPENSION:REARFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.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 NHTSA recall number 21V537. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning February 25, 2026.
26V44800014/07/2026STRUCTURE:BODYFord Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.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 NHTSA recall number 21V316. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.

Investigations all years →

action_numberstatussubjectcomponentsopenedclosedrecall_campaignsummary
AQ22003openHertz/Vehicles Rented with Open RecallsLATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH2022-12-16··NHTSA 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).NHTSA 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.
PE23001closedWindshield trim molding Item detachmentSTRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS2023-01-272024-02-0824V031On 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 th

FARS occupant deaths all years →

crash_yearsoccupant_deathsmatch_typevpic_recovered
2010-202450legacy-code0

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road.

Cite this

Derived data is CC BY 4.0. Link back to the page you used. Text and BibTeX below.

Wrench.Pro (2026). 2018 Ford Explorer vehicle data [dataset]. https://www.wrench.pro/data/vehicles/2018/ford/explorer
@misc{wrenchpro_2018_ford_explorer_2026,
  author = {Wrench.Pro},
  title = {Wrench.Pro vehicle data: 2018 Ford Explorer},
  year = {2026},
  howpublished = {\url{https://www.wrench.pro/data/vehicles/2018/ford/explorer}},
  note = {Derived from NHTSA public records. CC BY 4.0.}
}

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