Worst 2018 Ford Explorer Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Structural Problems
Body Structure
Engine Problems
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2018 Ford Explorer.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structural Problems | 171 | — | — | 68,078 mi | |
| Body Structure | 94 | 3 | — | 34,502 mi | |
| Engine Problems | 88 | 3 | 2 | 47,848 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 50 | 2 | 2 | 41,292 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 39 | — | — | 81,618 mi | |
| Fuel System | 19 | 1 | 2 | 13,426 mi | |
| Suspension Failures | 18 | 2 | — | 64,723 mi | |
| Steering Defects | 16 | 1 | — | 27,642 mi | |
| Engine & Cooling | 15 | — | — | 85,542 mi | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 15 | — | — | 7,040 mi | |
| Backup Camera | 13 | — | — | 63,707 mi | |
| Airbags | 9 | 2 | — | 30,430 mi | |
| Brakes | 8 | 2 | — | 3,759 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 8 | 1 | — | 17,375 mi | |
| Wheel Issues | 8 | — | — | 20,860 mi | |
| Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera | 7 | — | — | 37,400 mi | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 7 | 1 | — | 9,850 mi | |
| Structure:Body:Roof And Pillars | 7 | — | — | 45,333 mi | |
| Tire Defects | 7 | — | — | 18,892 mi | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 6 | 1 | — | 15,400 mi | |
| Back Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System | 4 | — | 1 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline Fuel System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Structure:Interior Panels:Dashboard | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility:Windshield | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility:Windshield:Critical Fasteners | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Warnings | 2 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Ford Explorer. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2018 Ford Explorer
6 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~3,617,138 vehicles.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
Other Ford Explorer Years
2018 Ford Explorer — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2018 Ford Explorer reliable?
What are common problems with the 2018 Ford Explorer?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2018 Ford Explorer?
How safe is the 2018 Ford Explorer?
Does the 2018 Ford Explorer have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2018 Ford Explorer?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Ford Explorer reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2018 Ford Explorer
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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