Fifth generation
2018 Ford Explorer
The most reported problem on the 2018 Ford Explorer is trim coming off, with 139 complaints, usually around 70,000 miles.
- 731owner complaints
- 7recalls
- 16involved a crash
- 57,021median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 22, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
What is your Explorer doing?
Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2018 model year.
Is the 2018 Ford Explorer reliable?
The 2018 Ford Explorer has 731 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, 2.2 times the median of 331 for 2018 SUVs on this site. Of the 13 Explorer model years since 2014, it has the 6th most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2017 and 2019
- Complaints ease off across these three model years. Counted per year on the road, the 2017 draws 169, the 2018 81 and the 2019 37.
- Top problem
- No problem dominates. The largest, trim coming off, covers 139 of the 731 complaints (19%), and windshield is next with 99 (one complaint can fall under more than one problem, so these overlap). A quarter of the 73 owners who gave a mileage for trim coming off saw it by about 50,000 miles, and half by about 70,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 31 of the 731 complaints (4%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, a little under the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 16 reports mention a crash, 7 mention a fire and 13 people were hurt.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- Trim coming off and infotainment each have a recall on the same system (21V-316, 24V-031 and 26V-448; 25V-685). Windshield has none. A recall on the same system doesn't always cover the failure owners describe, so compare its summary with the complaints.
- When owners filed
- Complaints are still climbing. 2025 brought 190, the most of any year so far. So far in 2026, 86 more have come in.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: trim or a body panel comes off while driving, 139 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
731 complaints is 2.6 times the median 2018 model on this site and 2.2 times the median 2018 SUV. Among the 12 Explorer model years here it ranks 6th for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2018 Ford Explorer
Ford filed 189 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2018 Ford Explorer. 54 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Trim or a body panel comes off while driving 5 bulletins · 139 complaints
Certain 2016 - 2019 Model Year Explorer Vehicles equipped with a Roof Rail Roof Rail Cover Detachment On some of the affected vehicles, the roof rail covers can become loose, which can lead to a visible gap between the cover and roof rail base assembly, ...
On some of the affected vehicles, the roof rail covers can become loose, which can lead to a visible gap between the cover and roof rail base assembly, rattling, and potential detachment.
3 more on this problem
Some 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles may exhibit roof rail covers that become loose or partially detached. This may be caused by a lack of retention of the clips securing the roof rail covers.
SSM 47914 2016-2019 Explorer roof rack cap trim clips now available. 2016-2019 Explorer roof rack cap clips are now available as a separate part. It is no longer necessary to order a complete roof rack rail to obtain the cap retainer clips.
Some 2011-2019 Explorer and 2013-2019 Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit a detached center console rear cup holder and/or the cover panel detached from the rear cup holder. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.
Windshield cracks or distorts 1 bulletin · 99 complaints
Some 2010-2020 vehicles may exhibit distorted glass with a subtle orange peel pattern or streaking etched into the surface. This is caused by hydrofluoric acid which is used in some car wash solutions as a cleaning agent.
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 17 bulletins · 51 complaints
Some vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit various SYNC performance related concerns including but not limited to: Display operation concerns Navigation inoperative Voice recognition concerns Phone connection issues Dropped phone ...
Some 2016-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may exhibit a condition where the navigation voice prompts are inoperative after a SYNC map update. This may be due to an incomplete installation of the SYNC map software.
15 more on this problem
Some 2018-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit inoperative remote features via the Ford Pass/Lincoln Way mobile app, incomplete user authorization, no modem electronic serial number (ESN) displayed or DTCs U2100 and/or B156D in the telematics control ...
Some 2017-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a TCU may exhibit inoperative remote features via Ford Pass/Lincoln Way mobile app, incomplete user authorization and/or no modem electronic serial number (ESN) displayed.
Some 2018-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit inoperative remote features via the Ford Pass/Lincoln Way mobile app, incomplete user authorization, no modem electronic serial number (ESN) displayed or DTCs U2100 and/or B156D in the telematics control ...
Some 2018-2019 Explorer/Expedition/F-150/F-Super Duty/Taurus vehicles equipped with a forward collision warning head up display (HUD) may exhibit various warning indicators caused by a possible intermittent lack of HS2-CAN (HS-CAN for Taurus) network ...
Some 2016-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a SYNC 3 Touchscreen may experience the volume control unresponsive from the Front Control Interface Module (FCIM) and steering volume controls when using Apple Car Play.
Some 2016-2019 vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience a map displayed on the left half of the SYNC screen with no other information/soft buttons present after updating to the latest version of V3.0 software.
Some 2015-2019 vehicles may experience a no crank concern due to a security access key table error. When attempting to program keys or perform a parameter reset, the procedure may fail and the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool may display an error 232: ...
Some 2016-2019 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 not at the latest software level may exhibit Various Performance Related concerns such as Display Operation, Navigation, Voice Recognition, Phone Pairing, Applink, Travel Link, Slow System ...
Some 2015-2017 vehicles may experience a no crank concern due to a security access key table error. When attempting to program keys or perform a parameter reset, the procedure may fail and the Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) scan tool may display an error ...
Some 2016-2018 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may exhibit the Android Auto Preference menu selection is not present after an update to version 3.0 software.
Plus 5 older ones not listed here.
Check engine light or misfire 12 bulletins · 29 complaints
Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025.
Some 2018-2023 F-150, Expedition, Navigator, Transit, Aviator and Explorer vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0627, P025A, P025B, P00C6, P008A and/or U0109 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM).
10 more on this problem
Some 2018-2022 F-150, Expedition, Navigator, Transit, Aviator and Explorer vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0627, P025A, P025B, P00C6, P008A and/or U0109 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM).
Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025.
Some 2018-2021 F-150, Expedition, Navigator, Transit, Aviator and Explorer vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with DTC P025A And/Or DTC U0109 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM).
Some 2015-2019 MKC and 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L engine may exhibit a vibration/rough idle when the vehicle is in DRIVE or REVERSE.
In affected vehicles, the transmission torque converter may overheat in certain driving conditions. If the torque converter overheats it can lead to adverse NVH, rough idle, and low performance concerns.
Some 2013-2019 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 3.5L twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) engine may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P013A and/or P013C stored in the powertrain ...
Some 2018-2019 Explorer/Flex/Taurus/MKT vehicles equipped with a 3.5L EcoBoost engine may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL), powertrain malfunction (wrench) lamp, Service AdvanceTrac message, Hill Start Assist Not Available message, ...
Some 2013-2019 vehicles equipped with a EVDC air conditioning (A/C) compressor may exhibit poor A/C performance/improper climate function and/or a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P06A0 in the powertrain control module (PCM).
SSM 47926 2018-2019 F-150/Expedition/Navigator/Transit/Explorer - Illuminated MalfunctionIndicator Lamp (MIL) With Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P025A Some 2018-2019 F-150, Expedition, Navigator, Transit and Explorer vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with DTC ...
Some 2017-2018 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine built on or before 7-Dec-2017 may exhibit an illuminated MIL with DTC P04DB (crankcase ventilation system disconnected) in the powertrain control module (PCM) memory.
A/C blows warm or the compressor fails 4 bulletins · 20 complaints
Some 2013-2020 vehicles equipped with an EVDC air conditioning (A/C) compressor may exhibit poor A/C performance/improper climate function.
Some 2013-2019 vehicles equipped with a EVDC air conditioning (A/C) compressor may exhibit poor A/C performance/improper climate function and/or a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P06A0 in the powertrain control module (PCM).
2 more on this problem
Some 2016-2018 Explorer vehicles built on or before 07-Aug-2018 may automatically switch from A/C to heat and defrost after 1 minute during a remote start event when the customer expects the A/C to remain on.
Some 2017-2018 Explorer vehicles equipped with a 110V power outlet may exhibit a high pitched buzzing or ringing noise from the right side front interior area while the engine is running.
Water leaks into the cabin 1 bulletin · 20 complaints
Some 2011-2022 Explorer and 2020-2022 Aviator vehicles may experience an inoperative roof opening panel motor. If diagnostics lead to a motor replacement, visually inspect the original motor for signs of water intrusion.
Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 3 bulletins · 18 complaints
For 2013-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles that require rear wheel knuckle and bushing assembly repairs, dealers are advised to follow Workshop Manual (WSM) Procedures and use service parts recommended by Ford only.
Some 2015-2018 Explorer vehicles equipped with Hankook brand tires may exhibit tread wear that is not the result of vehicle alignment concerns. For customer satisfaction, Hankook is offering pro-rated tire replacement for vehicles with less than 36,000 Miles.
1 more on this problem
Some 2015-2018 Explorer vehicles equipped with Hankook brand tires may exhibit chipping, cutting and/or unusual or even accelerated tread wear.
Battery dies or the car will not start 11 bulletins · 17 complaints
Some 2017-2022 Ford/Lincoln customers may experience a notification in the FordPass®/LincolnWay® app indicating Vehicle Has Entered Deep Sleep Mode.
Some 2018 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with Police, Base 100A, or XLT 200A package trim levels (Type 1 analog cluster in the Owner's Manual) built on 08-May-2018 and through 05-Aug-2018 may exhibit a parasitic battery drain of ...
9 more on this problem
Some 2017-2022 Ford and Lincoln vehicle owners may experience a condition of missing authorization, command and control, battery charging details or phone-as-a-key setup buttons/selections in their FordPass or LincolnWay App.
Some 2013-2023 Ford or Lincoln vehicles with modems activated through FordPass or LincolnWay may experience 12 volt battery drain symptoms when the customer uses non-Ford/Lincoln phone applications as an alternate channel to access vehicle commands such as ...
Some 2017-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicle owners may experience a condition of missing Authorization, Command and Control, Battery Charging Details or Phone-as-a-Key setup buttons/selections in their FordPass or LincolnWay App.
Some customers may experience a notification in the FordPass and/or LincolnWay apps that indicates their vehicle has entered "deep sleep mode".
For Ford and Lincoln vehicles that require positive or negative battery terminal replacement, it is not necessary to replace the complete battery cable harness (14300 and 14301) for this concern.
Some 2017-2019 F-Super Duty, 2017-2019 Continental, and 2016-2018 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit a crank/no start condition, inoperative trailer tow lighting and/or inoperative power telescoping mirrors.
Certain 2018 Model Year Explorer And Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles Key Off Load Battery Drain Certain 2018 Model Year MKZ Hybrid Vehicles Equipped with the Magnetic Appearance Package - Accelerator Pedal and Brake Pedal Cover Replacement
Certain 2018 Model Year Explorer And Police Interceptor Utility Vehicles Key Off Load Battery Drain
Some vehicles may exhibit a no start condition with an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and a DTC P161A after PCM replacement. This may be due to the parameter reset procedure not being properly completed.
Complaints filed by year
190 complaints came in 2025. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
NHTSA investigations
Windshield trim molding item detachment. Closed feb 8, 2024, led to recall 24V-031.
NHTSA summary
Hertz/vehicles rented with open recalls. Open.
NHTSA summary
Recalls that include the 2018 Ford Explorer
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: 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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: 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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: 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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: 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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: 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.
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."
Risk and remedy
Remedy: 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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: 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.
All 7 recalls on the 2018 Ford Explorer, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide NHTSA has an open investigation on this car. What the investigation stages mean
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2018 Ford Explorer?
Trim coming off, with 139 of the 731 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 70,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2018 Ford Explorer problems start?
Of the 314 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 25,000 miles and half by about 57,000.
Is the 2018 Ford Explorer better or worse than the 2017 and 2019?
Counted per year on the road, the 2018 has fewer complaints than the 2017 and more complaints than the 2019: 81 a year against 169 and 37.
How many 2018 Ford Explorer complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
31 of them (4%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for trim coming off on the 2018 Ford Explorer?
Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls on the same system: 21V-316, 24V-031 and 26V-448. Its summary says which failure it covers, and that isn't always the one owners describe.