2018 Ford Explorer · symptom sheet
Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing
- 27owner reports
- 101,000median miles
- $4,400median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Jul 10, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
120 of the 731 complaints on this car are about the engine. 27 of those describe engine failure.
Tick what matches of 27 reports
Engine failure on other Explorer years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2014, 2015, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025, 2026.
What this problem usually is
These are the reports nobody wants to file. The engine started knocking or ticking, the oil light came on, and then it seized or had to be replaced. Some owners had the replacement covered under warranty or an extension, and plenty were told they'd pay. Several narrower sheets split this group into knocking, seized engines and rod bearing failure.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (27 reports) and the timing chain (3 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the engine covers the 2018 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
All 7 recalls on the 2018 Ford Explorer, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Explorer
Loss of motive power. Closed oct 31, 2024, led to recall 24V-635.
Exhaust odor in passenger cab. Closed jan 17, 2023.
Ford explorer exhaust odor. Closed sep 12, 2017.
Spark plug ejection from cylinder head. Closed jan 4, 2006.
Engine cooling fan cracks. Closed aug 31, 1994.
None of these investigations covers the 2018 model year.
What owners paid
8 of the 27 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $3,613 to $9,000.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 66,000 and 119,000 miles, from the 14 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“The car had catastrophic engine failure. It had zero mechanical issues and all routine maintenance. It started rough a few times. Which I now know was a misfire. It then overheated while driving. Brought to a mechanic who said it was a blown head gasket. The coolant leaked into the oil. Engine had to be replaced at 102,000 miles.”
Filed Oct 5, 2023 · 102,000 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 27 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Trim or a body panel comes off while driving 139 reports
- Windshield cracks or distorts 99 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 51 reports
- Engine overheats or leaks coolant 51 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 32 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 29 reports