2018 Ford Explorer · symptom sheet
Engine overheats or leaks coolant
- 51owner reports
- 89,000median miles
- $3,000median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 5, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
120 of the 731 complaints on this car are about the engine. 51 of those describe overheating.
Tick what matches of 51 reports
Overheating 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: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025, 2026.
What this problem usually is
Most owners in this group notice the coolant before they notice the heat: a reservoir that keeps dropping, a sweet smell, or a bright puddle under the front of the car. Across the vehicles on this site, about four in five of these complaints mention coolant, a leak or a puddle, and roughly two in five mention the temperature gauge or overheating.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the water pump (33 reports), the coolant hose or reservoir (5 reports) and the head gasket (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
19 of the 51 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $2,000 to $4,511.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 73,000 and 112,000 miles, from the 29 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“Leaking water pump that if isnât repaired will cause catastrophic engine failure. Very expensive repair, $2800 because of internal placement of the pump. 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.”
Filed Dec 22, 2025
“Engine light turning off and on. Engine overheating light on. Told by Ford dealership that I need engine replacement.”
Filed Jul 28, 2025
“The water pump failed. It is internal in the engine. Not sure yet if coolant got into the motor. It is not safe to drive the vehicle and have to get it towed for this expensive repair. Water pumps should not fail at the rate they do on the ford 3.5 motors. They need to have a recall on them.”
Filed May 12, 2025
“Failed water pump and coolant leak. Numerous vehicles are failed for the same reason at each local shop and Ford dealer weâve contacted for a quote. Repair costs are expected between $5,000 and $6,000.”
Filed Dec 27, 2024
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 51 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.
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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 stalls or loses power while driving 32 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 29 reports
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 27 reports