MYRModel Year Report

2018 Ford Explorer

● Typical for this model
2018 Ford Explorer
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
727
Recalls
7

Campaigns on file for 2018

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Structure

40% of complaints

Complaints per year

1984: 1 complaint 1984 1985: 1 complaint 1986: 3 complaints 1987: 3 complaints 1988: 4 complaints 1989: 1 complaint 1990: 12 complaints 1990 1991: 616 complaints 1992: 640 complaints 1993: 944 complaints 1994: 1,231 complaints 1995: 843 complaints 1996: 1,450 complaints 1996 1997: 1,731 complaints 1998: 1,959 complaints 1999: 1,348 complaints 2000: 952 complaints 2001: 375 complaints 2002: 3,295 complaints 2002 2003: 1,131 complaints 2004: 1,304 complaints 2005: 497 complaints 2006: 630 complaints 2007: 208 complaints 2008: 148 complaints 2008 2009: 33 complaints 2010: 115 complaints 2011: 1,197 complaints 2012: 826 complaints 2013: 2,233 complaints 2014: 1,679 complaints 2015: 1,786 complaints 2016: 2,455 complaints 2017: 1,690 complaints 2018: 727 complaints 2018 727 2019: 296 complaints 2020: 1,224 complaints 2021: 432 complaints 2022: 267 complaints 2023: 110 complaints 2024: 21 complaints 2025: 100 complaints 2026: 39 complaints 2026 2027: 0 complaints
1984: 1 complaint 1984 1985: 1 complaint 1986: 3 complaints 1987: 3 complaints 1987 1988: 4 complaints 1989: 1 complaint 1990: 12 complaints 1990 1991: 616 complaints 1992: 640 complaints 1993: 944 complaints 1993 1994: 1,231 complaints 1995: 843 complaints 1996: 1,450 complaints 1996 1997: 1,731 complaints 1998: 1,959 complaints 1999: 1,348 complaints 1999 2000: 952 complaints 2001: 375 complaints 2002: 3,295 complaints 2002 2003: 1,131 complaints 2004: 1,304 complaints 2005: 497 complaints 2005 2006: 630 complaints 2007: 208 complaints 2008: 148 complaints 2008 2009: 33 complaints 2010: 115 complaints 2011: 1,197 complaints 2011 2012: 826 complaints 2013: 2,233 complaints 2014: 1,679 complaints 2014 2015: 1,786 complaints 2016: 2,455 complaints 2017: 1,690 complaints 2018: 727 complaints 2018 727 2019: 296 complaints 2020: 1,224 complaints 2021: 432 complaints 2022: 267 complaints 2023: 110 complaints 2023 2024: 21 complaints 2025: 100 complaints 2026: 39 complaints 2026 2027: 0 complaints
1984: 1 complaint 1984 1985: 1 complaint 1986: 3 complaints 1986 1987: 3 complaints 1988: 4 complaints 1988 1989: 1 complaint 1990: 12 complaints 1990 1991: 616 complaints 1992: 640 complaints 1992 1993: 944 complaints 1994: 1,231 complaints 1994 1995: 843 complaints 1996: 1,450 complaints 1996 1997: 1,731 complaints 1998: 1,959 complaints 1998 1999: 1,348 complaints 2000: 952 complaints 2000 2001: 375 complaints 2002: 3,295 complaints 2002 2003: 1,131 complaints 2004: 1,304 complaints 2004 2005: 497 complaints 2006: 630 complaints 2006 2007: 208 complaints 2008: 148 complaints 2008 2009: 33 complaints 2010: 115 complaints 2010 2011: 1,197 complaints 2012: 826 complaints 2012 2013: 2,233 complaints 2014: 1,679 complaints 2014 2015: 1,786 complaints 2016: 2,455 complaints 2016 2017: 1,690 complaints 2018: 727 complaints 2018 727 2019: 296 complaints 2020: 1,224 complaints 2020 2021: 432 complaints 2022: 267 complaints 2022 2023: 110 complaints 2024: 21 complaints 2024 2025: 100 complaints 2026: 39 complaints 2026 2027: 0 complaints

2018: 727 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19841
19851
19863
19873
19884
19891
199012
1991616
1992640
1993944
19941,231
1995843
19961,450
19971,731
19981,959
19991,348
2000952
2001375
20023,295
20031,131
20041,304
2005497
2006630
2007208
2008148
200933
2010115
20111,197
2012826
20132,233
20141,679
20151,786
20162,455
20171,690
2018727
2019296
20201,224
2021432
2022267
2023110
202421
2025100
202639
20270

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Structure

40% · 288 reports

Most commonly citing body and roof and pillars.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

I was driving on the freeway when one of my A pillers flew off and cause the person behind me to loose control of their car. About 5 min later the other a piller flew off almost causing an accident with a semi and trailer.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-01-13

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-22

Engine

13% · 96 reports
CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Exhaust fumes are entering the cabin during acceleration and when the ac is on. Several family members have complained about the smell within the cabin. I personally have experienced headaches and burning eyes because of the issue.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-07-15

Also filed under Electrical system

While driving at highway speed on a 2-lane highway with three children under the age of [XXX] in the vehicle, my 2018 Ford Explorer experienced sudden complete engine failure with no prior warning.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-10

Electrical system

8% · 59 reports

Most commonly citing fuel gauge and 12v/24v/48v battery.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact started while driving at approximately 20 MPH, the check engine warning light and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The electrical system shut down and the engine stalled.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-08-07

Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic

Power train

7% · 49 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission.

CRASH

Engine and engine cooling

4% · 29 reports

Most commonly citing exhaust system and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.

FIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-09

Safety timeline

7 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2018-12-07Fuel system, gasoline18V807000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2019-10-21Seats19V633000 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...

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2021-10-01Structure21V316000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    2022-12-16Audit queryOpen Hertz/Vehicles Rented with Open Recalls
  5. I
    2023-01-27Preliminary evaluationClosed 2024-02-08 Windshield trim molding Item detachment
  6. R
    2024-07-18Structure24V031000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. R
    2026-03-16Suspension26V101000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  8. R
    2026-07-14Structure26V448000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.

    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, are expected to be mailed August 24, 2026.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  9. R
    Date not on fileEquipment25V685000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2018 Ford Explorer — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Structure: 288 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 96 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 59 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 25V685000 · Equipment
  • Recall 18V807000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 19V633000 · Seats
  • Recall 21V316000 · Structure
  • Recall 24V031000 · Structure
  • Recall 26V101000 · Suspension
  • Recall 26V448000 · Structure
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2018 Ford Explorer reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Ford Explorer is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ford Explorer?
The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 Ford Explorer have?
7 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.