MYRModel Year Report

2018 Ford Explorer

● Typical for this model
2018 Ford Explorer
BUILT 2026-08-02

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Ford Explorer Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2018 highlighted. 1984: 1 complaints 1984 1985: 1 complaints 1986: 3 complaints 1987: 3 complaints 1988: 4 complaints 1989: 1 complaints 1990: 12 complaints 1990 1991: 609 complaints 1992: 633 complaints 1993: 939 complaints 1994: 1207 complaints 1995: 843 complaints 1996: 1450 complaints 1996 1997: 1731 complaints 1998: 1959 complaints 1999: 1348 complaints 2000: 952 complaints 2001: 375 complaints 2002: 3293 complaints 2002 2003: 1131 complaints 2004: 1304 complaints 2005: 497 complaints 2006: 630 complaints 2007: 208 complaints 2008: 147 complaints 2008 2009: 33 complaints 2010: 115 complaints 2011: 1192 complaints 2012: 820 complaints 2013: 2222 complaints 2014: 1669 complaints 2014 2015: 1748 complaints 2016: 2424 complaints 2017: 1656 complaints 2018: 706 complaints 2018 2019: 281 complaints 2020: 1155 complaints 2020 2021: 393 complaints 2022: 242 complaints 2023: 99 complaints 2024: 19 complaints 2025: 87 complaints 2026: 16 complaints 2026
2018: 706 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19841
19851
19863
19873
19884
19891
199012
1991609
1992633
1993939
19941207
1995843
19961450
19971731
19981959
19991348
2000952
2001375
20023293
20031131
20041304
2005497
2006630
2007208
2008147
200933
2010115
20111192
2012820
20132222
20141669
20151748
20162424
20171656
2018706
2019281
20201155
2021393
2022242
202399
202419
202587
202616

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

STRUCTURE 25%

25% of complaints: structure — 174 distinct reports on file.

STRUCTURE 14%

14% of complaints: structure — 99 distinct reports on file.

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, 20240113

ENGINE 13%

13% of complaints: engine — 92 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
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, 20180715

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 8%

8% of complaints: electrical system — 53 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
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, 20240807

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, 20180715

POWER TRAIN 6%

6% of complaints: power train — 43 distinct reports on file.

CRASH

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20181207 — fuel system, gasoline

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.

Campaign 18V807000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20191021 — seats

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.

Campaign 19V633000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20211001 — structure

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.

Campaign 21V316000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20221216 — AQ (open)

Hertz/Vehicles Rented with Open Recalls

I 20230127 — PE (closed 20240208)

Windshield trim molding Item detachment

R 20240718 — structure

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.

Campaign 24V031000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20260316 — suspension

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.

Campaign 26V101000 — check if this car was fixed

R Date not on file — equipment

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.

Campaign 25V685000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2018 Ford Explorer — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for structure issues (174 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for structure issues (99 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine issues (92 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 25V685000 (equipment) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 18V807000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 19V633000 (seats) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 21V316000 (structure) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 24V031000 (structure) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 26V101000 (suspension) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2009 ▲ 2025 ▲ 2023

WORST YEARS

■ 2002 ■ 2016 ■ 2013

See all years ranked →

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 25% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2018 Ford Explorer have?

6 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.