CarModelProblems.com

2018 Ford Explorer Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 09/08/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Structure — runs 6.4× the fleet median for that category across the 1175 model-years tracked on this site.
728Complaints
7Recalls
16Crashes
7Fires
13Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Structure (24.3% of complaints) — is covered by 3 NHTSA recall campaigns.

Structure complaints here are 6.4× the median for that category across the 1175 model-years tracked on this site.

3 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 3 rest on owner reports alone.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Structure177 · 24.3%RecalledRecall 21V316000 · Recall 24V031000 · Recall 26V448000
Structure:body99 · 13.6%RecalledRecall 21V316000 · Recall 24V031000 · Recall 26V448000
Engine95 · 13%No official action
Electrical System54 · 7.4%No official action
Power Train47 · 6.5%No official action
Suspension23 · 3.2%RecalledRecall 26V101000

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

STRUCTURE177 · 24.3%
Unspecified / other167 · 22.9%
STRUCTURE:BODY99 · 13.6%
ENGINE95 · 13%
POWER TRAIN47 · 6.5%
SUSPENSION23 · 3.2%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM19 · 2.6%
STEERING18 · 2.5%
VISIBILITY/WIPER16 · 2.2%

Percentages are the share of the 728 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 7 campaigns

Seats:front Assembly:recliner

NHTSA campaign 19V633000 · 2019 · reported 08/28/2019

A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Fuel System, Gasoline

NHTSA campaign 18V807000 · 2018 · reported 11/14/2018

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Structure:body

NHTSA campaign 21V316000 · 2021 · reported 05/05/2021

A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Structure:body:roof And Pillars

NHTSA campaign 24V031000 · 2024 · reported 01/19/2024

A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Equipment:electrical:engine Block Heater

NHTSA campaign 25V685000 · 2025 · reported 10/10/2025

An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Suspension:rear

NHTSA campaign 26V101000 · 2026 · reported 02/20/2026

A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Structure:body

NHTSA campaign 26V448000 · 2026 · reported 07/14/2026

A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“UNDER ACCELERATION WITH THE AIR CONDITIONING SET TO RECIRCULATE THE CABIN FILLS WITH EXHAUST FUMES.”NHTSA complaint 11404263 — filed 03/22/2021 · UNKNOWN OR OTHER
“UNDER ACCELERATION WITH THE AIR CONDITIONING SET TO RECIRCULATE THE CABIN FILLS WITH EXHAUST FUMES.”NHTSA complaint 11404263 — filed 03/22/2021 · ENGINE
“POWER STEERING WENT OUT TWICE. DEALERSHIP SAID NO PROBLEMS. NOW MAKE NOISE. DEALERSHIP STILL SAYS NO PROBLEM. BLAMED IT ON AGE. IT IS A 2018…”NHTSA complaint 11400343 — filed 03/11/2021 · STEERING

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

5020185220195020204420215520221602023156202422220251012026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Ford Explorer?

Structure issues are the most-reported category, cited in 177 of 728 NHTSA complaints (24.3%), followed by unspecified/other issues (167), structure:body (99), engine (95). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2018 Ford Explorer have?

728 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 09/08/2026. Of those, 16 involved a crash, 7 involved a fire, and 13 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2018 Ford Explorer have any recalls?

Yes — 7 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 19V633000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2018 Ford Explorer's reported problems?

3 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 09/08/2026.